Key Facts About Diesel Fuel

 

5 Key Facts About Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel is the most sought-after fuel in the world. It is used by every mode of transport on land, sea, and air, in almost every country all over the world. It is necessary not just for operating vehicles, but also for running heavy machinery and generating electricity through diesel engine generators. This is why diesel fuel is a staple for farms, construction sites, manufacturing plants, hospitals, and many other industries. Even commercial establishments and residences find uses for diesel fuel, if only to keep the lights and heating/cooling systems on. However, aside from its many uses, most people don’t know much about diesel fuel and diesel engines. If you want to learn some useful and interesting facts about diesel fuel, this article is for you.

Fact #1: Diesel engines can help you save money on fuel efficiency.

One of the main reasons why diesel is so popular is because of its fuel efficiency. A gasoline-powered engine is only 20% fuel-efficient. This means that only 20% of the gasoline you put into your vehicle goes into actually moving it. The other 80% is lost to friction, noise, and engine functions. A diesel engine, on the other hand, can reach a fuel efficiency of 40% or higher, meaning 40% of the fuel moves the vehicle, twice as much as the efficiency of gasoline. Because of this efficiency and cost-effectiveness, it’s no wonder why it’s popular for large-bodied trucks and engines.

Fact #2: Diesel engines do not have spark plugs.

Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines have no use for spark plugs. In a diesel engine, fuel is injected into highly compressed air, and the pre-existing heat in its internal combustion chamber ignites the diesel fuel. However, while the diesel’s compression ignition doesn’t require spark plugs, they usually come with another component called glow plugs. These glow plugs serve as small heaters that warm the compressed air in the cylinder, which is useful when an engine, or its surrounding environment, is very cold.

Fact #3: Diesel is the less flammable fuel option.

You can throw a lit match right into a pool of diesel fuel, and it’ll go out. That’s because diesel is much less flammable than petrol/gasoline. It will take an intense pressure and a temperature above 125°F to ignite diesel. Whereas, if you toss the same lit match into a puddle of gasoline, it won’t even touch the surface. It will ignite the vapours in the air before it even touches the ground. That's why it shouldn't be surprising that farms and armoured fighting vehicles are more inclined to use diesel. However, it doesn't mean that it won't burn when it reaches higher temperatures, so it's crucial to have a proper fuel storage system if you're keeping large volumes of diesel on site.

Fact #4. When driving with diesel fuel, moderate cruising speeds are best.

While gasoline engines get to peak power by running the engine fast, hard, and up to 6500 RPM, diesel engines perform best when engine revolutions per minute are low. Typically, diesel gets its peak torque (power) at speeds below 65 miles per hour. Subject to the type of vehicle, diesel engine size, and specifications, keeping the engine below 2000 revolutions per minute (RPM) will maintain good peak torque.

Fact # 5. Only diesel fuel should be used for diesel engines.

I don't know if this ever crossed your mind, but you should never put petrol in a diesel engine vehicle. From its fuelling nozzle design, you can already see that putting petrol fuel to a diesel car is highly discouraged. However, it is possible if you go the extra mile to make it happen. Nevertheless, doing it will bring some horrendous consequences. Aside from experiencing an engine failure, you will also need to flush the entire fuel system and replace damaged parts.

Diesel is an integral part of our daily lives. You may not see yourself buying diesel every day, but it's in the vehicles you are riding, it's in the machines you use at work, and it's in the generators you take advantage of during emergencies. That's why it's important to learn these 5 key facts about diesel fuel. We hope this has helped you get a better understanding of what diesel fuel is and how you can consume it better. For further information about diesel and how they work, browse through related articles online or talk to a reliable fuel provider near you.