Katerina Swanson
Aviation fuel and gasoline are very different, and while some types of aviation fuel may be similar to car fuel, they are not intended to be used in cars. Jet-A, the most common type of jet fuel, is made from kerosene and is similar to diesel fuel. Avgas, another type of aviation fuel, is similar to car fuel but contains tetra-ethyl lead additives to lubricate the engine. Leaded fuel was phased out of automotive gas in 1986, and using avgas in a modern car could ruin components such as the catalytic converter. While aviation fuel is more stable over longer periods of time than car fuel, it has a lower energy density than gasoline or diesel, and its lower octane would likely cause a modern car to run poorly, if at all.
Can you put aviation fuel in a car?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aviation fuel in cars | Not recommended |
| Car fuel in aircraft | Not recommended |
| Aviation fuel characteristics | Must meet strict requirements for flying characteristics such as flashpoint and freezing point |
| Car fuel characteristics | Made to run through catalytic converters |
| Jet-A | Most common type of jet fuel, made from kerosene, similar to diesel fuel |
| Avgas | Similar to car fuel but not intended for cars, contains tetra-ethyl lead additives to lubricate the engine |
| Leaded avgas in modern cars | Will ruin components such as the catalytic converter |
| Jet-A in gas-powered cars | Won't run |
| Jet-A in diesel-engine vehicles | Will run but lacks lubricants found in road diesel fuel |
| Avgas | More expensive than pump gas |
| Avgas in cars | Will hurt the emissions system |
| Avgas | Has a lower boiling point than car fuel |
| Avgas | More stable over longer periods of time than car fuel |
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What You'll Learn
- Jet fuel is similar to kerosene and diesel fuel, but with additives
- Avgas is similar to car fuel but contains tetra-ethyl lead additives
- Aviation fuel has a higher flashpoint and a lower freezing point than car fuel
- Jet fuel is denser than gasoline and has a higher boiling point
- Avgas is more expensive than pump gas
Jet fuel is similar to kerosene and diesel fuel, but with additives
Jet fuel, kerosene, and diesel are chemically very similar. Jet-A, the most common type of jet fuel, is made from kerosene. However, jet fuel is specifically designed for use in jet engines and has additives that kerosene and diesel fuel do not have. These additives include anti-icing agents, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, and antistatic agents. Jet fuel also has a higher flash point than kerosene, which makes it safer as it is less likely to accidentally ignite during refueling, defueling, or other aircraft operations.
Jet fuel and diesel fuel are similar in that they are both denser than gasoline and have higher flashpoints and lower freezing points. This similarity means that jet fuel can be used in diesel engines, although it lacks some of the lubricants found in road diesel fuel. However, using jet fuel in a diesel-powered car is not ideal due to the lack of additives that the engine is designed for.
Kerosene is a general term used to describe many different types of fuel with different applications. It is used to power some types of aircraft tugs and pushback tractors, while jet fuel is used specifically for jet engines. Kerosene is usually standardized on a national level, whereas jet fuel conforms to a global standard, ensuring that all aircraft, regardless of type, airport, or airline, use the same fuel.
The aviation industry is working to develop sustainable alternatives to jet fuel. Biokerosene made from algae or plant oils has been successfully tested, and the Federal Aviation Administration aims to produce 1 billion gallons per year of sustainable jet fuel alternatives.
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Avgas is similar to car fuel but contains tetra-ethyl lead additives
Avgas, or aviation gasoline, is similar to car fuel but contains tetra-ethyl lead additives to lubricate the engine. While avgas is similar to car fuel, it is not intended for automotive use. Lead was removed from automotive gas in 1986, but avgas still contains lead because a suitable alternative has not been found. Using leaded avgas in a modern car would damage components such as the catalytic converter.
Avgas has a higher octane rating than automotive fuel, which typically ranges from 87 to 93 octane. The most common avgas is 100 octane, which is a measure of the fuel's ability to resist premature detonation or "knock." While it is generally safe to operate engines with a higher octane fuel than required, using avgas in a car engine not designed to run on it will have no material impact on performance.
The vapor pressure for avgas is less than that of car fuel due to the lower air pressure at high altitudes, which lowers the boiling point of the gas. Avgas also has a lower energy density than gasoline, so it is unlikely to cause any significant issues if used in a car. However, it would harm the emissions system fairly quickly.
While avgas may not cause issues with a car's engine, it is not suitable for long-term use due to its lead content. Aircraft are operated for extended periods, and piston engines require frequent rebuilds, during which they can be safely converted to unleaded fuel. The general aviation industry has had decades to adapt to unleaded fuel, and there is no excuse for continuing to use leaded avgas.
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Aviation fuel has a higher flashpoint and a lower freezing point than car fuel
Aviation fuel and car fuel are distinct types of fuel, each serving a different purpose. One of the most notable differences between aviation fuel and car fuel is that aviation fuel has a higher flashpoint and a lower freezing point than car fuel.
The flashpoint of a fuel is the lowest temperature at which it can form a flammable mixture with air. Aviation fuel, also known as jet fuel or aviation turbine fuel, has a higher flashpoint than car fuel. This means that aviation fuel requires a higher temperature to ignite compared to car fuel. The higher flashpoint of aviation fuel is an important safety feature, as it reduces the risk of accidental ignition during flight.
On the other hand, car fuel, typically known as gasoline or auto gas, has a lower flashpoint. This characteristic of car fuel allows it to ignite more easily, which is essential for spark-ignited internal combustion engines commonly found in automobiles.
In addition to flashpoint differences, aviation fuel and car fuel also differ in their freezing points. Aviation fuel is designed to withstand extremely low temperatures encountered at high altitudes. As a result, it has a lower freezing point compared to car fuel. This ensures that the fuel remains stable and does not freeze during flight, even when exposed to sub-zero temperatures.
The lower freezing point of aviation fuel is achieved through the inclusion of additives, such as kerosene and an anti-static agent. These additives help prevent the fuel from freezing and ensure its fluidity at low temperatures. In contrast, car fuel does not typically contain the same level of additives, resulting in a higher freezing point.
While aviation fuel has distinct advantages in terms of flashpoint and freezing point, it is not suitable for use in cars. Aviation fuel is specifically designed for aircraft engines, and using it in a car can lead to poor engine performance or even damage to the emissions system. Similarly, car fuel is formulated for automotive engines and is not intended for aircraft use.
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Jet fuel is denser than gasoline and has a higher boiling point
Jet fuel and gasoline are very different, and while aviation fuel can be similar to diesel fuel, it is not suitable for use in a gas-powered car. Jet fuel is denser than gasoline and has a higher boiling point, among other differences. The density of jet fuel ranges between 0.747 and 0.84 g/cm3, while its boiling point is between 175°C and 288°C. This is due to its hydrocarbon composition, which typically contains between 9 and 17 carbon atoms per molecule, with most molecules falling between 10 and 13 carbon atoms.
In contrast, gasoline has a lower density and a lower boiling point. The higher density of jet fuel is a result of its longer hydrocarbon chains, which also contribute to its higher boiling point. The longer hydrocarbon chains in jet fuel make it more viscous and slower burning than gasoline. This is suitable for aircraft turbines, where the fuel is continuously combusted, resulting in fewer residues.
The higher boiling point of jet fuel is advantageous for aircraft as it allows the fuel to remain stable at the high temperatures reached during flight. The higher density of jet fuel also provides a greater energy output, which is necessary for the high-performance requirements of aircraft engines.
Additionally, jet fuel has a higher flashpoint than gasoline. The flashpoint is the temperature at which the fuel will ignite, and jet fuel typically has a flashpoint above 38°C (100°F), with some types having a minimum of 60°C (140°F). This higher flashpoint makes jet fuel safer to transport and handle than gasoline, which has a lower flashpoint and is, therefore, more flammable.
The differences in density, boiling point, and flashpoint between jet fuel and gasoline are due to the distinct requirements of aircraft engines compared to car engines. Aircraft engines operate at higher altitudes and pressures, requiring fuel that can remain stable and perform efficiently under these conditions. Thus, jet fuel is specifically designed to meet the unique demands of aircraft engines, making it unsuitable for use in cars.
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Avgas is more expensive than pump gas
Secondly, Avgas is produced in smaller quantities than pump gas, which affects the price. The lower demand for Avgas means that it is more expensive to produce a given quantity, and the lack of economies of scale drives up the cost.
Thirdly, the lead additive in Avgas impacts the price. Lead requires a refinery to shut down and clean before producing other fuels, increasing costs. Additionally, leaded fuel cannot contaminate other fuels, so it must be transported separately, adding to shipping costs. There are also extra storage requirements and paperwork for leaded fuel, which further increases expenses.
Moreover, Avgas has a higher grade of hydrocarbons than pump gas, which increases its octane levels and prevents vaporization at high altitudes. This higher grade of fuel commands a premium price.
Finally, Avgas is a specialist fuel with a specific purpose, and the cost of distribution and sales must be spread over a smaller customer base, which also contributes to its higher price.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should not put aviation fuel in a car. Jet-A, the most common type of jet fuel, is made from kerosene and is similar to diesel fuel. While avgas is similar to automotive gas, it is not intended for use in cars.
Aviation fuel and car fuel have different flashpoints and freezing points. Aviation fuel is stable over longer periods of time than car fuel. Car fuel has a lower sulfur content than aviation fuel.
Planes use aviation turbine fuel, which is similar to kerosene.
While jet fuel is unlikely to cause an explosion, it will likely cause your car to run poorly or not at all.
Putting avgas in your car will hurt your emissions system.
