How to Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Highway Diesel Fuel

On June 1, 2006, a law went into effect in the United States requiring all diesel-powered 2007 model cars and beyond to use only ultra-low sulfur highway diesel. This law was meant to reduce the air pollution produced by traditional diesel fuels that contained sulfur in amounts of up to 500 parts per million. The new ultra-low sulfur highway diesel fuel only has a sulfur content of fifteen parts per million. Older diesel cars are permitted to use low sulfur diesel until 2010. After that, only ultra-low sulfur diesel will be available in the United States.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Find a filling station that offers ultra-low sulfur highway diesel fuel. During the transition period up until 2010, not every station may carry this fuel. You may need to call around to different stations in your community before you find one that has what you need.
2. Keep your car's engine clean and in good working order. Regular tune-ups and oil changes will help improve the mechanical performance of your car and provide conditions that will allow your fuel to be more efficient on the road.
3. Pull up to the gas pump at the service station, and select the ultra-low sulfur diesel. This kind of diesel may be identified by its initials on most pumps, so look for anything that reads "ULSD."
4. Pump the fuel into your car until the tank is full. Cars run better when you fill the entire tank.
5. Pay for your fuel and enjoy driving your car on the road, knowing that by using ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, you're producing fewer toxic emissions and are helping to protect the environment for future generations.

Tips & Warnings

• Cars manufactured before 2006 are able to use ultra-low sulfur diesel, in addition to other kinds of diesel. Ultra-low sulfur diesel works just like regular diesel and will perform seamlessly in your car should you choose to use it.
• Never use anything less than ultra-low sulfur highway diesel in your car's engine if it's a 2007 model or higher. Diesel engines in these cars were created specifically for the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel, and using any other kind can seriously damage your car. Not only that, but it's also now illegal to use anything but ultra-low sulfur fuel in these cars, so you could also be slapped with some stiff civil penalties if you're caught.