Considering Diesel Mechanic Training? Know the Difference Between Diesel And Petrol Fuel
Both petrol and diesel fuels are derived from crude oil, a natural resource formed deep within the Earth’s crust over millions of years. These two fuels are commonly used in engines for different purposes. Petrol is typically used to power smaller engines found in cars and motorcycles, while diesel is favoured for larger engines found in trucks, boats, and cranes. The reason for this distinction lies in the characteristics of the fuels themselves.
If you’re thinking about a career as a diesel mechanic, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of these characteristics as well as the differences between diesel and petrol fuel. Whether you’re interested in pursuing diesel mechanic training or simply want to expand your knowledge of automotive technology, CATI has a wide range of programs and courses to suit your interests and equip you with the required industry knowledge and skills. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between diesel and petrol fuel.
Understanding Composition After Diesel Mechanic Training
As you’ll discover in diesel mechanic training, the primary difference between diesel and petrol fuel lies in their composition. Petrol fuel, commonly referred to as gasoline, is a highly flammable liquid that primarily consists of hydrocarbon compounds derived from crude oil. On the other hand, diesel fuel is a heavier, less refined liquid that contains a higher concentration of hydrocarbon chains, making it less volatile compared to petrol.
Petrol typically consists of shorter carbon chains, usually containing no more than nine carbon atoms. On the other hand, diesel is composed of longer carbon chains, with at least fourteen carbon atoms. While diesel may not evaporate as quickly as petrol, its higher viscosity and oily texture contribute to its energy density. Vehicles fueled by diesel tend to be more focused on achieving better mileage compared to those fueled by petrol.
Ignition Process of Petrol vs Diesel Fuel
Petrol exhibits a higher tendency to ignite compared to diesel. If you were to light a match and drop it into a puddle of petrol, you would observe how quickly it ignites and bursts into flames. This characteristic is the reason why petrol engines rely on spark plugs for ignition. In a petrol engine, the air and petrol mixture is compressed by a piston, and the combustion process is initiated by a spark generated by the spark plug.
In contrast, diesel fuel is less prone to immediate ignition. In a diesel engine, the air is first compressed, reaching high levels of pressure, and then the diesel fuel is injected into the cylinder. Due to the severe air compression in a diesel engine, the diesel fuel ignites almost instantaneously upon injection. This is because the compressed air reaches such high temperatures that it causes the diesel fuel to ignite without needing a spark. You’ll learn more about this process in your diesel mechanic courses.
Learn About Efficiency and Power in Diesel Mechanic Training
Diesel engines are known for their superior fuel efficiency and torque compared to petrol engines. Due to the higher energy density of diesel fuel and the efficiency of the compression ignition process, diesel engines can extract more energy from each unit of fuel, resulting in better mileage and lower fuel consumption.
A diesel engine can convert a larger proportion of chemical energy present in the fuel into mechanical energy compared to a petrol engine. Additionally, diesel engines tend to produce low-end torque, making them ideal for applications that require heavy loads or towing.
Are you interested in pursuing a diesel mechanic career?
Contact CATI to learn how to get started.
