Are biodiesel and vegetable oil the same thing?

Biodiesel is a vegetable oil based fuel which can be used in diesel engines. Most commonly biodiesel is made from soybean oil and canola (rapeseed) oil. It can also be made from other oils like sunflower, palm, corn, etc. Vegetable oil fuels are usually made from heating vegetable oils and converting them into alkyl esters. Alkyl esters can be used directly in diesel engines without any need for modification. Biodiesel is usually created from virgin oils.

Virgin oils are oils which have not been chemically processed in any way. Virgin oils are also usually unrefined oils. In some people’s eyes vegetable oil fuels are a very controversial topic.

Most people believe that vegetable oil fuels are not suitable for use in diesel engines, whilst others praise its benefits. It all boils down to the quality of oils used in both cases. Using vegetable oil fuels in a diesel engine which is not suited to it will cause damage to the engine. Using virgin oils in a diesel engine will also cause damage to the engine. It is very important to always check the labels of the item which you intend to use in your engine and make sure that it is suitable for your engine.