Biodiesel FAQ

What kind of car do I need to run on biodiesel?

Any Diesel car can run on biodiesel. Most Diesel cars in the US are either Mercedes or Volkswagens (but not all Mercedes and Volkswagens are Diesels), but there are also some Jeeps and many of the larger SUVs, vans and pickup trucks that are available with Diesel engines, including the Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter vans, which are actually Mercedes vans in disguise. Please note: some later model vehicles with Diesel Particulate Filters cannot operate on biodiesel. Go here for more information or ask us if you're not sure about your car.

Where can I get a car that runs on biodiesel?

Here, of course. Happy Earth Automotive Center will soon be offering Diesel vehicles for sale. All of our cars will come equipped with a fuel filter pre-heater.

Where can I get biodiesel fuel?

Happy Earth Automotive Center will soon be offering biodiesel in the Philadelphia area. Our fuel will come with an anti-gel additive in the winter months so that you don't have to worry about adding anything to the fuel yourself.

What if I am running low on fuel and can't find any biodiesel?

Don't worry. Petroleum diesel and biodiesel can be blended in any ratio with no effect on your car's engine. Your car will not notice the difference at all. If you use petroleum diesel and then switch to biodiesel, the biodiesel will flush out your system and may cause your fuel filter to clog. However, if you use just one tank of petroleum diesel to get back into town, you will likely not have a problem when switching back to biodiesel.

What do I have to do to convert my Diesel car to run on biodiesel?

Really, no conversion is necessary. Pre-1994 Diesels will need to have their rubber fuel lines taken out and replaced with synthetics. The biodiesel will degrade the rubber material. We also recommend installation of our fuel heater on all vehicles, although if you live in a warmer weather area of the country, this may not be necessary. The fuel heater is on the fuel line between the fuel tank and the fuel filter. It heats the fuel to 104°F and ensures that the fuel does not clog the filter. This fuel heater cycles on and off automatically and will remain off in warmer weather. This type of fuel heater is not unique to cars running on biodiesel, as it is also used for cars and trucks running petroleum diesel fuel in very cold weather.

I don't need two tanks or anything else complicated?

Two-tank systems are for cars running Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO). Biodiesel is vegetable oil with the glycerin removed. This gives the fuel a more liquid consistency and allows a Diesel car to use the fuel without further modification. SVO needs to be heated to a much higher temperature in order to have a liquid consistency and not damage the engine. The two-tank system allows the car to run on petroleum diesel fuel while the SVO heats. On short trips, the car will run exclusively on petroleum diesel. Our cars can run exclusively on biodiesel regardless of outside temperature or length of trip.

Can I run a "normal" or gasoline-engine car on biodiesel?

No. Gasoline-engine cars cannot use biodiesel, Straight Vegetable Oil or petroleum diesel fuel. Putting diesel fuel in a gasoline-engine car will destroy the engine.

How can I convert my gasoline-engine car to run on biodiesel?

Apart from taking out the engine and putting in a Diesel engine, you can't. If you currently have a gasoline-engine car and would like to use biodiesel, we'll be happy to help you find a Diesel car that fits your needs.

Can I run biodiesel in a "Flex-Fuel" Vehicle?

No. "Flex-Fuel" vehicles are vehicles with gasoline engines that have been modified to use both ethanol and gasoline. They will not run on biodiesel and cannot be converted to run on biodiesel.

Why are there so few Diesel cars in the US?

Historically, fuel economy has not been a large concern in this country. We have had cheap fuel for far too long. Furthermore, Diesel vehicles previously were far more polluting than gasoline-engine vehicles. This is no longer the case. A modern Diesel running on biodiesel will not emit the telltale black smoke that older Diesels once did. With global warming more of a concern, more fuel efficient cars are part of the solution. We previously did not think of carbon dioxide as a "pollutant". In fact, many technologies used to reduce other emissions from cars also made them less fuel efficient, increasing carbon dioxide emissions, which are directly related to fuel economy.

Is it legal to use biodiesel fuel?

Yes. Biodiesel fuel sold at Happy Earth Automotive Center is certified for use as an on-road fuel and will be sold with all applicable taxes included in the price at the pump.

Will biodiesel fuel damage my engine or void my warranty?

Most manufacturers have not had a chance to test their cars on 100% biodiesel and therefore will not cover engine damage resulting from poor quality biodiesel fuel. Of course the fuel we sell is of the highest quality and you should not experience any problems. Actually, biodiesel has better lubricity than petroleum diesel and many drivers find their car runs quieter on biodiesel and that the engine is subject to less wear and tear. Furthermore, if the fuel we sell damages your car, we will cover the cost of any damage.

Is there anything else I should know about biodiesel fuel?

Biodiesel acts as a solvent and may damage your car's paint if spilled on the paint and allowed to stay there. We will have wipes on hand to so that you can clean off your car after filling up.