Winter Fueling Tips – With winter coming, we thought we’d give you some handy winter fueling tips. First off, let’s review the difference between off-road diesel and typical diesel fuel. Off-road diesel is designed for use in equipment that doesn’t operate on public roads, such as tractors, farm equipment, construction equipment, generators and off-road vehicles. Regular diesel is meant for trucks that use public roads.
Find out if you can use off-road diesel fuel in your equipment: If you’re unsure, check out this list of commercial fuels. You’ll find a wide range of generators, refrigeration units, backhoes, excavators, and many other kinds of construction equipment. In a nutshell, if it doesn’t travel on public roadways, you are permitted to use dyed diesel.
Winterize your equipment properly: Use fuel that is designed to improve engine performance and efficiency, with additives that won’t allow your fuel to gel or freeze during the winter. Don’t forget to drain the water separator regularly. If you find that your fuel rail pressure is abnormally low, you’ll have to rethink your fuel storage approach. Lastly, don’t forget to change your filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Use the right blend of fuel: If you operate in the northeastern United States, you need winter blend diesel, which is able to withstand lower temperatures before it gels. Winter blends feature less biodiesel, which also prevents it from gelling.
Keep your fuel tank half full: Because condensation can build up in tanks that have been emptied, that water can lower your efficiency and performance when temperatures hit freezing and below. This can result in fuel line freezing and filter plugging, which is a costly event to be sure. Keep an eye on your water separators and saddle tanks and drain them whenever you see accumulation.
Keep an operation and mechanical check list handy: This checklist should contain a quick list of items you need to address every late fall, such as:
- Brakes and tires
- Batteries and ignition system
- Radiator coolant, hoses and belts
- Fluid levels
- Windshield wiper blades and de-icing washer fluid
- Head and tail lights, blinkers and emergency flashers
- Fuel filters and air filters
- Oil levels and power steering fluids
- Lubricated door locks
Winter Fueling
Partner with a trusted fuel provider: In order to ensure quality fuel is added to your tanks and equipment, partner with a fuel provider you can trust. You need someone you can rely on to ensure you experience zero downtime when you need a fill up. Taylor Oil is your source for 24/7 on-site equipment fueling this winter, so call us today or Request Fuel online. Keep in mind, from November 1st through March 15th, all of our diesel is winterized to make sure your equipment runs, even in the coldest of weather.