The Zippo lighter uses a specialized fuel known as Zippo lighter fluid. This fuel is a highly volatile mixture of naphtha, isoparaffin, and ethyl alcohol, which provides a quick and reliable ignition for the lighter's flint wheel mechanism. The choice of this fuel is due to its low flash point, which allows for easy ignition, and its high volatility, which ensures a consistent flame. According to a study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Zippo lighter fluid is designed to be highly flammable and to ignite quickly when struck by the flint wheel, making it an ideal choice for the Zippo lighter's design.