How your car works - Internal Combustion Engine

What's the difference between Petrol and Diesel?

The most popular form of propulsion for cars this century has to be the petrol
internal combustion engine. It has been dominant for approximately 100 years
with very little competition, until now when in fact we are also seeing significant
numbers of diesel vehicles on our roads. Although more recently, a question
mark hangs over the Diesel's emissions. Called 'Particulates', these remain
airborne and are thought to be harmful to health.
Petrol Internal Combustion Engines
Energy density relates directly to how far you can travel on a quantity of fuel. For
example, if 1 gallon of petrol gives you 35 miles of distance travelled, 1 gallon of
Diesel will give you 41 miles of distance travelled. Whereas the same gallon of
Liquid Propane Gas would typically give 28 miles in distance travelled. Petrol, it
is clear, has long been the most suitable fossil fuel with which to propel the car.
Its high energy content simply means that a little goes a long way. To understand
how petrol powers the car's engine, it is necessary to understand how the
internal combustion engine works. The term 'internal combustion' basically
means that the fuel is burnt inside a combustion chamber within the engine. A
combustion chamber is an area inside the cylinder block and cylinder head (that
is sealed and isolated from the rest of the engine and referred to as the cylinder)
where a fuel and air mixture is introduced and ignited. As in the diagram shown
here, the engine is made up of many different components.
The Four Stroke Cycle
Most cars have a '4 stroke' engine with 4 cylinders. This means that the engine
has separate stages of operation within a complete revolution or cycle of the
crankshaft.
1.

Induction: This is when the fuel and air mixture is drawn into the cylinder
by the piston going down and producing suction.
2. Compression: This is the stage when the fuel and air mixture is
compressed and forced to the top of the cylinder ready for ignition.
3. Ignition: This is when the fuel and air mixture is ignited by the spark plug.
The piston is then forced downwards, turning the crankshaft and generating
the propulsion for the engine.
4. Exhaust: This is when the exhaust gases (after the fuel is burnt) exit the
engine.
Diesel Internal Combustion Engines
A Diesel engine is essentially the same as a petrol engine but it burns a different
type of fuel. Diesel is named after its inventor Rudolf Diesel, a German who first
developed this type of propulsion unit back at the turn of this century. Diesel
engines have mainly been used in taxis and buses since the 1950s because of
their increased power - especially high torque output - and their reliability. They

tend to be noisy and smelly compared to a petrol engine but are more fuel
economical. The difference between a petrol and a diesel lies in the way the fuel
is introduced into the engine and ignited. The compression stroke only
compresses air and not fuel. On the ignition stroke (there is no need for a spark
as in the petrol engine) the air is compressed to a very high pressure and this
generates enormous heat which then ignites the fuel that is injected into the
combustion chamber at that precise moment of maximum pressure. A diesel
engine thus has a far higher "compression ratio" than does a petrol engine
(Diesel engines usually 20 to 1, petrol engines typically 9 to one).
Caring For Your Petrol Engine

The engine is the most important part of your car. Generally, a petrol
engine is good for 150,000 miles without any problems. To ensure however
that your engine gives you long and trouble-free service, it is essential that
preventative maintenance is carried out. Your local Unipart Car Care Centre
should really service your car at least once a year and in the process check
that everything is operating correctly within the engine. On many engines
typical maintenance and service replacement items are fanbelt, power
assisted steering belt, camshaft drivebelt, spark plugs, oil filters and air
filters.

Always keep an eye on the fluid levels under the bonnet. Check the
engine oil level at least once a week. Check the coolant level in the radiator
at the same time and top up if necessary. Only check these fluid levels
when the engine is cold and on a level surface. Always refer to your car's
handbook for instructions on how to do this correctly.

Never drive the car with either the oil pressure or coolant warning lights
on. If you see these warning lights stop the engine immediately and
investigate the problem. If ignored, the engine could fail prematurely.
Caring For Your Diesel Engine

A Diesel engine will normally last longer. If correctly maintained, in the

region of 250,000 miles without major problems. But the same precautions
have to be observed as for the petrol engine. Most important and very
simple is to change the engine oil at least once every 6 months or 6000
miles. Your local garage is able to service your car at least once a year and
check that everything is operating correctly within the engine.

As with the petrol engine, always allow the engine to warm up for a couple
of minutes before driving when cold. This will increase the engine's life and
decrease maintenance costs. A cold engine wears quicker than a warm
engine.