Combating High Diesel Fuel Prices

With the gasoline and diesel fuel prices increasing, people have come up with various solutions to go around this situation.  One of these solutions is the use of diesel fuel additives.  Primarily they are known to increase lubricity of fuel, hence decreasing the wear and tear of engine parts.  What is more is that it also can increase gas mileage.

Being a highly complex fuel, diesel fuel’s chemical structure changes from the time it leaves the refinery to the time it is pumped into holding tanks and fuel station to the time it gets pumped into the vehicle.  Oxidization and structural changes occur in the fuel molecules.  The energy per unit volume of the fuel can change during this phase, and this is what will cause your engine to have poor performance.

To combat the effects of fuel degradation and increase the fuel’s cetane value (discussed in detail below), the right type and ratio of fuel additives have to be used.  Among a myriad of benefits, the engine will be able to obtain more power from a gallon of fuel.

Diesel fuel has more energy per gallon as compared to gasoline.  The three types of diesel fuel are 1D, 2D, and a combination of the two.  The lighter grade is 1D, and it offers less energy than 2D.  It is more commonly used to reduce, if not eliminate, the gelling of fuel during cold winter climates; some people combine it with 2D.

The cetane rating denotes the diesel fuel’s ignition quality.  The higher the rating, the easier the fuel burns evenly and the more power is produced.  The average diesel fuel is at the 40-cetane level.  Large diesel trucks and diesel pickup trucks prefer a cetane rating in the 45- to 50- level; this is considered as the premium diesel.  However, this is not a general categorization—that is, the state’s regulations will dictate at which cetane rating is diesel fuel considered premium.

You should check with the fuel station with regard to the cetane ratings of the fuel they are selling.  The higher the cetane rating, the better the drivability as well as reduced emissions.  Moreover, the driver of the vehicle can feel the change in power (for the better).

Choosing the right diesel fuel additive can assure you that the diesel fuel will perform at its maximum because of its optimum quality.  Here are some of the effects of a good quality diesel fuel additive:

- Reduces Cylinder Wear:

It neutralizes acids during combustion.  It minimizes the wear of the acidic cylinder and it reduces the rate of engine oil depletion; thus, maintaining the quality of the engine oil for better protection.

- Minimizes Soot Loading:

It cleans fuel injectors and piston rings for better combustion and sealing.  This reduces soot loading, controls soot-related wear, and increases engine oil viscosity.

- Stabilizes Fuel:

Fuel degradation increases deposits, which can promote the plugging of filter.  The additive improves oxidation and thermal stability of the diesel fuel.

- Improves Fuel Economy:

It cleans dirty injectors as it improves the acceleration and restores horsepower, and in the long run it will enhance performance.

- Improves Water Tolerance:

An alcohol-free additive protects fuel systems against water contamination, helping to prevent emulsions.  It also protects the metal against rust.

To combat the increasing diesel fuel prices, you can consider using a diesel fuel additive and experience the change in your expenses as well as the drivability of your vehicle.