Gage Burlingame, master diesel mechanic at Gem State Diesel, says the crest of the wave just hasn't hit the diesel market yet – but it will. ?Winter diesel prices always rise because agricultural and commercial diesel manufacturers also produce fuel oil,? he says. ?The U.S. has become a major diesel and fuel oil exporter, so drivers are seeing less of a drop at the pump than they will in the spring when demand for fuel oil is lower.?

As Burlingame points out, prices have dropped; they just haven't dropped as much as they have for gas. ?The gasoline marketplace is more volatile,? he adds. ?While diesel stays relatively stable, gasoline prices can jump multiple times a day. Because the market's more sensitive to oil prices, you're going to see greater price swings at the pump for gasoline. If you drive a truck, you may not notice an up-swing in gas prices, but you'll definitely notice when the price difference is larger.?

?Price is important, but so is fuel economy,? says Burlingame, ?and nothing that happens at the pump will change that. Your GMC/Chevy Duramax, your Dodge Cummins, your Ford Powerstroke engine – they all give you more miles to the gallon than gas, so the cost differential isn't as steep as it looks when you're filling your tank.?

To keep diesel engines working at maximum efficiency, the diesel engine repair specialist recommends regular maintenance. ?Diesels run hotter and with tighter tolerances than gas-powered engines, so to get the most out of your truck, it needs more attention. With clean common rail injectors, fresh oil and a properly maintained air intake system, you can improve fuel economy by as much as 10 to 15 percent,? he notes.

?Lower prices are coming, and when they do, diesel owners who have taken good care of their vehicles will be able to take full advantage of them.?

For more information visit: www.GemStateDiesel.com or call: 208.288.5555.