Regular diesel, derived from petroleum, is one of the commonest forms of fossil fuel used throughout the world. In the US, the use of diesel cars is not as popular as in many European and Asian countries. The reason for this may the stringent emission laws set by the US government. Besides, the cetane number of the US-produced diesel is lower than the usual and it affects the performance of the cars negatively.

Common Diesel Car Problems

Diesel can turn into gel in low temperatures, such as 5 °F (-15 °C). During cold weather, this makes diesel car engines difficult to start and makes the fuel almost impossible to be pumped out from a fuelling station.

Apart from these problems, like any other car run by fossil fuel, a diesel car also causes a great deal of environmental pollution. Diesel has a higher amount of fuel economy, which makes diesel cars comparatively more environment-friendly than cars running on gas or petroleum. However, the nanoparticles that emit from diesel engine cars can damage the tissues of nose and lungs and can even lead to cardiovascular diseases by blocking arteries.

Studies show that the risk of developing cancer is ten times greater by diesel emissions than by all toxic pollutants combined. In the state of Massachusetts alone, more than 450 premature deaths happen due to diesel engine related pollution. Again, diesel emission, along with the emission from other fossil fuels, contribute to the greenhouse effects causing holes in the ozone layer, increasing the average temperature on Earth, making the sea-level rise and creative environmental havocs in general.

Converting From Diesel To BioDiesel

The solution to diesel is certainly not petrol or gasoline, as these are similar if not worse than diesel. All these fuels are probably slow-poisoning us to death every day without our knowledge. This is the reason biodiesel cars have become such popular choices with people who think about and care for the environment and the future of mankind. The best thing about biodiesel cars is that, you usually do not need to change your car model if you already own a diesel engine car.

Biodiesel is compatible with regular diesel and you can mix both to use it as your car fuel. However, if the quantity of biodiesel mixed in your diesel is higher than 20% or if you want to switch over to biodiesel completely, then you may need to make some minor changes or modifications to your engine.