I understand that the oil company's add anti gelling additives to diesel this time of the year so as to avoid the old problem of the fuel 'freezing' and presumably this goes someway to accounting for the poorer mpg this time of the year(as well as longer warmups etc)

My issue is who decides as to when these additives are included as surely the oil company's have a vested interest in prolonging the period on the simple basis that poorer mpg = more fuel sold and therefore more profits.

Certainly in my part of the country we haven't experienced any cold weather yet this winter and I am sure that summer type fuel would be ok and more economical. If I am missing something here maybe with the science then no doubt someone will put me right.

Just because Worcestershire hasn't had it that cold doesn't mean other areas haven't!

The bulk supplier to your area may (will) also supply us in Mid Wales, where it has been appreciably colder in the last week.

Diesel goes back to summer diesel on March 16th.

DavidIF,

Do you really believe that Winter Diesel being delivered from Depots between the 15th of October & March means your car takes longer to warm up where the weather is actually not cold.

 

Have you never experienced a Air or Ground Frost that came with only a day or 2's notice which did not allow the Filling Stations to Drain and refill their Tanks or all the Customers to get Winter Spec Fuel in their vehicles.

 

Some people travel with their vehicles, live where it is mild and travel to an area where temps bellow freezing may occur.

 

It is not just about fuel waxing,

it is less Hygroscopic, Diesel & Petrol.

Changing temps during day and night can mean condensation in your tank,

and that will mean H20 in your inline fuel filter.

 

Best keep your Fuel Tank as full as you can before parking up,

leaves less area of tank exposed to get condensation.

...It is not just about fuel waxing,

it is less Hygroscopic, Diesel & Petrol...

+1

It's a different formula (not just an additive) and must be consistently available for the reasons given by sk4gw.

The cloud point and CFPP of winter diesel is lower.

Summer - 16th March to 15th November: CFPP value = -5°C, Cloud point = 3°C

Winter Fuel - 16th November to 15th March: CFPP value = -15 °C, Cloud point = -5 °C

CFPP is the Cold filter plugging point which gives you an idea why it's important.

I understand that the oil company's add anti gelling additives to diesel this time of the year so as to avoid the old problem of the fuel 'freezing' and presumably this goes someway to accounting for the poorer mpg this time of the year(as well as longer warmups etc)

My issue is who decides as to when these additives are included as surely the oil company's have a vested interest in prolonging the period on the simple basis that poorer mpg = more fuel sold and therefore more profits.

Certainly in my part of the country we haven't experienced any cold weather yet this winter and I am sure that summer type fuel would be ok and more economical. If I am missing something here maybe with the science then no doubt someone will put me right.

 Yet another conspiracy theory. Why does every one think every big company is "out to get them" .

 

Same people would be first to complain if left stranded during a sudden sharp frost.

Well it was 8 when I filled up and zero when I got to the destination.... So yeah.

No conspiracy theory here BUT I am of the opinion that the big oil company's are more likely to look after there own interests than mine.

Interesting that certain specific dates have been mentioned. Who sets them?

DavidIF,

Do you really believe that Winter Diesel being delivered from Depots between the 15th of October & March means your car takes longer to warm up where the weather is actually not cold.

 

No and I don't believe that I have said this.

No conspiracy theory here BUT I am of the opinion that the big oil company's are more likely to look after there own interests than mine.

Interesting that certain specific dates have been mentioned. Who sets them?

 

Scientists and meteorologists, plus the same rough dates have been used for years.

Well if cars take longer to warm up in the cold ambient temperatures,

thats is as expected.  Winter Fuel used or not.

 

Cars that can not start because the temp has dropped and they have fuel waxing,

take for ever to warm up.

 

Why its still in my memory seeing UK Lorry Drivers lighting Fires under fuel tanks.

@sk4gw

I remember that too.

Almost like going back to the steam era when you had to kindle the engine up hours before use.

They have electric and fuel powered pre-heaters these days.

 

I've not seen a lorry "externally heating" the fuel tanks for many many years either.

No conspiracy theory here BUT I am of the opinion that the big oil company's are more likely to look after there own interests than mine.

Interesting that certain specific dates have been mentioned. Who sets them?

 

Eh, is suggesting the oil co's might be looking after their own interests not suggesting they are conspiring to profit at your loss:-\