Keep your diesel engine running strong in cold weather this winter.
Owning a diesel truck comes with a lot of benefits. The power, reliability, and fuel economy these vehicles can offer is unrivaled by those that rely on other fuels. It's hard to not feel the confidence to take on anything behind the wheel of one – until winter starts to show its face, at least.
Diesel trucks are notorious for struggling to deal with the colder months of the year. If you're new to owning one, the anxiety of the coming winter season might have you reconsidering your choice of truck.
The truth is that diesel vehicles do face a unique set of challenges in the winter, and you do need to take the right steps to ensure that those obstacles don't stop your truck dead in its tracks the second the temperature drops. It's not nearly as complicated as many would like to make it seem, though. While there are some things diesels require that gas vehicles don't, you'll only be adding a few additional procedures to your normal winter maintenance routine.
Fuel Gelling & Fuel Filters
The most well-known problem diesel vehicles struggle with in the colder months is gelling fuel. Diesel fuel contains paraffin waxes that cause the fuel to become thicker when temperatures drop. If the temperature drops low enough, it will reach a gel-like consistency. Fuel in this state won't flow through the fuel system properly, and the truck will fail to run because of it.
It's not quite as common of an issue as it's made out to be, however. Many northern states that are prone to dealing with it actually switch to winter diesel blends at the pump. This winterized version simply contains more anti-gelling additives to help prevent the issue. If the area you're in doesn't switch fuels at the pump, or you live in an exceptionally cold area, you can add an anti-gelling additive yourself to do the same thing.
That's not to say you shouldn't do more to protect yourself from the issue, though. Diesel fuel can still become thicker as temperatures drop. One thing you can do to prevent it from clogging the system up is to make sure you have clean fuel filters. Swapping to fresh filters before winter hits will keep any bits of debris from making it hard for thicker fuel to flow.
Water in the fuel system is also a concern. Oftentimes, it will freeze up and prevent fuel from flowing, which is another reason to make sure you have clean filters for the winter. It's also wise to make sure the water separator on your fuel system is in check and drained regularly. It is worth installing one if your truck doesn't already have one, as it's an added layer of defense during any time of the year.
Cold Starts/Glow Plug Issues
Diesel engines don't use spark plugs to ignite fuel. Instead, they rely on the extreme temperatures created by high compression. As temperatures drop, it becomes harder for the fuel to ignite.
Once the truck is running, this isn't much of an issue. Getting the process started in the dead of winter, however, can be a real hassle. Some trucks feature glow plugs to help increase cylinder temperatures as a way around it. It's wise to make sure those glow plugs are in sound working condition before winter hits and install new ones if not.
Another thing you can do to help cold starts is to use the block heater your truck is equipped with. Many trucks come with a block heater that's used to warm the engine up so that it has a better chance to easily start. They use a regular 110/120-volt outlet, which can be plugged in most places where a truck will be parked for prolonged periods. You want to test and make sure that the one your truck is equipped with is in working order and replace it, if necessary, before winter hits.
Many diesel truck owners also prefer to switch to a lighter synthetic oil in the winter months. Engine oil, just like diesel fuel, thickens as temperatures drop. By moving to a lighter weight oil, the engine can more easily cycle, making cold starts less of an issue. It might seem simple, but taking this step while checking your anti-freeze and DEF levels is a definitive part of winterizing a diesel in areas where temperatures regularly drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Weak Battery
Most of your concerns deal with starting a diesel vehicle in the winter months, and the battery is a big part of that. But starting a diesel doesn't place a lot of demand on the battery only when it's cold. These engines take a lot of power to turn over, which is why diesel trucks come with two batteries, one being used primarily to start the engine, if not one oversized battery.
Winter is hard on any vehicle's electrical system because sudden temperature drops can drain an already-weak battery, causing it to suddenly die with seemingly no explanation. Testing the batteries and alternator and installing new ones before winter will save you from running into this issue unexpectedly.
To be perfectly clear, you can jumpstart a diesel truck if need be. Even a small gasoline car or portable jump starter may be able to help start a dead diesel truck. However, it's still better to count on a good, fresh battery in any case.
Tire Traction
All of that power a diesel engine can produce is nothing if it can't grip the road. A good set of tires is the ultimate form of insurance for any vehicle in the wintertime. Take the time to inspect your tires before the winter hits. Inspect tread wear and the condition of the rubber. Now is also the time to ensure your tire is rated for the winter months by verifying the presence of the mountain and snowflake on the sidewall.
It’s wise to load up with some means of traction just in case conditions get bad enough for even good tires to fail. Tire chains and traction boards are excellent devices to have on hand. It's also important to keep an eye on tire pressure to ensure optimal performance. Tire pressure will drop as temperatures fall and keeping it in check may be all you need to avoid relying on external devices to keep you moving this winter.
Should You Buy a Coolant Heater?
A coolant heater is an excellent addition to make in two situations. They're primarily useful for trucks that are exposed to extreme cold, as the warming of the coolant prior to starting offers the same benefits as a block heater. (Only rather than heating the block, they warm the coolant.)
Another key difference between block heaters and coolant heaters is how they create heat. As mentioned earlier, block heaters rely on 110/120-volt power sources. Coolant heaters, however, use the truck's readily available resources to create heat. They actually burn a little bit of fuel from the tank as a primary source of heat, as opposed to relying on external power sources.
The self-reliance of coolant heaters means you're not at the mercy of a power outlet in the winter. Should you find yourself without one, you can still use the coolant heater to warm the engine up prior to starting. If you find yourself in situations where your truck is far away from an external power source for prolonged periods, adding a coolant heater is a great form of insurance.
Making Use of a Winter Grille Cover
Another additional step you can take to help your diesel truck run better is by adding a winter grille cover. This is a simple grille cover that helps reduce the amount of cold air flowing through to the engine bay. Doing so helps the engine reach operational temperatures faster and helps to maintain them as the truck drives along. This can also help keep the cabin comfortable as higher operating temperatures allow the cabin's heating system to keep you warm.