What is the Difference Between Engine Oil and Fuel?
1 Answers
There are five main differences between engine oil and fuel, namely different definitions, sources, functions, types, and locations. Different Definitions: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, is not a type of fuel oil but rather a driving agent for fuel oil. Fuel, on the other hand, is an important type of engine fuel, categorized as gasoline or diesel. Different Sources: Engine oil is primarily composed of base oils and various functional additives, where the base oils are non-volatile oils extracted from plant seeds, flowers, roots, or fruits. Fuel, however, is a mixture of various oils and residues that are refined and purified in oil refineries. Different Functions: Engine oil mainly serves to lubricate and reduce friction in the engine, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and act as a shock absorber, thereby extending the vehicle's lifespan. Fuel, when burned, generates energy to power the engine. Different Types: Fuel types include gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and residual oil. Engine oil types include gasoline engine oil, full synthetic oil, mineral oil, etc. Different vehicles must select the appropriate engine oil and fuel based on their configurations. Different Locations: Due to its low ignition point, gasoline is typically stored far from the engine, usually at the bottom of one side of the vehicle. Engine oil, with its higher ignition point, is stored near the engine, often at the front of the car. Different Refill Times: Fuel is consumed relatively quickly in a vehicle and must be replenished based on the vehicle's usage frequency to ensure normal operation. Engine oil, however, is replaced according to specific usage cycles rather than being refilled. Different Prices: Naturally, the prices of fuel and engine oil differ. Fuel prices fluctuate significantly, while engine oil prices remain relatively stable. Different Characteristics: Engine oil is a lubricant, whereas fuel is gasoline or diesel. Engine oil is used to lubricate friction surfaces of components, while fuel provides power. Engine oil is a synthetic oil that lubricates, reduces wear, and extends vehicle lifespan. Fuel is a mixture of various combustible materials. Engine oil is synthetic, divided into semi-synthetic and full-synthetic oils, with similar performance and functions but differing lifespans. Semi-synthetic oil requires replacement every 5,000 kilometers, while full-synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 kilometers. Fuel is a mixture of various oils and residues, distilled and purified, then separated by temperature to remove impurities. Engine oil is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. It consists of base oils and additives. Base oils are the main component of lubricants, determining their fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the performance of base oils, providing new characteristics and making them a crucial part of lubricants. Fuel is divided into gasoline and diesel. These are volatile, flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquids derived from petroleum through distillation, cracking, or pyrolysis, used as fuel. Gasoline appears as a transparent liquid, is flammable, and primarily consists of C5–C12 aliphatic and cycloalkane hydrocarbons, along with a certain amount of aromatic hydrocarbons. Gasoline has a high octane rating (anti-knock combustion performance) and is graded by octane levels such as 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 97, and 98. In January 2012, gasoline grades 90, 93, and 97 were revised to 89, 92, and 95, respectively. 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 engine oil. Therefore, diesel engine oil formulations require more antioxidants and additives to maintain a stronger alkaline state. Gasoline engine oil does not have such stringent requirements in this regard. If used in diesel engines, it would quickly degrade due to corrosion from acidic gases.
