How to Use Biodiesel Fuel

Ethanol is to gasoline as biodiesel is to diesel. It's a renewable alternative fuel source that is lower in emissions and competitive in costs. It can also be used, without modifications, by diesel engines. Here's how you use biodiesel fuel in your car or truck.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• biodiesel fuel
• diesel engine vehicle

1. Make sure your engine is capable of using biodiesel fuel. If your vehicle runs on unleaded only or E85, then you are out of luck.
2. Locate a reputable source of a biodiesel blend. There are a number of different blends of biodiesel fuels. The most common ones are B5, B20 and B100. B5 is a blend of 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent petrodiesel. B20 is a 20/80 mix and B100 is 99 to 100 percent biodiesel.
3. Call around or check out the biodiesel Web page for a map.
4. Stick to your normal maintenance schedule. Keep an eye on your vehicle's performance. Biodiesel is a cleaning agent and your fuel filter might get plugged up sooner if you've been using diesel previously.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy fuel that is already blended to ensure that it has been properly treated for climate changes.
• Although they usually won't have it at gas stations, you can buy B100 (100 percent biodiesel) from co-ops or other sources. But you'll have to have a suitable tank to store it in yourself.
• If you are using blends of over 20%, consult your dealer or manual to see if you need to make any additional modifications.
• Avoid buying homemade biodiesel. There are ways to do make this fuel yourself, but it's safer to trust a gas station.
• Some car manufacturers will not give buyers warranty if they plan to run their car on biodiesel.