Determining which type of diesel fuel is right for your fleet can be difficult. There are so many varieties on the market today and fuel formulas have undergone immense transformations in recent years. It can be difficult to understand the differences between just a few types, which include low sulfur, dyed, and undyed. Informing yourself on the differences will help you prevent the expense of making the wrong choice. The following will help you distinguish between types of diesel fuel and decide which variety is best for your fleet.
Diesel fuel grades
A trucker used to have two choices: diesel #1 and diesel #2. The different grades reflect the content of cetane in the fuel, which is the volatility of the formula. Grade #1 is generally more volatile and flows more freely, which causes it to work well during winter.
Grade #2 is more viscous and lubricating. Vehicles that use this variety benefit from lower operating temperatures, extended rpm, and enhanced torque used to pull their loads. The benefits that come with this grade allow for increased MPG and extended maintenance life of the engine. Diesel fuel #2 is recommended for general highway use.
Winterized fuels
Winterized varieties of fuel are a blend of diesel, light distillates, and kerosene. Using winterized types often results in reduced fuel economy. Most diesel engine manufacturers warn against using additives, although some products provide winterized protection without reducing MPG.
Biodiesel fuels
Biodiesel fuel is a combination of organic matter that acts as an alternative to petroleum products. The biodiesel currently on the market is a blend of at most 5% organic material and fuel, which meets manufacturer’s requirements. This type is commonly known as B5 diesel. Modern diesel engines have been shown to run effectively with up to 30% biodiesel blends.
Low sulfur fuels
The standard fuel for highway use was low sulfur diesel #2 until October 2006. The low sulfur variety was not to contain more than 500 ppm sulfur content. This variety was continued for use in off road, marine, and agricultural applications until 2014. Ultra low sulfur varieties became the standard across the nation for diesel engines in October 2014.
Kendrick Oil carries the products you need
If you would like to learn more about diesel fuel products, contact the experienced staff at Kendrick Oil Company today. We are committed to providing high-quality, wholesale fuel throughout the Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Louisiana regions. You can call us at (800) 299-3991 or Contact Us by email for more information about our products and services.
