Motor oil and gasoline perform different functions but they are often confused by a lot of people. We use them every day in order to enable us to move about whether it’s in a car, truck, bus, or motorcycle. Perhaps these materials are becoming less relevant due to the advent of electric power but even so it is important to understand the differences between gasoline and motor oil as they’re currently made and used.
Understanding Gasoline and Oil
Let us discuss these differences in more detail. Gasoline is called petroleum or petrol in many other countries around the world. Motor oil is the substance that keeps the engine lubricated and running smoothly. You should check the oil dipstick once a week to make sure that you have enough oil in your motor to ensure that it can run efficiently. A telltale sign that you need more oil is when smoke is coming out at an abnormal rate. Check the owner’s manual to be on the safe side.
Oil Carbon Chain
Gasoline of course derives from oil and is then refined. Hydrocarbon atoms define the properties and behavior of various types of gasoline and motor oils. The different lengths of the carbon chain define the differences between the different substances. If an oil has a carbon chain length between Carbon 20 to Carbon 50 it will be suitable as motor oil and it should run consistently at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). If the temperature rises any higher it’ll soon evaporate. For his reason pilots in airplanes must check the oil temperature every few minutes otherwise they’ll be forced to land immediately. The thickness of these oils varies considerably from very light to very heavy. If you try to light oil you’ll probably fail as the flame will almost become extinct. If you drop it will make a mess as it can’t be easily dissolved.
Gasoline Carbon Chain
Gasoline, by comparison, is very different. It has a carbon chain length between Carbon 5 to 10 chain lengths. Its ignition point is between 20 to 200 degrees Celsius (68 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit). Gasoline will almost instantly dissolve when dropped leaving a slight stain but it is also very dangerous and extreme care should be exercised whenever it is handled. Many terrible accidents have occurred because of its flammability but for over a century nothing could compare to its performance. This has changed recently with the renaissance of the electric battery which overall is a lot safer and seems to be the future of land transportation.
The Future of Oil and Gasoline
You should always check what you’re buying and make sure that you are using the correct substance for the correct job. Even something so simple as a bicycle requires oil to lubricate the chain and there is a special technique for doing this. It looks like we’ll be using oils in their various forms for many years to come because oil has so many useful functions that it is impossible for us to replace it entirely anytime soon. One of the challenges that we face is to use what we have in a more efficient manner and one fact should be remembered to put into perspective the advances we have made. The fact is, a car traveling at 100 km/h (60 mph) today uses less gasoline than a car standing still did 50 years ago. That is an incredible advancement, and we should be thankful that we live in the age of motor oils and gasoline.