ENERGY
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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.