Truckers know the effects of winter. They drive in snow and ice storms probably more often than any other segment of society, and they know just how bad conditions can get. However, one of winter’s problems that many truckers overlook is the potential for their route to be cut short due to freezing in their fuel tank. Diesel fuel itself is not winter proof. Below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, wax crystals begin to form in diesel fuel, and this causes a general gelling effect in the fuel supply. As temperatures drop lower, towards 0 degrees Fahrenheit, this gelled diesel fuel will then clog the fuel filter and stop your truck’s engine from running.
Talk about an inconvenience! However, there are some simple fixes for winterizing your diesel fuel. Many companies sell additives designed specifically for this purpose that can be used to treat the fuel before it’s begun to freeze. And if you’ve waited too long, and your fuel has already gelled, there are products that can treat that as well. Since your truck won’t be running if your fuel starts to gel, always keep a bottle of treatment in your vehicle to prevent you from becoming stranded.
The Tenney Group offers transportation business broker services including business valuations as well as professional assistance with buying and selling trucking, busing, ambulance and limousine businesses. Visit the Tenney Group’s website to read helpful tips for transportation business owners.
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