Biodiesel
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is fuel manufactured from a base of vegetable oils or animal fats, which is commonly sold blended with ordinary mineral diesel. Biodiesel is most likely to be sold in New Zealand as a B5 blend where 5% is biodiesel and 95% ordinary mineral diesel.
The choice for the environment
Biodiesel will increase New Zealand’s use of renewable energy, and will help reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) – one of the greenhouse gases associated with global climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Using Biodiesel can also reduce some air pollutants.
Can I use biodiesel?
Most people who use diesel will be able to use biodiesel blends without noticing any difference and without any engine or fuel system modifications.
Biodiesel has good combustion and lubrication properties, making it good for your engine. You don’t have to switch permanently. You can fill up with a biodiesel blend or normal diesel, whatever is most convenient, and have a mix of both in your tank at the same time. In winter, don’t park in the mountains or overnight in very cold areas if the biodiesel blend has not been purchased locally (simply driving through these areas is not a problem). This is the same for ordinary diesel - locally purchased fuel will be formulated to suit the colder temperatures.
In old fuel systems
Flush old fuel systems - in older vehicles or fuel systems in poor condition, biodiesel blends have been known to loosen dirt and fuel deposits and carry them through to the fuel filter. Have an old tank and fuel system flushed out by your mechanic before using biodiesel blends, and get the fuel filter replaced after your first few tanks of biodiesel blend.
Be alert to system leaks
If your fuel system is old or in poor condition it’s possible – although unlikely – that using biodiesel blends could cause it to leak. Be on the lookout for any wet spots, unusual smells, or other signs of leaks. If you do see any, get your vehicle checked by a mechanic.
Storage and handling
Just the same as with ordinary diesel, biodiesel blends should be stored somewhere cool and dark, in closed containers. Don’t let it stand: use it within six months of purchase.
Take the same safety precautions you’d normally take with ordinary diesel – avoid skin contact, splashes in the eyes and inhaling the fumes.
Biodiesel specifications
Biodiesel and bioethanol specifications are controlled by the Engine Fuel Quality Regulations that will come into effect from 1 July 2008. This means that it will become illegal to sell biodiesel that does not meet this specification.
As for all goods, any traders selling biofuels are subject to the Fair Trading Act and the Consumer Guarantee Act.