Biodiesel Series- Myths Busted!

This is the second post in a series of four posts to be released every Thursday in August. The previous post can be found here.

A negative stigma is sometimes associated with biodiesel as many believe biodiesel isn’t useful in winter, or that it will void your warranty. The National Biodiesel Board has debunked these myths! Below are a few myths corrected; the full list can be seen here. To contact the National Biodiesel Board an inquiry can be sent through their website.

MYTH: Biodiesel does not perform as well as diesel.
FACT: Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines and fuel injection
equipment in blends up to 20 percent with little impact on operating
performance. Biodiesel has higher cetane than U.S. diesel fuel. B20 (20 percent
blend of biodiesel with diesel fuel) provides similar fuel economy, horsepower,
torque, and haulage rates as diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity, and
it has the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel.

MYTH: Biodiesel doesn’t work in cold weather.
FACT: Properly managed, high quality biodiesel blends are successful in
the coldest of climates. Just like No. 2 diesel, biodiesel will gel in very cold
temperatures. Although pure biodiesel has a higher cloud point than No.
2 diesel, blends of 20 percent biodiesel are usually managed with similar
techniques. Blends of 5 percent and below have virtually no impact on cold
weather operability. See www.biodiesel.org/cold for a cold weather guide.

MYTH: Biodiesel use voids manufacturers’ engine warranty coverage.
FACT: All major U.S. automakers and engine manufacturers accept the use of up
to at least B5, and the majority of major engine companies have stated formally
that the use of high quality biodiesel blends up to B20 meeting ASTM specs
will not void their parts and workmanship warranties. In fact, all of Ford Motor
Company’s new F-Series Super Duty diesel pickup trucks feature a B20 emblem
right on the side! For specific statements from manufacturers, visit
www.biodiesel.org/resources/oems.