Is Diesel made from the same fuel as Gasoline? What is Diesel Fuel?

You probably know that some vehicles run on diesel and some other on unleaded gasoline. The names can be deceptive—gasoline, aka  "gas," is not a gas according to the chemical definition. Diesel and gasoline are both fuels, and some gases can also be fuels. It's undoubtedly confusing! 

Though both gas and petrol are being used to fuel vehicles, there is some major difference between them. Diesel is fuel for big machinery that demands more torque over horsepower. Meanwhile, Gasoline is a lighter fuel used in vehicles that require speed over brute strength.

Continue reading to find out what Redlines Diesel Trading, one of the leading fuel trading companies in the UAE, thinks about diesel fuel and gasoline, including factors like durability, fuel efficiency, and dependability.
 

Different compositions of Diesel and Gas

Diesel fuel is made from a hydrocarbon mixture which is a byproduct of crude oil distillation. It has a higher density than gas. Diesel has a relatively high boiling point than water, indicating that it has a very low evaporation point. It's classified as combustible, which means it needs compression and heat to function properly.

Meanwhile, Gasoline is made from Crude Oil, and other petroleum liquids blended with some other ingredients. It is available in different grades and quality.  Also,  regular gas can evaporate at room temperature and is a flammable liquid. So, as an example, diesel fuel will extinguish a lit match and a lit match will ignite the fumes of gas before it even reaches the liquid. 
 

Different kinds of Power Generation 

Diesel has more atoms in its chemical composition, which helps provide more power during ignition it also emits more greenhouse gases than gasoline.

Diesel engines are preferred in large machines because they can produce more energy at lower RPMs and provide more torque. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, are used in lightweight vehicles that require less torque and more horsepower to accelerate.

Because of the higher power output, it is also more efficient than gasoline. A gallon of diesel produces 147,000 BTUs, whereas a gallon of regular gasoline produces 125,000 BTUs.
 

Diesel vs Gasoline: Fuel Efficiency 

The key distinction between diesel and gasoline is fuel efficiency. Due to their thicker density, low rpm performance, and higher compression ratio, diesel vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient than gasoline vehicles.

As previously stated, diesel is 20% more efficient than gasoline. Its higher density allows it to generate more energy while consuming less fuel. A diesel engine can also generate the same amount of power as a gasoline engine but at a lower RPM. In other words, a lower rate of fuel combustion for the same output.

A gasoline engine, on the other hand, can never achieve such a high compression ratio. If this happened, the excess heat would ignite the fuel, causing engine-damaging explosions. As a result, gas engines have a low compression ratio, resulting in less efficient combustion. 

With redlines diesel trading, one of the finest diesel trading companies in Abu Dhabi, you’ll the best premium quality low sulphur automotive diesel fuel.
 

Engine Durability 

Diesel engines are thought to be more durable than gasoline engines. That is one of the reasons why there are so many Diesel work trucks on the road. In comparison, a diesel engine can travel far more miles than a gasoline engine before requiring maintenance and repair.

Furthermore, the life expectancy of a diesel engine is between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. The engine design and fuel type are both responsible for the vast difference in durability.
 

Differences in Engine design 

While both engines operate on the same principle, it is the combustion process that distinguishes them. In gasoline engines, fuel is mixed with air before being compressed by the piston. Then a spark plug produces a spark, resulting in an explosion (combustion). The explosion then moves the piston again, which moves the crankshaft and, eventually, the wheel.

Meanwhile, diesel engines don't need spark plugs. Instead of a spark, diesel fuel is required to be vaporised before entering the combustion chamber, where it ignites at a high temperature.
 

Cost of Ownership 

The expense of ownership for a Diesel vehicle appears to be lower at first glance. Diesel vehicles are more fuel-efficient, last longer, and require less maintenance. Also, diesel engines are notoriously difficult to break. A diesel engine can easily last 20-30 years before requiring major repairs.

The gasoline engine, on the other hand, consumes more fuel, requires more regular maintenance, and may require more attention after 150,000 miles.
 

Looking for diesel trading services?

We understand your commercial fueling needs. Redlines Diesel Trading, as one of the most skilled diesel fuel suppliers in UAE, strives to provide first-rate products and services to our customers at a reasonable price.