Bio Diesel Information

INFORMATION ABOUT BIODIESEL.
How will using Bio-Diesel affect my engine?

One of the many advantages of Bio-Diesel is the benefit to your engine. Unlike conventional Diesel, Bio-Diesel replenishes your engine's lubricity - reducing engine problems and enhancing the life and efficiency. Bio-Diesel's natural cleaning properties will help to clean injectors, fuel lines, pumps and tanks, meaning that the overall engine-maintenance cost are greatly reduced.



Is Bio-Diesel legal?

Yes. The fiscal markers used by HMRC are designed for use in hydrocarbon fuels such as red diesel and are not present in Bio-Diesel. The fuel is recognised by HMRC with full duty paid and will pass all roadside checks.



Who would benefit from using Bio-Diesel?

Bio-Diesel is beneficial and cost-effective for all diesel engines, therefore anybody who uses conventional diesel can benefit by switching to Bio-Diesel - from individual private cars to large fleets of lorries. Extensive experiments have proven that mileage-fuel consumption is the same (or better) as that for conventional diesel.



Can I use Bio-Diesel as a total replacement for my current diesel?

Yes, subject to availability! It is not readily available at forecourt pumps at the moment; it's mainly sold in bulk.



Why haven't I heard of Bio-Diesel?

In many countries green fuels are in common use and well known, in France the use of green fuels in all diesel engines is required by law and sold as a 2% blend.



Recent developments such as the Kyoto Agreement to reduce harmful emissions into the environment and the new European Legislation to promote the use of alternative fuels will mean that for the first time in the UK it will become more cost-effective for businesses and consumers to use Bio-Diesel rather than conventional diesel.



How is Bio-Diesel different to regular diesel?

Unlike conventional diesel, Bio-Diesel is made from more natural renewable resources. Bio-Diesel smells less offensive and is less toxic than conventional diesel. Bio-Diesel is kinder to the environment as it reduces the black smoke and fumes normally associated with diesel engines.



How is Bio-Diesel good for the Environment?

When using Bio-Diesel in a diesel engine, the emission of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other harmful substances are greatly reduced, meaning Bio-Diesel reduces the noxious black smoke and fumes associated with normal diesel engines. And of course Bio-Diesel is produced from largely renewable, sustainable resources which mean significantly less 'green-house' gas emissions are involved in production.



Are there any other benefits to using Bio-Diesel?

Bio-Diesel cares not only for the environment but also for you. Unlike conventional diesel Bio-Diesel is less toxic and therefore has less effect towards skin conditions such as dermatitis, cancer or allergies.



Bio-Diesel is also much safer to transport and store than conventional diesel, making it much more appropriate to use in storage tanks and back-up fuel containers.



What's the catch?

Bio-Diesel is better for your vehicle, better for you, better for the environment and better for your pocket, so understandably you may be wondering where is the 'catch'. As far as we can see - there isn’t one!



Will my engine need any modifications to use Bio-Diesel?

No, but there may be a requirement to change the fuel filter initially during the first 700 kilometers. This is because if a diesel engine has been used for a period of time, it will have deposited sediment into the tank and fuel lines. Bio-Diesel will naturally clean out the tank and fuel lines, which needs to be done over a period of time.



If your vehicle is very old (over 15 years) and your fuel pipes are made of rubber you will need to change these to modern polythene pipes before using Bio-Diesel (all modern diesel vehicles have polythene pipes fitted as standard).



A very small inconvenience when offset against the cost savings made.



Why hasn't this product been available before?

As a superior product, Bio-Diesel has traditionally cost more to produce than regular diesel and has therefore not been cost-effective in the past. This extra cost has meant that (at least in the UK) take-up of Bio-Diesel has been slow. However, increasing concern over global environmental issues has prompted the Government to reduce fuel duty on 'green fuels' which took place on 27 July 2004.