Can Cars Use Aviation Kerosene?
2 Answers
Cars cannot use aviation kerosene. Aviation kerosene has much lower volatility compared to gasoline. Using it in an unmodified gasoline engine system will result in ignition difficulties, causing abnormal operation of the engine cylinders. More details are as follows: 1. Aviation kerosene is one of the petroleum products. Its English name is Jet Fuel, also known as odorless kerosene. It mainly consists of hydrocarbon compounds with different distillation fractions. 2. Aviation kerosene has a suitable density, high calorific value, and excellent combustion performance. It burns rapidly, stably, continuously, and completely, with a small combustion area, minimal carbon deposits, and low tendency for coking. It also has good low-temperature fluidity, meeting the requirements for fuel fluidity in cold regions and high-altitude flights. It possesses excellent thermal stability and oxidation stability, suitable for supersonic high-altitude flights. It has high cleanliness, free from harmful substances like mechanical impurities and water, with low sulfur content, especially low mercaptan sulfur content, resulting in minimal corrosion to engine components. 3. Aviation kerosene is suitable for gas turbine engines and ramjet engines, meeting the requirements for supersonic aircraft with low saturated vapor pressure and good thermal stability. Additionally, because kerosene is less volatile and has a higher ignition point, gasoline is often used for starting gas turbine engines. Aviation fuel also contains various additives to improve certain performance characteristics of the fuel.
Generally, cars cannot use aviation kerosene as it may damage the engine and pose safety risks. Standard car engines are designed for gasoline or diesel, while aviation kerosene is primarily used for aircraft—its composition differs significantly, such as in octane rating, which can lead to incomplete combustion, increased carbon buildup, or engine knocking. I recall in the car modification community, some tried it but ended up with disastrous results—engines failed prematurely, and repair costs were shockingly high. Moreover, the fuel system may not adapt well to its poor lubricity, causing fuel pump or injector failures. If you truly seek high-efficiency fuel, it’s better to explore modern alternatives like biofuels or electric vehicles, which are safer, more eco-friendly, and cost-effective. In short, for the sake of your car’s longevity, stick to the recommended fuel—once problems arise, it’s too late.
