Fuel Gelling and Truck Rentals: Preventing Downtime in Winter Conditions

Fuel Gelling and Truck Rentals: Preventing Downtime in Winter Conditions

Truck rentals face unique challenges during the winter season, and one of the most critical issues is fuel gelling. Diesel fuel can begin to thicken and solidify as temperatures drop, a process known as gelling. This can lead to operational delays, costly repairs, and equipment downtime, which are especially problematic for businesses relying on rental trucks to keep projects moving.

Learn why fuel gelling is harmful to your units, how to protect your fuel system from icing, and the preventive maintenance steps you can take to keep your rental fleet running smoothly in winter.

What Is Fuel Gelling and Why Is It Harmful?

Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which stays liquid in normal conditions. However, as temperatures drop, this wax begins to crystallize, causing the fuel to thicken. If the temperature drops low and the fuel reaches around 32°F, it can gel to the point that it can no longer flow through the fuel system.

Fuel gelling in truck rentals can cause several problems:

• Engine Failure: Gelled fuel blocks the flow through fuel filters and lines, which can cause engines to stall or fail entirely.
• Increased Downtime: Once fuel gels, trucks cannot run, leading to project delays and potential loss of revenue.
• Costly Repairs: Prolonged exposure to gelled fuel can damage critical components like injectors and fuel pumps, leading to expensive repairs.
• Strain on Operations: Rental trucks that are out of service due to fuel issues can create logistical challenges for businesses that depend on them.

How to Prevent Your Fuel Filter Icing and Fuel Gelling

Fuel filter icing is another issue that truck operators face in winter. Condensation in the fuel system can freeze, blocking fuel filters and leading to the same problems caused by gelled fuel. Here are a few steps to prevent fuel filter icing and fuel gelling:

1. Use Winterized Diesel: Cold-weather diesel, also known as winter-blend diesel, contains additives that lower the freezing point and reduce the risk of gelling.
2. Add Diesel Fuel Supplement: PTR recommends using a diesel fuel winter treatment product all winter. These products reduce the cloud point of the fuel by keeping wax properly suspended in the fuel. Wax can begin to fall out of suspension at temperatures near freezing and gradually get worse as the temperature falls in untreated fuels. Most colder climate areas of the country treat their fuel and sell “winter blended” diesel fuel, but PTR recommends fuel additives are still used as added protection. Gelled fuel (wax separation) can accumulate inside the fuel filter and constrict fuel flow to the engine. This can reduce engine power and, in extreme cases, completely starve the engine of fuel and potentially leave you stranded.
3. Keep Trucks Out of the Wind: Parking trucks in areas shielded from wind can prevent additional wind chill from affecting the fuel system, keeping it running smoothly.
4. Maintain a Full Tank: Keeping the fuel tank full minimizes the amount of air and condensation inside, reducing the risk of water entering the fuel system and freezing.

Tips for Winter Maintenance and Emergency Solutions

Even with careful preparation, freezing temperatures can sometimes catch you off-guard, leading to gelled fuel. This is where having an emergency solution on hand is crucial.

We recommend any of the following products for gelling prevention:

• Hot Shot’s Secret: Diesel Winter Anti Gel
• Power Service: Diesel Fuel Supplement + Winterizer (White Bottle)
• Howes: Diesel Treat

Please follow the use rates for each product. Also, these products are meant to be used and added to the fuel tank during fill-up, and they do not guarantee fuel will not gel.

For emergencies where fuel filters do become restricted or fuel is gelled in the tank, some products are designed to reliquefy the fuel. These products do not prevent fuel from gelling! They are meant to be used in emergency situations where vehicles have been immobilized.

We recommend any of the following products for gel reliquification:

• Hot Shot’s Secret: Diesel Winter Rescue
• Power Service: Diesel 911 (Red Bottle)
• Howes: Diesel Lifeline

Preventive Maintenance for a Winter-Ready Fleet

Proper winter maintenance will help your rental trucks perform reliably during the cold months. Here are a few other maintenance practices to implement:

• Inspect Fuel Systems Regularly: Routine inspections of fuel tanks, lines, and filters will help identify any potential issues before they become serious.
• Monitor Cold Starts: Cold starts can strain the engine, particularly when fuel systems are compromised. Block heaters or battery warmers can help with starting the truck on cold mornings.
• Service the Oil and DEF Systems: Winterizing involves more than just fuel maintenance—ensure that oil levels and the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems are regularly checked and serviced.

Did you know that PTR has a 24/7 Field Service team available to help with preventative maintenance for your fleet? Our dedicated team of service experts will work with you to schedule routine maintenance to keep your trucks running, as well as are available around the clock to help you in emergencies. Email fieldservice@rentptr.com or call (844) 221-0420 to get in touch with our Field Service team.

Want to learn more about winter preparation for your fleet? Contact us today to learn more about our colder month preparation services and rental truck options.