Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel is known to be safer than gasoline because it has a lower combustion temperature and doesn't combust as easily. Even though gasoline is less expensive, diesel is more energy-efficient and delivers 10% more energy per gallon. Diesel fuel can also last longer, which means fewer trips to the gas station. However, gasoline mixed with diesel fuel can cause serious issues. If you accidentally put gasoline in your diesel truck, it's best not to drive it and instead have it towed and drained. Now, when it comes to choosing between number one and number two diesel fuel, there are several factors to consider. Number one diesel is thinner and better suited for winter driving due to its higher volatility, while number two diesel is thicker and performs well in the summer. Number two diesel is also the standard mix and is recommended by automakers for normal driving conditions. It offers greater fuel economy and is less volatile, making it ideal for long-distance travel at consistent speeds.
Should I put number one fuel in my diesel truck?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel gelling | Number 1 fuel is less likely to gel than Number 2 fuel |
| Cold weather | Number 1 fuel is better for cold weather |
| Injectors | Number 1 fuel is harder on injectors |
| Mileage | Number 1 fuel results in lower mileage |
| Cost | Number 1 fuel is more expensive |
| Engine type | Number 1 fuel is suitable for regular driving, while Number 2 fuel is better for trucks carrying heavy loads |
| Environmental factors | Number 1 fuel is better for winter driving due to its lower viscosity, while Number 2 fuel is better for summer |
| Fuel economy | Number 2 fuel provides greater fuel economy |
| Cetane rating | Number 1 fuel has a lower cetane rating |
| Volatility | Number 2 fuel is less volatile |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel #1 is better for winter driving
Diesel #1 is a better option for winter driving than Diesel #2. This is because Diesel #1 has a lower gelling point and can withstand temperatures as low as --40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). On the other hand, Diesel #2 has a cloud point ranging from -18 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 to -7 degrees Celsius). The cloud point is important because, at low temperatures, the wax crystals in the fuel can clog fuel filters and injectors, causing the vehicle to stop running. Therefore, Diesel #1 is recommended for winter driving, especially in very cold regions, to prevent issues with fuel filters and injectors.
While Diesel #1 is advantageous in cold weather, it is important to consider other factors when choosing between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2. Diesel #2 is more commonly available at gas stations and is typically the cheaper option. Additionally, Diesel #2 has a higher energy content, which can be beneficial for longer journeys on highways as it burns more slowly and is more energy-efficient. Diesel #2 also has added lubricants, which can help keep the fuel system parts moving efficiently and reduce friction.
However, when temperatures drop below -7 degrees Celsius, it is recommended to switch to winter-blend diesel fuel, which is a mix of Diesel #1 and Diesel #2. The ratio of Diesel #1 to Diesel #2 in the winter blend can vary depending on the region, with colder regions requiring a higher proportion of Diesel #1. In some extremely cold regions, pure Diesel #1 may be necessary.
It is worth noting that using Diesel #1 continuously could reduce the fuel system's life, and it is tougher on injectors, resulting in decreased mileage. Therefore, it is essential to consider the temperature and your specific use case when deciding between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2.
To summarize, Diesel #1 is better for winter driving due to its low gelling point and ability to withstand extremely cold temperatures. However, Diesel #2 may be more suitable for longer journeys and is generally more cost-effective. The ideal choice depends on the outside temperature and your vehicle usage patterns.
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Diesel #2 is better for summer
Diesel #2 is a slow-burning fuel that is ideal for long-distance travel on highways. It is also less expensive than Diesel #1 and has better fuel economy. Diesel #2 is more commonly used during the summer months, as it has a limited resistance to cold temperatures. Diesel #2 is also known as "summer diesel fuel" and is available from 15 November to 15 March.
Diesel #2 is better suited for summer because it has a higher viscosity, which is ideal for warmer temperatures. It has a cloud point of -7°C, compared to Diesel #1's cloud point of -40°C. This means that Diesel #2 starts to thicken at higher temperatures, preventing it from becoming too thin and reducing lubricity.
Diesel #2 is also more readily available during the summer months. The blending of diesel changes during the winter to improve cold-weather performance, so winter diesel is a mix of Diesel #1 and Diesel #2. The ratio of Diesel #1 to Diesel #2 in the winter blend can vary depending on the region, with colder regions requiring a higher proportion of Diesel #1.
Diesel #2 is also better for your injectors and provides better mileage than Diesel #1. It has higher lubricity and more BTUs, which are beneficial for engine performance and fuel efficiency.
In summary, Diesel #2 is the preferred choice for summer use due to its optimised viscosity, availability, and performance characteristics. It is designed to provide efficient and cost-effective fuel performance during the warmer months, making it the ideal option for long-distance travel in the summer.
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Diesel #2 is best for long-distance driving
When choosing the right type of diesel for your truck, it's important to consider factors such as the length of your drive, cost, and energy efficiency.
Diesel #2 is recommended for trucks carrying heavy loads and for long-distance driving at consistent speeds. It is less volatile than diesel #1, giving better fuel economy, and is also the type of diesel typically available at gas stations. Diesel #2 is a slow-burning fuel, making it more suitable for longer journeys on highways.
On the other hand, diesel #1 is intended for regular driving and is more suitable for colder temperatures. However, it is more expensive and can be harder on your truck's injectors, potentially impacting mileage.
Using the wrong type of fuel can cause long-term damage to your vehicle, so it's important to choose the right diesel type for your specific needs. For long-distance driving, diesel #2 is generally the best option for truckers due to its efficiency and availability.
Additionally, when driving in cold weather, it's important to consider the risk of fuel gelling. Diesel #1 is less likely to gel in cold temperatures, so some truckers may opt to use a blend of diesel #1 and diesel #2 during colder months to prevent this issue. However, this may not be necessary in all climates, and diesel #2 can typically be used year-round if the truck is kept running and not shut down overnight.
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Diesel #2 is more cost-effective
Diesel #2 is more energy-efficient than diesel #1. The higher volatility of diesel #2 means that the fuel burns slower, which is more energy-efficient for long-distance driving. Diesel #2 has a higher energy content than diesel #1, with an average of 129,500 BTU/gal compared to 118,200 BTU/gal for diesel #1.
Diesel #2 is better for longer journeys on highways as it doesn't burn as quickly. Diesel #2 also has better lubricity than diesel #1, which is important for preventing long-term damage to the engine. Diesel #1 is harder on injectors and can reduce mileage.
In cold weather, diesel #1 may be preferred as it doesn't gel at low temperatures, whereas diesel #2 can gel. However, this can be mitigated by keeping the diesel #2 tank running so that the motor keeps the fuel warm. Alternatively, a small amount of diesel #1 can be added to a tank of diesel #2 to prevent gelling.
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Gasoline mixed with diesel can cause engine problems
Gasoline and diesel have distinct chemical properties and are not interchangeable. Mixing them can cause significant engine problems and even lead to engine failure.
Firstly, gasoline is lighter and flashes at a lower temperature than diesel. This means that even a small amount of gasoline contamination will lower the diesel flashpoint, causing the diesel fuel to prematurely ignite in the diesel engine. This can lead to engine damage and is dangerous as the flashpoint won't be consistent throughout the tank.
Secondly, gasoline is a solvent and diesel is an oil. Diesel has lubricating properties that keep fuel pumps and injectors working. Gasoline takes away this lubrication, leading to damage. This can cause incomplete combustion, resulting in large amounts of black smoke. The vehicle's computer will try to compensate for this lack of combustion, cutting power and performance. Continued use can cause real damage to the vehicle's computer sensors by either overheating them or covering them in soot.
Additionally, gasoline can clog fuel filters and lines due to the formation of varnish-like deposits, hindering the proper flow of fuel and causing fuel starvation. It can also cause damage to the fuel system seals and injectors due to its solvent properties, leading to leaks and decreased efficiency.
Other symptoms of gasoline contamination in a diesel engine include unusual noises such as knocking or pinging sounds, a rough-running engine, decreased power and acceleration, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and stalling or difficulty starting.
If you have accidentally mixed gasoline with diesel, it is recommended to have your vehicle towed and drained before driving to prevent issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Number One Diesel is thinner and better for winter driving. Number Two Diesel is thicker and better for engines in the summer. Number Two Diesel is also better for trucks carrying heavy loads for long distances at sustained speeds.
It depends on the temperature. Number One Diesel is better for temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Number Two Diesel is better for temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gasoline is highly corrosive and can strip the lubrication from diesel fuel. This can cause long-term problems if the components aren't removed, cleaned, or replaced. If you haven't driven your truck yet, get it towed and drained.
Number One Diesel is more expensive than Number Two Diesel.
Yes, there are additives such as diesel 911 or diesel dry additive that can help improve the performance of your truck.
