What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a chain of fatty acid methyl esters and is produced via transesterification of vegetable oil, animal fats or waste oils.  Biodiesel can be mixed at any concentration with petroleum based diesel making a biodiesel blend.   Common blends include B2, B5 and B20 (the number represents the percentage of biodiesel in the blend).

 

 

Why should I use biodiesel?

To Help The Environment!

Biodiesel is biodegradable and renewable making it a safer alternative for the environment. It is also non-toxic and poses no health risks to humans.  Biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions  which will help to reduce global warming. 

To Help the Economy!

      Biodiesel provides jobs while reducing our dependence on foreign oil and increasing America’s security.  Biodiesel supports our nations’ farmers.

Will biodiesel work in my car?

· Biodiesel will NOT work in gas powered cars, only diesels!

· All newer diesels (manufactured after 1993) can run biodiesel with little or no modifications.  Older diesels with fuel lines, seals and gaskets that contain rubber need to be replaced because biodiesel will degrade rubber.

· Biodiesel will clean your engine when you switch from petroleum diesel. Because fuel tank deposits may plug your fuel filters, it is recommended that you check your filters often when you first make the switch to biodiesel or a biodiesel blend.

· Even though biodiesel contains insignificant levels of sulfur it still provides the necessary lubrication to maintain your engine’s performance.  Many states mandate a biodiesel blend of 2-5% in order to maintain the lubricity in low sulfur diesel.

· Your current fuel mileage, horsepower and torque will be very similar after switching to pure biodiesel (B100) or a blend (B2, B5, B20, etc).  B100’s energy content is 3-10% less than petroleum diesel; B20 is approximately 2% less.  Users typically do not notice a significant change in their vehicles’ performance or mileage.

 

If you want to know more about the use of biodiesel in your car, you should visit the National Biodiesel Board’s website at: www.biodiesel.org

                                                                

The information contained on this website is intended to provide a general description about biodiesel and how it will affect your car.  The statistics listed are averaged.  All diesel engines do not react to biodiesel the same way. It is up to you to do your own research in order to understand how biodiesel will affect your vehicle. 

Frequently Asked Questions

About Biodiesel