Rajan Wilcox
Winter weather poses significant challenges for diesel-powered vehicles, especially commercial trucks. Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which solidifies in cold temperatures, leading to gelling and crystallization. This can clog fuel lines and filters, causing engine failure. To prevent this, diesel fuel can be winterized by blending it with lighter fuels like kerosene or gasoline, or by adding winter fuel additives to lower the gel point. The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland differentiate between summer and winter diesel blends, while in North America, gas stations offer No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuels, with No. 1 being more suitable for winter due to its lower cloud point. Winter diesel ensures engines operate smoothly and efficiently in cold weather, and additives improve fuel flow and ignition, managing water within the fuel.
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel blends
Diesel fuel typically comes in two blends: summer and winter. Summer blend diesel, also known as No. 2 ULSD, is a non-treated diesel. As the ambient temperature drops, the paraffin wax in the fuel begins to precipitate, giving it a cloudy appearance. At temperatures below 0°F, the wax particles solidify and can clog fuel filters, causing the engine to stop running.
Winter blend diesel, on the other hand, is a mixture of No. 2 ULSD and No. 1 diesel or kerosene. The kerosene in the winter blend lowers the gel point, preventing the fuel from solidifying in cold weather. The specific gel point of winter blend diesel depends on the mixture, with higher kerosene content resulting in a lower gel point.
Biodiesel is another type of diesel fuel blend that is gaining popularity. Biodiesel can be blended in different concentrations, with B5 (up to 5% biodiesel) and B20 (6% to 20% biodiesel) being the most common blends. Biodiesel offers greater greenhouse gas emissions benefits than conventional diesel fuel, and its lubrication qualities can prolong the lifetime of engine components. However, biodiesel has lower energy content per gallon than petroleum diesel, and high-level blends (above 20%) can impact engine warranties and present storage challenges.
In North America, gas stations typically offer two types of diesel fuel: No. 1 and No. 2. No. 1 fuel, similar to kerosene, has a lower cold filter plugging point (CFPP) but is more expensive. Adding No. 1 fuel to No. 2 fuel can lower its CFPP, improving its performance in cold weather.
To ensure the winter operability of diesel fuel, it is important to consider the cloud point, cold filter plugging point, and pour point. Preventive maintenance, such as adding diesel fuel supplements or winter additives, can help avoid fuel gelling and keep fuel-filters from plugging in cold weather.
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Diesel fuel gelling
To prevent diesel fuel gelling, there are several measures that can be taken:
- Fuel additives: Adding winter fuel additives, such as Hot Shot's Secret's EDT+ Winter Defense, can lower the gel point of diesel fuel and improve cold weather performance. These additives can be purchased from brands like Power Service and Howes.
- Kerosene: Mixing kerosene with diesel fuel is a common solution as kerosene has a lower gelling point. This can be done at home or by purchasing winter blend diesel, which contains a mixture of diesel and kerosene.
- Fuel heaters: Using fuel heaters can help maintain the temperature of the fuel and prevent gelling. This includes the use of low-output electric heaters in fuel tanks and around fuel lines.
- Insulated fuel tank blankets: Insulated blankets can be used to cover fuel tanks, providing an additional layer of protection against cold temperatures.
- Winter blend diesel: In some regions, gas stations offer winter blend diesel, which is specifically designed for cold weather conditions. This fuel has a lower gel point and can improve engine performance in winter.
- Preventive maintenance: Regular preventive maintenance can help avoid issues caused by diesel fuel gelling. This includes adding Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost to your fuel tank as temperatures drop.
It is important to note that the specific measures taken to prevent diesel fuel gelling may depend on the region and the availability of different fuel types and additives. Additionally, it is always a good idea to consult the engine manufacturer before using any additives, as some may not be compatible with certain engine systems.
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Diesel fuel additives
Winter diesel fuel additives are designed to address this issue by lowering the temperature at which the fuel gels or waxes. This is known as the "cloud point". By reducing the cloud point, additives help prevent the formation of wax crystals, keeping your fuel system clear and your engine running smoothly.
There are several options available when it comes to diesel fuel additives. Some popular choices include Power Service additives, which offer a range of benefits such as lowering the waxing point, acting as a lubricant, and boosting cetane levels. Another well-known option is Lucas Oil Anti-Gel, which prevents wax build-up and helps remove moisture from the fuel system.
When choosing a diesel fuel additive, it is important to select one that is suitable for your specific needs. For example, if you have a diesel car or truck, you will need an additive that is designed for diesel engines. It is also crucial to consider the temperature range that the additive is effective in, as well as any potential compatibility issues with your fuel type.
In addition to choosing the right additive, it is important to use it correctly. Many additives should be added at each fill-up to ensure proper mixing and maximum effectiveness. It is also a good idea to check with your engine manufacturer to get their recommendations and ensure that the additive will not cause any damage to your engine or fuel system.
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Diesel fuel and water
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a waxy substance that can solidify in cold temperatures, causing the fuel to gel and clog fuel lines and filters. This can lead to engine shutdown. To prevent this, diesel fuel can be winterized by blending it with lighter fuel or additives that lower the gel point.
Water is always dissolved in diesel fuel, and when temperatures drop, this water can freeze in fuel filters, blocking fuel flow and causing an engine shutdown. While additives do not eliminate water, they can improve its dispersion in the fuel, reducing the risk of freezing. For example, Ed Staub & Sons offers Clear Diesel Supplement, which specifically addresses water problems.
In the United States, diesel fuel typically comes in two blends: summer and winter. Summer blend diesel, or No. 2 ULSD, will gel at higher temperatures than winter blend diesel, which is a mixture of No. 2 ULSD and No. 1 diesel/kerosene. The kerosene in winter blend diesel lowers its gel point. The actual gel point of winter blend diesel depends on the specific mixture, with higher kerosene content resulting in a lower gel point.
In extremely cold conditions, a blend of 70% No. 2 diesel and 30% No. 1 diesel is recommended. As temperatures drop further, a blend of 50% No. 2 diesel and 50% No. 1 diesel is suggested. In severe winter conditions, a blend of 30% No. 2 diesel and 70% No. 1 diesel, or even 100% No. 1 diesel, may be necessary. No. 1 diesel is more expensive and has a lower energy content than No. 2 diesel, so cost implications should be considered when deciding on the blend ratio.
In addition to using winter blend diesel, additives can be used to prevent fuel gelling and keep fuel-filters from plugging with ice and wax. These additives also help maintain a smooth flow of fuel in cold weather. However, it is important to consult the engine manufacturer before using additives, as some can damage high-pressure common rail injection systems.
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Diesel fuel and battery life
Diesel fuel is impacted by ambient temperatures, so its performance characteristics need to be managed throughout the year to ensure proper equipment and engine operation—especially in cold environments. Winter weather can pose significant challenges for diesel-powered vehicles, and cold temperatures can make rubber components brittle and prone to cracking.
To avoid issues, it is recommended to transition gradually from summer to winter diesel. In warmer months, it is reasonable to use grade No. 2 diesel fuel, also called "summer diesel fuel". It starts clouding at about –7 °C, and the wax crystals that give the fuel its cloudy appearance will eventually clog up fuel filters and injectors, causing the vehicle to stop running. No. 2 diesel fuel has a Cloud Point from -18 to 20 °F (-28 to -7 °C). During the early winter, a blend of 70% No. 2 diesel and 30% No. 1 diesel is recommended. As winter sets in, adjust the mix to 30% No. 2 diesel and 70% No. 1 diesel. In extremely cold conditions, switch entirely to No. 1 diesel. No. 1 diesel has a lower cloud point than No. 2 diesel, making it more suitable for cold weather. However, it is generally more expensive and has a lower energy content, which could reduce the fuel system's life.
There are additives available that help prevent the formation of wax crystals in the fuel, such as Hot Shot’s Diesel Winter Anti-Gel and AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment. These products improve fuel flow and prevent fuel from falling to extremely low temperatures. It is important to add the specified amount of additive to the fuel tank before refueling to ensure proper mixing. Use additives each time you fill your tank when temperatures drop below 32 °F to maximize effectiveness.
Alternatively, purchasing diesel fuel that is already additized for winter conditions is preferable to using aftermarket cold flow additives, as the additives need to be added at the right temperatures and concentrations. Winterized diesel fuels, such as Mobil Diesel Efficient™, can help commercial vehicles and equipment remain fully operational in low temperatures by reducing occurrences of fuel gelling, which can cause fuel starvation, loss of engine power, and stalling.
Cold weather can significantly reduce battery efficiency, and batteries have to work harder than usual to start vehicles in cold temperatures. It is recommended to test your battery before the cold temperatures arrive, especially if the battery is more than 3 years old, to ensure it can handle the increased load. A battery load tester can provide accurate results, and many auto shops offer free battery testing services. If your battery is weak, consider replacing it to avoid no-start situations during the winter months.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel contains paraffin waxes, which solidify at lower temperatures, causing the fuel to gel and blocking the fuel system.
You can either switch to a winter-grade diesel fuel or add a winter fuel additive to your existing fuel. If you are using an additive, make sure to add it before refuelling to ensure proper mixing.
Winter diesel fuel is typically available from mid-November to mid-March, depending on your location. You should start using it when temperatures drop below 32°F to 35°F.
