Winter is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time for diesel vehicle owners to prepare themselves for the drop in temperature. While there are many things you can do to prepare your diesel for winter, there is a unique aspect of the cold weather that diesel owners need to bear in mind: diesel fuel gelling. 

If left unchecked, this can lead to vehicle downtime, engine damage, and ultimately costly repairs. Understanding the science behind diesel fuel gelling and how to stop it from happening is vital for any diesel owner, and a crucial part of getting your vehicle through the winter months unscathed.

What is diesel fuel gelling?

As temperatures drop, the paraffin wax which is present in diesel fuel begins to clump together and solidify. At low enough temperatures, these wax particles crystallize and form a gel-like substance that clogs fuel lines, filters, and injectors. When this happens, your diesel engine may struggle to start, or worse, refuse to run entirely. 

This issue typically arises when temperatures fall below the fuel’s cloud point, which is the temperature at which wax crystals first become visible. Once temperatures drop below freezing (32ºF), the wax in diesel fuel begins to crystallize and starts to collect on the fuel filter. When these wax crystals form, they block the fuel from flowing freely through the fuel filter, starving the engine. This is known as the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP).

Signs that your diesel fuel is gelling

If temperatures drop below freezing, chances are that your diesel fuel will begin to gel. This might not be a problem if your vehicle is left in a warm garage, but if you leave your vehicle out in the cold for any period of time, you might start to experience the symptoms of fuel gelling, such as:

Trouble starting the engine: As gelling clogs up the fuel lines and fuel filter, diesel is prevented or restricted from passing through them, which can prevent your engine from starting on a cold winter morning.

Lack of power: As gelling restricts the normal flow of fuel, it can lead to inadequate fuel delivery and poor engine performance, causing a lack of acceleration or general sluggishness from your vehicle.

Unusual noises: You might hear unusual sounds from the engine, such as sputtering or knocking, as your engine tries to work with inadequate fuel due to the irregular delivery caused by fuel gelling.

Fuel gauge issues: You may also notice that your fuel gauge shows a lower level of fuel than it should as the gelled fuel can stick to the tank walls, preventing the fuel tank sensors from taking accurate readings.

How to stop your fuel from gelling

The good news for diesel owners is that there is a very easy way to prevent fuel gelling, allowing you to winter-proof your diesel fuel system and prevent costly repairs: anti-gel diesel treatment. This specially formulated additive works by lowering the pour point of the fuel - the point at which the fuel flows freely - preventing the formation of wax crystals. This keeps the fuel flowing smoothly even in sub-zero temperatures.

Archoil’s AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment contains anti-gel properties which lowers the CFPP of diesel down to as much as -44ºF, depending on the dose, allowing you to keep driving even in the coldest conditions. This additive is the only thing you need to use to prevent your fuel filter from becoming clogged, helping to ensure that your fuel system keeps working correctly through the colder months.

Another downside of the cold weather is that it significantly reduces your vehicle’s fuel economy. Fortunately, unlike other winter diesel treatments, Archoil’s AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment does much more than just prevent your diesel fuel from gelling - it also provides a cetane boost of up to 8 points, improving combustion and helping you regain that lost MPG. 

Not only that, but the formulation also enhances fuel lubricity to above the standard recommended by the Engine Manufacturers’ Association, drastically decreasing component wear. It also uses powerful detergents that remove carbon build-up from the injectors, turbo, and DPF, ensuring your entire fuel system is free from deposits.

Simply add AR6300 to your diesel fuel when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing and rest easy knowing that your diesel vehicle has everything it needs to get through the winter.  Just one bottle of AR6300 treats up to 275 gallons of diesel fuel. A single 1.5 oz dose lowers CFPP to -16ºF, while a double dose lowers it even further to -44ºF.

Don’t be caught off guard this winter, plan ahead and have your winter diesel additive ready to go. Choose AR6300 to not only stop your fuel from gelling, but also boost cetane, lubricity, and clean your entire fuel system. Prevention is always cheaper than the cure, so protect your vehicle and have a worry-free winter season with Archoil.