Whether you own a single diesel truck or manage an entire fleet, winter conditions place diesel maintenance at the top of operational priorities. One of the most critical concerns during colder months is preventing water contamination in the fuel system. By following a few best practices, you can minimize risk, protect your equipment, and avoid costly disruptions.
Filters play a critical role in the performance and reliability of diesel trucks. While opting for lower-cost, lower-quality filters may offer short-term savings, it often leads to higher expenses in the form of increased maintenance and repair costs. Inferior filters typically rely on substandard media that fail to effectively separate water from fuel, increasing the risk of damage to the fuel system and engine components.
Tip #1: Choose top-quality filters, which use advanced materials resistant to poor-quality fuel and are made with the best materials by companies that have done their research.
Biodiesel Dilemmas
Diesel trucks are inherently dirty, producing plenty of particulate that has eco-conscious folks displeased. That’s why so many have begun using biodiesel, which can reduce emissions, improve energy security and support domestic agriculture. This renewable form of fuel offers cleaner engine performance than petroleum-based fuels. Unfortunately, biodiesel gels at higher temperatures.
Tip #2: Avoid biodiesel in the winter. It has a higher paraffin content, which means the wax crystals form sooner and the fuel thickens, and your chances of the fuel absorbing water are much greater.
Winter Fuel
Motorists of all kinds have choices at the pump, and one that diesel truck owners need to consider is related to the fuel you use in the warm months as well as the cold months. Winter-grade fuel is formulated to stay fluid in the cold. It contain additives that are precisely blended to prevent wax crystals from forming.
Tip #3: Use winter-grade fuel, because when you can prevent gelling, you will get more reliable engine starts and fewer clogged filters.
Additives
You’ve got winter-grade fuel in your tank(s), but what if you’re looking for that added layer of protection?
Tip #4: Use additives. Anti-gels, water dispersants and cetane boosters are go-to additives that truckers use to keep their fuel flowing, prevent moisture issues and support easier starts when the mercury sinks into the frigid digits.
Consult With an Expert
You’ve taken smart diesel maintenance precautions on your own, but winter brings challenges that can be mitigated with the assistance of a professional. Diesel experts spot early signs of moisture buildup and offer recommendations on additives that help. They know when a filter has seen better days and use top-quality filters to replace them. Their experience helps prevent hidden issues from leading to challenges like gelling fuel, hard starts and costly downtime.
Tip #5: Consult your local expert. Partnering with a pro adds that crucial extra layer of protection to you on the road. That’s what we do at Gray Diesel & Equipment Services – offer expert care for our clients who value our insights and keep them trucking, no matter how cold it gets. Contact us and schedule an appointment.