How Old Is Your Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Photo source: American Petroleum Institute

A few weeks back we shared some important information about winterizing your DEF. This weekend Trucking Info published information from the American Petroleum Institute (API) about another important facet of keeping Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) effective. 

The article begins by noting that the Covid pandemic resulted in many diesel-powered trucks, buses and fleets sitting idle for much of 2020. Putting idled vehicles back in service involves a number of steps, but according to Jeffrey Harmening of the API, DEF maintenance is one of those things that can get overlooked.

DEF has a limited life span and may need to be changed before boing put back into service.

The American Petroleum Institute recommends that you determine when DEF was put in the vehicle. The storage life of DEF is about 12 months in optimal conditions. If DEF has been stored in the vehicle over the past 12 months, it is recommended that it be drained and replaced. 

The author goes so far as to say you should check the expiration dates on the DEF you have stored on your shelves. You should dispose of the expired DEF in accordance with local regulations and order new DEF.

Harmening addresses the winterizing issue (DEF expands when it freezes) by reminding us not to have the DEF tank too full in freezing temperatures. Don't use additives to melt the DEF if it freezes. Your engine will start as normal and heaters will warm it to a working temperature.

After elaborating on purchasing and managing DEF in your shop, he closes with this summing up:

For shops and drivers, it’s important to know what you are putting into your DEF tank. The quality of the DEF going into your vehicle is as important as the quality of the engine oils or fuels used in your vehicles. Use of API-licensed Diesel Exhaust Fluid will ensure that it meets the high standards required by engine and vehicle manufacturers.

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You can read the full story here.

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Related Links
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Q&A (Cummins)
What Happens When the DEF Runs Dry?
20 Facts You Need To Know About DEF

Getting Your Diesel Truck Ready for Winter

Photo courtesy Chevrolet

It's Black Friday. It's nice to have a long weekend to get our vehicles ready for winter. What follows are a few areas to focus on, extracted from an article by Whitney Russell that I saw this week at The NewsWheel.

1) The Battery
As you head into winter you may wish to test your battery to see if it is ready for Jack Frost. According to NAPA auto parts, battery strength is reduced by 35% at 32 degrees and 60% at zero. The time to deal with an older battery is before the season, not when you get stuck somewhere and need cranking power.

If you live up north you probably know a little about the tricks diesel owners use in the winter time, but if you've just moved here from another part of the country you may want to think about getting a block heater, if your truck doesn't already come equipped. (Heated seats are nice, too, but they won't help get your truck started.)

2) Anti-Gel Fuel Additives
It depends on where you live, but for those unfamiliar it can really get frigid in winter the further North you go. Sometimes someone in Florida goes to visit family in Maine or Toronto, and is unaware of how cold it can get. You should be prepared with a suitable fuel additive to keep it from gelling before it reaches its cloud point, the point at which wax begin to form and inhibit flow.

3) Switch to Lighter Weight Oil
Unless you're a newbie you know how viscosity makes a difference between seasons. If you need help selecting the right diesel oil for your truck, you can always Ask Jake. (Hit the white Ask Jake button on the right here.) 

4) Fuel Filter
The author suggests that if it's been a while since you replaced the fuel filter, this would be a good time to deal with it. We're also reminded that some trucks have two. Replace both.

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The article is basic, but a good reminder that it's that time of year and winter's coming soon... or has already arrived, depending on where you live.

The article ends with links to more info on block heaters and how to protect the exterior of your vehicle from road salt. Don't know what road salt is? It's not for your grits. 

Here's a link to the article in full. Hope you've recovered from your feast yesterday and had a happy Thanksgiving.

https://thenewswheel.com/how-to-prepare-your-diesel-truck-for-winter/