How to Compare ULSD and LSD Auto Fuels

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The U.S. Department of Energy tells us that diesel vehicles from 2007 or older should only be using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) as opposed to low-sulfur diesel (LSD) fuel. But as of December 2010, ULSD should be the only diesel fuel type you should be able to purchase for vehicles in the United States. This may leave you wanting to know know how to compare ULSD and LSD auto fuels, though, in order to make an informed purchasing decision for you and your vehicle.

Steps

1. 1
   Look at the difference in sulfur between the two fuel types. ULSD is considered a cleaner burning type of diesel fuel because it has 97 percent less sulfur, which allows pollution control devices that used to be damaged by sulfur to be used more effectively to reduce emissions from the vehicle.

   
   
2. 2
   Know that you can now find ULSD at most all highway diesel fuel pumping locations. The year 2010 was the cut year for retailers to sell LSD, so the conversion should be fully implemented to strictly selling ULSD.
3. 3
   Recognize the difference in appearance in ULSD and LSD. ULSD typically has a lighter appearance because of the refining process that was used to take out the sulfur. Because of the reduction in sulfur, it also tends to have less of an odor as compared to LSD.
4. 4
   Realize that there is a cost difference between ULSD and when LSD was available. The refinement and distribution cost is more for ULSD than it was for LSD, so you should expect to pay more at the pump. Factors in this price increase include transportation costs, crude oil prices, weather factors and economic factors.
5. 5
   Know that you might see a slight reduction in fuel economy because the same process that takes out the sulfur also reduces your fuel's energy content. You should, however, see no impact on your overall power when putting USLD fuel in your vehicle instead of LSD fuel.
6. 6
   Watch for performance issues during the transition. When first introducing ULSD to your vehicle, you might loosen fuel tank deposits, so monitor your vehicle closely for plugged filters during your change over from LSD.
7. 7
   Look at lubricity. While the higher sulfur content may have given your vehicle good lubricity, you should see no difference between ULSD and LSD because typically additives that both inhibit corrosion and increase lubricity are put in prior to the fuel being sold at a retail level. Additives such as these should give you performance as good as LSD fuel.

   
   

Tips

• Know that for some vehicles or operational tools you may have to convert your bulk tanks. More information can be found at http://www.stowerscat.com/industry-resources/tier-4-emissions-resources/converting-bulk-fuel-tanks-from-lsd-to-ulsd/. These tips can help you reduce sulfur contamination and maintain your fuel cleanliness.

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