Questions about storing diesel
 

I keep a 5-gallon diesel container in the trunk in case of emergency (mine or someone else's) and have some general questions about storing diesel. I'm mostly inquiring because at one point the small cap apparently became loose and it leaked over a gallon of diesel into the trunk, had to clean it out and replace the mat so the fumes didn't choke me when I opened the windows. It's been sitting outside for a few months and I recently noticed that the fuel has changed color, but I'm not sure if it's due to oxidization/contamination or mixture with a very small amount of biodiesel. I added 2 gallons of petroleum diesel to...whatever I unable to pour into my tank when things got desperate and I only had a paper slushie cone for a funnel! It smells a bit like fresh varnished pine...

So basically I'm wondering if this fuel is still good after recent events, and would like to know how long diesel can be stored without spoiling in some way and if I need to use any sort of additives to preserve it.

totally fine, burn it with pride. I would put it in a tank with at least 5 gallons of fuel, but it'll be fine to use if you are out, I'd just drive to a station soon.
the problem with it is moisture in your tank will cause the asphalt in the fuel to settle out, and can catalyze the rest in your tank, making what looks like an algae bloom in there.
you might wanna put in some startron or diesel power's clear diesel tank additive.

Ha I know that place, remember when they first opened and when they moved into their new gas station site....and were able to be open for business around the clock...at one time they were only opened certain days...

If you plan to keep fuel in the trunk, get an all steel NATO jerry can. Its far less likely to leak and it fits securely in one of the 2 trunk side pockets.
http://i.imgur.com/oue27.jpg

VALPRO jerry can tests - YouTube

I purchased some EXTREMELY heavy duty 5 gallon yellow diesel containers at a Shell Station pout in the boonies for 17.00 each.
Those things are bulletproof AND don't allow light inside the container either.
Used them on my trip to California and they performed well. Still looking for a couple more.

valpros look awesome.

can't really buy them in the republic of the united states however from what i see.

any local to california companies have good jerry cans now that i've been jeepified?

The Harbor Freight store in San Rafael has some on the shelf last time I was there but the steel looks thin and they lack the latch type spout, typical Chinese quality. Several online vendors will ship jerry cans to California so long as they are labeled "not for fuel". Check the reviews on Amazon, some of them look quality. They are not cheap.
Amazon.com: Nato Jerry Gas Can 20L/5.28G Military Spec. Gasoline Jeep Hummer (GREEN W/ Spout & Spare Gasket: Everything Else

Store fuel in your fuel tank.
 

When your needle starts getting low, get more.