The Pros & Cons Of Using Different Types Of Fuels

By Admin Reading time: 8 min read Published on: 27 / 09 / 2023
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In the present times, there are a multitude of options when it comes to choosing fuels for our cars, however, the choice we make, has a direct impact on our wallets as well as the environment. While some fuel types might contribute to environmental issues such as pollution and depleting non-renewable resources, some might give less average on the road. In this blog, we’ll learn about the various fuel types and their various advantages and disadvantages associated with them. Read on to gain interesting insights. 

Different Types Of Fuels Used In Cars

When it comes to fuel types, we are all aware of petrol and diesel, but there are others too in the list. Majorly, our automobiles use 6 different types of fuels to run on the road, below are the details on each one of them. 

Petrol 

It is one of the most popular fuel types made from fractional distilling petroleum and is clear.  This fuel type comes in a number of variations and is utilised in spark-ignited combustion engines.

Diesel

Among different types of fuel, diesel stands at the second position after petrol. Diesel is made from fractional distilling petroleum oil that is properly formulated for a diesel engine, just like petrol.


Also Read: Diesel Or Petrol Second-Hand Car: Which One Is Better?

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

Methane (CH4) makes up the majority of compressed natural gas (CNG), which is a fuel gas that is compressed to less than 1% of its volume at regular atmospheric pressure. It is one of the newer fuels for cars being used in cities with the main goal of lowering pollution.


Also Read: Why you should buy CNG Cars?

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is created by combining diesel with other oils. The process of transesterification produces bio-diesel from waste cooking oil, animal fat, and vegetable oil. A renewable, clean-burning alternative to diesel is biodiesel. Increased energy security, better air quality and environmental conditions are some of the benefits that come from using biodiesel as a vehicle fuel.

LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas)

LPG is made with a mix of crude oil and natural gas. It is composed of hydrocarbon gases like propane and butane.

Ethanol 

It is a renewable and biodegradable energy source with minimal emissions of nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide. Currently, up to 10% of fuel in India contains ethanol. With increasing prices of traditional fuels such as petrol and diesel and depleting natural resources, the Indian government is preparing to enhance ethanol production.


Also Read: Know Everything About Synthetic Fuels

Pros & Cons Of Using Different Types Of Fuels For Cars


Type Of Fuel

Pros

Cons

Petrol 

  • Provides great mileage. 

  • Is easily available. 

  • Suitable for all types of vehicles.

  • Emits high levels of toxic gases. 

  • Is non-renewable in nature. 

  • Offers lower mileage than diesel.

Diesel

  • Delivers great performance on a highway. 

  • Offers greater mileage than petrol. 

  • Diesel-operated vehicles require high maintenance. 

  • Diesel engines do not work on all types of car models. 

CNG

  • Free From toxic chemicals such as lead and sulphur, is also known as Green Fuel. 

  • Environmentally-friendly.

  • Have high auto-ignition temperature.

  • Limited availability, due to fewer CNG stations. 

  • The CNG cylinder occupies huge space in the car. 

  • A car using CNG fuels witnesses deterioration in performance post 3 years. 

  • Lower fuel economy. 

LPG

  • LPG prolongs the life of the engine by removing the carbon and acids from it.

  • When compared to fuel, it can save up to 40% on operating costs and is spill-proof.

  • It emits 60% less carbon dioxide and 75% less carbon monoxide than diesel and petroleum, respectively.

  • Compared to CNG, LPG’s conversion costs are reasonable.

  • LPG storage necessitates hefty cylinders, adding to the engine's overall weight.

  • It is heavier than hair, thus in case of leakage it creates a suffocating environment.

Biodiesel

  • Environment-friendly as it emits 11% less carbon monoxide than other fuels.

  • It burns at a higher temperature and has lower flashpoints. This fuel may be stored easily because there is less chance of a sudden ignition.

  • Sustainability is ensured because it is a non-toxic, renewable source of energy.

  • Aids in extending an engine's life.

  • In colder temperatures, this fuel's paraffin component freezes and transforms into a gel-like substance, a process known as gelling.

  • Despite the fact that bio-diesel has the benefit of cleaning the engine this dirt gets lodged in the gasket and causes harm. Additionally, it harms an engine's rubber housings.

  • A car powered by biodiesel has a lower fuel efficiency than other vehicles.

  • It costs more than petroleum.

  • It has regional limitations because not all regions can produce a particular crop.

Ethanol

  • It is safe to use and has low flammability.

  • Coal and natural gas can be used to manufacture this fuel. Additionally, it makes us more dependent on domestic fuels.

  • It has a bad fuel economy due to its low mileage.

  • This fuel corrodes the car over time and causes harm.


Alternative To Car Fuels In India

A better, more cost-effective, and cleaner alternative to conventional vehicles is Electric Vehicles (EVs). Lower emissions and less reliance on fossil fuels make them a sustainable option. They consume less energy than standard automobiles and emit no exhaust. 

The creation of new, more effective technologies and procedures is sparked by innovation, which lessens the environmental impact of transportation. Innovation also contributes to the affordability and accessibility of electric automobiles, which promotes adoption and lessens the reliance on conventional fossil fuel vehicles.

It was interesting to know about different fuels and their uses, wasn’t it? If you want to get more insights into the world of automobiles, then stay tuned to the latest updates from AutoBest Emperio. 

At AutoBest Emperio, we bring you a stunning collection of pre owned luxury cars at the most affordable prices. Bring home your favourite car with us!

Frequently Asked Questions On Different Types Of Fuels

  1. Which fuel is considered to be the best for cars?

Petrol is considered best for cars.

  1. Which of the fuels is considered safe for the environment?

CNG also known as green fuel is considered safe for the environment, as it does not release any harmful chemicals in the air. 

  1. Which fuel does not cause any pollution?

LPG and CNG both types of fuels do not cause any air pollution. 

  1. What is the alternative to using fuel in automobiles?

You can switch to electric vehicles that run on a battery and do not use any fuels. 

  1. Which fuel gives more mileage?

Diesel gives more mileage than any other type of fuel. 


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