December 30, 2004
Howdy Again Drivers!

Well winter driving is now with us in full force and with winter comes a switch from using #2 diesel to using # 1 fuel and various fuel blends. This is especially true in Northern States. Some states such as Colorado blend their fuel though out the state. Using a mixture of #1 and #2 fuels to keep things from gelling up during freezing weather. Fortunately #2 diesel will not start to gel up above -20 temperatures. Other fuel blends, and #1 fuel are good down to -40/-50 degrees.

Also drivers should keep in mind that during this time of the year, when your engine is running excessive fuel is pumped through the engine and returns warmed fuel to the fuel tanks which will keep the fuel from gelling at a much lower temperature as long as the engine remains running. The fuel will circulate enough down to -40 degrees to keep from gelling just don't turn your engine off below -20 deg.

Unfortunately #1 fuel and various fuel blends have less lubrication qualities. Its not not a bad idea to use a fuel additive such as marvel oil (add about 1 gallon of marvel oil to 200 gal lands of fuel and you will get a good mixture). Other fuel additives are for the most part a waist of money, as long as you’re using good fuel. When I say good fuel, I mean like fueling at places like the Flying J, Petro, Loves, Truck Stops of America and Pilots. These facilities pump several truck loads of fuel a day and therefore they tend to have the cleanest fuel around. If your fueling at an off brand truck stop, you may be getting bad fuel (water and marine growth can clog up fuel filters fast). If your fuel filters clog up the only remedy in this situation is to change your fuel filters and use a quart of air dry added to about 200 gallons of fuel. This will remove the water that may freeze up in low places in the fuel system.

Now if you decide to get a motel room during freezing temperatures and the motel has AC plug-ins for your truck’s block heater use them. If they’re all being used by other trucks you can still plug your truck in the next morning for an hour or so and this will warm up the engine enough so your truck will start.

OK drivers be safe out there and as always hope to hear from you about any tips you may have. Keep the shinny side up.


Fred is an OTR driver who has 24 years experience hauling a multitude of freight including dry van and refer. He has trucked in all 48 States as well as every province in Canada. Trucking as both a company driver and an owner operator, Fred brings to the GTA the kind of success story many drivers would like to experience including the last 15 years trucking with his own rig.
If you have a question for Fred just forward it to him through the contact page on the website.

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