How to tell when the Winter to Summer diesel fuel switch happens

[gardner175]

I have a very inexperienced diesel tractor owner question. I live in Southwest Michigan. How do I tell when Summer (or Winter) diesel fuel is selling at my local gas station? I recently asked the clerk at the register and she had no idea what I was asking?

 

[RustyA]

In Wisconsin it's typically April 1st when the blended fuel stops being delivered to stations. Some states that when the biodiesel starts back up. October 1st it gradually heads back to winter blend. % of #1 gets stronger until January the gets weaker in Feb as temps moderate. If your station doesn't know don't buy fuel there, my opinion.

 

[Roadworthy]

I don't worry about when summer diesel starts selling. Winter diesel will burn fine all year around. I don't think it has quite as many BTUs per gallon but it shouldn't hurt a thing. I'm more concerned about when winter diesel is available.

 

[oosik]

I put Stabil White Jug in my diesel fuel - year round. I don't care when the service station makes the change over.

 

[mikester]

Winter diesel is like drinking light beer - it tastes great and is less filling.

 

[Diggin It]

How do I tell when Summer (or Winter) diesel fuel is selling at my local gas station?

Does it matter? The changeover in the Fall is more important. But as noted, treat it yourself with available additives to ensure against gelling in cold weather. Whatever they add won't matter in warmer weather.

 

[RjCorazza]

I gave up asking any station in my area of Maryland when deliveries are winterized. From what I've read (in my region) November 1 and April 1 are when deliveries start the switch. As others have mentioned, I treat my fuel for winter conditions regardless.

 

[crazyal]

Do you really think (or would trust) what someone who's making close to minimum wage thinks? Yes, they could be right but at the same time they could have no clue and are just repeating some wrong info. Chances are the driver of the truck filling the tank might know. Unless you are putting a lot of hours on your tractor it's best to treat your fuel all year so just in case you don't use it in the fall for some strange reason you don't find it gelled up.

 

[hube2]

I read somewhere that stations put up signs when they have winter blend. I've never seen a sign.

Like others, I don't really care or pay attention. I treat my fuel year round the same way. For example I have nearly 15 gallons left I purchased over the winter. I don't know when I'll use it up but it's treated and I'm not going to set it aside and get fuel for the summer. Chances are I might have some of this left come next snow season because most of my tractor use is in the winter.

From everything I've read there isn't any reason that I should not use my treated winter fuel other than possibly burning a bit more per hour.