Throughout the United States, diesel engines bring up images of huge trucks and tractors. Diesel engines are more common across the Atlantic, where they are commonly seen in cars. But why was the diesel engine invented and what separates it from its gasoline counterpart? Rudolf Diesel invented the process after he heard about the problems with gasoline engines. When gasoline engines were first invented in 1876, only about ten percent of the fuel used actually moved the vehicle. The rest of the heat escaped. Rudolf planned on inventing a newer, more efficient engine.

How Do Diesel Engines Work?

Gasoline and diesel engines are very similar. Both are types of internal combustion engines made to turn chemical energy into mechanical energy. This energy moves pistons contained in cylinders. This motion rotates the crankshaft which starts the wheels of the vehicle to move.

Small combustions power both diesel and gasoline engines. There is a difference, however, in how those explosions occur. Gasoline engines mix fuel with air that is then compressed by pistons and ignited by sparks. Diesel engines compress the air first and then inject the fuel. Because air becomes hotter when it is compressed, the process of compression creates the spark.

Diesels in the World

Diesels in cars, as mentioned above, aren't common in the United States. Europe manufactures many models of commuter vehicles that are powered by diesel. As diesel improves, it's becoming more and more popular in the United States.

Fort Worth Christian Brothers

If you own a diesel engine in Fort Worth, take it into Christian Brothers for repairs, tune-ups, and maintenance. Our mechanics have extensive experience with diesel engines.