Winter is tough on vehicles in ways you might not expect. Harsh weather wears down paint and creates the perfect conditions for rust, while salt, slush, and road debris take a toll on the interior. Icy roads make traction a constant battle, and heavy snow can compromise visibility. But as frustrating as all of that is, none of it will stop your vehicle in its tracks as quickly as fuel problems.
Fuel faces some unique challenges in winter. Whether it’s sitting unused in a tank or exposed to extreme cold, fuel can thicken, degrade, or fail altogether, leaving you with an engine that won’t start no matter what you try.
The good news? These issues are easy to avoid. With the right winter fuel treatments and stabilizers, you can keep gasoline and diesel engines running smoothly—or ensure they’re safely preserved for the off-season. Let’s dive into a few simple steps to keep your vehicles and seasonal equipment ready, no matter what winter throws your way.
Tackling Gelling Issues
Diesel fuel has a reputation for struggling in cold weather. When temperatures drop to 10–15 degrees Fahrenheit, the paraffin wax in the diesel begins to solidify, causing the fuel to gel. This thickening can prevent the engine from starting or running properly, leaving diesel owners stuck in the cold.
Interestingly, this problem is more common in some areas than others. In colder regions, it’s common to find “winter” diesel—a blend specially formulated to resist gelling. However, in southern states where extreme cold is less common, this fuel isn’t always available, leaving diesel drivers vulnerable when temperatures unexpectedly plunge.
To avoid gelling, a simple solution is to use diesel anti-gel additives. Adding them to your tank during fill-ups can keep your fuel flowing smoothly. It’s also smart to keep a bottle on hand, just in case. As an extra precaution, block heaters are a great tool for preventing cold start issues in diesel engines during the winter.
Preventing Water Contamination
Gasoline, including ethanol blends, doesn’t face the same winter challenges as diesel. In fact, you might not notice any issues at all, even without additives during the cold months. While gasoline can technically freeze, it requires temperatures much lower than anything you'd typically encounter, around -100°F. Therefore, in most winter conditions, freezing isn’t a concern.
That said, there are still some winter challenges to watch out for. One of the biggest is water in the gas tank. Ethanol in modern fuel is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture, which can lead to problems. However, this is usually only an issue when fuel isn’t being used regularly, or if there's a hole letting water into the tank. Over time, this water can cause significant issues.
To prevent this, HEET is a great solution. This product helps remove water from the fuel tank, preventing ice from blocking fuel lines and stopping potential damage.
Preventing Varnish Build-Up
Ethanol gasoline can be a hot topic because it is prone to some issues that non-ethanol gasoline doesn’t face. While freezing isn’t one of them, varnish build-up is. That’s why you should never let ethanol gasoline sit for months untreated—especially not inside an engine you want to fire up when winter’s over.
Because ethanol is hygroscopic, it pulls moisture from the air. While this isn’t usually a problem in the short term, it becomes an issue when fuel sits for extended periods. As the moisture collects, the fuel deteriorates, leaving behind a sticky, gummy substance called varnish. In the tank, varnish is a considerable issue that requires proper steps for cleaning, but it’s even more troublesome if it spreads throughout the fuel system.
The best thing you can do to avoid varnish is to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank before storing your vehicle for the winter. It’s a small step that can save you the big headache of having to tear down and clean the fuel system when you bring your vehicle out of storage.
Cold Weather Fuel Management Tips
To avoid fuel issues during the winter, using the right additives can go a long way. But there are a few other simple steps you can take to prevent complications down the road. Here are some best practices for cold weather fuel management:
Park inside whenever possible.
Avoid storing fuel containers where they’re exposed to the elements.
Consistently buy your fuel from the same, quality station.
Inspect the quality of fuel before using it after storage.
Store vehicles and equipment with a full tank of fuel.
Get Ready for Winter with Parts Via
Winter can take a toll on your vehicle, but with the right fuel treatments and winterization products, you can keep it running smoothly all season long. At Parts Via, we offer a wide selection of fuel stabilizers, additives, and essential products designed to protect your vehicle and keep it performing at its best for years to come.
Need a major upgrade, like a block heater for your diesel? We've got you covered there to. Parts Via makes it easy to get what you need without breaking the bank. With our fast and free ship-to-store option, you can have your purchase delivered to a participating network dealer near you at no extra charge. Simply choose your preferred location at checkout, and pick up your items at your convenience. Need installation? We can even help schedule that for you!
Shop now and ensure your vehicle or equipment is ready for winter with Parts Via.