How drivers ruin a diesel engine in winter

The Za Rulem experts have been conducting raids on gas stations for over a year and have already ensured that after aging in the freezer, some samples of winter diesel fuel (DT) taken for inspection turn into a kind of thick acid cream, or even completely lose fluidity. If this happened to a real car after the first night in the cold … In general, you understand.

This time we decided to check what is sold in winter in popular tourist places of the Tver region – samples were collected on the route from Moscow through Torzhok, Ostashkov, Peno, Andreapol, Nelidovo, Rzhev and Volokolamsk.

We were particularly interested in little-known gas station brands. There are a few sturdy names added as “wedding generals” who usually get it right.

Where does “non-winter” diesel fuel come from in winter?

It turns out that it has a right to exist.

Diesel producers are “protected” by four regulatory documents at once: according to GOST R 52368 and GOST 32511, they produce Euro diesel fuel, according to GOST R 55475 – fuels for cold and arctic climates, according to GOST 305 – the rest. Winter diesel fuel is divided into four classes (not to be confused with the ecological class!) with filter temperature limits from -20 ºC to -38 ºC.

Requirements for Winter Diesel (Class 0, 1, 2, 3) and Arctic (Class 4)

OUR REFERENCE

The low temperature properties of diesel fuel are determined by three temperatures: turbidity, solidification and limited filterability.

• The cloud point characterizes the starting point of crystallization of paraffins that are part of the fuel.
• The maximum filterability temperature indicates the temperature threshold of the motor performance. Below this temperature, the fuel system filters stop passing fuel.
• The pour point is the temperature at which the fuel loses its mobility. It is usually 5-7 ºС lower than the limiting filterability temperature.

What to focus on?

The seasonality of using winter diesel is not mandatory, but only recommended. In particular, GOST R 52368 informs that from November 1 to March 31 in the Central region it is recommended to use winter fuel of the 1st class with a maximum filter temperature not higher than -26 ºC.

No classes are mentioned in the fuel designation – here are examples of different standards:

• Diesel fuel EURO, winter, class 0 (1, 2, 3), environmental class K5 according to GOST 32511–2013: DT‑3‑K5 according to GOST 32511–2013.

And here is the symbol for diesel fuel class Z with a filter temperature of minus 25, environmental class K5 according to GOST 305–2013:

• DT-Z-minus 25-K5 according to GOST 305–2013.

Be prepared for the fact that fuel indications on receipts will be completely different.

Raid results

The price range ranged from 48.00 to 59.22 rubles – as much as 23%! We have not found a direct correlation between fuel costs and frost resistance..

Only one of the fifteen fuel samples turned out to be downright unusable – at a price of 49.00 rubles per liter.

Some of the samples in the cold became cloudy, but retained their fluidity. In general, it can therefore be said that the situation has improved compared to previous years.

But the problem of diesel fuel freezing has not disappeared. Which diesel fuel is poured into you and what is written on the receipt is a lottery: we have been convinced of this for many years in a row.

Of course, you can see the quality certificate, but this is rather a means of complacency. Who knows in what capacity the fuel was brought to the gas station after the investigation? Is the tank leaking at the gas station itself?

At one of the gas stations in the Zubtsovsky district, we were presented with a quality certificate from Gazpromneft, according to which the fuel is winter, although the receipt indicated that the fuel was summer. Oddly enough, it didn’t freeze. At two gas stations there were no passports at all.

The good news is that the request to show a passport (or provide a copy – many readily do!) has not sparked any negativity anywhere. With the advent of cold weather, such a request has become the norm, and therefore gas station employees are used to it.

Expert advice “Behind the wheel”

Going on a long journey in a diesel car, you should think about the problem with its gas stations.

Our raid showed that the situation is improving, but we still advise refuel at well-known gas stations, without counting on “maybe”. Also, because with a lot of “traffic” at the gas station, the fuel in the tanks is updated more often – there is less chance to run into the remains of summer varieties or open water.

No anti-defrost agents can “melt” a frozen fuel line – only a tow truck and a warm room can save such a diesel engine.

Keep in mind that fuel poured somewhere in a warm region can turn to stone overnight when traveling to northern climes.

Test results for diesel fuels at -30 °C