What Causes Diesel Fuel to Thicken? Understanding Diesel Gelation

Discover why diesel fuel thickens in cold weather and how to prevent gelation for better engine performance.

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Diesel fuel becomes thicker due to lower temperatures. In cold weather, the paraffin wax in diesel starts to crystallize, causing the fuel to gel and thicken, which can hinder engine performance or cause starting issues. To prevent this, use winterized diesel or add anti-gel additives to maintain the fuel’s flow properties in cold conditions.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What temperatures cause diesel fuel to thicken? Diesel fuel tends to thicken in temperatures below 30°F (-1°C), due to the crystallization of paraffin wax.
  2. How can I prevent diesel fuel from gelling? You can prevent diesel fuel from gelling by using winterized diesel or adding anti-gel additives tailored for colder temperatures.
  3. What are the effects of thick diesel fuel on a vehicle? Thick diesel fuel can hinder engine performance, making it difficult to start and running inefficiently.
  4. When should I switch to winterized diesel? It's advisable to switch to winterized diesel in early winter months when temperatures begin to drop consistently.