How to Identify the Quality of Diesel?
2 Answers
Directly observe whether the diesel contains impurities. Normal diesel should not contain impurities, otherwise it can easily clog the fuel system. The color of diesel is closely related to quality control indicators such as oxidation stability and chromaticity, and the quality of diesel can be preliminarily identified by its color. The smell of diesel can vary in intensity, but under normal circumstances, the smell should not be too strong. Oil density is an important criterion for testing oil quality. Under normal conditions, measuring density is relatively easy.
As someone who has been tinkering with diesel engines for years, the simplest way to assess diesel quality is to first use your eyes: high-quality diesel is typically a clear light yellow color, without any cloudiness or blackening, otherwise it may contain impurities. Then, take a sniff—it shouldn’t have any pungent odor; if it smells sour or rotten, it’s likely degraded. Next, I’ll take a small sample in a glass bottle and let it sit for a while to check for sediment—if there’s any, it means there’s a lot of dirt. I often remind people around me that poor-quality diesel not only wastes money but can also clog fuel injectors, accelerate engine wear, and even cause knocking, leading to reduced power and increased fuel consumption. It’s best to develop the habit of checking fuel quality before driving—don’t be tempted by cheap prices and end up with bad fuel, since engine repairs can easily cost thousands of dollars.
