Regan Brown
Winter weather can be harsh on diesel fuel, causing unique issues that can lead to breakdowns or engine damage. To avoid these problems, it is essential to prepare your diesel for the winter season by using additives or transitioning to winter-grade diesel fuel. Untreated diesel fuel can gel or freeze in cold temperatures, affecting its performance and causing issues with wax crystal formation, water contamination, and filter clogging. To prevent these issues, diesel fuel supplements or winter additives, such as Power Service, Hot Shots Secret, or Diesel 911, can be added to lower the Cold Filter Plug Point (CFPP) and the overall Pour Point of the fuel. These additives improve fuel flow, prevent gelling, and address water-related issues. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as replacing engine oil with winter-grade oil and keeping a full fuel tank, can also help maintain diesel-powered vehicles during the winter months.
What to add to diesel fuel in winter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To lower the Cold Filter Plug Point (CFPP) and the overall Pour Point of the fuel |
| Additive Type | Anti-gel |
| Additive Characteristics | Improve CFPP abilities, lower Pour Point, check alcohol content, lubricity factors |
| Additive Examples | Power Service, Hot Shots Secret, Howes, Alliant Power Ultraguard, Stanadyne, Diesel 911, AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment |
| Other Considerations | Check for water in the fuel, use a deicer if needed, use winter-grade oil, keep a full fuel tank, use winter tires |
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What You'll Learn
Winter diesel treatments
There are various winter diesel treatment products available, such as Power Service, Hot Shots Secret, Howes, and Diesel 911. These treatments can be added to the fuel tank to prevent fuel gelling and keep fuel-filters from plugging with ice and wax. It is important to note that not all treatments are the same, and some may contain alcohol, which can damage rubber components. It is also crucial to treat diesel fuel year-round to prevent water contamination, which can cause freezing issues in winter.
When using winter diesel treatments, it is recommended to add the specified amount of additive to the fuel tank before refuelling to ensure proper mixing. Maintaining a full fuel tank can help prevent water contamination by reducing condensation. Additionally, it is important to regularly check and maintain tire pressure, as cold weather can cause it to drop, affecting traction and braking.
For those who operate in cold climates, it is essential to prepare diesel engines for winter by using winter-grade diesel fuel or additives. Winter-grade diesel fuel is typically available from mid-November to mid-March and can be blended with regular diesel fuel to achieve the desired cold-weather performance. Transitioning gradually from summer to winter diesel fuel is crucial to avoid issues.
In summary, winter diesel treatments are essential for diesel-powered vehicles to maintain operational during the cold winter months. By using additives or transitioning to winter-grade diesel fuel, engine performance and fuel flow can be improved, preventing breakdowns and ensuring smooth operation. Regular maintenance, such as replacing fuel filters and keeping tires properly inflated, is also crucial for winter readiness.
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Anti-gel additives
Winter fuel treatments are additives added to diesel fuel to prevent issues arising from extremely cold temperatures. One issue is that the wax in standard diesel fuel can solidify and stick together, clogging fuel lines and causing engine problems. Another issue is that water in the fuel can freeze, blocking fuel flow.
There are several anti-gel additive products on the market, including Power Service, Hot Shots Secret, Howes, and Lucas Oil. Some users recommend using anti-gel additives with every fill-up during the winter months, while others suggest using them only when temperatures drop below freezing. It is important to note that not all additives are created equal, and some may not be effective in extremely cold temperatures.
When choosing an anti-gel additive, it is important to consider the product's alcohol content and lubricity factors. Alcohol in treatments can damage rubber components, so it is recommended to use an alcohol-free product like Howes. It is also crucial to ensure that the treatment is compatible with diesel fuel, as some "stabilizer" products are for gasoline only.
In addition to anti-gel additives, other measures can be taken to prevent issues with diesel fuel in winter. One user recommends using winter diesel fuel, which is available in cold climate areas, and topping it off with a winterizing additive like Diesel 911 if needed. Another suggestion is to use a tank heater if the weather is extremely cold.
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Preventing water contamination
Water contamination is a serious issue for diesel fuel, as the two do not mix. Water in diesel fuel can cause a host of problems, including microbial growth and corrosion. Microbes live in water and feed on diesel, and after they die, they sink to the bottom of the fuel tank. Corrosion, on the other hand, develops over time on metal parts when water contaminates diesel and accelerates oxidation and rust formation.
To prevent water contamination in diesel fuel during winter, it is important to treat the fuel with a year-round treatment that addresses water in the fuel. This will help to keep any water present in the fuel from freezing and causing issues. One such treatment is Power Service Winter Additives for Diesel Fuel, which can help avoid a dangerous breakdown when the temperatures drop. It prevents fuel gelling and keeps fuel filters from plugging with ice and wax. It also works to keep fuel flowing freely through the engine and prevents water from freezing on the facings of fuel filters, blocking fuel flow.
Another way to prevent water contamination is to use a high-quality fuel that includes a two-phase total water management system. CENEX® RUBY FIELDMASTER® premium diesel fuel, for example, has a two-phase system that preserves the integrity of the fuel by protecting filters and injectors and safeguarding the combustion system. This system separates free water in diesel fuel tanks, allowing gravity to pull it to the bottom of the tank for easy drainage.
Additionally, it is important to regularly replace filters to stop sludge from getting into the machinery. While fuel tank filters such as Goldenrod and Cim-Tek filters are designed to catch and hold water and the diesel bugs it creates, they do not prevent water or sludge from forming inside the tank before reaching the filter.
Finally, a fuel circulator can also help prevent diesel fuel inside a storage tank from becoming stagnant, which can happen when there is low usage. The CTS fuel recirculation unit, for example, draws the fuel up from the front of the tank through a magnetic conditioner, breaking down the sludge and removing any impurities through a two-stage water and particle filtration process.
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Cold weather maintenance
Cold weather can be tough on diesel fuel and vehicles. Here are some tips for maintaining diesel-powered vehicles during the winter:
Fuel
Diesel fuel with renewable hydrocarbon biofuels, such as corn and soy, has a higher affinity for water, leading to potential water contamination. Maintaining a full fuel tank can help prevent condensation and reduce the risk of water contamination. Water in the fuel tank is especially troublesome in winter as it can freeze and cause issues with fuel lines and filters. To avoid this, ensure you are treating your fuel with a year-round treatment to keep water out. If water is already present in your fuel, use a "deicer" product, such as Diesel Rescue or Diesel 911, to address freezing issues.
In cold climates, consider switching to winter-grade diesel fuel when temperatures consistently drop below 35°F (about 1.6°C). Winter diesel is typically available from mid-November to mid-March, depending on your location. To avoid issues, transition gradually from summer to winter diesel. Mix 70% No. 2 diesel with 30% No. 1 diesel as temperatures drop, and adjust the mix to 30% No. 2 diesel and 70% No. 1 diesel as winter sets in. In extremely cold conditions, switch entirely to No. 1 diesel.
Additives
If you cannot access winter-grade diesel fuel, additives are a viable alternative. Additives help prevent the formation of wax crystals in the fuel, which can clog filters and fuel lines. Popular additive brands include Power Service, Hot Shots Secret, Howes, and Alliant Power. Additives should be added to the fuel tank before refueling to ensure proper mixing.
Engine and Tire Maintenance
Cold starts can be harsh on your engine. Use tools like glow plugs and block heaters to warm up the engine before driving. Check and replace engine oil with winter-grade oil, and ensure all vehicle systems are in good working order. Cold weather can also cause tire pressure to drop, affecting traction and braking. Regularly check and maintain tire pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Consider switching to winter tires if you operate in regions with heavy snowfall.
Battery
Cold weather can significantly reduce battery efficiency. Before winter sets in, test your battery to ensure it can handle the increased load. If your battery is weak, consider replacing it to avoid no-start situations during the winter.
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Choosing a winter treatment
Winter fuel treatments, also known as winter diesel treatments, winter additives, and other variations, are treatments or additives added to diesel fuel to prevent issues arising from cold weather. Cold weather can cause a range of problems for diesel engines, from reduced battery efficiency and brittle rubber components to fuel gelling and clogging of fuel filters.
When choosing a winter treatment, it is important to select a product that is specifically designed as an "anti-gel" diesel fuel additive. These products work to improve the Cold Filter Plug Point (CFPP) abilities of the fuel and lower the temperature at which the fuel reaches its Pour Point. The Pour Point is the stage at which the fuel solidifies and can no longer flow, which can lead to issues such as a vehicle not being able to start or run.
Some key factors to consider when choosing a winter treatment include the product's alcohol content and lubricity factors. While some products use alcohol to achieve a lower pour point, it is important to note that alcohol can cause damage to rubber components over time. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a product that does not rely on alcohol to lower the pour point. Additionally, look for products that offer lubricity benefits, as ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has decreased lubricity compared to traditional diesel.
It is also important to ensure that the treatment is compatible with diesel fuel. Some products labeled as "anti-gel" are designed specifically for diesel fuel, while stabilizer products are typically intended for gasoline engines.
Some popular winter treatment options include Power Service Winter Additives for Diesel Fuel, Hot Shots Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, and REV-X Distance+ Winter. These products are designed to improve fuel flow, prevent wax crystal formation, and enhance cold starts.
By selecting an appropriate winter treatment and using it consistently during the colder months, you can help ensure that your diesel-powered vehicles remain operational and avoid issues caused by cold weather.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use winter-specific diesel fuel additives to mitigate any issues relating to fuel gelling and filter ice. Additives help prevent the formation of wax crystals in the fuel, which can clog filters and fuel lines.
Some common additives include Power Service Diesel 911, Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment, Alliant Power Ultraguard, and Diesel Rescue.
You should use additives each time you fill your tank when temperatures drop below 32°F to maximize effectiveness.
