Misconceptions about Biodiesel
Biodiesel is at the forefront of environmentally friendly technologies. As with anything new, it is the subject of many misconceptions. This article presents you with five common misconceptions about biodiesel.
Misconception 1: To use biodiesel, you need to modify your engine. If you already have a diesel engine, it should burn biodiesel flawlessly. Of course there are the odd exceptions, such as the Audi A3. Check the operating manual for your vehicle. If it does not specifically prohibit biodiesel, biodiesel can be used.
Misconception 2: Biodiesel will ruin a good diesel engine. On the contrary, biodiesel is good for your engine! Regular diesel, the type that is derived from petroleum, contains many contaminants. When it is combusted, particulate matter is left behind.
This particulate matter, from burning regular diesel, can impair the functioning of the engine. Biodiesel, on the other hand, has fewer contaminants. It combusts cleanly. Why? Unlike regular diesel, biodiesel itself contains oxygen. This allows for more complete combustion.
In fact, when you switch to biodiesel, the biodiesel will wash away the engine’s existing contaminants. Biodiesel also has a slightly different consistency than regular diesel. Its extra smoothness lubricates the engine, and allows the latter to run more effectively.
Misconception 3: Using biodiesel makes your car smell bad. Biodiesel and diesel vehicles in general have both gotten a bad rap when it comes to their odor. Yes, petroleum-based diesel smells bad. Biodiesel on the other hand does not. If you use 100% biodiesel, you will notice an odor reminiscent of French fries. And who doesn’t like French fries?
Diesel smells bad because it contains contaminants, and because its combustion releases lots of pollutants. However, biodiesel is very clean, and when combusted, releases very few noxious gases. For instance, while diesel emits sulphur compounds, biodiesel does not produce them at all.
Misconception 4: Biodiesel results in a significant loss of power. Correctly, biodiesel opponents identify that biodiesel contains less usable energy per volume. This may result in fewer miles per gallon. Torque may also decrease slightly. However, this decrease is barely noticeable, at 2-3%.
Imagine trying to drive 100km from a friend’s cottage to your home. To complete this journey, you would require 7 litres of regular diesel, or 7.21 litres of biodiesel. While you wish to drive at 100km/h, biodiesel may force you to make do with 97km/h. The difference is insignificant.
Misconception 5: Even if I wanted to use biodiesel, I could never find it. With the growing environmentalist movement, biodiesel pumps are springing up all over. If you live in a relatively large city, such as Detroit or Mississauga, you should be able to find a biodiesel pump.
Alternative fuel locators exist all over the internet. Simply type in your postal code, and these search engines will locate the nearest biodiesel pump to your home. Mapquest and Google Maps, for instance, both list biodiesel pump locations.
Finally, if you can’t buy biodiesel, you could always make your own: vegetable oil, methanol and lye could go a long way. This is not a serious suggestion, unless you have loads of time and money to spare. It simply is not economical.
