Sylvie Willis
Diesel is the second most popular type of fuel for cars in the UK, with over 16 million diesel cars on the road in 2018. While diesel is the least eco-friendly option, there are different types of diesel fuel that can affect both the performance and lifespan of your car. Diesel fuel is classified by numbers (#1, #2) based on climate suitability, and some types of diesel have added additives for better performance or lower emissions, often labelled as premium or high-performance. The type of diesel fuel you should use depends on your vehicle, climate conditions, and preferences.
Diesel Fuel Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Type | City or low-sulphur diesel |
| Cheapest Type | City or low-sulphur diesel |
| Premium Diesel Characteristics | Burns quicker and more efficiently, higher performance, cleaner engine |
| Premium Diesel Example | Shell V-Power diesel |
| BP Ultimate Diesel Characteristics | Active technology to clean engine, higher performance, smoother run |
| Tesco Diesel Characteristics | Cheap, convenient, reliable |
| TOP TIER Diesel Characteristics | Reduced deposits on injectors, improved lubricity, improved fuel stability, reduced water contamination |
| Biodiesel Characteristics | Cost-effective, environmentally friendly, improved lubricity, reduced emissions |
| Renewable Diesel Characteristics | Bio-based, meets traditional diesel standard, reduces carbon emissions, improves cold flow properties |
| Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Characteristics | 15 ppm or less sulfur, lower emissions, better engine performance, improved fuel economy, good cold flow properties |
| Dyed Diesel Characteristics | Used off-road, tax-exempt, illegal and damaging to engines on-road |
| Cleanliness | No more than 1,300 to 2,500 particles greater than 4 microns |
| Tier 4 Engines Cleanliness | 20 to 40 particles greater than 4 microns |
| Cetane Number | Indicates how quickly the fuel ignites |
| Cloud Point | Temperature at which wax crystals form |
| Pour Point | Lowest temperature at which the fuel remains liquid |
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What You'll Learn
Premium vs. regular diesel
Diesel is the second most popular type of fuel for cars in the UK, with over 16 million diesel cars on the road in 2018. However, the UK government has been introducing charges and bans on diesel vehicles.
There are different types of diesel fuel, and choosing the right one for your vehicle can affect both the performance and lifespan of your car. The most common type of diesel is known as either city or low-sulphur, and it is the cheapest type of diesel. Premium diesel, on the other hand, burns quicker and more efficiently, giving you higher performance and a cleaner engine. Premium diesel is also said to be like an athlete's diet for your vehicle, as it contains nutritious ingredients that can restore performance and clean the engine.
Some people argue that premium diesel is not worth the extra cost. They claim that there is no noticeable difference in performance when using premium diesel, and that the only benefit may be a slight increase in fuel efficiency. Additionally, the quality of premium diesel can vary from station to station, so it may not always meet your expectations.
On the other hand, premium diesel fuels like Cenex Roadmaster XL have been fortified with additives that work together to improve engine performance and fuel economy. Tests have shown that Cenex premium diesel fuel can restore engine power by up to 4.5% compared to standard #2 diesel. Premium diesel also has added lubricants that help keep fuel system parts moving freely, reducing friction and extending the life of the fuel pump and other components.
Ultimately, the decision between premium and regular diesel may depend on factors such as the age and size of your vehicle fleet, as well as the local weather conditions. For older vehicles or those that only do short trips, using premium diesel or additives may be beneficial.
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Branded vs. unbranded diesel
When it comes to choosing the best diesel fuel for your car, there are a few factors to consider. One option is to go with a well-known brand, such as Shell, BP, or Mobil. These companies often market their fuel as having additional additives that can improve engine performance and cleanliness. For example, Shell V-Power diesel is marketed as a premium fuel that can restore and enhance a vehicle's performance while cleaning its engine. BP Ultimate diesel also claims to have active technology that helps clean the engine, improving fuel efficiency and performance.
On the other hand, unbranded diesel fuel is typically sold at stations where the brand name does not correlate with the fuel they sell, and it can be a more cost-effective option. By law, all diesel fuel, whether branded or unbranded, must meet specific refinement specifications, including a standard level of additives, to ensure it is safe for vehicles. Unbranded fuel may not have the same level of brand recognition or loyalty, but it can still perform adequately and provide cost savings for both retailers and consumers.
One key difference between branded and unbranded diesel is the additive packages included. Branded fuel companies often market their products as having additional additives that exceed standard fuel requirements, although the actual amount added is not always disclosed. These additives are intended to improve engine performance, enhance fuel stability, reduce deposits, and improve lubricity to decrease wear and tear on engine components.
Another consideration is the availability of fuel during shortages. Branded fuel retailers typically have contracts that guarantee their supply, while unbranded retailers may have to scramble to find alternative suppliers, potentially leading to higher prices.
Ultimately, the decision between branded and unbranded diesel fuel depends on your priorities. If brand loyalty, name recognition, and the promise of additional additives are important to you, then a branded option may be preferable. However, if you prioritize cost-effectiveness and are comfortable with a wider range of fuel sources, unbranded diesel can also be a safe and viable choice for your vehicle.
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Diesel fuel grades
There are several types of diesel fuel, including Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), which contains 15 ppm or less sulfur, resulting in lower emissions, better engine performance, and improved fuel economy. It has good cold flow properties, making it suitable for cold weather, and can be found in three grades: 1-D, 2-D, or 4-D.
#1 diesel is more expensive than other varieties as it contains added lubricants and detergents that prevent the buildup of sediment and increase vehicle life expectancy. It is also more accessible and provides a more consistent performance than #1 diesel. #2 diesel is widely sold in the United States and is popular for automotive applications. It has a higher viscosity than #1 diesel, which provides better lubrication qualities for the moving parts of the fuel injection system.
Another type of diesel fuel is dyed diesel, which is dyed red to distinguish it from other types and is primarily used for off-road purposes. Using it on the road is illegal in many places and can damage engines. Biodiesel is made from renewable sources like vegetable oil and can be mixed with any grade of fuel to cut emissions, improve lubrication, and reduce engine wear. However, too much can cause performance and compatibility issues.
Premium diesel is also available and offers better fuel economy and smoother engine performance. Shell V-Power diesel and BP Ultimate diesel are examples of premium diesel that can improve engine performance and cleanliness.
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Biodiesel
One benefit of biodiesel is that it is made from renewable resources that can be grown in the US, reducing the dependence on foreign oil. The cost of producing biodiesel is similar to the cost of producing petroleum, and federal policies and low-sulfur diesel fuel standards have helped to keep market prices competitive. Biodiesel also raises the cetane number of the fuel, making the engine easier to start and reducing ignition delay.
However, one concern with biodiesel is its quality and potential long-term effects on diesel vehicles. To address this, the National Biodiesel Board worked with car and engine manufacturers, regulators, and the biodiesel industry to create national standards for pure biodiesel and blends. Another concern is how fueling stations treat biodiesel compared to other fuels. Biodiesel is made using vegetable-based products, so it must be stored at the correct temperature; if it is left in a warm storage tank for too long, it can grow mold.
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Renewable diesel
The use of renewable diesel can help to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. It has been reported to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 13-90% and CO2 life-cycle emissions by approximately 60-90%. It also has improved performance in cold weather, featuring a low "cloud point" for superior cold-weather performance and a high cetane number that ensures quicker cold starts, less noise, and better throttle response.
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Frequently asked questions
The type of diesel fuel that is best for your car depends on your vehicle and the climate you are in. Diesel fuel is classified by numbers (#1, #2) based on climate suitability. Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is a good option for cold weather as it has good cold flow properties. It also results in lower emissions, better engine performance, and improved fuel economy.
There are many fuel grades for diesel fuel. Some types of diesel have added additives for better performance or lower emissions, often labeled as "premium" or "high-performance". Premium diesel burns quicker and more efficiently, giving you both higher performance and a cleaner engine.
Some popular brands of diesel fuel include Shell V-Power diesel, BP Ultimate diesel, and Tesco diesel. Shell V-Power diesel is a popular choice as it features ingredients that can restore performance and clean its engine. BP Ultimate diesel is also a good option as it helps to clean the dirt from your engine, allowing your vehicle to use less fuel and run smoother.
