1. Engine Complexity and Parts Cost
- Diesel engines are built stronger to handle higher compression, resulting in more robust (and expensive) components—especially injectors, turbochargers, and emission systems like Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).
- Petrol engines are simpler, quieter, and generally have fewer high-stress components, making them cheaper to maintain for most routine repairs.
2. Routine Servicing & Inspection Intervals
- Diesel cars often require oil changes more frequently (every 7,500–10,000km) and use more expensive, heavier-grade oil than petrol cars, which can stretch oil changes to 10,000–15,000km.
- Fuel and air filters in diesels need more frequent replacement, as clean air and fuel are critical to avoid injector/turbo damage.
- Petrol vehicles have less stringent requirements, making annual servicing less expensive and repairs less frequent.
3. Engine-Specific Maintenance
- Diesel injectors can clog due to fuel impurities, and are costly to clean/replace; replacement may cross ₹20,000–40,000 for a set.
- Turbochargers (common in modern diesels) require precise care—wrong oil, delays in oil changes, or abrupt engine shutdowns can damage turbos. Petrol turbos exist but are less common in mass-market cars.
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter): A BS6 diesel feature requiring periodic “regeneration”—short city rides or repeated stop/start can clog the filter, demanding special cleaning or sometimes costly replacement.
4. Wear-Prone Parts and Durability
- Diesel clutch systems suffer faster wear due to higher engine torque—clutch overhauls are more common and costly in diesels.
- Glow plugs in diesels (used for cold starts) sometimes need replacement, while petrol cars use spark plugs, which are cheaper and last longer.
5. Cost of Consumables and Labor
- On an average, diesel servicing (parts + labor) is 20–30% more expensive than an equivalent petrol variant, especially for major services after 30,000–40,000km.
- New diesel systems (BS6) require specialized diagnostic tools and skilled labor, making repairs pricier at authorized workshops.
6. Other Maintenance Impact Factors
- Petrol cars tolerate irregular service and short drives better. Diesels, especially modern BS6 models, demand regular long drives to keep EGR/DPF/emission systems healthy.
- Noise and vibration: Diesels are inherently noisier; vibration-related wear in mounts and accessories is more common.
7. Long-Term Ownership
- After 5+ years (or 60,000km), expensive diesel parts (turbo, injectors, filters) often need attention, raising maintenance costs versus petrol.
- Petrol cars are usually cheaper and easier to keep running well beyond 7–10 years, especially as diesel engines face stricter regulatory and resale hurdles.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Petrol Car Maintenance | Diesel Car Maintenance |
| Routine Servicing | Cheaper, less frequent | More expensive, more frequent |
| Engine Overhauls | Less common, simpler | More common/costly |
| Parts Prone to Fail | Spark plugs (cheap), clutch | Injectors, clutch (costly), DPF, turbo |
| Fluid Changes | Longer intervals, cheaper | Shorter intervals, costlier |
| Labor/Diagnosis | Wider skill availability | Specialized labor needed |
| Total Cost (3–5yr) | Lower | 20–30% higher |
Bottom line:
Petrol cars are cheaper and easier to maintain in India for most owners, especially after 3–5 years. Diesel cars are more durable for heavy/highway use but need careful, regular servicing and costlier parts, especially in the BS6 era. For city or low-mileage users, petrol is simpler and safer on the pocket; choose diesel only for high-mileage, frequent highway, or load-hauling applications. PLEASE ADHERE TO YOUR CITY LAWS FOR DIESEL VEHICLES
Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.
