ENERGY
Page 2 www . midcountycoop . com
IT WILL WARM UP !
Quay Zander Petroleum Operations ( 952 ) 466-3727
quayz @ midcountycoop . com
We would like to say a special thank you to our customers who cleared paths to your propane tanks and fuel oil fill pipes this past winter . In many cases , the
tanks were actually buried . If you keep your propane tanks clear of snow , it will help avoid tank pressures from dropping during cold days , so when the sun comes out , the tank is able to warm up to keep your appliances running efficiently .
Looking forward to the next heating and crop drying season , the industry is gearing up to compensate for the reversal of a propane pipeline that brought propane from Canada and runs through Minnesota into Illinois . The pipeline is going to ship a product from Illinois called “ condensate ” in the other direction , up to oil fields in North Dakota and Canada . The light condensate is used as part of the drilling process for heavy crude oil . This pipeline supplied 40 % of Minnesota ’ s propane , and our suppliers are investing heavily into rail terminals and rail cars to make sure there is adequate supply .
OILS - WHAT ’ S NEW AND UPCOMING
Within the next few years , new cars and some trucks will be calling for a different grade of engine oil . Both 0W-16 and 5W-16 are a couple of examples . You may ask , “ Why the change to a lighter viscosity ?” It is a way to squeeze a few more drops of fuel economy from the new engines being designed for the 2016 model year . The EPA and Washington bureaucrats set the fuel economy standards for car and truck Original Equipment Manufacturers ( OEM ) and they must meet these standards to avoid massive fines . By 2016 , all car and truck OEMs must increase their fuel economy considerably . As a result , new engine designs and new oils are being created for these new engines .
While these new oil grades may deliver better fuel economy , don ’ t plan on using them in your 2012 or older vehicle . These new oils will not be “ backwards compatible ,” which means they can ’ t be used in vehicles
built before the 2016 model year .
The same thing goes for diesel engines in 2016 . New oil specifications for diesel engines will create a new 5W-30 diesel oil specification . Again , fuel economy is the name of the game , and these new diesel oils will only work in new diesel engines designed for the new 5W-30 diesel oil .
On top of these new viscosity grades and oil standards , many OEMs are also adding their own new specifications . General Motor ’ s Dexos1 is one example of an OEM ’ s specification that is now required in their new vehicles .
All of this change creates confusion . Gone will be the days of just choosing your favorite brand of 10W-30 and using it in your wife ’ s Chevy minivan and your Ford truck . Engines are changing , fuels are changing and oils are changing . If you have any questions on lubricants or fuels , please give us a call at Mid-County . We are here to help .
We strongly encourage you to prepay or budget for next year ’ s heating needs . History has shown that in most years it will pay off in lower heating costs .
If you are considering switching your fuel oil furnace to propane , call us at Mid-County . We can help you with all of your propane needs .
Have a safe , fun , and warm spring . As always , thank you for your business .
BULK FUELS
Bulk fuels we offer :
• Premium Diesel ( On-Road and Off-Road )
• Bio-Diesel ( B5-B20 ) Capability to blend different levels of Bio .
• Farm Gas
• 91 Octane Gas
• Turbo Blue ® Racing Gas
• Kerosene
• # 1 and # 2 Heating Oil
• Winter Diesel
Mid-County Energy is second-tonone in quality fuels and services when it comes to tractors , trucks , and construction equipment . Give us a call today at ( 952 ) 466-3720 .