What is the Difference Between No. 0 Diesel and No. -10 Diesel?
4 Answers
No. 0 diesel has a higher freezing point than No. -10 diesel. The higher the cetane number in diesel, the lower its freezing point. Therefore, the cetane content differs between No. 0 and No. -10 diesel, leading to price variations. Diesel is also classified into premium, first-grade, and qualified products based on sulfur content. Below are relevant details: 1. Diesel: The primary use of diesel is for diesel engines in vehicles and ships. Compared to gasoline, diesel has higher energy density and lower fuel consumption rate. Due to its low energy consumption, some small cars and even high-performance vehicles have switched to diesel. 2. Freezing Point: The freezing point refers to the highest temperature at which the surface of a cooled oil sample no longer moves under specified test conditions, measured in °C. Freezing point and cold filter plugging point are key indicators of diesel's low-temperature performance.
The main difference between No. 0 diesel and No. -10 diesel is their usability in low temperatures. No. 0 diesel has a freezing point of 0 degrees Celsius, meaning it may freeze and clog the engine when temperatures drop below 0°C. On the other hand, No. -10 diesel has a freezing point around -10 degrees Celsius, allowing cars to operate smoothly in colder regions without issues. I live in the north and didn’t know this before—I once used No. 0 diesel in winter, and the car wouldn’t start in the morning, costing me 500 yuan for repairs. Since then, I’ve learned to check the weather forecast before choosing diesel: in summer, No. 0 is more economical because it’s cheaper, but in winter, especially when temperatures drop below freezing, No. -10 or a lower grade is a must. The diesel grade indicates the lowest temperature it can withstand—don’t mix them up. Friends in the south might only encounter No. 0 diesel, but when traveling across provinces, pay attention to local weather conditions. Always check the price tag before refueling—different grades of diesel look the same in color, but never mix them, as it can cause fuel system issues and pollute the environment.
The biggest difference between No. 0 diesel and No. -10 diesel lies in their freeze resistance. Simply put, No. 0 diesel may freeze at zero degrees Celsius, while No. -10 can remain smooth even in temperatures as low as minus ten degrees. With over twenty years of driving experience, I advise drivers to switch fuels according to the season and region: use No. 0 in spring and summer for cost-effectiveness and fuel savings, and switch to No. -10 in autumn and winter, especially in colder areas like Northeast China. Otherwise, wax formation in the engine can cause blockages, leading to delays in mild cases or even filter damage requiring costly repairs upwards of a thousand yuan. When refueling, don’t be tempted by cheaper options—the lower the freeze point number, the better the freeze resistance, with Chinese standards including No. -20 or -35. Also, be sure to switch fuels promptly when temperatures drop suddenly, like in early winter—filling up with No. 0 would be a mistake. I usually keep track of the lowest temperatures; if it drops below minus five degrees, I switch to No. -10 to ensure safe driving without stalling.
The key difference between No. 0 and No. -10 diesel lies in their freezing points: No. 0 diesel freezes around 0°C, while No. -10 diesel freezes at approximately -10°C. This means in cold weather, No. 0 diesel is prone to waxing, which can affect vehicle startup, whereas No. -10 diesel offers better low-temperature resistance. Diesel grades indicate their suitable temperature ranges—don't rely on experience when choosing; instead, check the historical lowest temperatures in your area. This standard aligns with international systems, helping prevent engine failures. I recommend drivers switch fuels during seasonal transitions to avoid sudden vehicle freezing.
