May 21, 2014
According to recent Farmer’s Almanac reports (www.almanac.com), the upcoming winter of late 2013, early 2014 is predicted to be more severe than in recent years. Higher than normal snowfall is the perfect excuse to show off the full potential of your four-wheel drive! However, lower than normal temperatures are BAD news for your diesel’s fuel system. If you are one of the many drivers who use a daily fuel additive, November is the perfect time to transition to a winter formula.
A good anti-gel is a must for much of the U.S., and changing the oil is a simple but very important routine (for any engine). Here are a few more tips to ensure a headache-free winter for you and your diesel:
- Check the voltage on your battery and inspect the wiring harness.
- Has it been awhile since the glow plugs have been inspected or changed? The sooner the better at this point in the season.
- During winter, it is more important than ever to keep fuel tanks topped off to reduce moisture. If you suspect water issues or low quality fuel, be sure to replace filters regularly.
- Last but not least, check all gaskets for cracks or signs of wear and tighten bolts for good measure.