Some background…
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) first adopted diesel fuel specifications in 1988. In 1998, CARB identified particulate emissions from diesel-fueled engines as toxic air contaminants (TACs) based on their potential to cause cancer, premature death, and other health problems. Following this identification process CARB was required by law to determine if there was a need for further control.
This risk assessment phase led to a control measure phase that brought forth new California diesel fuel regulations that would ultimately limit the amount of sulfur and aromatics contained in diesel fuel. Because of the need to reduce sulfur and aromatic levels, and the chemical process to accomplish these changes, the resulting fuel composition’s lubricating properties were inadvertently reduced, causing premature equipment breakdowns and, in some cases, catastrophic failures. Because diesel fuel injection equipment has some reliance on diesel fuel as a lubricant, the lubricating properties of diesel fuel are quite important.
Consequently, minimum lubricity specifications were established in 2005 to address these concerns. Other additional specifications have further regulated the composition of California diesel fuel, including more stringent limitations on maximum sulfur and aromatics, and the inclusion of a broader range of diesel engines, including stationary sources, on- and off-road vehicles, non-vehicular sources, locomotives and marine vessels.
At Auto Fuels, we are mindful of the environmental responsibilities we share in carrying the cleanest burning fuels available on the market today. At Auto Fuels, we carry the highest quality, independently sourced, CARB #2 diesel (ULSD) for our customers. These fuels meet all current specifications and are approved for use by the California Air Resources Board.
As an environmentally-aware consumer, it is important to know exactly what type of diesel fuel you’re using. At Auto Fuels we have surveyed our customers on two important topics related to the use of lesser non-CARB #2 diesel fuels, as follows:
a) Gas performance (MPG) ,
b) Vehicle maintenance.
We learned that customers experienced fewer miles per gallon and more maintenance of their vehicle using other than CARB #2 diesel.
Available at the dispenser, trust Auto Fuels to dispense only top-quality, independently sourced CARB #2 Diesel Fuel. Our CARB #2 Diesel is competitively priced and comparable with those selling renewable and bio-diesel fuels. And remember, if you’re not fueling up at Auto Fuels, always inquire with your current supplier as to what type of diesel fuel your pumping into your vehicle.
Regulation History:
In 1993 the regulation limited the sulfur and arom
atics in commercially available diesel fuel. Starting in January 2005, California diesel fuel was required to meet a minimum lubricity specification as well. This fuel, commonly referred to as CARB Diesel, is mandatory for use in a variety of applications including both highway and off-road vehicles. The limits and applicability have evolved as follows:
- October 1993 — Sulfur limited to a maximum of 500 ppm and aromatics to 10 percent or equivalent. Applicable to on and off-road vehicles but not stationary engines, locomotives and marine vessels.
- December 2004 — CARB diesel requirement extended to stationary sources (applies to on and off-road motor vehicles and non-vehicular sources other than locomotives and marine vessels).
- January 2005 — CARB diesel required to meet a lubricity requirement of a maximum wear scar diameter of 520 microns by ASTM D6079, the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR).
- June 2006 — Sulfur in CARB diesel is limited to 15 ppm.
- January 2007 — CARB diesel requirement extended to intrastate locomotives and marine engines (within the Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), CARB diesel must be sold to harborcraft operators beginning in January 2006).
