Got Questions? Diesel Fuel Edition

Q. How does diesel fuel impact maintenance costs?

A. General fuel quality and cleanliness can have a significant impact on maintenance costs. Low quality, off-spec fuel that may contain water, particulates or other contaminants can lead to a whole host of issues such as filter plugging, fuel system corrosion, damage to fuel pumps and injectors, poor engine performance and in some cases, damage to exhaust aftertreatment systems. Ensuring basic fuel quality is the first line of defense to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs and choosing a higher-performance diesel can reduce fuel system-related maintenance even more.

Diesel fuels formulated with detergents provide corrosion protection, help to reduce premature fuel filter plugging and keep fuel system components clean. By removing fuel injector deposits, detergents help combat the need for injector replacements due to deposit build up and also lower emissions, which can actually reduce stress placed on aftertreatment systems. It’s no secret that purchasing and maintaining diesel equipment is expensive, so it makes sense to prioritize the quality of every supporting component, from lubricants to fuel – it’ll pay off in the long run.