Why does your diesel gas mileage go down in the winter? One reason is the composition of winter diesel makes it more volatile to burn properly in cold weather conditions. Just like with gasoline, refiners have to change the composition of diesel fuel in the winter to help it function better in the cold weather. But this change has much less to do with “volatility” and more to do with both cold gelling performance and sulfur reduction.
Typically, winter diesel will have about 3% less energy value. That’s because some of the Sulphur is removed. Lower energy value means less miles per gallon.
During the winter months, refiners mix in additional additives in order to change the properties of the winter diesel so that its gelling temperatures are reduced. With Canadian extreme winters, refiners want to give a little more temperature margin when it comes to how quickly the diesel fuel will gel in cold weather.
To minimize the effect of reduced mileage in the winter, keep your diesel in tip top condition with regular maintenance at Western Turbo. When it’s time for the best diesel service in Winnipeg, the biggest parts selection or turbocharger diagnostics, give us a call at 1 800 665 7556 or send us an email to info@westernturbo.com