Winter’s here, and the temperatures are dropping. But don’t worry, Moffitt Services is here to keep you warm and your engines running smoothly. We deliver fuel all year round, even in the chilliest months. We understand how winter weather can impact your gas and diesel, especially its fuel tolerance in colder temperatures. So let’s discuss how to keep your home and vehicles fueled up and ready to go, even in the chilliest months.
How Temperature Affects Your Fuel
Did you know that temperature can actually change the way your fuel behaves? It’s true! When temperatures get colder, both gasoline and diesel fuel can thicken. This can make them less efficient. This is something to keep in mind if you store fuel in bulk tanks. It’s also important to know how this affects the fuel you get at the pump.
Gasoline vs. Diesel: Fuel Temperature Tolerance
Gasoline and diesel fuel have different tolerances for cold weather. Generally, gasoline handles cold temperatures better than diesel. However, both types of fuel can experience issues in extreme cold.
Gasoline:
- Gasoline has a lower freezing point than diesel.
- But it can still thicken in very cold temperatures, usually below -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If gasoline thickens, it can be difficult to start your engine.
Diesel:
- Diesel fuel has a higher freezing point than gasoline.
- It can start to gel or crystallize when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
- This gelling can clog your fuel filters and fuel lines.
- If this happens, your engine might not run.
Keeping Your Bulk Fuel Tank Happy in Winter
If you store fuel in a bulk tank, it’s important to take extra care of it during the winter.
- Fuel Gelling: When temperatures drop, diesel fuel in bulk tanks can start to gel. This can cause problems with how the fuel flows and can even damage your equipment.
- Condensation: Changes in temperature can cause condensation to form inside your tank. This extra water can mix with your fuel and cause problems for your engines.
Here are some tips for winter bulk fuel storage:
- Insulate Your Tank: Adding insulation around your bulk tank helps keep the temperature more consistent. This can prevent fuel gelling.
- Use Additives: You can add special anti-gel additives to your diesel fuel to help it perform better in cold weather.
- Monitor Fuel Levels: Try to keep your fuel tank from getting too low. This can help reduce condensation.
Fueling Up Your Vehicle in Winter
Believe it or not, even the fuel at the gas station has a tolerance and can be affected by winter weather.
- Fuel Line Freezing: The fuel lines at gas stations can sometimes freeze in extreme cold. This can prevent fuel from reaching the pump.
- Water Contamination: Condensation can form in the gas station’s underground storage tanks. This water can get into the fuel and cause problems.
Here are a few tips for fueling up in winter:
- Choose a Busy Station: Fill up at gas stations that are busy. Busy stations sell more fuel, so the fuel is fresher and less likely to have water in it.
- Keep Your Tank Full: Try to keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter. This can help prevent condensation from forming inside your vehicle’s tank.
- Use Winter-Grade Fuel: Some gas stations offer a special winter blend of fuel that has a lower freezing point.
Your Winter Fuel Friends
At Moffitt Services, we’re your reliable fuel delivery partner, even in the coldest months. We take extra steps to make sure your fuel arrives on time and in perfect condition, no matter what the weather is like.
Here’s how we can help:
- Winterized Fuel: We offer winterized diesel fuel with special additives to prevent it from gelling in the cold.
- Reliable Delivery: We have a fleet of trucks that are ready to handle tough winter weather conditions.
- Expert Advice: Our team can give you expert advice on how to store and manage your fuel during the winter.
Don’t let winter weather slow you down. Contact us today for reliable fuel delivery and expert advice on keeping your fuel flowing all winter long. We’re here to help you stay warm and keep moving!
