As more and more people are becoming aware that we need to do what we can to improve our environment. We have seen an increase in hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel is becoming more available. Bio-diesel is becoming a popular choice for substitution of petroleum fuels used in diesel engines.

Bio-diesel is the common name for fatty acid alkyl esters, which is a biological based fuel for diesel engines. It can be made from several different things including, animal fats, virgin vegetable oil or algae. It can also come from recycled oils from deep fryers used by restaurants.

Bio-diesel is eco-friendly and burns cleaner than fossil fuel. It also produces less carbon monoxide and soot than regular diesel fuel. On the other hand, it does release more nitrous oxide than regular diesel, which is a factor that causes smog.

Bio-diesel is what is referred to as a carbon neutral fuel. This means even though it releases carbon dioxide, it is the same type of carbon absorbed by plants or animal source it was produced from. Fossil fuels, which traditional diesel fuels are made from release carbon dioxide that could remain trapped below the earth’s surface instead of polluting the atmosphere.

Diesel engines also have the ability to run on straight vegetable oil or SVO. However modifications are required to the diesel engine. Vegetable oil is thicker than conventional fuel and needs to be heated before it can flow properly. A conversion system is needed to the heat the vegetable oil to the appropriate temperature before it can be burned in the engine.

Alternative fuels are the wave of the future. Everyday new technology and advances are being made to make more environmentally friendly fuels for vehicles. This means that as progress is made the availability will increase and the prices will decrease. This is good news for your pocket book and also good news for the environment.