Are you worried about the dangers of red diesel fuel? Will red diesel hurt my truck?
If so, you’re not alone. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about red diesel fuel that circulate online, and some of them are downright dangerous.
In this blog post, we’ll clear up any doubt you may have about red diesel fuel and answer the questions most people ask about it. So put your worries to rest and read on to learn all you need to know about red diesel fuel!
Before we continue our discussion if you want to get more information about off-road diesel, you can read this article: What is Off Road Diesel – A Complete Guide
What is Red Diesel
Off-road vehicles and equipment run on red diesel sometimes referred to as gas oil, cherry red, and tractor diesel. Red diesel is simply ordinary diesel that has had a red marker (dye) applied to it to prevent it from being used illegally on cars that are meant for the road—hence the name!
Fuel for off-road vehicles and heavy machinery is red diesel. Similar to standard diesel, but colored red for identification.
Red dye diesel fuel’s main function is identification. The red dye implies that there are lower municipal, state, and/or federal taxes on the fuel than there are on road-going (clear) fuel.
Red diesel has a large refund, which means it is taxed far less than the fuel you may buy at your neighborhood gas station.
The red dye used to distinguish between clear road fuel and off-road fuel is a synthetic azo dye by the name of Solvent Red 26. It is the standard color required by the U.S. IRS. The EPA also requires Solvent Red 26 to be used in high sulfur diesel fuel.
Red Fuel’s Legality
Currently, ULSD makes up the majority of the red diesel sold. Red fuel cannot be used on public roads since it is less taxed than standard pump diesel. To put it simply, the tax(es) you pay at the pump is meant to support the public roads you use every day.
Red dye is permitted in almost all off-road settings, though. This includes equipment used for farming, generating electricity with gensets, building and mining machinery, and other off-road vehicles or equipment.
Red Diesel is Illegal
Due to its lack of taxation, red diesel is prohibited for use in on-road vehicles. Strict regulations regarding its use in on-road engines are in place by the federal and state governments. Distributors and fuel merchants are not permitted to purposefully provide this kind of fuel to on-road cars.
On-road drivers are also not permitted to purposefully drive their cars with colored diesel. While it’s good to avoid paying gasoline taxes, using red diesel will result in severe fines or even jail time if you’re found.
Any gas tank that law enforcement officials suspect of unlawfully utilizing red-dyed diesel can be sampled. Lab tests will reveal that it is difficult to even entirely remove dye from fuel. Penalties for attempting to remove red dye are very harsh and constitute a criminal offense.
Read more about diesel fuel legality in this article: Why is Off-Road Diesel Illegal?
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Will Red Diesel Hurt My Truck
When it comes to red diesel, there are many arguments on both sides of the fence. Some people swear by its power and insist that it won’t damage the engine of your truck. Others believe that it’s dangerous and harmful and should never be used. The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer-it all comes down to research.
If you’re unsure whether or not red diesel will damage your truck, err on the side of caution and use another fuel type instead. Always be sure to follow all safety guidelines when using red diesel, including wearing a DOT-approved respirator. And last but not least, don’t forget to research the fuel before using it – different brands may have different effects on trucks.
Another truth is, your truck won’t be harmed by red diesel. However, as it isn’t supposed to be offered for use in on-road vehicles, using it is prohibited. If the authorities find out that you’ve been using it, you’ll be hit with a large fine.
Using Red Diesel in Your Truck
Red diesel won’t harm your engine or any other component of your car, incontrovertibly. Regular diesel is red diesel with a red dye added. The same diesel engine powers both off-road machinery and automobiles.
Taxed and tax-exempt fuels can be loosely classified into two categories. Individuals and corporations utilize taxed fuel on public highways. Colored diesel, also referred to as off-road fuel, is a unique fuel that is dyed red and is only intended for specific applications.
You can use it to run large agricultural or construction equipment, run generators, and heat homes. Using colored fuel in commercial or passenger cars that travel on public roadways is prohibited.
Which Vehicles Can Run on Red Diesel
Many different types of vehicles and equipment benefit from the low cost of red diesel fuel, from bulldozers to harvesters. This diesel is used by farmers in tractors, harvesters, and other large machinery.
Similarly, cranes, bobcats, bulldozers, backhoes, and generator engines used by construction enterprises are powered by red diesel.
Aviation, mining, traveling road shows, carnivals, and even county fairs are among businesses that use red diesel. As long as they are not hauling anything on public roadways, these engines may utilize red diesel.
We have an article about the differences between off-road diesel and regular diesel on our blog. Go to: What is the Difference Between Off-Road Diesel and Regular Diesel?
Conclusion
It’s no secret that red diesel fuel is popular among off-road truckers. However, there is still some confusion surrounding the effects of red diesel on diesel-powered trucks. In this blog, we will answer the most common questions about red diesel and diesel fuel in trucks. Keep reading to learn all the facts!
