Regan Brown
Winter weather poses significant challenges for diesel-powered vehicles, particularly commercial trucks. To ensure your fleet remains operational during the colder months, it is essential to transition to winter-grade diesel fuel or use additives to prevent fuel from gelling and keep fuel filters from clogging. Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which forms wax crystals at low temperatures, affecting fuel flow and engine performance. Additives, also known as cold-flow improvers, modify these wax crystals, preventing them from clumping together and clogging filters. They also have water-dispersing properties, reducing the risk of ice formation in fuel tanks. Kerosene blends are another option to ensure diesel performance in winter, although they can be more expensive. Choosing the correct additive or blend is crucial for maintaining diesel engines during the winter, preventing breakdowns, and saving costs.
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What You'll Learn
Additives prevent wax crystals from clogging filters and fuel lines
Winter operability of diesel fuel is measured by three primary data points: Cloud Point, Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), and Pour Point. At certain low temperatures, the paraffin wax in diesel fuel crystallizes, forming wax crystals that give the fuel a cloudy appearance. This can clog filters and fuel lines, preventing fuel flow and causing breakdowns.
Additives, also known as cold-flow improvers, modify wax crystals in diesel fuel, preventing them from clumping together and clogging filters. They improve the CFPP abilities and lower the Pour Point of the fuel, reducing the need for kerosene blends, which can be costly. Additives with water-dispersing properties can also minimize the risk of ice formation in fuel tanks.
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 for maximum effectiveness. It is also recommended to replace your fuel filter before winter and keep a spare in your vehicle.
Some popular winter diesel additives include Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment, and REV-X Distance+ Winter. These additives can help prevent fuel gelling, improve cold starts, and ensure trouble-free winter operation.
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Cold-flow improvers are cheaper than kerosene blends
Winter diesel treatment is essential for keeping diesel engines running smoothly. As temperatures drop, the paraffin wax in diesel crystallises, forming sheets that can clog filters and fuel lines. This can lead to fuel gelling, engine damage, and costly breakdowns.
One option to prevent these issues is to use kerosene blends, which typically range from 90/10 blends (10% kerosene) to 50/50 blends (50% kerosene). However, kerosene blends can be significantly more expensive than regular diesel fuel, with ULSD #1 costing an average of 52 cents more per gallon over the last three years. For example, a 70/30 blend would cost 15.6 cents more per gallon than regular diesel.
Cold-flow improvers, also known as winter additives, offer a more cost-effective alternative to kerosene blends. These additives are designed to modify wax crystals in diesel fuel, preventing them from clumping together and clogging filters. They can lower the operable temperature of diesel fuel by 15-20°F, reducing the need for kerosene and helping fleet owners manage costs. Additionally, additives have water-dispersing properties, minimising the risk of ice formation in fuel tanks. They can also contain cetane boosters, which improve ignition quality and overall engine performance.
The choice between kerosene blends and cold-flow improvers depends on the climate and specific needs of the fleet. In milder zones, winter additives may be sufficient, while extreme cold temperatures may require a blend of kerosene. However, considering the added cost of kerosene and the effectiveness of cold-flow improvers, it is clear that cold-flow improvers are a cheaper option than kerosene blends for improving diesel performance in winter.
Some popular winter additives include Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, and AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment. These products can be added to the fuel tank before refuelling to ensure proper mixing and prevent fuel gelling, improve fuel flow, and address water in the fuel. It is important to note that additives should be used consistently when temperatures drop below 32°F to maximise their effectiveness.
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Kerosene blends ensure diesel works in winter
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a waxy substance that crystallises at low temperatures, forming sheets that can clog filters. This can cause issues for diesel engines in cold weather.
Kerosene, also known as #1 diesel fuel oil, is a lighter diesel oil than regular diesel (#2). It is often used in winter diesel blends to ensure diesel engines run smoothly in cold weather.
Kerosene blends can range from 90/10 blends (10% kerosene) to 50/50 blends (50% kerosene) and beyond. A 10% kerosene blend will lower the cold filter plugging point of a diesel fuel blend by five degrees. Kerosene is effective at reducing the cold filter plugging point (CFPP), but it is more expensive than regular diesel and reduces the energy content of the fuel, impacting mileage and engine efficiency.
For these reasons, it is often recommended to use winter additives, also known as cold-flow improvers, with a lighter kerosene blend. Cold-flow improvers are designed to modify wax crystals in diesel fuel, preventing them from clumping together and clogging filters. They can lower the operable temperature of diesel fuel by 15-20°F, reducing the need for kerosene. They also have water-dispersing properties, helping to prevent ice formation in fuel tanks.
In milder climates, winter additives may be sufficient to prevent fuel issues in winter. However, in extremely cold climates, such as in Minnesota, kerosene becomes essential to ensure diesel performance in winter.
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Additives improve ignition quality and engine performance
Diesel fuel additives are substances that are added to diesel fuel to improve its performance and quality. They can be added at the refinery, distribution terminal, or by the end-user. While gasoline typically contains a minimum amount of additives, diesel fuel does not, and its quality can vary between suppliers and regions. Therefore, diesel users often add aftermarket additives to enhance their fuel.
One type of additive is a cetane booster, which improves the combustion quality of diesel fuel by raising its cetane number. This, in turn, improves the fuel's ignition quality, making it easier for the fuel to ignite and burn efficiently. As a result, cetane boosters lead to smoother engine operation, better fuel economy, and reduced emissions. They are particularly beneficial for cold starts, ensuring reliable ignition even in low-temperature conditions.
Lubricity additives are another type of additive that improves the lubrication of moving engine parts, reducing friction and wear. This, in turn, prolongs the lifespan of the engine. Detergent additives also help to maintain engine cleanliness by reducing carbon deposits on fuel injectors and intake valves, ensuring efficient performance and compliance with emissions standards.
Overall, by optimising combustion, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing engine wear, additives can significantly improve ignition quality and engine performance in diesel fuel.
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Preventative maintenance avoids engine breakdown
Preventative maintenance is essential to avoiding engine breakdown, especially in winter. Diesel engines should be scheduled for regular maintenance services to improve resale value, reduce breakdowns, and lower maintenance costs.
One of the most important things to do is to ensure the fuel system is being serviced correctly. Dirt and water from the fuel can damage the system. The fuel supply line should have at least one filter fitted, which should be replaced regularly to ensure the fuel remains clean. The water trap in the fuel filter should also be drained to prevent the engine from misfiring.
In winter, diesel fuel can cause particular issues. Diesel contains paraffin, which forms wax crystals at low temperatures, giving the fuel a cloudy appearance. This can lead to fuel gelling and filters becoming clogged with ice and wax. To prevent this, additives such as Power Service Winter Additives for Diesel Fuel can be used. These additives improve the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) and Pour Point of the fuel, ensuring it can pass through a filter and flow freely, even in cold weather.
It is also important to change the oil regularly during the winter months. Oil tends to thicken when temperatures drop below freezing, becoming less effective at lubricating engine parts. This can lead to increased wear and tear on engine components. Diesel engine manufacturers may recommend using a lighter weight oil in winter, such as an oil grade of 5W-30, which provides easier starting and improved protection against wear during cold starts.
Other preventative maintenance tips for diesel engines in winter include keeping tires properly inflated—as cold air contracts, tire pressure drops, leading to decreased fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear—and ensuring batteries are charged.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent the diesel from freezing, gelling, or clogging, you can add a winter additive, also known as a cold-flow improver. These include Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement, Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, and AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment.
An alternative to winter additives is to use a blend of diesel and kerosene, also known as #1 diesel. This can be a more expensive option, and in extreme cold, it may be essential.
You should add a winter additive to your diesel when temperatures drop below 32°F. It's important to add the additive before refueling to ensure proper mixing.
