Diesel operation in winter

In recent years, the number of cars equipped with diesel engines is growing every year. Economical and trouble-free engines can already compete with gasoline engines in the number of adherents. But this is typical for summer time, but when the thermometer drops to minus, each diesel engine starts to fight for life. The operation of a diesel car in winter is noticeably different from a gasoline one. Cars equipped with diesel engines require special attention. In the case of diesel fuel, it is necessary to more strictly adhere to all the rules that we will talk about here.

Factors complicating the start of a diesel engine in winter

The main problem for any engine is thickened oil. It becomes more difficult for the starter to turn the crankshaft, and it begins to draw more energy from the battery. In turn, the ZPR cannot provide the starter with the necessary energy. Not uncommon in winter, you cannot start the engine because the battery is dead. The problem with a diesel engine is exactly the same and in some situations even worse. The fact is that for starters you need a diesel battery to give more current and if a gasoline engine with a little run down the battery, the engine can be started, the diesel is not worth trying.

The second characteristic problem for a diesel engine is a feature of the fuel. There are several types of diesel fuel:

• Summer diesel fuel, the use of which is possible at an air temperature of 5 degrees and above;
• Winter diesel fuel, which is poured at temperatures below 5 degrees and is allowed to be used until the temperature drops below -25 degrees;
• Arctic fuel designed for diesel fuel at temperatures of -25 and below.

Now, speaking of fuel, in winter we often refuel in the summer and not in the winter. As a result, diesel fuel begins to thicken, crystallize, creating additional problems for starting the engine.

Proper operation of a diesel engine in winter

To successfully start a diesel engine in winter, you need to clearly control the level of battery charge, with the type of fuel that you pour. As for the other problem – thick oil, it is easy to solve: you just need to fill a glass of gasoline into the oil and then it will become more liquid, starting the engine will be easier.

The operation of a diesel car in winter, when the temperature drops below -25 degrees (which, fortunately, is very rare in our latitudes), is even more difficult. In such conditions, it is better not to interfere with the car and use public transport. However, if you don't have that option, then harmless engine operation is necessary to thin out the diesel fuel. This is done with kerosene. Thus, at these temperatures, you need to add 20% of kerosene to the volume of fuel contained in the tank.

Also, make sure that before you start the engine, it needs to warm up, as starting a cold engine is not recommended. Understand one important rule for yourself – in no case should a diesel engine be towed in winter, as there is a high risk of shifting the valve timing, or even worse, a broken timing belt.

Finally, running a turbocharged diesel engine in winter means making the engine as light as possible. Although diesel engines and excellent grip in winter it is better to refrain from loading them.

Thus, we have introduced you to the basic rules for operating a car with a diesel engine in the winter season. The most important of all the rules that every car owner must follow is to take care of your car.