Guide to Vehicle Fuels

All vehicles need some type of fuel for it to function. While we have mostly grown up with vehicles that run using the traditional fuel types, alternative forms of fuel have now gotten more and more popular. The reasons for this include growing environmental awareness and increasing fuel costs. Though not all types of vehicles can run on alternative fuels, some can be modified.


Probably one of the most common types of fuel, gasoline usually comes in two forms: regular and premium. This fuel is used for vehicles with internal combustion engines. A major drawback to gasoline is in its fumes and emissions, which have been proven to be harmful to the environment and to one’s health.

Gasoline is derived by distilling petroleum. In recent years, gasoline has been mixed with other substances such as ethanol to create alternative fuels.


The term “diesel” is used for any liquid fuel that can be used to run diesel engines. Though its most common form is from distilled petroleum fuel oil, alternatives have recently emerged. These include biodiesel and gas to liquid diesel.

Jet Fuel

Jet fuel is fuel designed for use by aircrafts that have gas turbine engines. It can come in various forms such as the kerosene-type jet fuel and the wide-cut type jet fuel. Jet fuel can contain several additives including antioxidants, antistatic agents, and corrosion inhibitors. When working with jet fuels, it is very critical that the fuel is free from water contamination as this can lead to aviation accidents.


Biodiesel is a type of diesel fuel that is made from natural waste products such as vegetable oil and animal fat. It is considered as a renewable source of energy and common applications mix biodiesel with diesel. There are instances, however, where purely biodiesel is used.


New vehicles have come out that run purely on electricity. The main advantage to this is that no harm is being done to the environment. On the other hand, one would need to recharge at regular intervals. To get more people to try electric cars, manufacturers have introduced hybrids – vehicles that run on a mixture of fuel and electricity. These hybrids are getting to be known for their fuel efficiency. As cars that run on electricity grow in popularity, recharging stations are also increasing in number.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen fuel cells create energy by combining oxygen and hydrogen to produce water. This fuel is easy to manufacture and recharging is hassle-free. Its primary drawback is its cost - it is unbelievably expensive at present.



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