This January has been brutal. With temperatures stuck in the teens and twenties across the region, your equipment is under stress—and small oversights can turn into expensive downtime fast. Here are three areas that deserve your attention right now.
DEF Freezing: Don’t Panic
Diesel Exhaust Fluid freezes at 12°F, which means yours has likely solidified if stored outdoors. The good news: frozen DEF is still usable once thawed. Let it return to liquid naturally—never add heat, chemicals, or water, as this compromises the fluid’s composition. Store DEF indoors when possible and keep containers sealed to prevent contamination. Once it thaws, inspect it visually and you’re good to go.
Diesel Gelling: Prevention Is Everything
When temperatures plunge, the paraffin wax in diesel fuel starts to solidify, clogging fuel lines and filters. Your equipment won’t start if fuel can’t flow. Untreated diesel is especially vulnerable. That’s why Taylor Oil Co. treats fuel with our O.P.T. 1000/CFI additive from November through April—it lowers the cold filter plugging point, keeping fuel flowing even in freezing temperatures. One less thing for you to manage when there’s already enough to worry about. Keep tanks full too—a half-empty tank invites condensation, which creates its own set of problems when that moisture freezes.
Batteries: The Silent Failure
Cold weather drains batteries faster and makes engines harder to crank. Test batteries now, clean any corrosion from terminals, and consider block heaters for reliable cold starts. A weak battery that performed fine in October might leave you stranded in January.
When temperatures drop this low, the difference between a running jobsite and a stalled one often comes down to preparation—and having people you can call when things go sideways.
What’s your go-to cold weather equipment tip?
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