What to Do When No. 0 Diesel Freezes in Winter?
2 Answers
Move the vehicle to a place with strong sunlight, identify the position of the fuel tank, and rely on the sunlight to increase the temperature of the fuel tank. Add a pour point depressant to the vehicle's fuel tank. The pour point depressant can quickly thaw the fuel in the tank and also prevent the tank from freezing again. Open the fuel tank cap and add kerosene inside. Stir the diesel and kerosene evenly to quickly thaw the diesel. Place a heater next to the fuel tank or use a brazier near the tank to thaw the diesel with heat.
I'm just an old truck driver who usually transports goods in the north. Diesel freezing in winter is a common occurrence. Once discovered, it must be dealt with immediately—don't force-start the engine, as it could clog the fuel lines or even damage the diesel pump. The simplest solution is to push the truck to a warmer place, like a garage or a sunny spot, and let it thaw slowly. Sometimes, you'll need to add diesel anti-freeze additives, which cost just a few bucks per bottle and can be mixed into the fuel tank with a quick stir to help liquefy the diesel. But remember, never use open flames or pour boiling water on the fuel tank—it's too dangerous and could cause a fire. For prevention, it's best to use winter-grade diesel, like -10 or -20 in northeastern China, and switch to it before the cold weather sets in for peace of mind. Additionally, if you frequently drive in cold areas, consider installing a fuel line preheating system—it costs some money but prevents diesel freezing. In short, safety comes first. If you can't handle it yourself, just call a mechanic for help.
