First time diesel owner (New to me 2013 F350 Power Stroke). Tips/Advice for cold weather applications. 3-4 trips/winter to LOTW with sometimes severe cold. Have access to electricity there, but other tips/advice welcomed.
The biggest thing to be aware of is your fuel.
Some stations sell summer diesel in the dead of winter.
Make sure you are buying blended fuel. If it doesn’t say winterized on the pump, go in and ask.
Sometimes you need to blend your own (some #1 with #2).
Clean fuel filters and quality fuel is all thats needed in todays trucks. It never hurts to plug them in. I also let mine run and warm up for 20 minutes or more when it’s cold.
If I’m on lotw for a day or a week and its brutal cold I start and let the truck run every 2 hours and run for 20 minutes. But yes make sure you carry deisel 911 or what ever you use just in case the fuel you buy isn’t blended. And clean filters before trip
Keep your tailgate to the cold wind, it helps.
Also get a winter front for your grill.
Make darn sure your batteries are up to snuff it takes a lot to start a cold diesel.
I have had three diesels in my time, and lived on the northern edge of Wisconsin. Run 5-40 synthetic oil in the winter, your truck will start as easy as a gas engine, with no need for long warm ups. Also always added an additive in the winter for piece of mind on fuel. I used Howes, and never had problems. Change, or bleed off your fuel filter in the fall. Also pay attention when getting fuel in the winter, if the pump seems to be running real slow when its cold out, stop filling, and go to another station. I really miss my diesel trucks when towing.
Try and stay away from biodiesel in winter. People tell me they have more issues in winter with biodiesel. I have no experience with bio fuel.
I have run BioDiesel since my 6.6 Duramax was new. It has 110,000 miles on it and has no issues. I have never added an additive. Had injectors cleaned @ my Chevy dealership once. I thought it was a good idea, the mechanic thought it was a waste of my money because I was having no issues. I use the radiator cover in the winter and plug it in after we get below freezing. I only allow it to warm up @ most 5 minutes. That is also spelled out in the owner’s manual.
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