Red Diesel vs. Clear Diesel: Understanding the Differences

Diesel is an essential fuel for powering vehicles and machinery. From trucks to construction equipment, different diesel types keep people moving and working.

However, not all diesel is the same. Diesel fuel can come in different colors, including clear and red. These colors mean the diesel has unique uses and regulations — you can’t always use any diesel for any task, and diesel is designated by its off-road or on-road use.

Understanding the differences between each fuel is essential to help you keep your vehicle in top condition and comply with fuel use laws. Let’s take a look at diesel fuel and compare red diesel vs. regular diesel.

Diesel fuel comes in two colors — clear and red. After processing and refining, diesel is clear. However, different industries and users need diesel for their applications, so clear diesel is dyed to show its intended purpose. Clear diesel might have a greenish tint when it’s fresh or a yellow tint when it’s older. Red diesel, also referred to as off-road diesel, is artificially dyed to look reddish so officials and users can identify it clearly.

While diesel is a critical resource for many people and industries, you need to make sure you’re getting the right fuel for the job. Clear diesel and off-road diesel have different uses and prices.

The main differences between dyed and clear diesel are color and usage. Here’s a breakdown of the two main diesel fuel colors to help you get the correct fuel for your needs:

Clear diesel, highway diesel or on-road diesel is the diesel you see at gas stations. It is for diesel vehicles that drive on public roads, like trucks, cars and buses. Since it’s used on publicly funded roads, it is subject to federal and state taxes through the Internal Revenue Service’s Excise Fuel Compliance program. As a result, clear diesel can be more expensive than red diesel.

The main advantages of buying clear diesel are its convenience and road use. You can fill up with clear diesel at any gas station and be ready to hit the road.

Red diesel, off-road diesel or dyed diesel is chemically similar to clear diesel. However, it’s used differently, so it’s dyed with red coloring for easy identification. If your diesel has red dye, it’s only for off-road use.

Red diesel is used in agricultural machinery, generators, construction equipment and other off-road vehicles. Its lower cost through tax rebates makes it an excellent fuel choice for these vehicles, reducing overall project expenses.

Note that if you use off-road diesel in your on-road vehicle, you could face fines and legal consequences because it isn’t taxed. Additionally, farm vehicles have a limit on how far they can travel with off-road diesel. With these vehicles, you have to stay within a set distance to avoid misuse fines. Check with your local regulations to ensure you follow fuel-related laws while operating your vehicles.

Government officials can test your fuel at weigh stations, agricultural shows, safety check stations and other areas if they think you’re using the wrong fuel. Therefore, it’s important to understand the differences between either diesel type and purchase your diesel from a reliable supplier.

Use these tips to ensure you’re getting the right fuel for your needs:

1. Check the fuel source: Getting the correct fuel starts at the source. Make sure you and your supplier know what fuel you require for your vehicle and its intended use. Authorized fuel sellers and suppliers will have the information you need to get regulation-compliant fuel.
2. Look at color: Is your fuel red or clear? Visual checks are a fast way to find out what fuel you have. You can also get a fuel analysis kit to make sure your fuel is the right color and composition. If you have the wrong fuel, let your supplier know and remove it to avoid legal fines.
3. Keep records: Document all your fuel purchases to cover your bases. Receipts and delivery notes will indicate the type of fuel you buy — keep these records in a safe place. This documentation can come in handy if you’re ever questioned about your fuel use or found using the wrong fuel.
4. Store safely: Store your diesel in clearly labeled containers or tanks to avoid accidental swaps. Keep your off-road and clear diesel separate with accurate labels so you only use the correct one.
5. Stay updated: Stay current with local and federal fuel regulations. Conducting fuel audits and regularly refreshing your knowledge ensures you’re always aware of proper fuel use.

When looking into the appropriate fuels for your vehicle, keep in mind that you should avoid mixing clear and off-road diesel. Doing so will lower the fuel’s ignition quality and cause numerous fuel system issues, such as clogged fuel filters and injectors. Think of it as a matter of preventive vehicle maintenance.

If you use both types of diesel and are low on one or the other, don’t combine them — take the time to refuel correctly instead. Should you accidentally confuse the two and add each to your vehicle, you’ll want to drain the fuel tank and dispose of the fuel properly. You may also need to check your fuel system components to ensure they aren’t damaged.

When it comes to reliable fuel services, Foster Fuels is your trusted fuel expert. With over 100 years of experience and a strong reputation for first-rate service and competitive pricing, we strive to stand out. As a licensed fuel provider in 48 states, Foster Fuels is your go-to source for all your diesel needs.

Our comprehensive services include on-road diesel, off-road diesel, propane, biodiesel, diesel exhaust fluid and gasoline. We also offer 24/7, 365 emergency fuel services to ensure you have fuel when you need it. Additionally, our tank monitoring service makes sure you always have fuel in your tank, so you can worry less about your vehicles and focus more on growing your operation.

Foster Fuels’ mission is to exceed all expectations with unmatched service and fuel quality. Join the countless businesses and individuals who trust us for their fuel needs. Contact us today to learn more about how our diesel fuel can benefit your operation!