Cold Weather Could Clog Biodiesels

Drive a diesel and lean toward a cleaner environment? Be careful when you fuel up on biodiesel this winter. The National Biodiesel Board, an industry trade association, says their own fuel testing shows caution is in order if you fuel up in cold weather. "Consumers should consider a biodiesel 'winter weather advisory' in effect for the nation." The board ran the caution flag up the pole because of concerns of poor fuel quality.

In a national study, one third of the samples tested failed processing standards, which could lead to vehicle filter clogging. A board statement says, "Although fuel quality is always important, cold weather can amplify problems caused by out-of-spec fuel."

Still want to fuel with a bio-fuel? The board recommends you buy your fuel from certified marketers who meet industry standards. You can find a list of these at www.bq-9000.org .