Prepare your diesel fuel for winter with these simple tips

Those of us who live and work here on Cape Cod do all sorts of things to prepare for the cold weather. We, of course, have to make sure our heating systems are working properly. We need to make sure our winter jackets still fit. Some of us even stock our pantries with canned goods that can be eaten if bad weather causes a power outage. And diesel fuel users should go the extra mile to make sure their fuel doesn’t gel.

Why diesel fuel gels in the winter
Diesel fuel can gel when temperatures fall below the fuel’s cloud point. This is because diesel fuel is made with paraffin wax, which helps with lubrication and fuel viscosity.

As temperatures drop, the paraffin wax can turn into what looks like tiny crystals as a result of it becoming insoluble. When cold weather lingers for days on end, paraffin wax causes diesel fuel to thicken. This whole process is typically referred to as diesel fuel gelling.

In extreme cases and situations, diesel fuel gelling can completely block fuel filters. Sometimes this blockage can stop fuel from flowing properly, which can impact a vehicle’s engine to the point of it being pretty much inoperable.

How to prevent diesel fuel from gelling
While cold weather increases the chances of diesel fuel gelling, there are certain things that can be done to prevent this occurrence. Anyone who uses diesel fuel should follow these preventative measures so that his or her diesel engines will still be operable even on the coldest of days:

• Store your diesel fuel powered equipment properly: This means that a vehicle or piece of equipment that is powered by diesel fuel should be kept in a climate-controlled environment, such as a heated garage or facility, at all times.
• Add an additive: One simple solution to preventing diesel fuel gelling is to use a diesel fuel additive. By doing this, you reduce the chances of the paraffin wax turning into a gel-like substance. On top of that, these additives can also help with cold engine starts and decrease the number of harmful deposits that are in a vehicle’s fuel injectors.
• Mix in some kerosene: Adding a little bit of kerosene to diesel fuel decreases what is called the plug point temperature (this is the point that the crystals in paraffin wax start to solidify and cause potential blocked fuel filters). Kerosene adds a layer of protection against this.

Diesel fuel from Cape Cod Oil & Propane

Whether the temperatures are cold or not, Cape Cod Oil & Propane has the diesel fuel your local business, municipality or worksite needs. We provide both on-road and off-road diesel fuel to commercial customers are throughout the Cape, including moving companies, landscapers, freighters, school buses, excavation companies and shuttle bus companies.

The Cape Cod Oil & Propane team can deliver diesel fuel directly to your worksite. Alternatively, anyone can stop by and purchase diesel fuel at Head of the Meadow Shell Station on Route 6.

Contact us today and let us tell you more about the diesel fuel services we offer throughout the Cape.