What would happen if you put aviation fuel in a car?

The Perilous Pit Stop: Why Putting Aviation Fuel in Your Car is a Terrible Idea

We’ve all been there, staring at rising gas prices, desperately searching for any way to save a few bucks at the pump. Perhaps a fleeting thought has crossed your mind: “Aviation fuel… it sounds powerful, maybe it’s cheaper… could I use that in my car?”

The short answer: absolutely not. While the allure of a potential cost saving might be tempting, fueling your car with aviation fuel is a recipe for disaster that could leave you stranded and facing a hefty repair bill.

Why is it such a bad idea? The fundamental reason lies in the vast differences between car engines and aircraft engines, and the fuels that are meticulously engineered to power them.

Cars and Planes: Different Beasts, Different Needs

Think of it like trying to feed a goldfish steak. A goldfish needs specific nutrients delivered in a digestible format. Similarly, car engines are designed to operate with gasoline formulated to meet specific combustion characteristics, octane ratings, and additive packages.

Aviation fuel, primarily Avgas (aviation gasoline) and Jet A (kerosene-based jet fuel), are formulated for the entirely different demands of aircraft engines. These fuels need to perform reliably at high altitudes, withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, and prevent vapor lock in low-pressure environments.

The Problem with Avgas:

Avgas, used in piston-engine aircraft, possesses a high octane rating, much higher than premium gasoline. While a higher octane rating sounds good on paper, your car engine might not be designed to handle it. This can lead to:

• Inefficient Combustion: Your engine’s computer is calibrated for a specific octane range. Excessively high octane fuel can actually burn incompletely, leading to reduced power output and wasted fuel.
• Engine Knock and Damage: While high octane usually prevents knocking, in a car engine not designed for it, the different burning characteristics of Avgas can paradoxically cause knocking, damaging pistons, connecting rods, and other critical components.
• Lead Content (in some Avgas): Some types of Avgas still contain tetraethyllead (TEL), an anti-knocking agent phased out in automotive gasoline due to environmental and health concerns. Using leaded fuel in a car designed for unleaded fuel will quickly damage the catalytic converter, rendering it useless and illegal.

The Problem with Jet Fuel (Jet A):

Jet A, the kerosene-based fuel used in jet engines, is an even worse choice for your car. Think of it as trying to run your car on lamp oil. The consequences include:

• Incompatible Fuel System: Your car’s fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel lines are not designed to handle the viscosity and properties of Jet A.
• Clogged Fuel System: Jet A is thicker than gasoline and can quickly clog fuel filters and injectors, leading to engine stalling and failure.
• Severe Engine Damage: If Jet A manages to make it into the combustion chamber, it will burn incompletely, producing excessive soot and carbon deposits. This can foul spark plugs, damage cylinder walls, and ultimately destroy the engine.

The Bottom Line:

While the temptation to save money at the fuel pump is understandable, using aviation fuel in your car is a false economy. The potential damage to your engine far outweighs any perceived cost savings. Stick to the fuel specified in your car’s owner’s manual. It’s designed for your engine, ensures optimal performance, and will save you from a potentially disastrous and expensive mistake. So, keep the Avgas and Jet A where they belong – in the sky, not in your car’s fuel tank.