Frequently Asked Questions
Biodiesel is a safe and environmentally friendly fuel made from renewable resources, through a process called transesterification; a converting of oil and animal fats intoView page Biodiesel and glycerin.
Is it safe to use in my diesel vehicle?
Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with no modifications to your vehicle. Vehicles built prior to 1995 may need to change old rubber fuel lines to synthetic fuel lines. This is due to Biodiesel degrading natural rubber. Another issue is cleaning; petro – diesel leaves tarnish residue in your tank and fuel lines which builds up over time. This tarnish is cleaned away with the premium Biodiesel fuel, and may then clog your fuel filter. This is remedied within the first 500 to 3,000 miles by changing out your fuel filters and then will no longer be an issue.
Is Biodiesel the same as raw vegetable oil?
This is a large misconception; No, Biodiesel is not the same as raw vegetable oil. A diesel engine will run on straight vegetable oil, but will not start on it. Also the viscosity is very different, Biodiesel is very liquid, and vegetable oil is not. Raw vegetable oil requires all sorts of engine, tank, and fuel line modifications, and Biodiesel does not.
What can Biodiesel be made from?
Biodiesel can be made from any plant / seed oil or animal fat. The great benefit is it can be made from used vegetable oil from restaurants, cafeterias, or places that use vegetable oil. They usually have to pay to have it disposed of, and are happy to just give it away. It is estimated that 5 billion gallons a year of vegetable oil are used by restaurants.
Why haven’t we been using Biodiesel?
Simply, money. Petro – diesel has been less costly to produce than Biodiesel. Biodiesel is now cost competitive and an approved US fuel.
Does Biodiesel void my warranty?
Most companies will not warranty a vehicle with a fuel related issue under most circumstances; Biodiesel, or petro – diesel. Most are now recommending Biodiesel as a fuel or additive to over come the loss of lubricity due to ultra low sulfur petro – diesel fuel.