Is "Diesel" fuel all the same?

Available at my local suburban food mart is a product called "automobile diesel". My first concern is the product turnover rate - assuming I don't want a stale product.

But what's most important to me is whether it is the same product as what's available at a true, over the road, truck stop.

Secondly, while over the road, do you all simply purchase the cheapest diesel or a particular brand(s)?

Thanks for your thoughts.

All on road diesel is basically the same . You have winter and summer blends to prevent freezing . It's all low sulfur diesel.

Diesel fuel is produced in #1 and #2 grades. The #1 grade is less viscous (pours better) and is favored in very cold climates. It is more similar to kerosene or jet fuel. #2 grade is the more common road fuel diesel. It closely resembles fuel oil.

#1 diesel has slightly less heat content (Btu/gallon) than #2. Years ago, there were also differences in sulfur content but all road fuel is low sulfur now. Low sulfur fuels have less lubricity than higher sulfur blends. This has caused some concern about increased wear of injector pumps. I am not sure if this is a real problem or not. Some advocate fuel additives to restore lubricity.

Road fuel suppliers blend the two types for winter use. In any case fresh fuel is a good idea. In warm climates, algae and bacteria can grow in the fuel, causing gelling. In cold climates water can be dispersed in the fuel in the form of microscopic ice crystals. This is especially likely in aviation fuels which can see temps well below zero. All aviation jet fuels use deicing cosolvents year round.

Auto diesel pumps have a different nozzle size than truck pumps but fuel is the same.

As long as the fuel is reasonably fresh and free of water it is all about the same.

Thank you gentlemen. I'll load all the cans into the wife's trunk. She can easily fill them after the gym, on her way home from work.

We have the same in AZ. Light duty and heavy duty. The difference is tax. Heavy trucks pay $.08 more tax.

Our Ford 6.0 diesel manual and service guides recommend Cetane booster be added at every fill up (pre Def) and it has served us well. Ford sells a product named Motorcraft Fuel Conditioner for about $8 that treats 125 gallons. It is not in many auto parts stores but every dealer parts counter has had it. We have avoided all the issues of failures and wear, so far and have just passed 202,000 miles.

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