An emergency fuel for an internal combustion engine comprises a hydrocarbon
solvent having a flash point of at least 100.degree. F. (such as about
65-75% paraffins and about 25-35% naphthenes, or about 75-85% paraffins
and about 15-25% of C7 or higher alcohols, or an aromatic solvent, or an
naphthalene-depleted aromatic solvent) and a cold starting additive. The
cold starting additive may be provided in an amount of less than 5,000
ppm, preferably between about 1 ppm and 150 ppm. The cold starting
additive is preferably selected from peroxides, azo compounds, cyano
compounds, cetane improvers, or combinations of these compounds. When the
emergency fuel is added to a cold engine, including one substantially at
room temperature, the engine may be easily started.
