Have you ever wondered if diesel goes bad over time, or how long it lasts? It’s a question that many diesel vehicle owners have pondered. The truth is that diesel fuel does have a shelf life, and it’s essential to understand how to store it to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.
Thanks to my years of experience in the automotive industry, I will share all you need to know about diesel going bad and how long it can last.
Table of Contents
Does diesel go bad?
Diesel fuel is a highly refined and processed product that is used to power a wide variety of vehicles and machinery. However, like all fuels, it does have a shelf life and can go bad over time. This is due to several factors, including exposure to air, heat, moisture, and impurities like water and dirt.
A critical factor that can contribute to diesel fuel’s shelf life is the presence of sulfur. Sulfur is a natural component of diesel fuel, but in lower concentrations, it can cause problems like shorter shelf life and poor performance. Therefore, it’s important to check diesel fuel’s sulfur content before using it; you must also store it properly and use it within a reasonable time frame.
How long does diesel last?
How long diesel lasts is a tricky question. In general, diesel typically lasts 6 months to a year before it starts to degrade. This is because diesel fuel is less refined than gasoline and can contain impurities that cause it to break down over time.
It’s essential to remember that its lifespan can vary depending on factors such as storage conditions and fuel quality. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the fuel before using it and to store it in a clean, dry place to help prolong its lifespan.
What makes diesel go bad?
Diesel is a crucial component for many vehicles and equipment, but it can go bad over time. Understanding what causes it to go bad is the key to keeping it in good condition and ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly.
If you’re wondering if diesel goes bad in storage, there are a few key factors that can cause it, such as moisture contamination, oxidation, microbial growth, and impurities. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
1. Moisture contamination
Moisture contamination is one of the most common reasons diesel fuel goes bad. When water molecules from the air mix with diesel fuel, it can cause the fuel to break down, leading to the formation of sludge. This can happen when diesel fuel is stored in a container that isn’t completely sealed or if the fuel itself has a high moisture content. To prevent this, it’s essential to store diesel fuel in clean, dry containers and to use it within a reasonable time frame.
2. Oxidation
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when diesel fuel is exposed to oxygen. Over time, this can cause the fuel to go bad, leading to a decrease in engine performance. It occurs when diesel is stored for long periods or exposed to high temperatures. To prevent this, use your diesel fuel within a reasonable time frame and store it in a cool, dry place.
3. Microbial growth
When stored in warm, damp conditions, diesel fuel can become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria and fungus. This can lead to the formation of sludge, which can cause damage to the engine. It can also cause problems like poor detergency and reduced combustion efficiency. To prevent this, store your diesel fuel in clean, dry containers.
4. Impurities
Impurities such as dirt, debris, and other particles can also cause diesel fuel to go bad. They can clog the engine and cause damage to the fuel system. To prevent this, it’s essential to check for any signs of contamination before using diesel fuel and to filter it if necessary.
By taking the necessary precautions – storing diesel fuel in containers that are clean and dry, using it within a reasonable time frame, and checking for any signs of contamination — you can ensure that your diesel fuel remains in good condition and keeps your engine running smoothly.
How to make diesel last longer?
When it comes to keeping diesel fuel in good condition, it’s essential to understand the factors that can cause it to go bad and to take steps to prevent them. The following are some solutions for the factors mentioned above that can cause diesel fuel to go bad:
1. Solution for Moisture Contamination
One of the best ways to prevent moisture contamination is to store diesel fuel in clean, dry containers. This can help keep water molecules from mixing with the fuel and causing it to break down. Additionally, you can use a desiccant or water absorber to remove moisture from the fuel. Desiccants absorb the moisture from the air and keep the fuel dry. Water absorbers are chemicals that can absorb the water that’s dissolved in the fuel.
2. Solution for Oxidation
The best way to prevent oxidation is to use the fuel within a reasonable timeframe. You can also use a fuel stabilizer to slow the oxidation process and keep it in good condition for a longer time. Fuel stabilizers are chemicals that slow down the chemical reactions that cause the fuel to oxidate.
3. Solution for Microbial Growth
To prevent microbial growth, it’s essential to store diesel fuel in clean, dry containers. Additionally, you can use a biocide to treat the fuel and kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. You can use different types of biocides, such as fungicides, bactericides, and algaecides, and each one is effective against a specific type of microorganism.
Solution for Impurities
To prevent impurities from causing diesel fuel to go bad, it’s essential to check for any signs of contamination before using the diesel fuel and to filter it if necessary. You can do this by using a fuel filter or a diesel fuel polishing service to remove impurities from the fuel. Fuel filters remove the dirt and debris from the fuel before it enters the engine. A diesel fuel polishing service is a process that eliminates the impurities from the fuel by using specialized equipment.
By implementing these solutions, you can help keep your diesel fuel in good condition and ensure that it lasts longer. Remember to keep an eye on your diesel fuel, check for any signs of contamination, and take necessary actions as soon as possible to prevent any damage.
Also check our article on “Car Won’t Start After Getting Gas“.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about diesel going bad.
Is diesel still good after two years?
Diesel fuel can still be good after two years if stored properly. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that diesel fuel can degrade over time and may not perform as well as fresh diesel.
How can you tell if diesel has gone bad?
You can tell it has gone bad if the fuel has a strange smell or color; fresh diesel should have a clear, amber color and smell like diesel. It may be bad if the fuel has a dark, cloudy appearance or a strong, sour smell. Another indication of bad diesel is if it starts forming clumps when stored for a long time.
What happens to diesel when it sits for a long time?
When diesel sits for an extended period, it can break down and lose effectiveness. This can happen due to exposure to air and temperature changes. The longer the diesel sits, the more likely it is to become contaminated with water or impurities. This can lead to clogged fuel filters and decreased engine performance.
Conclusion:
Diesel fuel does have a shelf life and can go bad over time. However, with proper storage it can last for one year or longer. It is essential to check the quality of your diesel fuel regularly and to be aware of any changes in color, odor, or consistency. If you suspect that your diesel fuel has gone bad, it is best to drain it and replace it with fresh fuel. While diesel fuel may not last forever, with proper care, it can last long enough to keep your engine running smoothly.
