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Is your manufacturer warranty void if you use HVO?

It’s a common concern that using HVO in place of regular diesel might void the warranty from your equipment manufacturer. But actually, most manufacturers already support an instant switch from diesel to HVO.

As we’ve outlined in a previous guide, Prema HVO is 100% interchangeable with regular diesel. Nevertheless, we regularly come across concerns that using HVO will void an OEM’s warranty, often because people think it is a ‘new’ or ‘untested’ fuel.

HVO fuel has been around for a long time

EN15940 HVO is approved for use by original engine manufacturers as a drop-in replacement to conventional Diesel without modifications. This article explains why, how it meets OEM requirements and how to easily gain direct approvals.

Most engine manufacturers approve of the use of EN15940 HVO as a drop-in replacement for conventional EN590 Diesel in their engines without modification, including DAF, Scania and Volvo.

HVO is not a new fuel. In fact, it has been widely accepted and proven around the world for over a decade. It is now approved for use by most engine manufacturers.

All major OEMs have approved HVO

Given its popularity in Sweden, you might not be surprised to find that two of HVO’s biggest fans are Volvo and Scania. Both manufacturers recommend it as their ‘first fill fuel’ because of its superior performance.

However, the two Swedish giants aren’t the only well-known manufacturers to give HVO the thumb of approval. Most major OEMs have approved its use across a range of applications, including (but not limited to):

  • Heavy Duty Vehicles: DAF, IVECO, MAN, Mercedez-Benz, Renault, Scania, Volvo
  • Non-Road Vehicles: AGCO, Caterpillar, John Deere, Scania, STEYR
  • Passenger Vehicles: Citroën, DS, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Renault, Volvo.

We can provide specific case studies and OEM approvals on request. If you’re unsure, speak to us or your manufacturer.

Lower HVO blends require no OEM approval whatsoever

As the UK’s specialist liquid fuel oil blender, we can provide Prema HVO:diesel blends at various ratios, allowing you to choose a blend that suits you.

At the lower end of the spectrum, our 20% and 30% HVO blends actually meet the EN590 fuel specification – the same as regular diesel. In other words, you can freely use these blends without requiring OEM approval. So your warranty is safer than you think.

How HVO meets engine manufacturer requirements?

Prema HVO is part of a family of cleaner, greener fuels called ‘paraffinic diesel fuels’. The European Standardisation body, CEN, published a full specification for paraffinic fuels – EN15940 – in mid-2016. This paved the way for legislators and manufacturers to specifically refer to and approve the use of these fuels in their legislation and handbooks. As a result, most OEMs have approved of the use of EN15940 diesels, including Prema HVO, since 2016. So, for engines from 2016 onward, it is likely the engine manufacturers will approve.

Prema HVO also meets the international diesel specification, ASTM D975. It meets the conventional diesel specification, EN590, in all respects apart from density (it is slightly lighter than conventional diesel). This has minimal, if any, effect on fuel consumption because the heating value of the fuels are so similar. Prema HVO exceeds the EN590 specification regarding cold properties, ignition qualities, filterability and stability.

Why gain approval from your engine manufacturer?

If your vehicle or application is still within the manufacturer’s warranty or you have taken out mechanical breakdown insurance, we always recommend gaining direct approval.

How to gain approval from your engine manufacturer?

If you are having issues gaining approval from your manufacturers – it can sometimes be because uninformed people at the manufacturers may confuse EN15940 HVO with Biodiesel FAME.
HVO is fundamentally different to Biodiesel FAME. To avoid this, we would suggest asking the engine manufacturers if they approve of the use of EN15940 Diesel, that Prema HVO adheres to. From there, they should approve of HVO specifically also.
If you would like further information regarding OEM approvals or fuel specifications, please do get in touch.

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