We all have to be aware of the impact our actions have on our planets environment. However this does not have to mean we stop traveling as much as we did, we just have to find a greener way to do it. One way you can make your oil burning car a great deal friendlier to the atmosphere is to run it on Bio Diesel. Most modern diesel engines can use this fuel without any modification, but there are a few things you should be aware of before you switch.

Low temperature behavior:

Unlike traditional crude oil produced fuel, bio-diesel has less tolerance to low temperatures. The severity of this depends on the type of oil that it was produced from. If you buy a commercially produced version this will not bother you, as it will be formulated with the climate of the place it is being sold in mind. If however you are making your own bio-diesel, you should be aware that you may need to adjust the additives, or even mix it with some traditional fuel, if your local weather conditions are prone to going below a certain temperature.

Cloud point of the base oil:

You should take note of this figure for the oil you are using. Basically the cloud point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to solidify. You should always try to use an oil base suitable for your local climate. If needs be you can add chemicals to adjust the figure, but if you avoid highly saturated fats in cold climates you should be OK.

The problem comes if you, like many home producers, rely on used cooking oil from restaurants etc for your base oil. This oil will be a complex mix of many different varieties, and for this reason each batch needs to be tested, and its cloud point found before production begins.

Eats rubber:

Older engines may contain natural rubber, bio-diesel contains solvents that will overtime degrade any pipes or seals made from this material. If your engine is one that contains rubber, it will be worth your while to change these components for man made silicone rubber parts. This job should be well within the ability of an average DIY mechanic.

Naturally cleans:

Bio-diesel has natural detergent properties that will clean the fuel system of your vehicle. Whilst this may sound like a good thing, unfortunately if you have been running on regular diesel a varnish like layer will have built up inside the fuel pipes. As this is cleaned off, particles of this gel like substance may cause blockages in your fuel filter.

Power loss:

You may notice a slight decrease in power when running on bio fuel. At worst this will be a 10% drop, and should be hardly noticeable. You may also find your engines fuel consumption rises slightly. Both these effects will be more than offset by your cost savings, and the reduction in emissions you produce.

Changing to bio-diesel is a responsible thing to do, as long as you keep in mind the points above you should enjoy a trouble free switch, and a reduction in your overall motoring costs. You will also be doing your bit for the environment.

Make your own bio-diesel:

Did you know you can save money by producing your own bio fuel at home? For comprehensive instructions visit this make bio-diesel website at www.how-to-make-biodiesel-today.blogspot.com/.