Fun Facts About Diesel Fuel You May Not Know
Many people associate diesel fuel with heavy machinery and big rigs, but there’s so much more to this resource than powering the transport and construction industries. Diesel fuel has a rich history and a range of fascinating attributes that many people don’t know. Whether your beloved pickup runs on diesel or you’re just curious about alternative energy, you can learn some fun facts about diesel fuel and understand how we use it to this day.
Diesel Fuel Was Once Garbage
Believe it or not, diesel fuel did not begin life as a valuable fuel source. In fact, diesel was once considered waste. Before we uncovered its potential, the by-products of petroleum were discarded. It wasn’t until Dr. Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine in the late 1800s, which ran on peanut oil, that the world realized the potency of this “waste.” Today, diesel is a refined version of what used to be waste, which proves that people can create some amazing things out of by-products.
Not All Diesel Fuel Is the Same
Not all diesel fuels are the same. Some diesel engines require specific types of diesel to function. While most diesel vehicles use #2 diesel fuel, #1 diesel and a winterized blend work well in cold climates and can prevent gelling. Some diesel fuels are only legal for use with off-road equipment like construction or farm machinery. Being well-informed about which diesel your vehicle thrives on can help you extend the lifespan of your diesel engine and optimize its performance.
Diesel Engines Are Astoundingly Efficient
A major selling point of diesel engines is their efficiency compared to gasoline engines. Here’s a fun fact: A diesel engine can convert more than 45 percent of its fuel energy into mechanical energy that moves a vehicle. This superior efficiency is due to the engine’s higher compression ratios and the greater energy content of diesel fuel.
Dr. Diesel Never Patented His Invention
Dr. Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, had an altruistic principle: He never patented his invention in his homeland, Germany. He believed that his invention should benefit as many people as possible and left it available for all to develop. Today, his legacy lives on in every diesel engine.
Diesel Fuel Has a High Energy Density
Diesel has a much higher energy density than gasoline. It contains more usable energy per unit of volume. For this reason, diesel engines get far more mileage out of a single gallon of fuel than a gasoline-powered engine will with the same amount of gasoline.