Cold Weather and Diesel

Find answers to common questions about the effects of cold weather on diesel.

1. Can Diesel Freeze?

When the weather turns cold, diesel fuel does freeze. The process starts at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. What Happens to Diesel When It Freezes?

Gelling occurs when diesel freezes and the paraffin wax in it solidifies. At 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the fuel becomes a gel-like substance with a cloudy appearance that can clog up your system.

3. How Can You Tell if Your Diesel Has Frozen?

There are a few warning indications that diesel fuel is starting to gel. You may notice a decrease in power and compression because the fuel is not reaching the combustion chamber. Other signs to look out for include the engine stalling, stirring, or failing to start. If you can see the diesel, a cloudy appearance is a good indicator that it has frozen.

4. Can Frozen Diesel Still Be Used?

When diesel is frozen, it can hinder fuel flow or clog your engine, making it less likely the engine will start. If your engine does start, you run the risk of system damage or your equipment stopping midway. You will need to heat up the fuel and liquefy it again before you can use it properly.

5. Can Diesel Be Unfrozen?

You can unfreeze gelled diesel in various ways. The primary goal is to heat up the engine until the diesel returns to its liquid state. When there is an emergency, you can use fuel additives to reverse gelling. This is a popular method of unfreezing diesel because fuel additives are usually inexpensive, though reliability can vary. Keep in mind that additives can be potentially harmful if not used properly.

6. How Can You Prevent Diesel From Freezing?

When the weather starts getting cold, it’s important to take measures to protect your diesel from freezing. Here are a few ways you can prevent gelling:

• Keep the engine in warm storage: If possible, store your diesel engine in an environment where you can control the temperature. You can keep it in a heated garage or any room where the temperature will be higher than its freezing point.
• Change the diesel fuel: There are two separate diesel grades for winter and summer. You can switch to winter-grade fuel during colder months for the added resistance to cold temperatures.
• Keep your engine full: Larger amounts of diesel are less likely to gel than small quantities. Keep your tank topped up as often as you can and try to ensure that it is never half full or lower.
• Use winter-blend diesel: during colder months, diesel is blended with anti-gelling properties so your trucks and equipment don’t seize up from gelled diesel.
• Use fuel additives: Anti-gel additives are a simple and popular way of preventing diesel from freezing. They lower the freezing point of diesel, making your engine less prone to freezing during cold temperatures.

Caring for Your Diesel Tank in Different Weather Conditions

Taking care of your diesel tank is essential to ensuring the quality of your fuel. Diesel tank maintenance allows you to prevent low or high temperatures from affecting your fuel and the performance of your diesel-powered equipment. Here are a few ways you can care for your tank:

• Inspect the tank regularly: You should inspect your tank for sediments, gum, or sludge that could be building up at the bottom. If you find any contaminants, your tank will need to be cleaned.
• Clean the tank: Contaminants can corrode the diesel tank or clog your system and damage the performance of your equipment or vehicles. Cleaning your tank regularly can prevent buildup and protect your fuel.
• Keep your tank full: Newer engines are more prone to condensation in empty areas of the tank. Topping up your tank can help prevent water from entering the system through condensation.
• Use premium fuel: Using high-quality fuel will help your diesel tank stay contaminant-free for longer and ensure that your engine runs smoothly in various conditions.
• Take preventive measures: When summer or winter is around the corner, it’s best to protect your fuel and tank from the seasonal effects. You can store your engine in a warm environment to avoid gelling when the temperature drops or store it in a dry place to avoid contamination during summer.