You may have heard that gas can freeze in the vehicle, causing lots of problems, but is that accurate? Can gas freeze in your car? If so, what is the freezing point and the implications to the vehicle?
I take a look at whether or not gasoline can freeze in your vehicle, as well as how cold weather can affect your car, in this article.
Can Gasoline Freeze in My Car?
Gas won’t freeze as water does. It would only freeze if the temperature were around -100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, at very low temperatures, it may crystalize which may block the fuel filter.
If you are not driving around in Antarctica, it’s highly unlikely that the liquid gas will freeze in the gas tank. Other car parts would fail first, unless it were already freezing cold.
However, if there is any water or condensation in the fuel system this water will freeze, block the fuel line or fuel filter and keep the liquid fuel from getting to the combustion chamber.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Gasoline?
You won’t have to be concerned about freezing gasoline in the tank, but there are a few other things that could cause failure.
For example, gasoline will get thicker as it gets colder, just like pancake syrup or any other liquid flows better hot than cold.
If the gas is thicker, the fuel pump will have to work harder, ultimately reducing its lifespan.
Diesel fuel will have greater issues than gasoline. The paraffin wax in the diesel fuel begins to stiffen at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why there are winter diesel blends and anti-freezing agents sold for diesel vehicles. Truck drivers will also leave their engine running when the temperatures are extremely cold.
Where you might have issues with either fuel, gasoline or diesel, is in the fuel lines. With fuel lines, there is less fluid in the line, and it is also exposed to the colder temperature.
In fuel lines, the gasoline or diesel fuel could separate as well. When this separation occurs, you may notice performance problems and possibly inaccurate readings from the fuel gauge due to viscosity issues.
Lastly, oil is a more important cold weather issue. That’s why there are cold weather specific oils developed.
Signs of Frozen Fuel Lines
#1. Engine Won’t Start.
If your car won’t start and the temperature is cold, then you may have a frozen gas line. If the line hasn’t completely frozen, you may hear the engine turn over, yet it won’t have enough fuel to start.
When the temperature rises slightly, you should be able to start the car or push the car into the garage to warm it up a little.
#2. Performance Issues.
If there is moisture in the gas tank it can freeze and cause severe performance issues. If one of the fuel lines is blocked it has the same effect. If the engine stutters or stalls and the temperatures are low, then you might suspect a frozen fuel line.
Also note ice crystals can form in the line and still not block off the complete flow, just hamper the engine performance.
How To Prevent Cold-Weather Car Problems?
#1. Use Special Fuel.
If you are in a cold weather area, the fuel at the gas stations will likely be treated with other anti-freezing additives and mixtures than when in a warmer climate.
Someone sells a “special winter gas” to make sure something like a safe and compliant additive is included to prevent the gas from gelling in colder weather. Also, gas with a higher octane rating will raise the freezing point of gasoline based on a math concept called vapor pressure.
This helps keep consumers happy because they are not freezing up their cars, but it also benefits the gas station because they keep their pumps functioning and the companies keep their reputations.
Additionally, just imagine if a gas station had all their pumps gelling the gasoline. No one would be able to come in and get fuel.
#2. Add a Fuel Stabilizer.
If you are concerned about the fuel forming a gel use a specific additive that will help maintain and preserve fuel.
You can usually find 2-3 top brand fuel stabilizers either locally at your auto parts store or on the internet. There are many fuel stabilizers that work great as an anti-freeze and will help get rid of any water and moisture in the fuel.
Make sure to read all of the instructions. Make sure also, to follow the recommended amount for your fuel type, for example gas or diesel fuel stabilizer takes special care as they are not typically interchangeable.
#3. Warm Up Vehicle.
If temperatures are low, don’t forget to warm it up before you drive off. Start your engine and let it idle for a few minutes before you drive off.
This will allow the engine and the fuel to warm to its right temperature and prevent performance issues. You don’t have to when its mild outside, but it makes a big difference in winter.
#4. Start Vehicle Often.
In winter, it can be hard not to take the car out for drives. The longer the fuel just sits there, the more chances for issues to come up.
Even a short drive to the local store will help keep the gas circulated in the system. Also, driving at least once a week will help maintain the charge in your battery.
Even when you’re not using the car, a car heater, block heater, or parking heater can help. Most block heaters just heat the engine oil, but, in some cases, it can also help heat up the fuel lines.
Heaters that heat the cabin will transfer some heat to the fuel tank, if it is nearby.
#5. Keep Tank Filled Up.
In the colder months, you should always keep the fuel tank at least one-quarter full. Most people prefer to keep it half full, at a minimum. Maintaining this level of fuel offers several advantages.
One reason is that the less fuel that is in the system, the higher amount of fuel that could freeze.
Another reason why a fuel tank should be kept above a quarter of a tank of fuel is to avoid the unfortunate event of running out of the fuel if the gauge fails.
Additionally, having low fuel in the tank can leave key parts of the fuel system vulnerable to damage. Additionally, if you find yourself in a situation because of weather events, you may need some fuel to keep the cabin warm and comfortable.
How to Store Gasoline?
If you have fuel when the temperatures drop, you need to know how to store it. Is the gasoline in the canister safe, or do you need to put it into the vehicle? In most gas cans, you are limited to a few gallons at a time, so you could run into problems faster than you would a car.
The best place to keep the gas canister is in the garage or shed, where it is just a few degrees warmer than outside. However, you do not want to store the gas canister inside due to the possibility of igniting gas indoors with a spark if a problem arises or with an errand mistake that may start a fire.
Ideally, you just want to keep the gas canister cold but no temperature drops below freezing. Use an appropriate canister with the appropriate fuel stabilizer.
With the appropriate product, you won’t have to worry about the gasoline separating or gelling up. The additives will also keep the fuel fresh, which can be a long-term storage issue.
While fuel stabilizers are relatively cheap, you may want to ensure you buy the right one. First, also only use the stabilizer for the appropriate fuel system type, gas or diesel.
And you want to buy from a reputable location, either your local auto upkeep or online location.
It should be straightforward for a technician to go through the customer reviews to identify the best reviewer options. And finally, remember that more expensive is not always more fun. You can find acceptable stabilizers and budget-friendly alternatives.
If you are just careful about storing the gasoline during the winter months, you should be able to store the gasoline in old or new storage, as well as convenient in the vehicle, spot on.