By Mike Havenga, Vice President of Fuels for PetroChoice

PetroChoice’s additive blending program begins October 15 and is scheduled to run through mid-March. Purchasing quality fuel is not the only component to experiencing a flawless season. There are several measures you can take to help keep your fleet in service and out of the shop. We know there is nothing worse than changing filters in the middle of the night in subzero conditions while your customers are waiting for you to deliver your service on time.

Here are a few simple tips to reduce downtime this winter:

• Check and remove any water from all storage tanks by Nov 1. Most issues are actually caused by “icing,” not the gelling of fuel
• Be sure water is drained from running tanks and filters are changed by Nov 1
• Be sure 100% of your fuel inventory is blended to handle extreme temperatures by Nov 1 (yard tanks, transfer tanks, running tanks, job site tanks). Transfer tanks should operate through a filter as well
• Be sure treated fuel is operating throughout the fuel systems in all equipment.  The running tank should be treated and the engine should run for 10 minutes with the new filter on to ensure treated fuel is throughout the whole system
• It’s much better to use a non-alcohol winter diesel fuel anti-gel additive designed for on highway fuel versus a blend using #1 fuel. Blended fuel has lower cetane and doesn’t have lubricity additives for newer high-pressure injectors
• Additionally, larger micron filters may be used, per OEM, during winter months
  Blend additives in your truck at appropriate ratios as over-treating can coat your filter and lead to plugging as well

It’s inevitable that we will experience extreme conditions at least once a winter in the Midwest. PetroChoice is committed to providing high quality, clean, optimal performing diesel fuel.

Bulk and package emergency and conditioner additives in cases are available through PetroChoice. Give us a call at 800-997-3835 or ask your Sales Representative.