We’ve been talking a lot about how the winter can affect our cars. It seems obvious at this point that extreme temperatures can have extreme effects on our vehicles. Inside and out, winter will always take a toll on our vehicles and there is no avoiding that.
It doesn’t mean we have to face the full brunt of winter’s wrath. Diesel engines are always going to have a bit of a rougher time in the winter, but there are ways to lessen the impact. If you take the time to winterize your engine properly, then you are going to have a much more pleasant winter.
Winterizing a Diesel Engine
Diesel engines need to work a little harder and be kept warm to function properly in the winter. The first thing you should do is take the time to treat your fuel. There are some additives in diesel fuel that can thicken up as the temperature drops. You can add in some treatments that will help prevent that, or you can make sure you’re using fuel that is already winterized.
You should also be sure to change filters and drain the water separator. Frozen water and icy filters will cause problems for your engine and can plug it up. The water separator should be drained regularly to prevent any problems. Checking the coolant and battery is another good step to keeping your diesel engine healthy. It can help spot any problems before they pop up and save you time in the long run. Cleaning and inspecting the exterior is a good idea as well, it never hurts to check everything and fix any minor problems.
Why Diesel Engines Struggle in Winter
Used Cars in Grand Junction, CO
You can find plenty of strong, diesel-powered trucks and other used vehicles on the lot at Carville’s Auto Mart. If you have any questions, then feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.