Does Diesel Fuel Go Bad?
This is an excellent question and one that is regularly asked by our customers in Virginia and North Carolina. Unfortunately, diesel can and will go bad, especially if it’s not handled properly.
Typically, diesel fuel lasts anywhere from six months to a year before it starts to degrade. This breakdown is often a result of how diesel is refined and its elevated levels of impurities compared to what is found in gasoline.
You can tell diesel is past its prime by its smell and appearance. Fresh fuel should have a clear, amber color and smell like diesel. If it has a dark, cloudy appearance or a strong, sour smell, it has most likely gone bad. Another indication of degraded diesel is if it starts forming clumps when stored for a long time.
Despite the inevitable degradation of this important fuel, there are ways to prolong its life and help ensure its effectiveness in your vehicles.
