TravelCenters of America this week announced that TravelCenters of America and Petro locations have began the company’s annual diesel additive program to help drivers gear up for winter weather.
The additized fuel dispenses directly from fuel dispensers. Fuel additive prevents fuel fuel from clouding or gelling in cold weather.
More than 150 TA and Petro locations will dispense the winter blend, and a majority of the locations will run the additive program from November to March, while 50 locations will dispense the winter blend when temperatures fall to 20 degrees or lower. TA and Petro will label the winter-blended mix. Signs will be clipped to diesel hoses to alert drivers of the special blend.
There is no additional charge for the treated fuel.
“In years past, combining the winter additive at our sites north of I-40 across the U.S. was adequate to prevent diesel and fuel line freeze-ups for drivers,” said Tom O’Brien, President and CEO of TravelCenters. “Based on an overwhelming response to this program, we decided to have the winter blend of diesel and winter additive available at almost 50 additional locations that experience freezing temperatures, or are located on driving routes that stretch into colder areas,” he added.
The additive used by TA and Petro is a ” multifunctional, polymer-based cold flow additive supplied by several nationally recognized providers. Unlike kerosene/D#1 blends that can degrade fuel efficiency, this additive has minimal impact on fuel economy,” TravelCenters of America states.
From TravelCenters of America:
More specifically, winterized fuel from TA and Petro provides professional drivers with a high level of low-temperature diesel engine operability and performance by:
- Lowering CFPP (Cold Fuel Pour Point) and Pour Point by as much as 30 degrees and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively,
- Enhancing fuel lubricity,
- Utilizing de-icer chemistry to help prevent fuel filter and fuel line plugging,
- Containing cetane improver for better cold weather starting and reduced emissions, and
- Dispersing water to help prevent corrosion and sludge.