As temperatures continue to drop, gasoline-powered vehicles face numerous challenges during the winter.
To help your vehicle get through the winter smoothly, we’ve compiled a practical guide covering starting preparations, warm-up techniques, and routine maintenance to ensure your safe travels.
Before starting, make sure to check the following:
1. Drain water from the air reservoir and oil-water separator promptly.
Water accumulated at low temperatures can freeze, damaging valves and pipelines.
It is recommended to drain water before the first trip each day and to replace the dryer regularly to ensure the air system remains dry.
2. Switch between main and auxiliary fuel tanks flexibly.
Northern truck drivers, please note: Switch fuel tanks according to real-time temperatures.
It is recommended to fill the main fuel tank with No. 0 diesel and the auxiliary fuel tank with No. -35 diesel to avoid wax buildup in the fuel system due to incompatible fuel grades.
3. Pay close attention to battery status
Check that the battery terminals are secure and observe the color of the battery indicator to determine the charge level. Turn the key to the ON position and check the voltage on the instrument panel—it should normally be above 24V.
If the voltage is low, it indicates a possible low charge, which needs to be addressed promptly.
4. Regularly maintain the aftertreatment system
Loosen the bolts at the bottom of the urea tank to drain any deposits and flush the inner wall with a small amount of urea solution.
Clean the level sensor filter; replace it if damaged. Also, check the urea vent valve and piping for blockages or crystallization.
When starting the engine, pay attention to these key responses:
1. If the instrument lights flash and the starter motor stops immediately after turning on, the battery is likely low. Jump-starting is recommended.
2. If the starter motor operates normally but the engine still won’t start, check for wax buildup in the fuel system. If wax is confirmed, heat the diesel fuel to melt it before trying again.
3. After successfully starting, it is recommended to idle until the coolant temperature reaches 2-3 bars and the vehicle air pressure reaches above 10 bars before engaging the gear and driving.
Common Problems and Solutions for Fuel Heating Systems
Fuel heating is crucial for ensuring smooth vehicle starting in winter. Most vehicles are now equipped with temperature-controlled heating systems. If you encounter the following situations, you can refer to the following solutions:
1. The solenoid valve is not working, so water circulation cannot start
You can temporarily connect the solenoid valve wiring harness directly to the power supply/ground to force water circulation; alternatively, you can remove the valve core and set it to a normally open state (for emergency use). Note that professional inspection is still required afterward.
2. Clogged return water filter
If you find that the water circuit is not circulating, you should disconnect the inlet hose and clean or replace the filter.
3. Failure to switch between main and auxiliary fuel tanks in time
When using fuel in winter, if the driver does not switch between the main and auxiliary fuel tanks in time, it may result in 0-grade diesel fuel in the fuel lines, causing wax buildup in the fuel system.
Therefore, before turning off the engine, you should switch to the auxiliary fuel tank in time to ensure that the fuel lines and engine are filled with low-grade diesel fuel for easy vehicle starting next time.
Before setting off each day, complete the following checks: drain water, check the battery, check the fuel level, and check the urea solution.
After starting the engine, patiently warm it up until the water temperature and fuel pressure are within acceptable limits before driving.
A temporary fix can be made for a malfunctioning fuel heating system, but it must be thoroughly repaired promptly.
Develop the habit of switching fuel tanks according to the temperature to prevent fuel from solidifying.
Only with meticulous maintenance and proper operation can your vehicle maintain good condition in cold weather and accompany you safely on every journey.
