No, you shouldn’t keep your vehicle’s diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank full in the winter. Keeping the tank filled to capacity doesn’t leave space for expansion in cold temperatures.
Diesel exhaust fluid is essential to reducing engine emissions. The system sprays it directly into the exhaust stream to convert nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and water vapor. DEF systems may face various challenges in the colder months, including freezing and crystallization.
Hot Shot’s Secret Premium DEFender DEF additive is the ideal solution for solving crystal buildup and preventing it from occurring in the future.
How DEF Behaves in Cold Weather
When exposed to cold temperatures, DEF may freeze and contract. It freezes at around 12°F (-11°C) and may experience expansion of up to 7%.
When you overfill your DEF tank under these conditions, the tank may burst since there’s no room for expansion. In contrast, underfilling can accelerate degradation over time due to air exposure. The increased air space promotes condensation, which can evaporate and leave concentrated urea deposits behind, encouraging crystal formation.
Try to maintain safe tank levels all season for best results.
Recommended Winter DEF Tank Practices
We’re sharing some of our DEF tips for winter to help you maintain your system and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Maintain Safe Tank Levels
Your DEF tank fill level for winter should never be more than 75%. In icy conditions, this extra space allows the fluid to expand comfortably, without damaging the tank.
In cold-weather conditions, it becomes necessary to monitor levels consistently. You may have to refill the tank more often, but you can potentially avoid costly repairs.
Proper Additive Use for Winter DEF Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent crystallization is by using a DEF additive for winter. Hot Shot’s Secret Premium DEFender is an ideal solution, offering benefits like:
- DEF crystal eliminator: This product dissolves and eliminates any crystals already present in your DEF system, from the injectors to the lines and the tank itself.
- Prevents crystal formation: Premium DEFender also prevents new crystals from forming, keeping your system clean and functional.
- Fewer SCR code issues: DEF crystallization and other winter problems can cause SCR fault codes, which this DEF additive helps prevent or resolve, allowing your system to work optimally.
- Additional lubricity agents: Equipped with lubricity additives, Premium DEFender helps eliminate the strain components experience in winter, protecting them for longer.
- Wide compatibility: Our DEF product is compatible with all SCR-equipped diesel engines, making it a fantastic one-stop solution.
- Combating performance loss: Premium DEFender eliminates unnecessary strain and decreased performance due to cold temperatures, keeping your vehicle’s systems operating at peak efficiency.
Practice good winter care for your diesel exhaust fluid system this year. Add Premium DEFender each time you refill the vehicle’s DEF tank to prevent crystallization and improve performance.
Storage and Handling Tips
One effective way to prevent DEF crystallization is to store diesel exhaust fluid in a warm area where it’s less likely to freeze. Using an insulated canister and maintaining a good storage temperature will help prevent DEF from freezing before use.
A product like Premium DEFender offers excellent winter protection for the SCR system. Always add additives to the DEF tank — never premix the DEF and DEF additives.
Expert Tips for Diesel Owners
While there are various things you can do to optimize DEF performance, try these top tips for diesel emissions fluid management this winter.
Try a Full-Spectrum Approach
The best way to keep your DEF tank clear and the system running smoothly is to take a multifaceted approach. Rather than focusing only on the appropriate DEF levels or premium additives, combine the two for optimal protection.
Check DEF Levels Regularly
Since overfilling your DEF tank in winter isn’t safe, you must check DEF levels regularly. While overfilling can cause tank damage, allowing levels to get too low can encourage fluid degradation due to the increased air exposure. You may also start experiencing issues such as reduced engine power and difficulty starting your vehicle.
Use a Second Additive
Consider investing in a fuel additive as well to keep your entire vehicle running smoothly, rather than just the DEF system. Diesel fuel can also be susceptible to freezing and gelling, and a premium additive can help prevent these consequences.
Consider a multipurpose additive like EDT+ Winter Defense that not only prevents gelling, adds lubricity and cold start improving cetanr boost, for complete winter fuel system protection.
Keep Your DEF System Healthy This Winter
Keeping your DEF tank safe and functional doesn’t have to be challenging when you implement good practices, such as maintaining proper tank levels and storing your diesel exhaust fluid properly.
When you combine these essential steps with a high-quality DEF additive, you can prevent crystal formation, avoid costly repairs and protect your vehicle’s SCR system. Invest in Premium DEFender from Hot Shot’s Secret for your DEF tank maintenance this winter.