What is the ignition temperature of a substance typically used as a fuel in vehicles?

The ignition temperature, often referred to as the autoignition temperature, is the minimum temperature at which a substance will ignite without an external source of ignition, such as a spark or flame. In the context of fuels used in vehicles, diesel shows a higher ignition temperature compared to some other common fuels.

Diesel fuel generally has a higher ignition temperature (approximately 210-290 degrees Celsius or 410-550 degrees Fahrenheit) than gasoline and kerosene, which is why it is used in compression ignition engines. This characteristic helps in preventing premature ignition, offering better performance and efficiency under high pressure.

Understanding the ignition points of various fuels is crucial for safety and operational procedures in both vehicular and broader fire behavior contexts.