For new truck drivers, few things are more important than learning how to prepare your rig for winter. Cold weather brings its own set of challenges, which include icy roads, freezing temps, and one of the biggest headaches for diesel owners: fuel gelling.
When temperatures drop, untreated diesel fuel can thicken and turn into a waxy, gel-like substance. Once that happens, your engine can’t get the fuel it needs, and you’re not going anywhere. The good news? With the right preparation and a couple of key products from Howes, you can prevent this problem altogether, while still being ready in case it ever happens.
START WITH PREVENTION: HOWES DIESEL TREAT
Winter readiness starts before the cold sets in. Howes Diesel Treat is the go-to solution for preventing fuel gelling and keeping your diesel running smoothly all season long.
When added at every fill-up during cold weather, Diesel Treat keeps your fuel flowing freely, even in subzero temperatures. But what many new drivers don’t realize is that it does far more than just preventing gelling.
Today’s Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel lacks many of the natural lubricants that older fuels had. The lack of lubricity can lead to increased wear on fuel pumps and injectors over time. Diesel Treat helps fix that and other inherent issues by:
• Adding vital lubricity to protect your engine components
• Removing water that can cause corrosion and damage
• Cleaning injectors for better combustion and power
• Reducing smoke and rough idle
So, when you’re using Diesel Treat, you’re not just protecting your fuel from freezing. You’re also improving performance, extending the life of your engine, and even reducing regens.
PRO TIP: Begin using Diesel Treat before temperatures dip below freezing. Preventing a problem is always easier than fixing one.
BE READY FOR ANYTHING: HOWES DIESEL LIFELINE
Even with the best preparation, extreme cold or untreated fuel can still catch you off guard. That’s where Howes Diesel Lifeline comes in. It’s your emergency solution for a gelled-up fuel system.
If your diesel has already gelled or your fuel filters are iced over, Diesel Lifeline works fast to re-liquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen filters, getting you back on the road quickly and safely.
Think of Diesel Treat as “prevention” and Diesel Lifeline as “insurance.” Together, they form a complete winter defense system:
• Diesel Treat: Stops gelling before it starts
• Diesel Lifeline: Brings your fuel back to life
Every trucker, especially those new to winter routes, should carry a bottle of Diesel Lifeline in the cab. It’s essentially peace of mind in a bottle.
WHY WINTER READINESS MATTERS THAN EVER
With today’s cleaner-burning ULSD fuel, drivers can’t rely on the natural protections older diesel fuels once provided. That makes proper treatment essential, not optional. Untreated fuel can gel faster than you expect, and even a short delay on the side of the road can cost valuable time, money, and safety.
Howes products are designed to work with modern fuel systems, contain no harmful alcohols or solvents, and are 100% warranty safe. When you use Howes, you can rely on total confidence with every dose.
STAY RUNNING. STAY READY.
Winter driving doesn’t have to mean worry. By preparing ahead with Howes Diesel Treat and keeping Howes Diesel Lifeline within reach, you’ll ensure that cold weather never stops you from getting the job done.
Because when it comes to diesel performance and protection, Howes has been keeping drivers running strong for over 100 years — and that’s something you can count on, no matter how cold it gets.
