The currently prevailing low temperatures, well below freezing point, can cause problems for cars.
Vienna (OTS) – In addition to all the inconveniences, such as failing car batteries, the extreme cold can cause problems, especially with diesel vehicles. If the temperatures plummet, the fuel threatens to freeze. To be precise, so-called paraffin crystals form that clog the fuel filter. The result: The vehicle no longer starts and, in extreme cases, the engine even switches off while driving. Another cause can be a non-serviced fuel filter, as it freezes due to water residue and blocks the fuel supply.
“Vehicles that are parked outside at night or parked for several days are particularly at risk,” explains ARBÖ expert Erich Groiss. “When it’s cold below minus 10 degrees Celsius, we recommend pouring diesel antifreeze into the full tank as a precaution. In colloquial terms, this prevents the diesel fuel from flocculating and there is certainly no rude awakening after a night of frost,” Groiss continues. Particular attention should be paid to this during winter holidays: If the vehicle is parked in the high mountains for several days and nights at temperatures beyond minus 20 degrees, even the highest quality diesel fuel will freeze and lead to massive problems before the return journey.
If you call the ARBÖ breakdown service, they will try to resolve the situation on site. The diesel antifreeze can still be effective even if the diesel engine is already showing the first symptoms of frostbite. If the car doesn’t start after that, the entire fuel system needs to be warmed up. The vehicle is therefore towed to a heated workshop or garage. Additionally, the fuel filter may need to be replaced.
During particularly cold phases, the ARBÖ has to deploy around 300 times a day to restart striking vehicles whose diesel fuel has “frozen” due to the cold. To prevent this from happening, the ARBÖ recommends diesel antifreeze from Datacol. This is available in all ARBÖ test centers and specialist retailers.
Questions & Contact:
ARBÖ press department
Sebastian Obrecht
Tel.: +43 1 891 21 244
Mobil: +43 664 60 123 244
E-Mail: sebastian.obrecht@arboe.at