It is clearly essential to confirm whether or not your car can run on biodiesel before you use it. Using biodiesel in an engine that is not built for it or cannot withstand it will cause it to either not start or be severely damaged. Petrol engines cannot use biodiesel fuel because it is not suitable for spark ignition engines. Instead, petrol cars can run on ethanol – also a ‘green’ alternative to regular fuel. Biodiesel can be used in almost all diesel cars, but requires certain modifications or conditions for successful compatibility.
Conditions of Use in a Diesel Engine
Engines can be converted to allow them to process biodiesel fuel. You can get do-it-yourself conversion kits with detailed guides or you can get it done professionally. Either way, they cost a lot less than buying a new biodiesel car. There are some things to be aware of when converting or using biodiesel in a car that was not specifically built for it though. Rubber seals in the engine can be eroded by the oils in biodiesel fuel, so it’s best to make sure you do not have any of these. Biodiesel fuel will also break up and dissolve any debris in your tank and pipes that has built up over time, so you should change your fuel filter when you start to use it. After that, regular servicing is all that’s needed. One problem with using biodiesel fuel is that it can solidify at colder temperatures. This can be remedied by specialised heating units though.
Blending Fuel
Blending both biodiesel and regular diesel can make it more versatile in terms of which cars can use it. Since you won’t be using 100% biodiesel, you can maintain a clean, healthy system without worrying about the potential problems it can cause in an engine that is not specifically suited to it. Blends of over 5% biodiesel are not permitted in standard diesel in the UK though. This is because of new increasingly sensitive fuel injection systems.
Specific Cars & Companies
Some companies have allowed the use of 100% biodiesel in their cars. Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda and Audi approve its use in their cars made between 1996 and 2004. You can also get new cars that are suitable for biodiesel, but you must request them from the company. Diesel engines in cars made after 2004 are permitted only to use the up-to-5% biodiesel/diesel mix. These companies have made bold choices embracing biodiesel fuel, as it is excellent for the environment. The government is encouraging the use of biodiesel cars by offering special tax write-offs for those that purchase them.