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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Biodiesel Explained: B5, B20 and B100
Seen a B5 or B20 label at the diesel pump? Here is what biodiesel is, how the common blends differ, how it behaves in cold weather and what to check before you use it, from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC).
B5up to 5% biodiesel; can be sold as diesel fuel with no separate pump label
B206% to 20% biodiesel, a common blend
1% to 2%less energy per gallon in B20 than in petroleum diesel
Over 130°Cbiodiesel flash point, vs. about 52°C for petroleum diesel
The short answer
The AFDC describes biodiesel as a renewable, biodegradable diesel fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant grease. It is usually blended with petroleum diesel: B5 (up to 5% biodiesel) can be sold as ordinary diesel and is ASTM-approved for any diesel engine designed for petroleum diesel, while B20 (6% to 20%) can generally be used in current engines without modifications. Check your owner's manual and engine warranty before using higher blends.
Biodiesel blends at a glance
The number after the B is the percent biodiesel in the blend. According to the AFDC:
| Blend | Biodiesel content | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| B5 | Up to 5% biodiesel | ASTM D975 allows it to be called diesel fuel, with no separate labeling at the pump; ASTM-approved for safe operation in any compression-ignition engine designed to run on petroleum diesel |
| B20 | 6% to 20% biodiesel | Must meet ASTM D7467; generally usable in current engines without modifications, and many diesel engine makers approve it; check your warranty first |
| B100 | Pure (neat) biodiesel | Must meet ASTM D6751; typically used as a blendstock and rarely used as a transportation fuel; requires special handling and may require equipment modifications |
From AFDC, Biodiesel Blends, read November 8, 2026.
What biodiesel is
A renewable diesel fuel. The AFDC describes biodiesel as a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant grease. Like petroleum diesel, it is used to fuel compression-ignition engines.
How it is made. Biodiesel is produced by transesterification, a process that converts fats and oils into biodiesel and glycerin. Roughly 100 pounds of oil or fat react with 10 pounds of a short-chain alcohol (usually methanol) and a catalyst to form 100 pounds of biodiesel and 10 pounds of glycerin.
Not the same as vegetable oil. Raw or refined plant oil, or recycled greases that have not been processed into biodiesel, are not biodiesel and should not be used as a vehicle fuel. The AFDC says they can cause long-term engine deposits, ring sticking, lube-oil gelling and other maintenance problems that can reduce engine life.
Safer to handle. The AFDC says biodiesel is less combustible than petroleum diesel: its flash point is higher than 130°C, compared with about 52°C for petroleum diesel.
From AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, AFDC, Biodiesel Production and Distribution and AFDC, Biodiesel Benefits and Considerations, read November 8, 2026.
Biodiesel in your engine
Same engine, check the warranty. The AFDC says all diesel vehicles can operate using biodiesel, but some manufacturers do not approve higher-level blends. Before using biodiesel, check your owner's manual and engine warranty to see which blend your vehicle allows.
B20 performance. Engines running on B20 have similar fuel consumption, horsepower and torque to engines running on petroleum diesel. B20 has 1% to 2% less energy per gallon, but many B20 users report no noticeable difference in performance or fuel economy.
Lubricity. Biodiesel improves fuel lubricity and raises the cetane number of the fuel. The AFDC says 2% biodiesel is almost always sufficient for adequate lubricity.
High-level blends. B100 has a solvent effect: it can clean a fuel system and release deposits left by petroleum diesel, which may initially clog filters and require frequent filter replacement in the first few tanks. High-level blends can also affect engine warranties, gel in cold temperatures and present storage issues.
From AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel?, AFDC, Biodiesel Blends and AFDC, Biodiesel Benefits and Considerations, read November 8, 2026.
Biodiesel in cold weather
Lower blends do better in the cold. The AFDC says cold-weather performance depends on the blend, the feedstock and the petroleum diesel. In general, blends with smaller percentages of biodiesel perform better in cold temperatures, and No. 2 diesel and B5 typically perform about the same.
Cold flow improvers. Both biodiesel and No. 2 diesel have compounds that crystallize in very cold temperatures. In winter, fuel blenders and suppliers add a cold flow improver; for the best cold-weather performance, work with your fuel provider to make sure the blend is appropriate.
From AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, read November 8, 2026.
Biodiesel vs. renewable diesel
The AFDC says renewable diesel is distinct from biodiesel and is produced through a different process. Biodiesel is a mono-alkyl ester made by transesterification that meets ASTM D6751 and is approved for blending with petroleum diesel. Renewable diesel is a hydrocarbon, most often made by hydrotreating, that meets the ASTM D975 specification for petroleum diesel.
From AFDC, Renewable Diesel and AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, read November 8, 2026.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. For a diesel, follow the fuel and maintenance guidance in your owner's manual, and ask our service team which items apply to your vehicle.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Biodiesel FAQ
What is biodiesel?
The AFDC describes biodiesel as a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant grease. Like petroleum diesel, it is used to fuel compression-ignition (diesel) engines. In its unblended form it is called B100, or pure or neat biodiesel.
What do B5 and B20 mean?
The number is the percentage of biodiesel in the blend. The AFDC says the most common blends are B5 (up to 5% biodiesel) and B20 (6% to 20% biodiesel). B100 is pure biodiesel.
Can I use biodiesel in my diesel truck?
The AFDC says all diesel vehicles can operate using biodiesel, but some manufacturers do not approve higher-level blends. Low-level blends such as B5 are ASTM-approved for any compression-ignition engine designed for petroleum diesel. Before using a higher blend, check your owner's manual and engine warranty.
Does biodiesel affect fuel economy?
Per the AFDC, engines running on B20 have similar fuel consumption, horsepower and torque to petroleum diesel. B20 has 1% to 2% less energy per gallon, though many B20 users report no noticeable difference. The higher the biodiesel percentage above 20%, the lower the energy content per gallon.
How does biodiesel do in cold weather?
The AFDC says blends with smaller percentages of biodiesel generally perform better in cold temperatures, and No. 2 diesel and B5 typically perform about the same. Fuel suppliers add cold flow improvers in winter; work with your fuel provider to make sure the blend is appropriate.
Is biodiesel the same as renewable diesel?
No. The AFDC says renewable diesel is distinct from biodiesel and is produced through a different process. Biodiesel is made by transesterification and meets ASTM D6751; renewable diesel is a hydrocarbon that meets the ASTM D975 petroleum diesel specification.
Can I put vegetable oil in a diesel engine?
No. The AFDC says raw or refined plant oil, or recycled greases that have not been processed into biodiesel, are not biodiesel and should not be used as a vehicle fuel; they can cause engine deposits, ring sticking, lube-oil gelling and other problems that can reduce engine life.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Questions about diesel fuel?
Talk with the Michigan City Ford team, or check your owner's manual for the fuel your vehicle is approved to use.
Sources
Biodiesel definitions, blends, specifications, cold-weather, safety and engine details are from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, read November 8, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Biodiesel Blends, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Biodiesel Benefits and Considerations, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Biodiesel Production and Distribution, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel?, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Renewable Diesel, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026