7 tips for Cat^® diesel engine
winter maintenance

Here are 7 tips for maximizing the performance of diesel engines during the colder winter months.

1. Winterize your fuel habits.

If you can’t control the temperatures outside, you can control which fuel you use. Go with a winter-blended fuel that is less likely to gel. Portable fuel cans should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment to avoid condensation. When your machine is no longer in use for the day, fill the fuel tank, and drain water from the fuel filter so it doesn’t freeze up overnight. Replace a gelled filter when you have one handy.

2. Lighten your oil.

A cold engine operates more effectively with a lighter weight engine oil, but don’t go below the weights recommended by the engine manufacturer. That might cause lubrication issues when the temperatures eventually rise again.

3. Practice good filter maintenance.

Each year, it’s important to swap out your fuel filter before the colder temperatures arrive. You’ll be glad you didn’t tackle the task in the cold. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare fuel filter handy because it’s easier to replace a frozen filter than it is to thaw it.

4. Stay cool in the cold.

A lack of glycol raises the freeze point of your coolant. Once your engine is running hot, the glycol in your coolant can burn off. A lack of glycol lowers the freezing temperature of the coolant. Use a hydrometer to regularly check your coolant. If your coolant is low, never top if off with plain water as it will freeze in your engine. Use the proper mix of water and glycol. Be careful of longer engine idle times that cause an engine to overcool.