| Fuel Quality |
Relationship with Engine and Vehicle Performance |
| Combustion characteristics |
Better ignition and combustion properties result in higher fuel efficiency and lower emission of pollutants. High octane number for SI engine and a high cetane number for CI engines is necessary for good combustion |
| High heat of combustion |
For the same mass of fuel on board a higher operation range of vehicle is obtained. |
| High volumetric energy content |
A smaller fuel tank improving vehicle space utilization and packaging. Liquid fuels being sold on volume basis, it results in better economics for the operators. |
| Low temperature performance |
A significant fraction of fuel is required to evaporate at low engine temperatures for better engine cold start and warm-up, good low- temperature drivability and better fuel economy and emissions. |
| High temperature drivability |
For ease of hot starting, good hot weather drivability and low evaporative emissions, volatility of fuels is appropriately controlled to meet the needs of seasonal and geographical variations in ambient temperature. |
| Oxidation stability |
Good low temperature oxidation stability reduces fuel deterioration during storage and deposit formation in the fuel system and engine combustion chamber. |
Deposit formation control |
Deposit control additives are now widely used for minimizing deposit formation and maintenance to get better fuel economy and low emissions during the vehicle service life. |
| Material Compatibility |
It is essential to prevent corrosion of metallic and deterioration of fuel system rubber and elastomeric components |
| Flow characteristics |
Fuel has to be in fluid condition at low ambient temperatures. It is particularly critical for diesel fuels. Also, appropriate diesel fuel viscosity is essential for flow as well as for good injection characteristics |
