Starter fluid, also known as starting fluid or engine starting fluid, is a flammable liquid used to start internal combustion engines, especially when the engine is cold or has been sitting for a long time. It is a volatile hydrocarbon, typically a mixture of petroleum distillates and ethers, that vaporizes easily and forms a combustible mixture with air. When sprayed into the engine’s intake manifold or carburetor, the starter fluid vaporizes and ignites, creating a small explosion that helps to start the engine.
Starter fluid is a useful tool for starting engines in a variety of situations, including:
