What is tire detailing? In detailing, every element of the car deserves the same attention…
Diesel depressant – what is it, how does it work and how to use it?
Diesel cars are known for having trouble starting at sub-zero temperatures. That's why depressants were created, special preparations that prevent the mixture from changing consistency on frosty days. How exactly do they work and why is it worth using them?
- At low temperatures, diesel fuel thickens, making it difficult to start a diesel engine.
- Diesel depressant prevents fuel from solidifying and makes starting easier in winter.
- It is used every time you refuel, before the fuel cools down.
- Failure to use a depressant may result in the vehicle being immobilized and the need to heat the fuel system.
- Look, how to prepare your car for winter!
- Why is it worth using a diesel depressant in winter?
- Diesel Depressant - What is It?
- Why use a diesel fuel depressant?
- Diesel Depressant - How to Use?
- How does a diesel depressant work?
- Which diesel depressant works best?
- What happens if you don't use a diesel depressant in severe frosts?
Do you have a diesel car and are you regularly unable to start it when the temperature drops below 0℃? You can effectively get rid of this problem. Check why it is worth getting a diesel depressant and when is the best time to use it.
Why is it worth using a diesel depressant in winter?
At negative temperatures, diesel fuel begins to change its properties. This is normal. In such conditions, the fractions that make up its composition begin to precipitate. As a result of this phenomenon, the previously uniform liquid separates and thickens. Such diesel fuel blocks the filter, which causes problems with starting the car. On exceptionally cold days, its consistency may resemble jelly or even congealed pudding.
To deal with this phenomenon, in winter, diesel car owners use special depressants. What exactly are such preparations?
Diesel Depressant - What is It?
Let's start from the beginning, i.e. with the question - what is a diesel depressor? It is an additive to diesel fuel that prevents changes in its consistency. Depending on the power, it can operate at temperatures from -30 to even -40℃. Such a preparation makes it easier to start the engine by preventing the formation of paraffin crystals and oil thickening at low temperatures. Such a depressant is, in addition to good scraper something drivers should definitely stock up on for the winter.
Why use a diesel fuel depressant?
Question why use a depressant? In short, it's about starting the engine when the outside temperature is low. Unfortunately, diesel cars can have difficulty starting in winter conditions. This means that the car will be immobilized and at the crucial moment - it won't move even an inch. For this reason, a diesel additive in the form of a depressant can be a godsend when the temperature drops below zero.
Diesel Depressant - How to Use?
We already know what this preparation is. The question remains, how to use diesel depressant. This preparation is very easy to use. Just add the product in the right proportions to diesel fuel - 50 ml of the preparation is enough for up to 50 l of fuel. It should be used with every refueling, before the fuel has time to cool down. If you know that frost is approaching, you can add the depressant earlier.
How does a diesel depressant work?
Time for the next question, so how does a diesel depressor work? The most important thing is its special formula, which lowers the freezing point of diesel fuel. What does this mean exactly? Such a depressant for oil prevents the separation of paraffin, which is responsible for the gel consistency of the liquid in the winter season. This makes the fuel retain its fluidity even in winter. By changing the structure of paraffin crystals - the fuel flows more easily in the fuel system.
Which diesel depressant works best?
Time for the next question, or more precisely, what Is a diesel depressant worth buying? When choosing such a product, pay attention to:
- brand – it is best to choose a product from a manufacturer who has many years of experience in the industry and is famous for the quality of its products;
- recommended temperatures – choose a depressant that will work even at -20°C or even lower;
- compatibility with a given type of diesel fuel – especially if you use biodiesel;
- additional substances – e.g. lubricants that protect fuel system components against wear;
- method of use – it is best to buy a depressant in the form of a concentrate or in a bottle with a convenient dispenser.
It is perfect for, for example: My Diesel Depressor Car. This is a product that works even at -40°C.
Concentrated diesel depressant
This depressant is available in 500 ml and 1 l bottles. It will be enough for the entire winter season.
What happens if you don't use a diesel depressant in severe frosts?
First of all, lower quality diesel fuel without a depressant solidifies at temperatures around 0°C. This causes the fuel filter to become blocked, which immobilizes the diesel engine. In such a situation, the car should be towed to a warm room or not used until the thaw comes. You can also manually heat the fuel lines or replace the entire filter.
Remember that the diesel fuel hardening phenomenon will repeat itself. For this reason, after performing the above actions and refueling the car, you should immediately apply a depressant. You can do this at the gas station. If the frost has time to affect the liquid, you will have to warm up the vehicle again. Such oil depressants they only work when added to still liquid diesel fuel.
Also read: How to drive a diesel car – a guide.
Diesel engine anti-gelling agents are a real lifesaver in the winter season. Thanks to such fuel additives, you can avoid many stressful mornings when the car won't start, as well as time-consuming procedures to restore the fluidity of diesel fuel.
