Covington Auto Repair

Diesel and gasoline engines are two of the most common options for powering vehicles. The differences between these two engine types can help drivers make informed decisions when purchasing a vehicle or maintaining their existing one. Combustion Process At the heart of the disparity between diesel and gasoline engines lies their combustion process. In a gasoline engine, fuel and air are mixed together before being compressed by the piston and ignited by a spark plug. This process, known as spark ignition, generates the power needed to propel the vehicle forward. Diesel engines operate on a principle known as compression ignition. In these engines, only air is compressed by the piston, reaching extremely high pressures and temperatures. Fuel is then injected directly into the combustion chamber, where it ignites spontaneously due to the heat generated by the compressed air. This distinctive combustion process sets diesel engines apart from their gasoline counterparts ... read more