Some states and provinces have restrictions on the purchase of diesel fuel for light duty vehicles and require you to buy permits or pay special taxes. Some of these restrictions apply to residents, and others apply to both residents and visitors. These restrictions can change. To learn the current restrictions in any state or province, contact your auto club, the police or other officials.

Use a J 38641-B Diesel Fuel Quality Tester to measure the fuel specific gravity, API rating. Follow the instructions on the tool to obtain the proper temperature adjusted value. This information must be accurate for the proper diagnosis of the fuel system.

In the United States, for best results, use Number 2-D diesel fuel year-round, above and below freezing conditions, because the oil companies blend Number 2-D fuel to address climate differences. Number 1-D diesel fuel may be used in very cold temperatures, when the temperature stays below 0°F or -18°C; however, the fuel will produce a power and fuel economy loss. The use of Number 1-D diesel fuel in warm or hot climates may result in stalling and faulty starting when the engine is hot, and may damage the fuel injection system.

Diesel fuel may foam when filling the tank. This can cause the automatic pump nozzle to shut off, even though the tank is not full. If this happens, wait for the foaming to stop and then continue to fill the tank.

Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes. Diesel Type A fuel is blended for better cold weather starting, when the temperature stays below 0°F or -18°C; however, the fuel will produce a power and fuel economy loss. The use of Type A diesel fuel in warmer climates may result in stalling or faulty starting. Diesel Type B fuel is blended for temperatures above 0°F (-18°C). The emission control system requires the use of diesel fuel with low-sulfur (0.05% by weight) content. Both low- and higher-sulfur fuels will be available in Canada. Only low-sulfur diesel fuels are available in the United States. It is important that diesel-powered trucks are refueled only with low-sulfur fuel. Use of fuels with higher-sulfur content will affect the function of the emission components and may cause reduced performance, excessive smoke and unpleasant odor.

If the vehicle is driven in very cold temperatures and a winterized Number 2-D that has been adapted to cold weather, or a Number 1-D is not available, use one gallon of kerosene for every two gallons of diesel fuel. Once you add the kerosene, run the engine for several minutes in order to mix the fuels. Only add kerosene when the temperature is less than 0°F (-18°C), because the fuel economy and lubricating qualities of kerosene are not as good as that of diesel fuel.

In cold weather , the fuel filter may become clogged, or "waxed". To unclog the filter, move the vehicle to a warm garage area and warm the filter to a temperature between 32°-50°F (0°-10°C). Replacing the filter is not necessary.

Sometimes, water can be pumped into the fuel tank along with diesel fuel. This can happen if the service station does not regularly inspect and clean their fuel tanks, or if the fuel gets contaminated from the service station's suppliers.

If water is pumped into the fuel tank, a Water In Fuel light will illuminate. If the Water In Fuel light illuminates, the excess water must be drained from the fuel system on the vehicle.

The Water In Fuel light also should illuminate briefly when the engine is started as a check. If the light does not illuminate, the problem should be fixed in order to identify a Water In Fuel condition correctly.