What does it all mean?
If you drive a standard car, you know that you have choices when it comes to the kind of gas you fill your car up with. Most gas stations offer a selection of regular, unleaded and premium gas.
The same is similar when it comes to diesel fuel. There is a difference between the types of diesel fuel you can fill your vehicle with and most of the time the difference comes down to the specific grade of the diesel fuel.
Here is a look at exactly what that means.
What is cetane?
Before breaking down the different grades of diesel fuel, it’s important to have an understanding of cetane and cetane ratings.
Cetane is a highly flammable chemical that is a natural part of diesel fuel. Since it ignites easily, it is used by the diesel fuel industry to help determine fuel combustion quality.
Each grade of diesel fuel is given a cetane number. A high cetane number indicates a fast rate of ignition. When it comes to vehicles that rely on diesel fuel, this means that the higher the cetane number the better. A high cetane number also clues you into how easily a commercial vehicle is able to execute a cold start. A cetane rating is also indicative of a diesel fuel’s ignition quality.
Grades for diesel fuel
There are various grades of diesel fuel that are available to commercial vehicles and knowing the difference is important as it will help a driver select the kind that is best for them and their vehicle. Here is a look at the different diesel fuel grades:
- #1 Diesel fuel (1-D): This type of diesel fuel is usually very accessible to drivers out on the road. Vehicles operate smoothly with this type of fuel. Using 1-D fuel is helpful to an engine’s batteries as it creates less wear and tear and helps prevent rust. However, it tends to be more expensive than other grades of diesel fuel since it contains extra lubricants.
- #2 Diesel fuel (2-D): This grade of diesel fuel is easy to find throughout the United States and is available at most commercial vehicle gas stations. It is usually less expensive than 1-D fuel, but it can cause harsh starts for vehicles during cold weather. However, the fuel delivers consistent performances to its drivers.
- #4 Diesel fuel (4-D): 4-D diesel fuel is a combination of distillate fuel and residual fuel oil. It is recommended for low or medium speed engine builds. Vehicles that run on 4-D diesel fuel are able to move at consistent speeds regardless of how much weight they are carrying.
Diesel fuel from Jennings Oil & Propane
Business owners in Danbury and throughout parts of Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut who need diesel fuel for their delivery vans, construction vehicles or farm equipment can count on Jennings Oil & Propane. We carry both on-road and off-road diesel fuel and offer bulk fuel deliveries as well as on-site fleet fueling.
Jennings Oil & Propane has more than 80 years of experience helping keep commercial businesses up and running with diesel fuel. Contact us today and let us know how we can help with your diesel fuel needs!