Rajan Wilcox
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterised diesel, is a type of diesel fuel that has been enhanced to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions. Diesel fuel is prone to waxing or gelling in cold weather, which can cause it to solidify and clog fuel filters and injectors, leading to engine failure. To prevent this, winter diesel fuel is treated with additives that change its low-temperature characteristics, allowing it to flow freely through the engine even in cold weather. The usage of additives is a cheaper alternative to blending diesel fuel with lighter fuel and is offered by gas stations in cold regions at no extra cost. Preventative maintenance, such as adding diesel fuel supplements and fuel additives, can help avoid engine breakdown during the winter months.
Characteristics and Values of Winter Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To prevent diesel fuel from gelling in cold weather conditions |
| Common Names | Winter diesel, alpine diesel, winterised diesel |
| Additives | Change the low-temperature characteristics of the fuel, prevent gelling, improve engine performance |
| Cloud Point | The temperature at which wax begins to crystallise and become visible; generally between -7°C and -20°C for winter diesel |
| Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) | -7°C for summer diesel, -15°C for winter diesel |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Scandinavian countries |
| Standards | EN 590 standard for Europe, ASTM D975 standard for North America |
| Blend | No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuels; the ratio varies by region, with colder regions using a higher proportion of No. 1 fuel |
| Performance | Lower mileage and power compared to summer diesel, but essential to prevent engine failure |
| Additive Brands | Power Service, Stanadyne Performance Formula |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel thickens in cold weather
Diesel fuel is prone to thickening and gelling in cold weather. This is because diesel contains paraffin wax, which helps with lubrication and viscosity. However, when temperatures drop, the wax thickens into tiny crystals, causing the fuel to gel and thicken. This can lead to clogged fuel filters and fuel lines, hindering engine operation.
To prevent diesel fuel from thickening in cold weather, it is important to understand the Cloud Point, Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), and Pour Point. The Cloud Point is the temperature at which the wax crystals in the fuel begin to form, giving it a cloudy appearance. The CFPP is a standardized test that indicates the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a filtration device when cooled under certain conditions. The Pour Point is the temperature at which the fuel thickens and can no longer flow properly.
To avoid diesel fuel thickening and gelling, preventive maintenance is key. This includes adding winterizer/antigel and cold-flow improver additives to the fuel tank as soon as temperatures begin to drop. These additives prevent fuel gelling and keep fuel-filters from plugging with ice and wax. They also improve the fuel's water dispersion, lubricity, and cetane rating. It is important to choose an additive that is compatible with the diesel fuel and to follow the recommended dosage to ensure effectiveness and avoid potential engine issues.
In extremely cold regions, a pure grade of No. 1 diesel fuel may be required. This fuel has a natural CFPP of -40 °C but is more expensive and has a lower energy content. Blending No. 1 fuel with No. 2 fuel can also lower the CFPP of the latter. However, it is important to note that gasoline or kerosene should not be added to diesel fuel as it may damage the injectors and injection devices.
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Winter diesel fuel blends
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterised diesel, is a type of diesel fuel that has been enhanced to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions. Diesel fuel is prone to waxing or gelling in cold weather, which can cause the solidification of diesel oil into a partially crystalline state. This can lead to the buildup of crystals in the fuel line, especially in fuel filters, resulting in reduced engine performance or even engine failure.
To address this issue, winter diesel fuel blends are created by treating diesel fuel with additives that change its low-temperature characteristics. These additives lower the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of the diesel fuel, allowing it to flow more easily through the fuel system at lower temperatures. The CFPP is a standardised test that indicates the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a standardised filtration device under specified conditions.
The specific blend of winter diesel fuel can vary depending on the region and the expected temperature ranges. In North America, gas stations typically offer two types of diesel fuel: No. 1 and No. 2 fuel. No. 1 fuel, similar to kerosene, has a natural CFPP of -40 °C but is more expensive. No. 2 fuel is more commonly used and can be blended with No. 1 fuel to lower its CFPP. The ratio of No. 1 to No. 2 diesel fuels in the winter blend can vary, generally ranging from 20:80 to pure No. 1 fuel in the coldest regions.
In Europe, the EN 590 standard defines the requirements for diesel fuel in "temperate" climatic zones, with six classes from A to F. During the winter months, Central and Western Europe must use diesel that meets at least Class F conditions. Scandinavian countries, on the other hand, must meet Class 2 conditions according to the same standard.
It is important to note that the use of additives and blending of diesel fuels should be done with caution. Incompatible additives or the addition of gasoline to diesel fuel can lead to adverse effects on engine performance and damage to injectors. Additionally, the effectiveness of additives depends on the temperature, and they should be added above the Cloud Point, which is the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form and affect fuel filters.
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Additives to prevent gelling
Diesel fuel is prone to gelling in cold weather, which can cause significant issues for your vehicle. This occurs when the wax in diesel fuel crystallises and clogs fuel lines and/or filters, impacting the flow to the engine. This process, known as the "cold filter plugging point" or CFPP, can cause the engine to stop running altogether.
To prevent this, there are a number of additives that can be added to diesel fuel to lower the CFPP. These include:
- Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost: This additive prevents fuel gelling and keeps fuel filters from plugging with ice and wax. It also helps to keep fuel flowing through the engine and prevents water in the fuel from freezing.
- Power Service Diesel 911: This product can be used in emergency situations to reliquify gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters.
- Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Winter Rescue: This additive helps to solve gelling and icing issues by thawing frozen filters and reliquifying gelled diesel.
- Winter’s Edge: This product assists in melting frozen fuel filters and dispersing water.
- Kerosene: Kerosene has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel, so blending the two can lower the freezing point. However, this may result in reduced fuel mileage and efficiency.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of additives may depend on the temperature and the type of diesel fuel being used. For example, additives are most effective when added above the Cloud Point, as they need to mix well with the diesel oil. Additionally, in some cases, it may be recommended to use winterised diesel fuel rather than adding additional additives to avoid potential issues with incompatible additives.
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Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP)
Diesel fuel is susceptible to waxing or gelling in cold weather, which refers to the solidification of diesel oil into a partially crystalline state. This process can clog fuel filters and injectors, causing the engine to stop running. The cold filter plugging point (CFPP) is a standardised test that helps determine the rate at which diesel fuel will flow through a filtration device under specified conditions of temperature and time. It is a critical factor in assessing the operability of diesel fuel in cold weather, especially in regions with low ambient temperatures.
The CFPP test is widely accepted as it provides valuable insights into the performance of biodiesel and diesel in fuel lines during cold weather. The test method, outlined in EN116 standards, involves measuring the lowest temperature at which a specified volume of fuel can pass through a standard filtration mesh within a given timeframe. This test is crucial for understanding the filterability of fuels, as it provides a clearer indication than the cloud point (CP) alone.
The CFPP value is influenced by the type of diesel fuel, its paraffin content, and the blends of diesel mixed with it. Generally, #2 diesel fuel has a cloud point ranging from -18 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 to -7 degrees Celsius), while #1 diesel fuel can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). It is important to note that the cloud point is not an exact indicator of fuel performance, and it is recommended to treat fuel with winterizing fluids when temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
To enhance the winter operability of diesel fuel, additives are commonly used. These additives can lower the CFPP of diesel oil, improving its flow through the engine and preventing fuel gelling and filter plugging. Retail stores offer various additives to improve cold-weather performance, but it is important to ensure compatibility with the diesel oil to avoid adverse effects. Additionally, gas stations in cold regions typically provide diesel fuel with additives at no extra cost, ensuring smooth engine operation during winter.
In summary, the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) is a critical factor in determining the performance of diesel fuel in cold weather. The standardised test helps assess the filterability of fuels and their ability to flow freely in fuel systems. By understanding the CFPP and utilising appropriate additives, vehicle owners can effectively maintain their diesel engines and prevent breakdowns during the winter season.
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Diesel engine maintenance
Winter can be a challenging time for diesel engines, but with some preventative maintenance, you can ensure your engine remains in good condition.
One of the most important things to do is to keep your tires properly inflated. Cold temperatures cause air to contract, which results in a drop in tire pressure. This can cause increased wear and tear on your tires and vehicle, as well as decreased fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your tire pressure and keep your tires inflated according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Another critical aspect of diesel engine maintenance in winter is battery care. Cold weather can drain the battery charge more quickly. Keep an eye on your battery level and charge it if necessary. Consider investing in a jump starter kit or portable battery charger as a precaution.
Oil changes are also important during the winter months. Oil tends to thicken in freezing temperatures, reducing its effectiveness as a lubricant and leading to increased engine wear. Check your manufacturer's recommendations and consider using a lighter weight oil, such as a synthetic oil, to improve engine protection and fuel efficiency. An oil grade of 5W-30 is often recommended for cold temperatures.
To prevent fuel issues, it is important to use the appropriate diesel fuel for winter. Winter diesel fuel, also known as winterised diesel, is treated with additives to prevent it from gelling in cold weather. Gelling can clog fuel filters and injectors, causing the engine to stop running. Retail stores offer additives that can lower the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of diesel oil, improving its performance in cold weather.
Additionally, it is important to address any issues with your diesel engine promptly. Understanding diesel diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) can help you identify and fix problems like fuel pressure issues, turbo underboost, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow deficiencies. Prioritising root causes and confirming repairs will help maintain the reliability of your diesel engine.
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Frequently asked questions
Winter diesel fuel, also known as winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterised diesel, is a type of diesel fuel that has been enhanced to prevent it from gelling in cold weather conditions. Diesel fuel typically solidifies in cold weather, thickening the oil and clogging fuel filters and injectors in engines, which can cause the engine to stop running.
Winter diesel fuel is usually a mixture of No.1 and No.2 diesel, creating a 'winter blend' that will not gel in colder temperatures. The ratio of No.1 to No.2 diesel in the winter blend can vary depending on the region, with colder regions requiring a higher percentage of No.1 diesel.
Winter diesel fuel is important because it helps to prevent engine failure in cold weather. By using winter diesel fuel, you can ensure that your engine will start and run properly in cold temperatures. Additionally, winter diesel fuel can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
