1. Can my car run on vegetable oil?
In theory, vegetable oil can be used in any diesel model. However, the engine would first need to be converted. Technical changes to the fuel injection pump and jets as well as to the fuel lines and combustion chamber should increase the fluidity and ignition quality of the vegetable oil. Basically, there are two possible engine conversions to consider: the single-tank and the dual-tank system. Both allow a car to run on diesel fuel, vegetable oil or a mixture of the two. Manufacturers are continually refining these systems to keep pace with developments in diesel technology. Which of the two is more suitable will depend primarily on your car's current fuel injection system. You will need to ask your car refitter directly whether your car engine is suitable for conversion. Sometimes, cars with fuel injection pumps made by particular manufactures are turned away, as certain systems are not suitable to be run indefinitely on vegetable oil. Depending on the extent of the conversion (for example, changes to the fuel injection pump, addition of a second fuel tank), a safety test equivalent to the MOT may be required. This should also be discussed in advance with the garage taking on the job. As yet, no manufacturer has approved an engine conversion that would allow a car to run on vegetable oil. It would therefore be very difficult to make a claim under the guarantee or in respect of material defects. You would also be unlikely to receive any compensatory gesture of goodwill in the event of engine damage.
2. How much would it cost to convert my engine?
The German automobile association ADAC estimates that a conversion would cost between €1,500 and €3,500 (including fitting), depending on the amount of work involved. Before proceeding, you should bear in mind that no car manufacturer has yet approved an engine to run on vegetable oil, so you would be unable to make a claim under the guarantee or in respect of material defects.
3. Where can I fill up with vegetable oil?
In principle, once your engine has been converted, you can fill up with any sort of vegetable oil. In Germany, rapeseed oil is most commonly used. In May 2000, the 'Weihenstephan working group for decentralised vegetable oil recovery' formulated a quality standard for the use of rapeseed oil as a fuel. This has since been adopted as the DIN V 51605 preliminary standard. In Germany, the network of filling stations supplying vegetable oil to the general public is still very small, numbering around 250. If you are unable to find a garage that supplies vegetable oil, the ADAC advises that you can use diesel fuel, either on its own or combined with vegetable oil.
4. Is it cheaper to run a car on vegetable oil?
The price of vegetable oil varies greatly from region to region, at between 55 and 80 euro cents per litre. The relatively low price has been due to the fact that it has been exempt from the tax on mineral oil (conventional diesel fuel is taxed at 47 euro cents per litre). From 1st January 2008, however, vegetable oil was, for the first time, taxed as a fuel, in accordance with the new law on energy tax. The introductory tax rate is ten euro cents per litre. It is likely to rise by at least seven euro cents per litre, reaching the highest tax rate of 45 euro cents per litre by 2012.
5. Is vegetable oil better for the environment?
Tweet this!
Mercedes to become majority shareholder in Brawn GP
Green Steering Wheel Awards 2009: Toyota Prius & VW Blue Motion
Tokyo Motor Show: New Lexus LFA
Lotus Exige Scura: Wicked racer
Jenson Button crowned F1 champion
New model at Bugatti
SEMA 2009: Girls, Part Two
SEMA 2009: the hottest hot rod
SEMA: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet
Formula One: Red Bull one-two in Abu Dhabi
Asylum
WalletPop
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ECO FUEL UK @ Sep 8th 2009 10:38AM
With diesel just going up to £1.08 it is worth thiking about converting to veg oil, after all the inventor Diesel made the diesel engine to run on veg oil!
We have helped customers in Kent convert to Veg Oil with a kit and supply recycled used veg oil at only 50p per litre (delivered to your door). more info at http://www.ecofueluk.co.uk
Ivan Yang @ Sep 8th 2009 1:43PM
Who can answer the last on question, please.
Could i ask one?
Is it can be working that recycle the oil from restaurant and family sewage line?