Diesel fuel is crucial for operating many vehicles and machinery, powering everything from trucks to industrial equipment. While all diesel fuel may start off the same when it leaves the refinery, the quality can vary significantly based on the additives mixed in afterward. Understanding what makes diesel high-quality is essential for ensuring your fleet vehicles or equipment runs smoothly and efficiently. Keep reading to learn how to identify high-quality diesel fuel and why you should opt for premium varieties when possible.
Identifying High-Quality On-Road & Off-Road Diesel Fuel
For both on-road and off-road diesel, the main factors that play a role when determining if diesel is high quality are its additives, cetane number, stability, and sulfur content.
Premium Fuel Additives – A high-quality diesel fuel will include a comprehensive additive package. These additives all work to improve the performance and longevity of the fuel, as well as your vehicle and equipment engines. Look for fuels that contain these common additives:
- Cetane Improvers: Enhance combustion quality.
- Lubricity Enhancers: Reduce wear and tear on engine components.
- Detergents: Keep the fuel system clean.
- Corrosion Inhibitors: Prevent rust and corrosion in the fuel system.
- Anti-Gel Agents: Prevent fuel from gelling at low temperatures.
Cetane Number – The cetane number measures how easily diesel fuel ignites under pressure. A higher cetane number indicates better ignition properties, leading to smoother engine operation and reduced emissions. Checking the cetane number is one way to gauge the quality of diesel fuel. Renewable diesel in particular has a very high cetane number, though there is still variation among traditional diesel.
Fuel Stability – Fuel stability refers to how well diesel fuel can resist degradation over time. Unstable fuel can form gums and sediments that clog filters and injectors. To ensure stability, look for fuels treated with antioxidants and stabilizers.
Sulfur Content – Current regulations mandate ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to reduce harmful emissions. High sulfur content can cause engine wear and environmental damage, so always opt for ULSD to ensure compliance with regulations and protect your engine.
Benefits of Premium Diesel
Now that you know what to look for, here are some benefits you can expect from using premium diesel varieties.
Improved Engine Performance – Because premium diesel fuels often have higher cetane numbers and contain superior additive packages, the performance of your engine will be enhanced. This can result in smoother acceleration, quieter operation, and more consistent power delivery.
Better Fuel Efficiency – High-quality diesel can improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicles or machinery. The combination of better combustion properties and cleaner engine components means that your engine operates more efficiently, leading to potential savings on fuel costs over time.
Reduced Maintenance Costs – Using premium diesel can help reduce maintenance costs by keeping your engines cleaner and reducing wear on critical components. Over time, this means fewer repairs and longer intervals between servicing.
Environmental Benefits – Premium diesel fuels with low sulfur content and advanced additives produce fewer emissions. This not only helps in complying with environmental regulations but also contributes to a cleaner environment, especially for drivers and job site workers who work closely with vehicles and machinery.
Premium Diesel Delivery for Businesses & Job Sites
The team members at Hart Fueling are experts in understanding and delivering premium diesel fuel. We make sure our customers are getting the highest quality diesel available so they can experience the benefits for their business or job site firsthand. The availability of premium diesel varies by location, so it’s best to speak to our team to learn more about the options in your area. Contact us today to schedule a delivery!