Diesel fuel vehicles play a huge part in the American transportation industry, but cold winter weather can be an issue
Throughout the cold winter months, diesel trucks carry products from one spot to the next, buses take people where they have to be, and businesses of all kinds count on them for multiple services. Diesel vehicles play a huge part in the American transportation industry, but cold winter weather can be an issue for these trucks. Fleet managers, drivers, and pickup truck drivers who work with diesel vehicles have to understand the possible diesel issues in the winter that these trucks could face. Read on to learn more!
Fuel Gelling: A Common Diesel Problem
During the winter, it is common for diesel trucks to have startup issues. While newer trucks have many features designed to limit this issue, it is still going to be an issue to a certain degree. The nature of diesel fuel and its composition could create this issue. Diesel is made of hydrocarbons that can solidify once the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When this happens, the fuel can become gelatinous, and the truck won’t start properly. The gel-like fuel can’t flow through filters and adequately start. This issue is common to both biodiesel and petrodiesel. In order to combat this issue, fuel companies can offer winter blends during cold months. Winter diesel fuel has a blend of different hydrocarbons that have a lower freezing point. It can be more costly, but it keeps trucks running in harsh winter weather. However, this doesn’t help if the weather is unbearably cold and fuel suppliers haven’t made the switch to winter diesel. If you are caught in a very bad situation in the cold weather, consider leaving your engine idle if possible. While this may limit your fuel efficiency, since idling does burn fuel, it will keep your engine warm and stop it from gelling.
Dirty Fuel Filters
A common cause of engine stalls for diesel engines during the winter is due to clogged fuel filters. When your fuel is at a big risk of gelling, a dirty fuel filter can be your top enemy. The paraffin crystals that start to form in your fuel can get stuck in a filthy fuel filter and cause the fuel to become cut off and stop the engine from starting. To avoid this, swap out your fuel filter at the start of the winter.
Partner with Howard Energy, Inc. for Fuel Supply and Services
We’ve moved! Howard Energy is now located at 34 Thomas Ave, Brooklyn, MD 21225.
At Howard Energy, we fully understand how your business depends on a reliable and steady supply of gasoline and diesel fuel to keep your operations at its peak. As a family-owned, commercial full-service gas and diesel fuel supplier, Howard Energy has been serving companies across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern VA for over 25 years.
Our team of experts has a thorough knowledge of the petroleum industry to devise commercial and retail fueling solutions. As a result, we use our keen insight to build strong partnerships with commercial trucking, construction, manufacturing companies, and more. Howard Energy is proud to bring our products and services to gas stations, car dealerships, marinas, and beyond – 7 days a week with no surcharge on holidays or weekends.
If you need cost-effective and convenient wholesale fuel and related fuel tank storage or monitoring services, contact us to get started. Call us at 410-647-1500, and visit our website. Stay connected with Howard Energy on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.