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
I think what it means is that the fuel you bought was adequately treated for the temps you drove in. That's the way it's suppposed to work.
Remember, the truckers drive those routes every day and they depend on the truck stops to have fuel that won't jel.
And if I was you I would not switch from the current place you're buying fuel in your home area during winter because they're obviously doing a good job too.
I used to live in Iowa and in winter I always bought my fuel at truck stops. That pretty much solved my jell problem. The in-town stations didn't turn over diesel as fast and I think that meant they were always behind the curve on carrying fuel that was adequately treated for the current temps. This was 30 years ago when there were not as many diesel passenger vehicles as there are now. Even now, when it gets to be REALLY cold, I would still be looking for a high volume truckstop to get fuel.
One of the differences between gas motors and diesel motors in winter is that once you get a gas engine started in subfreezing weather, you're usually good to go.
But a diesel is different. If you plug in that block heater, the engine may very well start and run just fine. Maybe the underhood warmth from the block heater has warmed the filter too. But once you start running down the road, that cold fuel from the tank starts flowing and rapidly cools down the filter (especially on a highway), and can lead to the fuel jelling up if it's not treated. And that may happen several miles down the road. Ask me how I know. GRRRRRRR.
Tim
Remember, the truckers drive those routes every day and they depend on the truck stops to have fuel that won't jel.
And if I was you I would not switch from the current place you're buying fuel in your home area during winter because they're obviously doing a good job too.
I used to live in Iowa and in winter I always bought my fuel at truck stops. That pretty much solved my jell problem. The in-town stations didn't turn over diesel as fast and I think that meant they were always behind the curve on carrying fuel that was adequately treated for the current temps. This was 30 years ago when there were not as many diesel passenger vehicles as there are now. Even now, when it gets to be REALLY cold, I would still be looking for a high volume truckstop to get fuel.
One of the differences between gas motors and diesel motors in winter is that once you get a gas engine started in subfreezing weather, you're usually good to go.
But a diesel is different. If you plug in that block heater, the engine may very well start and run just fine. Maybe the underhood warmth from the block heater has warmed the filter too. But once you start running down the road, that cold fuel from the tank starts flowing and rapidly cools down the filter (especially on a highway), and can lead to the fuel jelling up if it's not treated. And that may happen several miles down the road. Ask me how I know. GRRRRRRR.
Tim
