It might be 75° outside in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the time of this writing, but we assure you winter is on the horizon. Forecasts have the temperatures already dropping down into the 60s all next week, and December – when the weather really starts to plummet around here – is just a couple of weeks away. With that in mind, we wanted to get out ahead of any issues you might be wondering about early in regards to your RAM diesel engines, so we’ve put together the following list of cold weather starting tips for you to follow!
Use Correct Diesel Fuel
The first and most important tip to follow is to simply use the correct diesel fuel for the conditions that you’re driving in. As the air around us gets colder, the paraffin wax found in diesel fuel begins to solidify, which can ultimately clog up your fuel lines and filters. But that’s why winterized diesel fuel was introduced, which is a blend designed to withstand the low temperatures associated with the winter season. If temperatures begin to drop below 20°F, you should definitely consider making the switch.
Alternatively, you can find additives that you can add to your fuel to essentially do the same thing. Additives can be found in a variety of auto parts stores, or we can help you out right here at Jim Glover CDJRF. They’re easy to use, as you typically just pour it into your fuel tank before filling up.
Check Battery Health
Your battery is just as susceptible to the colder temperatures as your fuel, and considering the fact that diesel engines require more cranking power than conventional gas engines, a weak battery can leave you stranded. You never want to get stranded on the side of any road, but that’s especially true during the cold winter months, so make sure you have your battery tested before winter truly hits.
If it’s approaching five years old, you should consider replacing it. If it’s not time to replace but it is getting older, you should instead consider cleaning the terminals, as corrosion can reduce power delivery as well.
Utilize Engine Block Heater
A lot of RAM diesel pickup trucks feature an engine block heater, which you should definitely be utilizing any time temperatures are expected to fall below 0°F. Plug in the block heater approximately three to four hours before you plan on starting the vehicle. This can warm the coolant and engine block, which will not only make it much easier to start but should also reduce the wear and tear on internal components. If that time frame would be too early to handle manually, you can utilize a timer so that the engine block heater will turn on automatically while you get a couple extra hours of sleep.
Use Correct Oil
Your fuel isn’t the only liquid that you should address during the coldest time of the year, as frigid weather can also thicken your oil and make it harder for the engine to turn over. Your owner’s manual should have a specific recommendation for oil viscosity during cold weather, so make sure to check it and when you change your oil for winter utilize that instead of your normal choice. While it’s not universal, many RAM diesel engines perform best with 5W-40 synthetic oil, but you should still check. If you’re unsure or can’t find the recommendation, feel free to give us a call here at Jim Glover CDJRF.
Perform Regular Maintenance
You should be staying on top of regular maintenance all year round, but this is doubly true during the winter. If you forgot or fell behind on your maintenance schedule earlier in the year, now is the time to catch up and take care of anything outstanding. A well-maintained engine is the best way to ensure start reliability through the winter. Pay specific attention to your fuel filters, as water and debris can freeze and block fuel flow.
Get Winter Service at Jim Glover CDJRF
While that takes care of our main tips and tricks, one last recommendation is simply to keep your vehicle fueled up as often as you can. This can help combat condensation in your fuel system, which can cause additional issues through freezing temperatures. If you have any questions about these tips or tricks or would like to schedule service to make sure you’re ready for the winter, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Jim Glover CDJRF. We look forward to hearing from you!