Premium fuel is essential for more than just keeping injectors and fuel pumps free of deposits to function correctly. Fuel and engines are susceptible to various issues that can damage equipment, infrastructure, and fuel over time, and premium fuel plays a crucial role in preventing these problems.

Premium fuel has an extended storage life because it contains stability additives. With fuel prices soaring, more and more people are trying to store the fuel for more extended periods to try to buy fuel when prices are low, and locations with important emergency standby power generators also store fuel. Damage from fuel degradation is irreversible, so preventing the process from starting is very important. Premium fuel contains stability additives that prevent degradation so that fuel can stay in storage for an average of twice as long as a standard fuel.

Sulfur was not the only component removed from the fuel with the introduction of Ultra-Low Sulfur diesel. Aromatic hydrocarbons were also limited to a maximum content of 35%, leaving ULSD with less ability to suspend contaminants so they would burn off harmlessly. Premium fuel contains chemistry that replaces the function of lost aromatics and keeps contaminants small, so they do not cause engine damage.

There are many reasons why premium fuel more than pays for itself. Last month we discussed the cost savings of premium fuel due to fuel economy gains, but it is also essential to recognize all the other benefits. Considering all the things that premium fuel helps improve, the decision to use it is simple.

Author: Brian Neer, Products Manager (bneer@teametp.com)