the fuel could degrade, costing the dealer and the customer. Diesel additives
in heating oil are incorrect applications, incorrect dosages and
an expense that may cost you in the long run.
Not all additives are created equal
Not all fuels are created equal, nor is proper fuel conditioning. Consider
where your additives are coming from. Did you buy them off a shelf
in a retail environment? How much does the cashier at Tractor Supply
or Walmart know about that bottle? The answer, sadly, is often not
much or nothing.
Whether you have used additives for a long time or not, you need to
be sure what you purchase has been formulated for your specific application.
Folks out there often get this wrong. Not all fuels are created
equal—that is correct—and neither are additives. Believe me, in the
last 25 years, we’ve seen just about everything.
Cough syrup can’t fix a broken bone, and an arm cast is never going
to cure a headache. Medical anecdotes aside, the world of middle
distillates isn’t all that different. Application is key and remedying
an aching and complicated fuel problem often takes a professional
diagnosis.
Education is also key and there are professionals in our industry
willing and able to help you navigate your specific business goals. Examine
your fuel quality program, think conceptually and ask yourself
why you are using what you are using. If the answer is I don’t know or
I’ve always done it this way, it might be time to pick up the phone.
Finally: square-peg meet square-hole. ICM
Barry Aruda is the Northeast Territory Manager for Advanced Fuel Solutions.
An admitted “fuel quality fanatic,” he spends his time testing fuel for
analysis, recommending preventative defensive strategies and working with
dealers to overcome the challenges of housekeeping and changing technology.
ICM/September/October 2019 23