What is the difference between diesel engine oil and gasoline engine oil?
2 Answers
Here are the specific differences between diesel engine oil and gasoline engine oil: 1. Oil viscosity: Generally, diesel engine oil of the same viscosity grade has higher viscosity than gasoline engine oil. 2. Fuel economy rating: According to the ACEA European Lubricant Classification Standard, they are categorized as: A/B series for gasoline and light-duty diesel engine oils; C series for catalyst-compatible engine oils; E series: heavy-duty diesel engine oils. 3. Sulfur content: Diesel has a higher sulfur content than gasoline. This harmful substance forms sulfuric or sulfurous acid during combustion, which, along with high-temperature and high-pressure exhaust gases, enters the oil pan, accelerating the oxidation and degradation of the oil. Therefore, diesel engine oil formulations require more antioxidants and additives to maintain stronger alkalinity.
I've driven diesel pickups for over a decade. The biggest difference between these two oils lies in pressure resistance. Diesel engines have much higher compression ratios, so the oil must withstand greater pressure. Like when my old workhorse hauled cargo on summer road trips, regular gasoline engine oil would thin out within half an hour - its high-temperature shear stability couldn't hold up. Last year's blue smoke incident from using the wrong oil taught me a lesson - diesel oils specifically contain more detergents; otherwise, carbon deposits from combustion could seize the piston rings. When buying oil at gas stations, always look for the C-rated diesel oil specifications, especially for vehicles with DPFs. Low-ash formulations are absolutely critical, or you'll face painful repair bills for clogged particulate filters.
