Fueling Insights

Petroleum Update | Busting the Summer Diesel Myth

Out in the field, we hear the same thing over and over again right around this time of year: some variation of, "does UFA have summer diesel?"

And the answer is a resounding YES! Because the truth is, everybody does. Here's why.

Modern Diesel Performs the Same Year-Round

All diesel sold by all retailers in Canada is seasonally adjusted throughout the year. Cloud point, cold-weather performance, biodiesel blending and more are all set by the federal government, and all refineries are bound to the same schedule.

Historically, cloud point adjustment used to affect the density (energy content) of diesel across seasons. Refiners used to remove or reduce the parrafin wax content in diesel in order to adjust the cloud point (cold weather performance). Recent improvements in refining practices now allow the chemical energy of the paraffin wax to remain, while still being able to adjust the cloud point to meet the federal spec. Because of this technology improvement, diesel density stays tight and consistent year-round.

The only difference between summer and winter fuel is the cloud point temperature and the use of "bio-content" (biodiesel) in the summer. Energy content does NOT change season to season. All type B diesel fuel in Canada has to meet the same minimum performance specifications as set by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), no matter which refiner produces it. Between the CGSB specifications and the fact that ALL refiners have supply agreements with each other, chances are the fuel purchased from one retailer is NOT from their name brand refiner.

Why This Matters

There's no need to drain your tanks or try to plan your fuel usage to any sort of calendar date or change in the weather. Your equipment will run the same, with the performance and efficiency you've come to expect from it.

UFA diesel is formulated to work year-round, plain and simple. So fill up when it makes sense and run your equipment when it's time to work. Don't be fooled by the marketing speak and misinformation from the other guys. There's no summer diesel, no winter diesel and if someone tells you otherwise, they're pulling your leg because everyone gets the same diesel from the refinery.

Want something the other guys don't have? Fill up with Dieselex® Gold. It's specially formulated with eight components proven to boost your power, efficiency and protection—and it's exclusive to UFA.