The month of November has brought us above average temperatures in our home state of Michigan. As we enjoy these last warm days of the year we are well aware of the certain snowfall and ice-cold weather to come. As we prepare for the cold temperatures ahead, it’s a good time to consider your diesel winterization plan.

In cold climates diesel fuel can be susceptible to gelling. Paraffin wax, present in all diesel, improves lubricity and viscosity. But when temperatures drop, the wax will begin to thicken and form into a crystal-like state. Known as the cloud point, wax crystals will stick together and the fuel will have a cloudy appearance. As the gelling process reaches the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), the wax crystals will begin to clog fuel filters and prevent your engine from running. Diesel fuel can ultimately solidify to a point where it will no longer flow, referred to as the pour point.

So what can be done to prevent diesel gelling? Winter diesel additives can be added to improve fuel performance when you need it most. Additives can reduce the rate that diesel gels by preventing wax crystals from grouping together. Premium winter additives contain other advantages like cold flow improvers that reduce the CFPP, cetane enhancers that improve cold starting and detergents that can remove harmful deposits that form on fuel injectors.

Be proactive and speak with your fuel supplier to make sure they have a winter fuel additive in place. Atlas Oil uses a premium diesel additive called Platinum Power to improve fuel performance during the winter months. Click here to learn more about the Platinum Power Advantage.