There are fuels that are not as “vehicle friendly” as they should be, as Eurowag, a commercial road transport solutions company, recently pointed out, which shared the main criteria that the fuel must meet in order to not pose a safety risk.
So, don't forget: No matter how organized and aesthetic a filling station is, that's not what really determines whether the fuel coming out of the hoses is quality or not.
Recognition of good fuel begins with recognition of basic international fuel quality standards. In the case of diesel/diesel fuel, the EU standard EN 590 is mandatory. This standard assumes an evaluation of different technical requirements in relation to different properties of diesel fuel: physical, chemical and performance characteristics. If the limits of these standards are not met, the fuel may represent a potential risk to the condition of the vehicles and/or the surrounding environment – in addition to being the product of fraudulent activities.
To better understand the parameters that determine the quality of diesel fuel, there are two important aspects to consider: cold filter blockage point and flash point.
Seasonal quality violations: cold filter clogging point
Cold Filter Plug Point (“Cold Filter Plug Point – CDPP”) evaluates the behavior and resistance of the fuel at low temperatures, such as those recorded in winter. The “filtration” test measures the lowest temperature that diesel fuel can withstand without harming the vehicle. When approaching the limit – the cold filter blockage point – diesel begins to form crystals that can lead to difficulties in fuel flow to the engine, directly affecting the vehicle's performance.
These violations are considered involuntary, as the fuel does not cause any other harm. However, when the national inspection body detects the supplier, moderate penalties are usually imposed. As a general rule, the lower the CFPP, the better the fuel performs in low temperature conditions.
Fuel mismanagement and handling: flash point
Flashpoint (“FlashPoint – FP”) is a safety procedure that evaluates the fire and explosion risks associated with a particular fuel. This measurement indicates the minimum temperature at which vapor from a liquid fuel can ignite when it comes into contact with air and/or the flash point. To ensure maximum safety, it is essential that the fuel is at a temperature above 55°C.
However, some factors may weaken this security measure. One of the most troubling examples is a combination of diesel and gasoline. In this case, gasoline, since its ignition temperature is lower when it comes into contact with diesel, reduces its flash point. This can create conditions suitable for ignition, making the fuel more susceptible to fires or explosions. Furthermore, this mixture can reduce the lubrication that protects the fuel pumps and injectors from wear, causing irreparable damage.
Therefore, to avoid safety risks, it is necessary to store and handle different types of fuel appropriately, and avoid cross-contamination.
Fuel adulteration
Choosing a gas station is important and should take into consideration whether the location is a trustworthy place or not. Consumers are often attracted to low prices, but this may also mean that the fuel is not of good quality. In fact, one of the biggest strategies used to reduce prices is the use of adulterated fuel.
This technology consists of mixing cheaper components with those already present in the fuel. The problem is that these ingredients do not meet the same quality requirements: they exceed the boiling point, have a higher percentage of sulfur and contain other contaminants. This mixture makes the combustion process more difficult and also leaves carbon residue, which puts the engine's health at risk.
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