The Northwest Biofuels Association has produced a joint letter about biodiesel warranty protocol intended to set the record straight for auto dealers (and everyone else that’s confused about the issue).

Recently, I wrote about how biodiesel’s new ASTM standards could go a long way in improving warranty coverage for biodiesel use in your new car. NW Biofuel’s letter goes into a little more detail, and gives you a reference you can give to your dealership or keep in the glove box. Here’s what you should know:

• Whether or not a biodiesel blend is “recommended” by your automaker is separate from the question of whether the use of biodiesel affects engine warranty coverage. Make sure you know exactly what your automaker specifies.
• Because vehicle warranties only cover parts and workmanship, fuel is not covered under any vehicle warranty.

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  Lack of warranty support for biodiesel has been a major stumbling block for new diesel owners who want to start using the fuel. But three long-awaited ASTM specifications could help change that.

  Automakers and engine manufacturers have been requesting a finished blend specification for B20 biodiesel blends for several years, with some citing the need for that spec as the single greatest hurdle preventing their full-scale acceptance of B20 use in their diesel vehicles.

  On June 19th, after more than five years of research and discussion, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) finally approved the following specifications for biodiesel fuel:

  • Changes to the existing B100 biodiesel blend stock specification (ASTM D6751)
  • Finished specifications to include up to 5% biodiesel (B5) in the conventional petrodiesel specification (ASTM D975)
  • A new specification for blends of between 6 percent biodiesel (B6) to 20 percent biodiesel (B20) for on and off road diesel.

  If that’s gibberish to you, here’s the take home message: the new specification for B6-B20 biodiesel blends could prompt more automakers to fully support B20 in their new cars and trucks.

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