Internal combustion engines (ICE) run on two types of liquid: diesel fuel and gasoline. They use four strokes to move vehicles forward: intake, compression, power, and exhaust; however, stroke execution differs depending on which fuel you use. If you are currently deciding between a diesel and gasoline-powered engine, here are a few differences between the fuel types to help you choose.

How Does Diesel Fuel Differ From Gasoline?

Density, Odor & Container Color

Both diesel and gasoline are fossil fuels, but diesel comes from crude oil distillation and is subsequently denser than gas. Its density results in a low evaporation rate compared to gasoline, which evaporates at room temperature. Diesel fuel also features an oilier texture and emits exhaust with a sulfur or rotten egg odor, while gasoline has a familiar gas smell. To tell the difference between the fuel types, check the containers they arrive in; diesel fuel always comes in yellow containers, while gasoline typically gets housed in red containers.

Combustion

The biggest differences between diesel fuel and gasoline is not their physical characteristics, but how they function in internal combustion engines. With gas engines, the fuel mixes with air before getting injected into the cylinder. Spark plugs ignite the mixture to start the power stroke and turn the engine on. Diesel versions, in comparison, rely on compressed air to start and do not use spark plugs. Fuel gets mixed with compressed hot air internally or within the cylinders, resulting in a combustion process that forces the piston down. The piston moves back up to the top of the cylinder, releasing combustion exhaust before repeating the cycle.

Environmental Impact

Diesel fuel differs from gasoline in how it impacts the environment. The latter fuel is more eco-friendly because it releases fewer greenhouse gases; however, it burns more sulfur and therefore contributes to acid rain. Diesel fuel also offers better fuel efficiency than gasoline due to how it internally combusts within engines. Biodiesel is another eco-friendly option derived from vegetable oil rather than fossil fuels.

When you want to schedule a gasoline or diesel fuel delivery, contact Bradigan’s, a petroleum company serving Armstrong County, PA, since 1952. The company offers six refueling stations in addition to delivery options, and also provides HVAC system installations and repairs. Call (724) 548-7654 today to request service or learn more about the company’s services online.