Fixing Up Your Car

If you are new to operating a heavy duty diesel truck, then you may not have experienced the challenges associated with cold weather starting. Large diesel engines are rugged and operate with a relatively-high degree of fuel efficiency when compared to gasoline engines of the same size, but they are susceptible to difficult starting in the winter. It can be frustrating for new operators trying to learn how to coax stubborn diesel motors into starting, but there are several tips that can make cold weather starts a much easier proposition. Below are three best practices you can adopt to simplify cold weather starting of your heavy diesel truck:

Properly utilize your plug-in engine block heater

The plug-in engine block heater on a heavy duty diesel truck is a vital piece of winter operating equipment. However, it must be used properly to accomplish its task of making your engine easier to start. Below are a couple of specific hints to keep in mind when using a block heater:

• Plug in the block heater while the engine is warm - the block heater is more than capable of keeping an already-warm motor from cooling down, but it is less effective when used with a cold engine block. Be sure to immediately plug in your engine block heater as soon as you reach your cold weather destination, and keep it plugged-in until you are ready to restart your motor.

• Disconnect the block heater before starting the engine - engine block heaters use an internal heating element that is sensitive to extreme temperatures. That is why you should unplug the heater before attempting to crank the motor; a few seconds of operating time can cause the element to overheat and burn up.

Keep your batteries in top condition

The lead-acid batteries used to start your truck are sensitive to cold weather and lose effectiveness as the temperature drops. For example, even a brand-new battery can provide only half the cranking amps at zero degrees Fahrenheit as opposed to the same battery at 80 degrees. Older batteries can lose even more energy and fail altogether during cold weather.

That's why having your truck's batteries checked before the cold weather arrives is of critical importance. A technician can perform special load tests that indicate when a battery is failing and needs replacement.

In addition, check your batteries to be sure they contain a sufficient electrolyte level. Electrolyte testers can be inserted into the battery, withdraw fluid and the contents then be analyzed for an proper water/electrolyte mix. If your electrolyte level is low, add distilled water to the proper level to help restore the condition of the battery. Keep in mind that some batteries are considered "maintenance-free" and may not have a removable cap allowing access to the electrolyte.

Be cognizant of the condition of your diesel fuel

During cold weather, the effects of condensation causes fuel tanks to accumulate water. Water-logged fuel can prevent your motor from starting and even cause damage to your engine's components. While some water can be handled by your motor's fuel/water filter and separator, don't rely on this piece of equipment as your only means of keeping water from being an issue.

Instead, opt to use special diesel fuel additives that can "bind" water molecules and keep them from interfering with the functioning of your engine. Be sure to purchase additives designed especially for diesel engines, and never add a product made for gasoline engines to your diesel tanks. These products are typically added during the fueling process, so they can properly mix with the fuel.

If possible, avoid bio-diesels that contain other additives. Some of these substances can interfere with cold weather starting and should not be used until the outside temperatures are higher

For more information on semi-truck sales, consider websites like http://www.arrowtruck.com/.