Winter can be tough on cars, but diesel engines especially face some extra challenges. From frozen fuel to weak batteries, the cold climate can cause major issues if you are not prepared.
But there is a relief too, that with a little care, your diesel engine can run just as smoothly in winter as it does in summer.
One of the biggest issues these engines face is- ‘fuel gelling’ and this happens when diesel thickens in the cold and stops flowing easily.
Here are the 10 tips to keep your diesel engine safe in winter:-
- Use Winter Blended Diesel Fuel– Switch to winter-grade diesel to prevent “fuel gelling,” where fuel thickens and clogs the system in cold temperatures.
- Add Anti-Gel Fuel Additives– Pour in a good quality winter fuel additive with every fill-up for extra protection and smoother engine performance.
- Keep the Tank Full-Always keep your fuel tank full as a fuller tank reduces empty space, which helps prevent condensation and water from freezing inside the fuel system.
- Drain the Water Separator Daily– The practice of removing any collected water to stop it from freezing and blocking fuel flow helps in increasing the performance of your diesel engine in winters.
- Replace Fuel Filters Before Winter– Fresh filters reduce the risk of clogs. Always keep a spare in case your fuel gels on extremely cold days.
- Check and Test the Battery– Cold weather weakens batteries and reduces its efficiency to perform. Always make sure it is fully charged, corrosion-free and strong enough before the winter season starts.
- Use a Block Heater– Plug in the block heater before starting the engine to keep oil warm and make cold starts easier, this is the life saver for your diesel car in winters.
- Switch to Winter Grade Engine Oil– Replace thick summer oil with lighter winter engine oil like 5W-40 for smoother lubrication in cold climate.
- Check Coolant/Antifreeze Levels– Ensure your coolant mixture can handle cold temperatures to protect the radiator and engine block, as this is a common issue with the diesel engines.
- Warm Up the Engine– Let the engine get warm and normal for a few minutes to circulate fluids, but avoid long idling, which causes inefficient burning of the fuel.
The storage and daily habits matter too when it comes to vehicle care. Parking in a garage or under shelter minimises the exposure to cold weather. In simple words, getting your diesel car ready for winters isn’t complicated, it just needs some extra care before the season arrives. Use the right fuel, keep fluids in check, look after your battery, and warm up your engine properly and you are good to beat the cold. These small steps will not only save you from breakdowns but also extend your engine’s life.