Colorado’s fall season is a favorite time for diesel truck owners to hit the open road, taking in the stunning fall foliage and mountain views. But with colder temperatures quickly approaching, it’s essential to make sure your diesel truck is in peak condition before heading out on any scenic drives. Diesel vehicles, known for their power and durability, need specific maintenance to perform well during these cooler months. At Branch Automotive in Littleton, CO, we want to ensure that your truck is ready for the road, so here’s how to prepare your diesel truck for Colorado’s fall adventures.
Anti-Gel Additive: A Must for Colder Temperatures
One of the most important things to address as temperatures begin to drop is your diesel fuel. Diesel fuel can thicken or “gel” in cold temperatures, particularly when they fall below 35°F. Gelled fuel can clog your fuel lines, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. That’s why we recommend adding an anti-gel additive to your fuel system before embarking on any fall drives.
How to Properly Use Anti-Gel Additives
Using an anti-gel additive properly is key to avoiding gelled fuel. Here’s the process we recommend at Branch Automotive:
- Add the anti-gel additive to your fuel tank before the temperatures drop.
- Fill your fuel tank after adding the anti-gel additive to ensure it’s well-mixed.
- Drive your truck for 5-10 minutes to circulate the additive through the entire fuel system, including the fuel lines, where gelling is most likely to occur.
It’s important to note that rescue additives should only be used if your fuel has already gelled. Rescue additives contain alcohol, which can dry out the seals in your system, so we advise running a full tank of fuel through your truck after using a rescue additive, then filling it with fresh diesel and using a regular anti-gel additive.
Check Your Cold Start System
Diesel engines rely on a cold start system to get moving in low temperatures. This system includes components such as the block heater, glow plugs, and intake air heater, all of which help your truck start in the cold. It’s essential to check that these components are in good working order before winter weather arrives.
What to Check:
- Block heater: Make sure your block heater is functioning, and have an extension cord on hand for plugging in your truck when temperatures dip below 25°F.
- Glow plugs and intake air heater: These components are essential for cold starts. If your truck struggles to start in cooler weather, it may be time to inspect or replace your glow plugs.
Tire Maintenance for Changing Temperatures
Fall weather in Colorado brings fluctuating temperatures, and that can affect your tires. For every 10°F drop in temperature, your tires lose approximately 1 PSI of air pressure. That means you’ll likely see your tire pressure warning light come on more frequently during fall. To maintain proper tire performance, set your tire pressure when the tires are “cold” (before driving) to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure found on the door placard.
Tire Tread: All-Terrain or Snow-Rated Tires
If you plan on taking your diesel truck through mountainous terrain or snow-covered roads, it’s crucial to ensure your tires are ready for the task. At Branch Automotive, we recommend checking your tire tread and switching to all-terrain or snow-rated tires. Look for tires that have the “three peaks” symbol or are rated for severe service to ensure optimal grip in snowy or icy conditions.
Battery Check: Avoid Getting Stranded
Colder temperatures are a battery’s worst enemy. Before setting off on your fall adventures, it’s essential to test your battery to make sure it’s ready for the season. Batteries can lose their charge faster in cold weather, so if your battery is on the edge, it’s better to replace it now rather than risk getting stranded later.
Why Check Your Battery Now?
Fall is often referred to as “battery season” because as the temperature drops, so performs your battery. If your battery is already weak, cold weather can cause it to fail. A quick battery test at Branch Automotive will tell you whether your battery is strong enough to last through the colder months.
Inspect ABS and Traction Control Systems
Colorado’s scenic fall drives may lead you through varying terrain, including wet, icy, or even snowy roads. That’s why it’s important to make sure your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control systems are functioning properly. These systems are critical for maintaining control on slippery surfaces, so now is the time to investigate any warning lights or performance issues with these systems before winter weather sets in.
Switch to De-Icing Windshield Washer Fluid
Visibility is crucial during fall and winter drives. Regular windshield washer fluid can freeze in cold temperatures, leaving you unable to clear your windshield of dirt, salt, and snow. Switching to de-icing windshield washer fluid before temperatures drop ensures that your washer fluid won’t freeze, and it will also help melt away light frost and ice on your windshield.
Coolant Freeze Protection
Just as important as keeping your fuel and batteries ready for fall is making sure your engine coolant is up to the task. Your coolant system not only prevents your engine from overheating but also protects it from freezing in low temperatures. At Branch Automotive, we can check the freeze protection level of your coolant to ensure that it can withstand Colorado’s chilly fall nights. If your coolant isn’t providing adequate freeze protection, it may be time for a coolant flush.
Let Branch Automotive Help Prepare Your Diesel Truck for Fall Adventures
Preparing your diesel truck for the fall season is all about taking care of the essentials. From using the right anti-gel additive to checking your cold start system and ensuring your tires are in good shape, these simple steps will keep your truck running smoothly throughout the season. At Branch Automotive, we specialize in diesel vehicle maintenance and are here to help you prepare for Colorado’s fall foliage adventures.
Whether you need a full maintenance check or just a battery test, visit Branch Automotive at 6030 E County Line Road, Littleton, CO or call (303) 771-2224 for expert service. Our ASE-certified technicians have the experience and tools to ensure your diesel truck is ready for whatever the season brings. Don’t let cold weather catch you off guard—get your diesel truck fall-ready today!
For more information or to schedule your maintenance service, visit our website at branchautomotive.com.
