Using biofuels
Most vehicles can use some form of biofuel blended fuel, and the following points are important to note:
- You can switch between using biofuel blends, and ordinary petrol or diesel in your vehicle at any time
- Engine modification is not needed
- Engine performance is not compromised.
On this page:
Fuel quality
Vehicle compatibility
Tips for using biodiesel
Tips for using bioethanol
Where else can I use biofuels?
Fuel quality
You can be confident about the quality of bidiesel blends available for retail sale in New Zealand, as they must meet government-regulated fuel specifications. These are the same specifications the ordinary diesel and petrol must meet.
Avoid "backyard biofuel"
It is illegal to sell biodiesel or bioethanol blends that do not meet the Engine Fuel Quality Regulations. EECA recommends only purchasing biofuel blends from established fuel retailers, once it is commercially available - i.e. the same places you would normally purchase petrol or diesel from.
Vehicle compatibility
Virtually all vehicles can use a 5% biodiesel blend without any engine or fuel system modifications. High blends, such as B20, are able to be used for many large commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, provided a few simple checks and steps are followed. EECA recommends that businesses check with their vehicle or engine manufacturer, and with a specialist with particular expertise in the field, about the level of blend that's suitable for their vehicle or vessel.
>> Read the biodiesel engine compatibility report. This report provides an outline of the various engine manufacturers' acceptance of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in their vehicles. Additional compatibility information from a range of engine manufacturers is available from EECA upon request biofuels@eeca.govt.nz.
Most new and many older vehicles can use bioethanol-blended petrol. The Automobile Association (AA) website has a list of vehicles that support the use of bioethanol-blended petrol.
To find out if your vehicle supports the use of a bioethanol blend visit the AA website. You can also contact the official representative of the vehicle manufacturer in New Zealand.
If you have any doubts or concerns about using a biofuel blend, check your vehicles handbook, or with the equipment supplier. You can also contact the official representative of the vehicle manufacturer in New Zealand.
Tips for using biodiesel blends
Here are some tips to follow when first using a biodiesel blend.
Check your fuel system
If your fuel system is old or in poor condition, it may be worth flushing it out before using biodiesel blends. A mechanic can easily do this for you.
Change your fuel filter
Because biodiesel blends have stronger cleaning properties than diesel, they can loosen dirt and carry it through to the fuel filter. If your fuel filter hasn't been changed recently, it should be changed after the first few fills of biodiesel blends.
Tips for using bioethanol-blended petrol
Here are some tips to follow when first using bioethanol-blended petrol.
Check for water
Older vehicles should be checked for excessive water at the bottom of the fuel tank. A qualified mechanic or other authorised person can easily check this for you.
The first fill should be a big fill
Make your first fill with a bioethanol-petrol blend a big fill to absorb any existing water in your tank.
Change your fuel filter
If your fuel filter hasn't been changed recently, it should be changed after the first few fills of bioethanol-blended petrol. Bioethanol-blended petrol cleans your fuel tank so changing the filter will help remove any debris allowing your car to run as smoothly as possible.
Where else can I use biofuels?
Bioethanol-blended petrol can be used in almost any petrol engine, from lawn mowers to generators. Don't leave bioethanol-blended petrol in the tank for longer than two months though, as it may absorb moisture from the air. Looking after the fuel this way is just the same as you should do with ordinary petrol. You should also check the handbook, or check with the supplier, especially if the equipment is older or has not been well maintained.
Biodiesel blends can be used in almost any diesel engine, including earth moving equipment, tractors, generators or boats.
