Canada is considered as having a “arctic” climate when it comes to using diesel fuel. In the winter, temperatures can easily dip to below 40 °C. When the temperatures drop below freezing, failing to prepare your diesel engine could result in its failure.
You can choose between “summer” diesel fuel, which is ideal for use between May and October, and “winter” diesel fuel, which is suitable for use between November and April, at the gas station.
When summer fuel is exposed to low temperatures, it thickens. Your vehicle will not run on gelled petrol. This is where the winter diesel blend enters the picture.
What temperature does winter blend diesel gel?
What is the temperature at which diesel fuel gels? That’s a tough question to answer because your diesel-powered vehicle won’t drive anywhere in the cold if you don’t prepare properly. Fortunately, the problem can be readily avoided by applying a gasoline additive, which can help stop gelling from happening in the first place. While it’s important to prepare your vehicle before the cold weather arrives, acting quickly can help you avoid a breakdown.
At What Temperature Does Diesel Fuel Gel?
When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the paraffin in diesel fuel begins to harden, clouding the fuel tank. This modification will not prevent you from driving, but it will serve as a reminder of how colder weather affects gasoline use.
Gelling happens when the temperature falls between 10 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit, blocking the gasoline tank and fuel lines. You may need to have your vehicle towed to a garage at this stage so that your mechanic may repair any damaged fuel lines and thaw the fuel tank.
How Do You Prevent Diesel Fuel From Gelling?
If you utilize a fuel additive, you can drive a diesel car in subzero temperatures. A fuel additive designed for diesel engines decreases the fuel pour point (the temperature at which it freezes) by as much as 40 degrees. It also inhibits gelling by dispersing water.
The crystals that form in diesel fuel during cold weather are altered by a diesel fuel additive. The additive lowers the size of the crystals in diesel fuel, preventing it from waxing or gelling. It alters the fuel’s chemical characteristics, allowing it to flow at temperatures considerably below zero degrees.
If the diesel has already gelled, an additive can help. To begin, empty the tank and disconnect the fuel line. Typically, this entails pouring the additive into the tank and waiting 20 minutes for it to break down the gel before starting the vehicle, but check any directions carefully to ensure you’re following the appropriate steps. Allowing your vehicle to idle for a few minutes will allow the fuel lines to clean.
Cold Weather Preparation
There are a few more things you can do to prepare your vehicle for cold weather besides utilizing a diesel fuel additive. First, make sure your battery is in good working order. When the weather turns cold after a hot summer, the battery is more vulnerable to failure. Replace your battery if the reading is less than 12.45 volts on a multimeter. You don’t want to have to deal with battery troubles on top of fuel issues.
Second, if temperatures are really low, an addition may not be sufficient. Keep in mind that an additive can reduce the pour point by up to 40 degrees. It can prevent blockage in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. We all know that colder temperatures are feasible, and that the addition may become useless as a result. Even if the temperature does not drop that low, a block heater may be required, especially if you park outside. Make it a habit to turn on the block heater when the temperature drops below freezing.
You may avoid being stranded on even the coldest days if you take excellent care of your diesel vehicle and its gasoline.
NAPA Online has a comprehensive list of fuel additives, or visit one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare facilities for routine maintenance and repairs. Consult a trained specialist at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS shop for more information about diesel fuel.
Is there winter and summer diesel?
There are two types of diesel: winter grade diesel and summer grade diesel, and it’s important to understand the differences.
Winter grade diesel is prepared with an additive that prevents wax crystals from forming at low temperatures, thus it won’t gel even in the coldest conditions. Winter fuel can be used all year because it is more cold resistant (-12°C CFPP min), making it suitable for all seasons.
Summer grade diesel has a slightly higher viscosity, making it ideal for summer use.
When is winter fuel available?
During the winter months, the blending of diesel is altered to optimize the fuel’s cold-weather performance. It’ll be available from November 15 through March 15.
Summer gasoline is available throughout the year, however it should only be used in the summer months.
Because it has a limited resilience to the cold, fuel certified for use during the summer months (Summer Grade diesel) is only suitable for use during these months (-4°C CFPP min).
Summer fuel can only be used during summer
Because it has a limited resilience to the cold, fuel certified for use during the summer months (#2 diesel) is only suitable for use during these months (-4°C CFPP min).
Winter-grade could be used all year, but it isn’t cost-effective. When crude oil is refined, substantially less winter-grade diesel is produced than summer-grade diesel, posing a difficulty with winter-grade supply. Furthermore, fossil winter-grade diesel has a lower energy content than summer-grade diesel.
Is Number 1 diesel for winter?
The fundamental difference between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2 is the cetane rating, which, like the octane of gasoline, indicates igniting ease. It’s all about fuel efficiency, volatility, and seasonality, really.
Less wear on your engines’ batteries implies a faster and more efficient start. The increased cetane grade also helps diesel engines run more smoothly by lowering maintenance requirements.
The additional lubricants in Premium Diesel assist keep fuel system parts moving easily. The fuel pump’s and other fuel system components’ lives are extended as a result of the reduced friction.
Fuel systems can become clogged with sediments and other particles over time. While the engine is operating, detergents are injected to Diesel #1 to clean injectors and other fuel system components. Not only does a clean fuel system last longer, but it also enhances fuel efficiency and horsepower production.
Diesel #1 contains lubricants and detergents, as well as other fuel additives that improve engine performance and save downtime. Even in a well-sealed fuel system, air moisture can find its way in and cause major engine problems. Demulsifiers in premium Diesel work to separate emulsified water from the fuel so that it can be filtered out; even in a well-sealed fuel system, air moisture can find its way in and cause major engine problems. Corrosion inhibitors keep rust and corrosion at bay, while stabilizers keep blockages and buildup at bay.
Diesel #1 is sometimes known as winter diesel since it operates better in colder conditions than Diesel #2. It has a lower viscosity and does not gel when exposed to cold temperatures. Most stations sell a premium Diesel blend that is tailored to the local climate.
While premium diesel has a number of advantages, such as fewer maintenance and equipment downtime, regular diesel is less expensive at the pump, which is an essential consideration. However, total cost of ownership should take into account not only the cost savings from the fuel, but also the impact on ongoing maintenance costs. The age and size of your fleet may play a role in deciding between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2.
When deciding between Diesel #1 and Diesel #2 for your fleet, keep in mind that premium Diesel quality differs from station to station. If you choose Diesel #1, make sure your drivers get their fuel at reliable high-volume stations.
Do you want to learn more about the effects of diesel choices on fuel systems? To talk with an equipment professional, contact your nearest Papé Kenworth office now.
What is winter grade diesel fuel?
Winter diesel fuel (sometimes referred to as winter diesel, alpine diesel, or winterised diesel) is diesel fuel that has been improved to prevent it from gelling in cold weather. In general, it is accomplished through the use of additives that alter the fuel’s low-temperature characteristics.
Will gelled diesel Ungel?
A variety of things can be put to a gelled tank to aid in the recovery of the fuel to its original state. Opti-Lube Gel Melt and Diesel 911, for example, are made specifically for gelled fuel. Simply fill the tank with one of these and follow the dosing directions. There’s no need to heat or mix the tank. These can take a long time to install, depending on the size and shape of the tank. The treated fuel in the tank may not be able to reach gelled fuel that is not in the tank, such as in fuel lines and filters, which is a significant constraint.
Does winter blend diesel reduce mpg?
Wind, snow, rain, and temperature are some of the most influential factors throughout the winter months. Crosswinds and headwinds dramatically increase aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel economy. Fuel efficiency drops by as much as 13% for every 10 mph of headwind or crosswind.
As the temperature of the ambient air drops, the air becomes denser, increasing aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag increases by 2% for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in temperature. Every 2% increase in aerodynamic drag results in a 1% reduction in fuel economy.
Fueling stations will convert to winter mix fuels throughout the cold winter months. Winter blend fuels contain additives that prevent diesel fuel from gelling at high temperatures. These additives lower the cetane level of the fuel, resulting in a loss of one-half to three-quarters of a mile per gallon in fuel economy.
We find a considerable increase in the amount of time the engine cooling fan is operating during those extremely hot summer days. To run, a typical diesel engine needs between 15 and 30 horsepower. When the cooling fan is turned on when the engine is operating at 1450 rpm, the fuel efficiency drops by 8% to 12%. The primary function of the engine cooling fan is to keep the engine from overheating, but it also serves as part of the cab’s air conditioning system. When the A/C Freon compressor is turned on, a signal is sent to the engine cooling fan to turn on as well. The operation of the A/C Freon compressor accounts for approximately half of the overall fan run duration. Excessive engine cooling fan run duration might be caused by a malfunctioning A/C system.
We find an increase in engine idle time in extremely hot or cold weather to keep the cab and sleeper comfortable or cool. Idle time can have a big impact on your fuel economy. One gallon of fuel can be consumed every hour by a diesel engine running at 1000 rpm. Idling an engine for 8 hours at today’s gasoline costs may cost you $30.00. In a long-haul operation, every hour of idle time reduces fuel efficiency by 1%.
Because the tires must push their way through the precipitation on the road in addition to propelling the car, rain, snow, or slush on the road increases the vehicle’s rolling resistance. The tires, transmission oil, and axle oils are all cooled by the rain. At lower temperatures, these components perform less efficiently. In just a moderate rain, the additional rolling resistance and drive-train friction can increase fuel consumption by 0.2 to 0.3 mpg.
There are numerous factors that have a negative impact on fuel economy that are beyond our control. As a result, it’s critical that we maximize the efficiency of everything under our control in order to achieve the best possible fuel economy.
Does diesel freeze UK?
Fuel efficiency is roughly 10% worse at -5°C than it is at 20°C, according to official fuel testing. Furthermore, when temperatures drop below 0°C, fuel economy can drop by as much as 20% for vehicles travelling less than 4 miles – so what’s going on?
Given that petrol’s freezing point is a cold -60°C, a petrol tank will almost certainly not freeze during even the harshest British winter. Diesel, on the other hand, has a much lower freezing point and is more likely to gel in cold temperatures. To tackle this, fuel firms have developed a summer and winter diesel blend that can withstand temperatures as low as -5°C and as high as -15°C.
Given that neither fuel is significantly affected by cold weather, it’s evident that the problem isn’t with the liquid itself, but rather with the effect of the cold on the car’s mechanics.
Cold weather can impact a variety of components in your car, resulting in a significant reduction in fuel efficiency. We’ve compiled a summary of some of the negative affects that cold weather can have on your car’s fuel economy.
- It takes much longer for your engine to achieve its ideal operating temperature on a cold day. This is especially problematic for short excursions, as the automobile will spend the majority of its time operating at a lower-than-optimal temperature, resulting in poor fuel economy.
- In cold weather, engine oil thickens. This can cause friction between moving parts in the engine and transmission system, resulting in unnecessary fuel use.
- Fans, defrosters, wipers, and heated seats are all electrical components that place additional demand on the battery. As a result, the alternator has a harder time keeping the battery charged, resulting in a decrease in fuel economy.
- It’s common to have to warm up your automobile to defrost and demist the windscreen on bitterly cold mornings. This type of idling has a significant impact on fuel efficiency, with your automobile obtaining zero MPG for the duration.
- Cold air is thicker and denser than warm air, which increases your car’s aerodynamic drag. This requires the engine to work harder, especially at highway speeds.
- In extremely low temperatures, tyre pressures drop somewhat, increasing the vehicle’s rolling resistance.
Why do diesels get better mpg?
Customers who drive a lot of highway miles prefer diesel engines, according to Bell Performance and Road and Track, because they are more efficient on these roads than gas engines. Diesel fuel simply has more energy per gallon than gasoline, making it more cost-effective overall. Diesel engines are still more fuel efficient than gasoline engines, but they are less so for city drivers. Diesel cars also have higher torque, which means they get better gas mileage and accelerate faster.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that some types of diesel fuel can reduce vehicle performance. Black diesel, biodiesel, and other improved diesel products are among them.
Diesel and gasoline are around the same price for most Americans. Diesel can sometimes be more expensive than gasoline, yet it can also be less expensive than gasoline. Even if you pay more on diesel fuel, a diesel engine will still provide better fuel efficiency throughout the life of the car. This is because an 8-liter gasoline engine would be required to produce the same level of power as a 6-liter diesel engine.
Diesel engines, according to Digital Trends, are more durable and endure longer than gas engines, with reliable operation and low maintenance requirements. Diesel cars used to be substantially heavier than comparable-sized gas cars, but thanks to contemporary manufacturing technologies, this is no longer an issue.
Diesel engines also have fewer components than gasoline engines, reducing the number of potential parts that could fail in your vehicle.
Diesel engines often require fewer repair and maintenance services than gasoline engines, resulting in a cost savings.
While early diesel engines had a well-deserved reputation for being noisy, current technology has largely addressed this issue. Noise pollution and dark smoke have been reduced, so if you were concerned about those issues in prior decades, you may wish to reconsider diesel as a viable option. Today, the driving experience in a diesel-powered vehicle is essentially identical to that of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Can I mix diesel #1 and diesel #2?
Winterized diesel fuel is a blend of #1 and #2 fuels that contains a higher proportion of #1 grade diesel fuel when blended together. During the months when it is too cold to use #2 grade, these fuels are employed.
The chemical mix including both grades of fuel should have adequate energy components and lubricating characteristics to prevent the chemical mix from gelling in cooler temperatures. The fuel economy typically decreases significantly during the winter months due to lower demand than during other times of the year.
In the winter, using #1 grade diesel fuel should never be a cause for concern. Long-term use in engines designed exclusively for #2 grade, on the other hand, may shorten the engine’s life cycle. Fuels of grades #1 and #2 can be blended at the same time. This means you won’t be inconvenienced if #1 grade is only available in the winter.