Diesel gelling is when cold temperatures cause diesel fuel to turn from a liquid into a gel-like substance.
The diesel fuel solidifies into a waxy or gel-like substance. Fuel is no longer able to be pumped or filtered through the engine. There are 3 stages of the gelling process;
Cloud point
Pour point
Gel point
Cloud point
Cloud point is the temperature at which the wax in diesel begins to solidify. This causes the fuel to have a cloudy appearance.
Pour point
Pour point is the temperature at which the diesel loses its flow characteristics.
Gel point
Gel point is the temperature at which the diesel freezes. Wax crystals form and the diesel can no longer pumped through fuel lines or filter.
What temperature does diesel gel at?
Diesel no#2 typically gels/freezes at 17.5 degrees Fahrenheit (-8.1 Celcius).
How do you know if your diesel is gelled?
The vehicle won’t start
Vehicle starts then dies
Sluggish acceleration
No fuel pressure (if you have a gauge that displays this)
How to stop a diesel from Gelling?
Here are some tips to avoid a diesel vehicle from gelling.
Plug in your truck or vehicle
To avoid a diesel from gelling, you can plug the vehicle in using an engine block heater. If you don’t have one already fitted to your truck, these can be fitted at your local dealership.
Use winterized diesel.
Some gas stations will have winterized fuel. It may not be available at every pump so call ahead to check or ask at the fuel desk first. They may have a blend available which can significantly lower the gelling temperature.
Use Anti-Gel Additives
Use non-alcohol based additives, called cold flow improvers, or anti-gel preventatives.
Keep diesel tank as full as possible
Keep more than a half a tank of fuel in the vehicle. This may be tricky in rural locations if you on a long haul in places like Wyoming. Having more fuel in the tank reduces the opportunity for water/condensation to collect and freeze. This is turn will help avoid diesel gelling.
Store the vehicle inside
Keep your vehicle in the garage (heated is even better if you’re lucky enough to have one!). Nonetheless keeping the vehicle inside could be just enough of a temperature difference to avoid gelling.
What to do if your truck has diesel gelling?
Drain the water separators/replace fuel filter
If your diesel is gelled, take your vehicle to a warm place ( or inside) and let it warm up. This way the wax crystals can melt back to a liquid form. Jamie Osborne, master diesel technician at Fremont Motors Casper, recommends inspecting the fuel filter to look for wax, gel-like particles. Then if necessary, drain the water separators and replace the fuel filter.
Be careful inspecting, wear gloves
Be sure to wear gloves when inspecting diesel components as bacteria can grow in diesel. Commonly called diesel bug or diesel algae.
On a side note, this can also cause starting problems with trucks. According to Fuel and Friction, “…microbial growth in fuel is usually described as near to the appearance of chocolate mousse.” It grows within any water that may be in fuel/tank.
To avoid this, use a fuel from somewhere the fuel is being moved constantly instead of sitting, gathering water.
How to ungel diesel in an emergency
You can use a De-Gel product to ungel a diesel. Power Service Diesel 9-1-1 is a product that re-liquefies gelled diesel. It also de-ices frozen fuel filters.
It does not prevent gelling and should not be used on a regular basis but only in emergencies.
To reliquify the fuel, follow the directions of the De-Gel product.
If the fuel filter is clogged, this will require removing the filter.
Note that a De-Gel product is different from an Anti-Gel product. If your diesel is already gelled up, an Anti-gel will not work.
If you’d like to research more about diesel fuel additives, check out;
Winter is in full swing in Wyoming, and for those who don’t prepare, winter driving can be trecherous. Here are some tips on winter-proofing your vehicle and traveling in cold weather.
Like the Scout’s motto: “Be Prepared”, winter drivers should always be prepared when traveling in cold weather. Vehicle mishaps and unexpected traveling dangers can occur.
Getting stuck on some desolate road without emergency supplies and no help when the temperatures are at or below freezing can spell trouble.
Winter Proofing Vehicle Checklist
We have compiled a list of winter-proofing safety items you should keep in your vehicle when traveling in cold weathershould the unexpected happen.
Tire Chains (Make sure they are the correct size for your vehicle)
A Shovel
Ice Scraper
Kitty Litter or Bag of Sand
Can of De-ice
Extra Set of Wiper Blades
Warm Blanket
Water/Food (Energy bars are easy to store and convenient)
Flares
Flashlight and extra batteries
Jumper Cables
Matches or Lighter or both.
Warm Jacket, pants, hat and gloves (Always keep a spare set of clothes at the ready).
While it’s recommended to shelter at home during snow or ice storms and when road conditions are bad, plenty of drivers throw caution to the wind and venture out anyway.
A good rule of thumb is to remember that during late fall, winter and early spring, because of freezing temperatures, road conditions can change rapidly
Here are a few tips for traveling in cold weather
Check Your Tire Pressure – Make sure your tires are inflated properly for cold weather driving. In general tire pressure will decrease about 1 psi for every 10 degrees. Not sure how? Check out our articles on how to check tire pressure and TPMS.
Replace Worn Out Windshield Wipers – If you have wipers that look a bit worn out, replace them.
Check Your Windshield Wiper Fluids – When the temperatures are cold fluids can freeze. Buying Anti-Freeze windshield wiper fluid is highly recommended. Make sure to top off the wiper fluids.
Allow More Braking Time – When driving on icy and snowy roads remember that it takes longer to stop or slow down. Stopping distances can be ten timesgreater than on dry roads.
Keep A Full Tank Of Fuel – Don’t leave for your destination almost on empty. Don’t get stuck without fuel. Keeping more than half a tank of fuel in your vehicle helps avoid condensation build up which could then freeze.
Check Your Headlights and Brake Lights – Many new cars come equipped with safety light warnings features. Please refer to your specific model owners manual for a list of light safety features and warnings. Another option is to do a manual safety check making sure the lights are working properly.
Buckle Up – Don’t forget to buckle up and make sure your passengers are also wearing their seat belts.
Adjust Your Speed For Conditions – As road conditions change, make sure to adjust your speed appropriately.
If you’re thinking about winter driving, don’t neglect your tires. Think about purchasing a good set of winter specific tires or if you have them already, make sure there are up to the task and don’t need replacing.
If you are uncertain, call your local dealership or tire service station for advice.
Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)
Beyond winter-proofing your vehicle, another tip for traveling in cold weather is to check the roads. Check road conditions for the entire route prior to travel. A helpful website is the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).
The WYDOT contains all sorts of links on weather related road conditions including road cameras and road condition updates.
When driving in Wyoming you can call 511 to get road condition information. Those traveling outside of Wyoming can call 888-WYO-ROAD (888-996-7623). You can also visit http://www.wyoroad.info/ There is also a phone App for those who prefer updates that way.
If you would like to receive updates, 511 Notify will send messages through text or via email.
Are you a seasoned winter traveler? What are your tips for vehicle winter-proofing and traveling in cold weather?
Paul Lutz is a Sales Consultant at Fremont Motor Toyota in Sheridan, Wyoming. Paul is new to the sales team but has worked with the company for a while. We interviewed him to find out a little more.
Paul Lutz, Sales Consultant, stands in front of the all new Toyota RAV4 in the Fremont Toyota Sheridan showroom. Photo: L Baures
Where were you born and raised?
“Well, my father was in the Air Force when I was younger so I moved around quite a bit. I was born in Kilmarnock Virginia. We lived there for a couple of years until we moved again. Then lived in Delaware, followed by California, then Lander Wyoming. Finally, landing in Shoshoni, Wyoming where we stayed for 10 years. So whenever anyone asks where I am from I just tell them Shoshoni Wyoming because that is where I have lived the longest.” says Paul Lutz.
What brought you to Sheridan, WY?
“I moved up here to be closer to my fiance for one and secondly I came up here to go to college. I am currently going to school to become an elementary school teacher.”
How long have you worked in the Auto Industry?
Paul explains, “I started out as a car detailer and photographer with Fremont Motors about a year and a half ago. Whilst taking pictures of the vehicles to show off all of the features, pretty soon I knew almost as much about the cars as the salespeople. I was then asked to move up to sales.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“Besides getting to check out all of the sweet new rides that Toyota gets in. I love the look on the customers face when they drive off in their new vehicle.”
Biggest achievement?
“Convincing this gorgeous woman to go down the aisle with me. That took a lot of work.”
Growing up as a child, what did you want your career to be?
“I wanted to be an aeronautical engineer since I was seven. Thinking it was the coolest thing to get to design airplanes, spaceships, and helicopters. Then I realized that I really didn’t want to do mathematics for my entire life when I was in high school. I found my true passion, which is shaping the minds of our future generations.”
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
“When I’m not working, I like to do a lot of things. I love movies! My movie collection at my home literally fills the wall. I like to go hiking with family and camping is always a great time.”
What kind of music do you like?
“Well, it doesn’t really match me my personality but I really like to listen to late 90’s early 2000’s pop-rock. My favorite group is Panic! At The Disco.”
How about your favorite kind of food?
“Mac & cheese is my favorite. I could eat it all day everyday.”
Favorite movie line?
“For a moment there I thought we were in trouble” from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
What was your first car?
“My first car is actually my current car. It is a 2009 Ford Escape. This car and I have been through a lot. I’m pretty sure that it is cursed but I love it. I say it’s cursed because I have had to replace the rear bumper 4 different times. Probably the auto body shop’s no.1 customer.”
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
Fremont Motor Rock Springs Among Top FCA Dealerships in Region
The only dealership in the Denver Business region to receive a perfect score from J.D. Power.Fremont Motor Rock Springs, a Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, RAM dealership wins Customer First Award for Excellence. Only 34 dealerships in the region won this prestigious award.
Fremont Motor Rock Springs
Customer First Award for Excellence
The Customer First Award for Excellence is an award given to elite Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, dealerships. FCA compiles the results in partnership with J.D. Power.
Dealerships must excel in various aspects of the business. The criteria consists of five main areas; Customer Treatment, Employee Engagement, Facilities, Processes, and Training Certification. This is for both the sales and service departments within the dealership. This is exactly what Fremont Motor Rock Springs has achieved.
What made this award possible for Fremont Rock Springs
Steph Staton, Customer Experience Manager at the Fremont Motors Rock Springs, dealership tells us more.
What did you implement at the store to make this award a reality?
“We identified process improvements. Aligning with Chrysler’s pillars to adopt a culture that proved to provide an excellent environment. A good setting for our employees results in a better experience for sales, service, and parts. These processes were specific in nature and required meetings with each department to review all of their individual processes. Ensuring they align with Chrysler’s goals and objectives while still adhering to Fremont’s processes. Communicating the processes to the frontline to ensure a proper rollout and training. The award – while daunting at first – has allowed all employees to “level up” and rise to the occasion to adopt these practices on a daily basis.”
What does this mean for Fremont Motor Rock Springs customers?
“Dealership customers now experience improved communication in their visits from start to finish both in sales and service. The environment is more customer-focused on providing a warm and welcoming area and overall culture. Our processes have drastically improved our reputation in the community raising our Google rating increased. We’ve heard from various customers and businesses in the community that they have seen and experienced very positive changes. A Dealerships reputation is EVERYTHING!!!!”
Staton says, “A BIG THANK you to all of the employees at Fremont CJDR Rock Springs. Embracing this as an opportunity to change, improve and really “level up.” This is not an award that is easily achievable. We were 1 out of 34 stores in the Denver Business Center to receive the award the only store to receive a perfect score of the JD Powers Certification.”
Just about. Yes. Heavy duty trucks are preferable due to having more weight, a wider track, and more durable transmissions. Heavy-duty pickup trucks usually have more front weight capability for the truck to be able to hang a heavy plow on. Gasoline engined trucks may not require any modifications to carry a heavier plow versus a diesel. Diesel engined trucks usually weigh more, therefore, weight limits on the truck could restrict the size and type of plow allowed on the truck. Gross vehicle (GVWR) and rear axle weight (RGAW) limitations will determine which size/type of plow you can fit to your truck. Going overweight on your truck will not only increase the likelihood of failing parts, but risk a voided warranty and potential legal problems should something happen.
It’s a safety feature. Abbreviated as TC, TCS, or TRAC.
Traction control systems are designed to assist the vehicle from losing traction. In other words, to stop the wheels from skidding/slipping/spinning. There are various methods in which traction controls systems do this. They either apply engine braking to reduce power to the wheels or apply the brakes on each wheel that is spinning. How does the vehicle know a wheel is slipping? There are various sensors on the vehicle that can detect a difference in each wheel speed and the speed the vehicle is actually moving at.
For example, say the vehicle is traveling at 30mph, however, one wheel starts to spin. That one wheel might now be doing 50mph. The sensors detect this and traction control will kick in to reduce the speed of that particular wheel.
When the system is actively applying the traction control system, the light will flash on your driver information display.
Traction control light
So why on earth would you want to turn off a system that is designed to keep you safer?
Why would you turn off traction control?
When traveling up a steep icy hill, or when trying to get unstuck from snow/mud. When attempting to travel through deep snow or mud, reduced power may end up in the vehicle getting stuck. Reducing power or applying brakes to a spinning wheel(s) in these circumstances is counterintuitive.
These situations may require more momentum, so reducing the power is not good.
When you might need traction control off in deep snow. Photo: L Baures
How to turn off traction control (TC) (TCS) (TRAC)
This may vary by the manufacturer of your vehicle. If equipped, there should be a switch/button showing a picture of a car with wavy lines underneath.
Press this button to turn off traction control.
This should then display the light on the dash as a steady yellow light indicating the TC is now turned off.
On a Ford, depending on the year/model, either press and hold the traction control button or scroll through the menu using steering wheel controls on the instrument cluster. On the left-hand side of the steering wheel, press the back arrow (facing left), then scroll down (using down arrow) to get to ‘settings’. Select ‘ok’, then select ‘Driver Assist but pressing ‘ok’ again.’Traction Control’ will then appear, select ‘ok’ on the steering wheel again
For Volkswagen’s, turn the car onto accessory mode (ignition on but not engine). Push the button to turn on the hazard warning lights (triangle button), followed by pressing the gas pedal 5 times. After the vehicle moves 5ft, TC will automatically turn back on. This may not be possible on all VW’s.
Note, that sometimes this may also deactivate other safety features such as trailer sway control (if equipped).
This may turn off the traction control/stability control partially.
When the traction control button is pushed, this partially disengages the traction control, but stability control will still be active (which can also reduce power, apply braking).
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the traction control system may also be linked to other active safety systems such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control). Variations of these systems have different names depending on the manufacturers. various names include; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), ASC (Active Stability Control) DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
To turn off traction control and stability control systems fully
Note: “ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only. Major safety systems are not available when turned off. Not being in control of the vehicle may lead to death or serious injury. Some systems may automatically turn back on when a certain speed is reached (depending on the vehicle year make and model).
Ford, Lincoln
Source: 2018 Ford F-150 Owners Manual
Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge Jeep, and RAM
Engine running and vehicle at a stop. Push and hold the ESC button for 5 seconds until you hear a chime. “ESC OFF” will be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Toyota
Push and hold the VSC button for three seconds to turn off both TRAC and VSC. The TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators will appear.
GMC/Chevrolet
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the button (car with wiggly lines) in the center stack until the TC and Traction Control lights illuminate in the instrument cluster and the appropriate DIC message displays. As per 2018 GMC Sierra owners manual. StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if the vehicle exceeds
56 km/h (35 mph). Traction control will remain off.
Beyond 
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