As we wake up to frost on the lawn and the windows, it can only mean one thing: winter is almost here. Before the temperature drops too much, let’s talk about a big winter problem, fuel gelling, and how to prevent it.
Unlike you and I, diesel doesn’t just shiver when it gets cold. Instead, it goes through the process of fuel gelling. As the temperature continues to drop, the paraffin wax, which naturally occurs in ultra-low sulfur diesel and normally provides extra power when burned in the engine, begins to clump together. The colder the weather, the more the wax clumps. When that clump gets too large, it plugs filters, stopping fuel from flowing through. The point at which your filter plugs is called the Cold Filter Plug Point (CFPP). At this point, your engine can’t get any fuel and stops operating. If this happens to you, make sure to use your TruckSmart app or call 1-800-824-SHOP to contact RoadSquad.
The CFPP varies depending on geography and fuel quality. In the United State, the CFPP must be under 10 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is important to start taking precautions around that temperature to avoid unwanted breakdowns and costly repairs.
The easiest way to prevent fuel gelling is by adding winter fuel additives to your diesel fuel. Winter fuel additives can help prevent those paraffin wax crystals from clumping together and plugging your fuel filters at low temperatures. They work by mixing in with your diesel and lowering the CFPP. There are other benefits to winter fuel additives, too. They can help improve cold engine starts and prevent harmful deposits from clogging your fuel injectors.
For more information, go to TA-Petro.com.