All Shell stations have been supplying Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel since February 2011. You must utilize ULSD if you buy a diesel-powered car that requires it. Non-ULSD fuel is bad for the environment and can damage your vehicle’s pollution control system, resulting in expensive repairs. Please consult your owner’s manual if you are unsure whether your car requires ULSD.
Is ultra-low sulfur diesel available at all petrol stations?
EPA recommended ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel as a new sulfur content standard for on-road diesel fuel marketed in the United States since October 15, 2006, with the exception of rural Alaska, which switched in 2010. It has been compulsory in California since September 1, 2006. This new rule applies to all diesel fuel, diesel fuel additives, including distillate fuels such as kerosene that are combined with diesel for on-road use. Since December 1, 2010, all highway diesel fuel in the United States has been ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). In 2007, non-road diesel engine fuel was upgraded to 500 ppm sulfur, then in 2010 it was upgraded to ULSD. In 2007, railroad locomotive and marine diesel fuels were modified to 500 ppm sulfur, then in 2012, they were upgraded to ULSD. Small refiners of non-road, locomotive, and marine diesel fuel were granted exemptions, allowing 500 ppm diesel to remain in the system until 2014. All roadway, non-road, locomotive, and marine diesel fuel will be ULSD after December 1, 2014.
In model year 2007 and newer highway diesel fuel engines equipped with advanced pollution control systems that required the new fuel, the EPA mandated the use of ULSD fuel. In 2014, these sophisticated pollution control systems were mandated for marine diesel engines, and in 2015, locomotives.
The permissible sulfur content for ULSD (15 ppm) is substantially lower than the previous U.S. on-highway standard for low sulfur diesel (LSD, 500 ppm), allowing for the installation of modern emission control systems that would otherwise be harmed or made ineffective by these compounds. These devices can significantly reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions.
Because this fuel grade is comparable to European grades, European engines will no longer need to be redesigned to cope with the greater sulfur level found in the United States. Advanced emissions control systems, which would otherwise be harmed by sulfur, may be used in these engines. The ULSD standard was intended to enhance the availability of diesel-fueled passenger cars in the United States. Diesel-powered vehicles have been far more popular in Europe than they have been in the United States.
Additionally, the EPA has made it easier for manufacturers to migrate to stricter emissions requirements by relaxing them for light-duty diesel engines from model years 2007 to 2010.
According to EPA projections, the new diesel fuel regulations will lower nitrogen oxide emissions by 2.6 million tons per year and reduce soot or particulate matter emissions by 110,000 tons per year.
On June 1, 2006, refineries in the United States were required to produce ULSD (15 ppm) for 80% of their annual output, and petroleum marketers and retailers were required to label diesel fuel, diesel fuel additives, and kerosene pumps with EPA-authorized language disclosing fuel type and sulfur content. Other restrictions, such as EPA-authorized wording on Product Transfer Documents and sulfur-content testing standards, went into effect on June 1, 2006, to prevent misfueling, contamination by higher-sulfur fuels, and liability difficulties. The EPA originally set a deadline of July 15, 2006 for distribution terminals and September 1, 2006 for retail for industry compliance to a 15 ppm sulfur level. The deadline was extended by 1.5 months on November 8, 2005, to September 1, 2006 for terminals and October 15, 2006 for retail. The extension was not granted in California, and the original schedule was maintained. The ULSD standard was in force according to the modified schedule as of December 2006, and compliance at retail outlets was reported to be in place.
What’s the best place to get low-sulfur diesel?
Examine the Label All diesel fuel sold in the United States must be ULSD as of December 1, 2010, and pumps pouring ULSD must be branded as such (except in California). The upper two-thirds of the pump have labels similar to the ones displayed above.
Is off-road diesel a sulfur-free diesel?
Diesel for On-Road and Off-Road Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) with no more than 15 ppm Sulphur is needed for both new on-road vehicles and new off-road equipment.
Is ultra low sulfur diesel the same as diesel #2?
When you go to the gas station, you’ll usually just notice one type of diesel oil. However, if you’ve ever needed fuel for something else, you’ll quickly understand that there are better diesel options available depending on your needs.
What is clear diesel?
Clear diesel, also known as regular, auto, highway, or on-road diesel, is the most frequent option and is available at most gas stations in the United States. Any vehicle with a diesel motor licensed by the state for on-road use must have clear diesel. Because of its use on public roads and highways, it is legally taxable, and it has a low sulfur level that meets EPA guidelines.
The history of clear diesel in the United States.
By 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had mandated that all on-road diesel fuels be Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). Prior to 2008, Low-Sulfur Diesel No. 2, a less environmentally friendly fuel, was utilized. ULSD is a cleaner-burning fuel than Low-Sulfur Diesel, containing 97 percent less sulfur and extending the life of motors that had previously been affected by higher sulfur levels.
Is on-road diesel always clear?
While on-road diesel has always been a clear liquid, ULSD fuels with a green or blue tint are becoming more frequent. The diesel oil is mainly visible at this point. Many oil refineries now tint their diesel with a tiny tint that changes color over time, indicating freshness.
More on this later, as the distinctions between tinted clean diesel and dyed diesel are significant.
What is red dyed diesel?
This fuel choice, often known as off-road or non-highway diesel, is only for agricultural use or vehicles that are not licensed to travel on public highways. Although red dyed diesel is not taxed in the United States, it is subject to the same pricing variables as clear diesel, such as location and fuel scarcity.
Is red dyed diesel illegal?
Off-road diesel in the United States is dyed red to distinguish between taxed and non-taxed fuel. Being caught with off-road diesel in your commercial truck is deemed tax avoidance because it is not taxed. At the very least, you’ll face hefty fines and the possibility of a felony prosecution.
Can you mix red diesel and normal diesel?
While the effects of combining fuels vary depending on the vehicle, it is also unlawful. It’s worth noting that clear and coloured diesel have similar performance with minor changes. You could potentially damage your motor only if you use a high sulfur diesel in your business vehicles, which we strongly advise against.
Is premium diesel sulfur-free?
RoadForce premium diesel fuel is designed to ensure the integrity and quality of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel throughout the year, not just during the harsh winter months.
Is Costco diesel sulfur-free?
Q: Can you tell me how much sulfur is in Costco’s diesel? Kirkland SignatureTM is a trademark of Kirkland SignatureTM. Diesel has an ultra-low sulfur level and conforms with federal sulfur content limits of no more than 15 parts per million.
Clean Air Act Amendment (1990):
The Clean Air Act was created by Congress in 1970 as a way to minimize hazardous emissions from automobiles. In 1990, the Clean Air Act was revised to require tighter hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emission reductions.
Simultaneously, the EPA began enforcing sulfur content limitations on diesel fuel in an effort to assist buses and trucks in meeting other pollution rules that year.
The fundamental motivation for lowering overall emissions was to reduce the negative health and environmental consequences of fossil fuel emissions.
Highway Diesel Program (2001):
The EPA completed the 2007 Heavy-Duty Highway Diesel Initiative, a nationally mandated program, in 2001. This initiative was created to reduce emissions even more by allowing new highway diesel engines to incorporate modern emission control systems. Despite their effectiveness, these technologies have been shown to be easily destroyed by sulfur, necessitating significant sulfur reductions in diesel fuel in order to use them. The maximum sulfur limit in diesel was reduced from 500 to 15 parts per million as of June 2006. (ppm).
This drop signified the formal transition from low sulfur fuel (500 ppm) to ultra-low sulfur diesel (500 ppm) (15 ppm).
Clean Air Off-Road Diesel Rule (2004):
The EPA produced the Clean Air Non-Road Diesel Tier 4 Final Rule shortly after the highway diesel program was established. Sulfur reductions for off-road diesel engines were imposed by this rule, which took effect in 2007.
As a result, the maximum sulfur limit in off-road diesel fuel was reduced from 3,000 to 500 parts per million (ppm) in 2007, and then from 500 to 15 parts per million (ppm) in 2010.
What happens if ultra-low sulfur diesel isn’t used?
Without it, serious harm will befall you. To be compatible with new pollution-control technology installed on later model diesel engines, sulfur levels in diesel fuel must be reduced. Over 90% of fine particles (soot) and contaminants in diesel exhaust will be reduced by this technology.
Will my Duramax be harmed if I use off-road diesel?
The fuel will not harm anything; however, cleaning off the dye will take many tanks. It depends on how low you let it go before refilling it.