If this is your first winter owning a diesel truck, there are a few things you are going to want to do to get your diesel truck ready for winter weather. You are going to want to switch to synthetic oil, put in a new oil filter and start using cold weather anti-gel fuel additive. You are also going to want to add a fuel filter and some emergency fuel treatment to your winter emergency kit.

#1 Change to Synthetic Oil

If you use regular motor oil in your diesel truck, winter is a great time to switch to a lighter weight synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is able to flow better in cold temperatures. It doesn't get all thick when it gets really cold outside like regular motor oil. Synthetic oil is easier on your engine, especially during the cold winter months. Traditional oil can take longer to get to an idea condition when it is cold outside. If you stick with traditional oil instead of synthetic oil, be sure to give your vehicle a little time to warm up first.

#2 Put in A New Oil Filter

It is a good idea to put in a new oil filter before winter hits. When using diesel fuel, the fuel filter is one of the points where your fuel system can get frozen.  Putting in a new filter will help ensure that you are starting winter off with a fresh filter that is not already clogged up with debris that can accumulate over long periods of time.

It is also a good idea to put an extra fuel filter in your winter emergency kit. That way, if your filter ever does freeze up, you'll have one to replace it with.

#3 Add Anti-Gel Fuel Additive to Your Gas Tank

Next, you should add an anti-gel fuel additive to your fuel tank. This will prevent your diesel fuel from getting to its cloud point. The cloud point is the point where the outside temperatures are so cold that the fuel starts to get up. Using a winter anti-gel additive to your gas tank can prevent your fuel from gelling up, which is especially important if you live somewhere that gets below freezing temperatures in the winter time. Keep an anti-gel fuel additive in your vehicle throughout the winter, and add some whenever you fill up your tank.

It is also a good idea to keep an emergency diesel recovery fuel treatment in your emergency kit over the winter. This type of fuel additive can help you if your vehicle will not start because of frozen fuel. It's not an everyday product though, and should only be used in case of emergency. Contact a diesel repair shop for more help.

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