Biodiesel vehicles are becoming increasingly popular among environmentally-conscious drivers. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant grease. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels like diesel or gasoline. Drivers who switch to biodiesel often wonder how their vehicle will perform in extreme weather conditions. Here is everything you need to know about how biodiesel vehicles handle extreme temperatures, humidity, and cold weather.
Biodiesel in high temperatures
One of the main concerns about biodiesel is how it performs in high temperatures. Driving in hot weather can cause the fuel to break down, creating deposits in the engine and clogging the fuel lines. However, modern biodiesel blends have been formulated to withstand high temperatures. B20 (a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% conventional diesel) has been shown to perform well in temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher blends of biodiesel (such as B100, pure biodiesel) may perform less well in extreme heat. As a result, it is often recommended that drivers use a blend of 20-50% biodiesel in hot conditions to ensure optimal engine performance.
Biodiesel in cold temperatures
In contrast to hot weather, cold weather can cause biodiesel to thicken or become gel-like, which can make it difficult for the fuel to flow through the engine. This is known as "cold weather gelling". To avoid this issue, biodiesel is blended with a cold flow improver, which lowers the fuel’s freezing point. Most biodiesel blends (including B20) can withstand temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit without issues. In colder climates, drivers may need to switch to a lower blend of biodiesel or use a fuel additive to improve performance.
Humidity and biodiesel
Another concern for biodiesel vehicles is humidity. Water can react with biodiesel and create compounds that can clog fuel filters. However, modern biodiesel blends contain less water than traditional diesel, which makes them less prone to water contamination. Additionally, biodiesel has a natural ability to absorb moisture, which can actually improve its performance. A high-quality biodiesel blend (such as B20) should not have any issues with humidity.
Performance of biodiesel vs. diesel in extreme weather
Overall, biodiesel vehicles perform similarly to traditional diesel vehicles in extreme weather conditions. The difference between biodiesel and diesel is mainly in the additives that are used to improve performance. Biodiesel contains more oxygen than diesel, which can improve engine efficiency and reduce emissions. However, biodiesel has a slightly lower energy density than diesel, which can result in lower fuel mileage. Depending on the specific blend used, biodiesel may also have a slightly higher or lower cetane rating (a measure of the fuel’s ignition quality) compared to diesel.
Conclusion
Biodiesel vehicles can handle extreme weather conditions with ease, as long as drivers use the right blend of fuel and follow best practices for cold weather starts. B20 is the most common blend used in the US and performs well in most climates. In extreme heat, drivers may need to consider switching to a lower blend of biodiesel, while in extreme cold, a fuel additive or lower blend may be required. By choosing biodiesel, drivers can reduce their carbon footprint and support renewable energy while still enjoying the reliability and performance of a traditional diesel vehicle.