Diesel fuel has far more uses than regular gasoline because its components contain more energy per gallon. Experts rate diesel fuel more favorably than gasoline because the vapors rarely explode or ignite during usage. As of 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that all highway diesel fuels sold in the United States must meet specifications before the general public has access to it. Doing this is thought to help reduce the emissions that come from diesel powered vehicles.
Diesel is commercially available in many grades, but the differences between each grade do not affect the uses of the fuel. The grades have their own benefits and disadvantages and must give up certain characteristics in order to gain different features. For example, #1 grade diesel fuel has lower energy components then it’s counterpart, #2 grade diesel fuel. #2 will also form into a gel in cold weather environments. The following can help you understand the differences between #1 and #2 varieties, as well as winterized and AG diesel.
#1 diesel fuel
#1 grade products have less energy components and are more expensive that their chief counterpart, #2 grade products. However, it rarely has problems in cold weather conditions, which is completely the opposite of #2 grade. This is because paraffin (a type of wax) has been removed from the chemical mix. The absence of this chemical allows it to remain in liquid form during the winter months.
#2 diesel fuel
#2 grade diesel fuel is the most readily available at most gas stations throughout the world. This chemical compound holds the highest amount of energy components and lubricant properties in one mixture and offers the best fuel performance available on the market today. Most scientists agree that #2 grade diesel fuel will protect injection pumps, seals, and other important engine parts.
Typically, #2 is less expensive than #1 because it doesn’t require the same depth of refinement to produce for sale. The downside to #2 diesel is its tendency to transform into a thickened gel when the temperature drops. This often leads to hard starts and other complications during winter.
Winterized diesel fuel
Winterized diesel fuel is a combination of #1 and #2 fuels that, when blended together, holds a higher concentration of #1 grade diesel fuel. These fuels are used during the months when it becomes too cold to use #2 grade.
The combination of both grades of fuel should contain enough energy components and lubricant properties to reduce the chance of the chemical mix gelling in colder temperatures. Typically, the fuel economy drops slightly during the winter months because the demand for it is less than at other times of the year.
Using #1 grade diesel fuel in the winter should never cause any immediate concerns. However, prolonged use in engines that are specifically-designed for #2 grade may reduce engine life span over a long period of time. #1 and #2 grade fuels can be mixed at the same time. This means you don’t have to worry if #1 grade is only available during the winter months.
AG diesel
AG Diesel, also known as red diesel, is made for off-road vehicles and other equipment that isn’t operable on public roads. For that reason, AG grade fuel isn’t subject to taxes like other fuels that are used in highway vehicles. The cost of red diesel fuel is significantly lower than other types available at the gas pump.
Off-road diesel is dyed red so that it can be distinguishable from other types of fuel. This is because it is illegal for use on public roads. Usually, officers will test the fuel for illegal use by dipping a metal gauge into the tank to gain a sample. This will help to determine if an unlawful act has occurred. The penalty for such an act is several thousands of dollars for each offense. Chemically-speaking, this type no clear advantage over other types available at gas stations, except for the price at the gas tank.
Where to find high-quality diesel fuel
At Kendrick Oil, we distribute a wide variety of wholesale fuels, including diesel and regular gas. If your business is in need of wholesale fuel or if you have any questions about any of our Products and Services, give us a call at (800) 299-3991 or Contact Us by email. We have locations in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Louisiana.
