Reduce Fuel Costs with Winter Additives

Winter is just around the corner, and if you’re a fleet owner or operator in the northern states, you know what that means: chilly temperatures and the potential for diesel gelling. It can be a real headache trying to keep your equipment running smoothly when the weather gets harsh.

Fortunately, winter additives can be a game-changer for managing fuel efficiency and ensuring reliable performance. By incorporating these additives and staying on top of your fuel system maintenance, you can save money and keep your fleet operating efficiently, no matter how low the temperature drops.

In today’s article, let’s explore how you can make winter a little easier on your bottom line!

1. Pre-Treated Diesel

First things first: consider using pre-treated diesel fuel designed specifically for winter conditions. These fuels come treated with cold flow additives to lower Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) on Diesel Fuel, designed to prevent diesel fuel from gelling and keep everything running smoothly in the cold. They work by altering the fuel’s properties to improve flow and enhance combustion efficiency. You’ll benefit from:

• Improved Fuel Flow – prevent diesel gelling and help maintain fuel flow in freezing conditions.
• Enhanced Combustion – more efficient combustion, leading to increased power output.
• Reduced Emissions – with improved combustion, you’ll also see lower emissions, helping you stay compliant with environmental regulations.
• Improved Cold Starts – help reduce the thickness of engine oil, making it easier for the engine to turn over. This can extend the life of the battery and starter motor.
• Improved Engine Performance – your engines will run more smoothly, reducing friction, and extending engine lifespan, what will help you to save in repair and maintenance costs in the long run.

While there’s an initial cost for these additives, the savings from better fuel efficiency and performance – not to mention reduced downtime – make them a smart investment, helping you to reduce your fuel costs during winter. Speak with your fuel supplier to check if they offer winterized diesel – with the specific blending to your region – during winter months.

Important to note that Cold Flow improvers are effective in temperatures as low as -20˚F.

In case temperatures drop below -20˚F, the use of kerosene may be necessary. You can learn more about winter fuel preparation here.

2. Fuel Testing

Next up is fuel testing. This is a crucial step to ensure your fuel is ready for winter. Regular tests can help you catch potential issues early on, like water contamination or microbial growth, before they become a bigger problem. By keeping an eye on your fuel quality, you can avoid situations that could lead to engine performance issues or costly repairs. Setting up a regular testing schedule can save you a lot of trouble later.

3. Tank Maintenance

Don’t forget about tank maintenance! It’s essential to keep your fuel storage tanks clean and well-maintained during the winter months. Water accumulation can be a big issue as condensation builds up inside tanks. Addressing this promptly is key to preventing fuel separation, which also can lead to gelling and clogged filters. Plus, regular checks for corrosion or damage will ensure everything runs smoothly.

4. Emergency Additives

Finally, it’s a good idea to keep some emergency additives on hand. These products can quickly address any gelling issues if they crop up, allowing you to minimize downtime during unexpected cold snaps. While they shouldn’t replace your regular winter additives, having these emergency solutions at your disposal can help you unplanned down time and ensure you keep your fleet running.

• Re-liquefiers and De-icers – help restore fuel flow in gelled systems, acting as a quick solution to get vehicles running again.
• Water Dispersant – remove moisture from fuel tanks, preventing ice formation and ensuring smooth engine operation.

Plan Ahead and Reduce Costs

Just as planning your fleet’s routes is crucial for efficiency, properly preparing your fuel for winter is essential for avoiding costly breakdowns. Mansfield’s Arsenal ColdPRO is a program to improve your fuel’s cold-weather performance, offering consistent and accurate treatments, minimizing kerosene cost, and performing nationwide fuel testing.

With the right strategy in place, you can keep your fleet running smoothly throughout the winter season, regardless of where you operate. If you haven’t already, reach out to Mansfield to learn more about Arsenal ColdPro. Don’t wait; contact us today to secure a worry-free winter for your fuel needs.