Over 70% of the freight transported in the United States relies on diesel-powered trucks. Diesel fuel is the backbone of the transportation industry as it plays a key role in delivering goods across the country. Diesel fuel comes in two main types: clear diesel and dyed diesel. Clear diesel is used in on-road vehicles and equipment, while red-dyed diesel is used in off-road vehicles, farming machinery, or construction equipment.
Despite their color differences, both types of diesel fuel have the same chemical composition and work equally well as fuel. It is more like the fact that the colors of petrol and diesel are different, but their color does not impact their efficiency.
The most common type of diesel fuel is derived from crude oil and is widely used in transportation and industrial applications. Other types of clear diesel include biodiesel, synthetic diesel, renewable diesel, and ULSD. This article covers all you need to know about these diesel types and their uses.
What Are The Types Of Diesel Fuel?
Let’s have a closer look at these different types of diesel and how they are used in the industry.
#1 Diesel (Winter Diesel)
Diesel #1 has lower viscosity compared to other diesel types. It means diesel 1, also known as “winter diesel”, is thinner and flows more easily. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in cold weather as it prevents the fuel from thickening and gelling.
It typically has a higher cetane rating than #2 diesel. Higher cetane numbers indicate quicker ignition and more efficient combustion, which is advantageous for cold starts. However, diesel 1 contains fewer hydrocarbons, resulting in slightly less energy content per gallon compared to diesel 2. This means vehicles may experience a small decrease in fuel economy.
Diesel #1 is predominantly used in winter conditions. Therefore, it often contains additives, such as anti-gelling agents and detergents to keep the fuel system clean and enhance cold-weather performance. It is mostly blended with diesel 2 to create a winterized diesel mix that balances performance and energy content.
#2 Diesel (Regular Diesel)
#2 Diesel is the most widely used type of diesel fuel with a higher energy content per gallon compared to Diesel #1. This means it provides more power and better fuel economy, making it more efficient for long-distance travel and heavy-duty applications.
While its thicker viscosity can be a disadvantage in very cold temperatures (due to the risk of gelling), it offers better lubrication properties for engine components. It is the standard fuel for most diesel engines and is readily available at fueling stations.
Modern diesel 2 is typically ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), containing 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur or less, to meet environmental regulations and reduce emissions. Diesel #2 is the standard fuel for diesel-powered vehicles, and generally, has a lower cetane rating compared to diesel 1.
#2 Diesel is mostly known as "regular diesel" because it is the standard type of diesel fuel used by the majority of diesel engines and is sometimes referred to as "petrodiesel" to emphasize that it is derived from petroleum.
It is also called "highway diesel" when used in on-road vehicles to differentiate it from off-road diesel (which may have different tax treatments and is usually dyed red). You may also find that clear diesel is more expensive than red diesel. However, the chemical composition of the fuels is more or less the same, but mixing red and clear diesel remains another matter.
#4 Diesel
#4 Diesel typically contains higher sulfur levels compared to #1 and #2 diesel. This characteristic contributes to better lubrication properties, benefiting older engines and heavy machinery. However, higher sulfur content also means higher emissions, so it is often restricted to off-road or industrial use.
#4 Diesel is a more viscous fuel, commonly used in industrial boilers and furnaces. Its high energy content and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for generating heat and power in industrial settings. Although not as efficient on a per-gallon basis as diesel 2, its ability to handle heavy loads and provide consistent power makes it valuable for specific industrial uses.
Specialized Diesel Fuel
Specialized diesel fuel is a distinct category that includes less common types of diesel, not usually found at regular petrol stations. These specialized fuels, like biodiesel, synthetic diesel, and dyed diesel, use color codes for diesel pipelines to make it easy to identify which nozzle supplies which fuel. Diesel fuel can range in color from clear to yellow, and sometimes red, green, or diesel blue in color. The buyers can consult a diesel fuel color chart to understand its uses and properties.
Let's discuss their types in this category:
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel made from various organic sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking grease. It is an alternative to traditional petroleum diesel and can be used in diesel engines with little or no modifications.
The primary materials for biodiesel production are collected. Common feedstocks include soybean oil, canola oil, palm oil, animal fats, and used cooking oils. The collected oils or fats undergo a chemical reaction called transesterification. This process involves mixing the feedstock with an alcohol (usually methanol) and a catalyst (like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide). The result is a clean, renewable fuel ready for use.
Biodiesel is often blended with petroleum diesel to create different mixtures, each designated by the percentage of biodiesel it contains. The most common blends are B5, B20, and B100. However, biofuels with higher concentrations of biodiesel, like B20 aren’t very compatible with the existing diesel engines and require modification to work efficiently.
Synthetic Diesel
Synthetic diesel is a type of diesel fuel made from non-petroleum sources through chemical synthesis. It is also known as Fischer-Tropsch diesel (FT diesel) or Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) diesel. Synthetic diesel can be produced from natural gas, biomass, or coal through a series of chemical reactions.
The production starts with a carbon-based feedstock, which can be natural gas, coal, or biomass. The feedstock is converted into synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The syngas is then fed into a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, where it undergoes a catalytic chemical reaction to produce long-chain hydrocarbons. Synthetic diesel is known for its high purity and consistent composition.
Perhaps the only drawback of synthetic diesel is its production cost. It occurs due to the complex chemical processes and the higher cost of feedstocks.
Dyed Diesel
You might have heard someone asking, “What is the color of diesel?”, which might sound strange to you. Similarly, seeing a diesel engine oil color guide for the first time can be surprising. But dyed diesel fuels exist, with colors added for specific reasons.
Let's discuss the two most commonly used dyed diesel fuels in the US.
1. Red Diesel
Red diesel is colored using additives like Solvent Red 26 or 164. It's specifically for off-road vehicles like farm tractors, heavy construction vehicles, and generators. This type of diesel has a higher sulfur content and isn't taxed because it's intended only for off-road use. Using red diesel in on-road vehicles can lead to serious legal penalties, including hefty fines reaching thousands of dollars.
2. Blue Diesel
Blue-dyed diesel, identifiable by its diesel blue color, shares similarities with red diesel but is specifically designated for vehicles exclusively used by the U.S. government. This distinction ensures that blue-dyed diesel remains strictly regulated and separate from other types of diesel fuel.
Comparison Of Different Fuel Types
| Diesel Type | Performance | Cost | Availability |
| Diesel #1 | High performance in cold weather, prevents gelling | Higher due to refining expenses and added additives | Common in cold regions, less so in warm areas |
| Diesel #2 | High efficiency, reliable power, versatile applications | More cost-effective, widely produced | Most widely available type |
| Diesel #4 | High power, suitable for heavy machinery | Less expensive, varies by region | Restricted to industrial suppliers |
| Biodiesel | Lower energy content, high cetane ratings, suitable for blends | Can be higher, subsidized in some areas | Increasingly available, policy-dependent |
| Synthetic Diesel | High efficiency and power, low emissions | More expensive, production-dependent | Limited, advanced production regions |
Choosing The Right Diesel Fuel
When choosing the right type of fuel for your vehicle there are some factors you should consider. Different diesel engines have varying requirements. Check your engine manufacturer's recommendations regarding fuel type and any compatibility issues with alternative fuels like biodiesel or synthetic diesel.
If your equipment or vehicle operates year-round, consider a diesel fuel that performs well in all seasons. For intermittent use or seasonal equipment, choose a fuel that suits the prevailing weather conditions during operation.
Ensure your diesel fuel meets relevant environmental regulations, such as sulfur content limits or renewable fuel standards. If considering alternative fuels like biodiesel or synthetic diesel, conduct compatibility tests or consult with fuel experts to ensure compatibility with your engine and fuel system components.
Regularly monitor your engine's performance and fuel efficiency when using different diesel fuels. Keep records of fuel consumption, engine maintenance, and any performance issues to identify trends and optimize fuel choice.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right type of diesel fuel is not just a matter of filling up the tank; it's a strategic decision that can have significant implications for engine performance, environmental impact, operational costs, and regulatory compliance.
Diesel engines are significant investments, and their performance and lifespan depend on proper fuel selection and maintenance. So, you must use the correct fuel types that suit your vehicle engine to prevent engine damage, premature component wear, and costly repairs.
Do you want to upgrade and fine-tune your diesel fuel needs?
Call Fuel Logic today for professional assistance and reliable diesel fuel delivery services. Whether you need help choosing the right fuel supplier or require timely deliveries to keep your operations running smoothly, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Let Fuel Logic be your trusted partner in all your diesel fuel needs. We also offer specialized services such as bulk fuel delivery, off-road diesel delivery, and DEF solutions. Find us at various Fuel Logic locations to serve you better.
FAQs
What's the difference between #1 and #2 diesel?
The main difference between #1 and #2 diesel lies in their viscosity, cold weather performance, and sulfur content. #1 Diesel has a lower viscosity, making it suitable for cold weather conditions as it resists gelling. It also contains less sulfur than diesel 2. Conversely, diesel 2 is a more commonly used fuel and has a higher sulfur content, but it is less prone to gelling in warmer temperatures.
What is diesel #2 used for?
Diesel #2 is the most commonly used type of diesel fuel. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including transportation, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, generators, and marine vessels.
What is the most common type of diesel?
The most common type of diesel fuel is Diesel #2. It is widely available at fueling stations and used in a diverse range of diesel-powered vehicles, equipment, and machinery. #2 Diesel offers a good balance of performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, making it the preferred choice for many diesel engine applications.
Which is the best diesel fuel?
The best diesel fuel depends on factors such as engine requirements, operating conditions, environmental considerations, and regulatory compliance. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as different diesel fuels have distinct characteristics and suitability for various applications.
What is diesel #1 used for?
Diesel #1, also known as winter diesel, is primarily used in cold weather conditions to prevent gelling and maintain the engine’s health. It has a lower viscosity and better cold flow properties as compared to diesel 2, making it suitable for cold climates. Diesel #1 is commonly used in regions with harsh winters where gelling is a concern.
