Protecting Your Fuel Against Deterioration
In post-apocalyptic television shows and movies, it seems that petrol, oil, and diesel last forever. Years after the last petrol station has collapsed, the survivors continue to search and find the fuel that they make use of quite easily. In reality, that’s just not the case.
Your fuel will deteriorate over time and the amount of time is not that long. Red diesel, for example, will last around 6 months without treatment. Petrol lasts just three to six months, depending on whether it’s sealed and on the storage temperature. In short, it’s not reasonable to expect anything to work well a year later, much less a decade after the world collapses.
Fortunately, the world hasn’t collapsed, but if you want to keep a little extra kerosene or diesel around, you need to plan accordingly. This also applies if you have a tractor that will be out of use for a few months.
What Happens To Diesel Over Time?
As diesel sits, it tends to gel up. Within a month, it’s already deteriorating, so it’s important to realise that it needs to be treated immediately if you know it will be sitting for a while. If a tractor will be set up during the winter, for example, the fuel should be removed. However, you can also add an anti-waxing additive that prevents the fuel from creating a layer of “wax” that could clog the engine later on.
In addition, microbes begin to grow and feed on diesel, which will eventually eliminate the useful properties. It also evaporates any water, so you’ll have a gummy, useless substance after too much time.
How Additives Prevent Deterioration
Keep in mind that additives will not prevent fuel from spoiling. They simply prolong the lifespan a little more. You may end up with an extra five or six months from it, but don’t count on the fuel to last forever. You should use it up and purchase more before it goes off.
That being said, a good additive will work to prevent bacterial growth in the fuel. It can prevent waxing and keeps the fuel from oxidising and eating through the tank of the vehicle it’s in.
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