Differences between petrol and diesel: All information at a glance

Everyone knows that petrol should not be confused with diesel at the petrol station, the differences in fuel are huge - the consequences are often expensive. But why is that? Read the differences between the two fuels here.

Differences between petrol and diesel - you should know that

Both gasoline and diesel are made from petroleum and are a mixture of different hydrocarbons. But both fuels differ significantly:

• Diesel is heavier than gasoline. This is because petrol is extracted from the light parts of the crude oil. Gasoline, on the other hand, from the heavy oil components.
• But the most significant difference is: In contrast to diesel, gasoline is very flammable. Diesel, on the other hand, only burns when exposed to high heat - so it has a high flash point.
• This is one reason why diesel and gasoline engines work differently. Gasoline is highly flammable and is ignited by spark plugs in the engine. The pressure generated drives the motor.
• In contrast, there are no spark plugs in a diesel engine. Air is heavily compressed in the cylinder of the engine. This creates an enormous heat of up to 600 degrees. Then the diesel is added. Due to the great heat, there is a kind of explosion that drives the motor.
• If you refuel incorrectly, your car may break down. The reason for this is the different way in which diesel and petrol engines work.
• Diesel engines convert fuel better, which is why, unlike gasoline engines, they are usually more economical and you don't have to fill up as often. On the other hand, the exhaust gases generated by diesel have fallen into disrepute at the latest since the discussion about the high nitrogen loads.

EU Commissioner: Neither diesel nor gasoline on the streets in 15 years

In the next article we will explain what you should do if you have refueled incorrectly.