Winterized fuel
Taking a trip in the near future. Is the diesel fuel sold in Oklahoma and Texas this time of year winterized?
Forum Discussion
The term 'winterized' has many meanings. And 'Winterized' in Minnesota is a whole lot different then in Oklahoma or Texas.
Straight #2 can be winterized by adding chemicals or by adding #1 diesel (the best way). The mix is adjusted (at the wholesaler or pump) as it gets colder - less #1 in Nov/early December and a higher percentage of #1 in Jan/Feb.
If traveling north to south you will have no worries because the fuel in your tank will be 'over-winterized', but if going south to north it's the opposite and I would be careful. Buy fuel much more often as you travel north so you get the right mix for the area. And I would buy fuel only at major truck stops as they should be up to speed on the right mix and be turning over fuel much faster then in-town stations.
Been there and done that. Coughing to a stop on a highway in frigid conditions because of jelled fuel is probably my worst winter memory. And if that happens, all the additives in the world won't help.
Tim
Straight #2 can be winterized by adding chemicals or by adding #1 diesel (the best way). The mix is adjusted (at the wholesaler or pump) as it gets colder - less #1 in Nov/early December and a higher percentage of #1 in Jan/Feb.
If traveling north to south you will have no worries because the fuel in your tank will be 'over-winterized', but if going south to north it's the opposite and I would be careful. Buy fuel much more often as you travel north so you get the right mix for the area. And I would buy fuel only at major truck stops as they should be up to speed on the right mix and be turning over fuel much faster then in-town stations.
Been there and done that. Coughing to a stop on a highway in frigid conditions because of jelled fuel is probably my worst winter memory. And if that happens, all the additives in the world won't help.
Tim
