Author: Anina Russová – Photo: Pavel Srp – November 26, 2022
There is a rumor among motorists that the so-called summer diesel can freeze in winter. But that’s actually not the case at all. However, the so-called winter diesel, which is also intended for very cold climates, is gradually starting to appear on the street.
Summer, transitional and winter
Most motorists are probably familiar with the term summer and winter diesel. But there is another type of diesel, which is the so-called transition diesel. As the labels themselves indicate, the individual diesels differ according to when they can be refueled at the stands. By default, winter diesel appears on the stands between December 1st and the end of February. It is a class F diesel with a filterability of -20°C. Class B summer diesel with zero filterability is on sale from about mid-April to the end of September. And in the middle of the stands, there is class D transition diesel with a filterability of -10°C.
However, you must realize that the temperatures mentioned do not mean that the diesel really freezes. Nothing like that is happening. The problem is that at low temperatures crystals form in diesel, which can clog the fuel filter when you try to start it.
Fill completely and do not mix
Every motorist with a diesel car should bear in mind that, ideally, before the first frosts, you should fill up the car with an ideally full tank of pure winter diesel. If there is a threat of frost before the given date, it’s a good idea to use additives. But experts do not recommend mixing two types of diesel. So if you drive little and last refuel in September, then it is ideal to drive the rest of the tank and only then fill up with winter diesel. And vice versa, refuel with so-called pure summer diesel in the spring. The lower the blending of fuels, the better for the engine.
If it happens that the so-called diesel stalls, the car needs to be warmed up. Nothing else will help. Therefore, it is better to think about prevention to avoid diesel crystallization.
Labels: service station, diesel, naphtha, fuel, refueling, winter diesel
