It’s that time of year again. Leaves are beginning to change colors and disappear into the wind, the sky has turned a depressing shade of gray, and cold flakes have started falling from the sky. This means one thing, and no, it’s not that those camouflage print Ugg boots are back in style. It’s time to start thinking about how to winterize your diesel pickup.

While it’s always wise to ensure that your truck has strong batteries and a working glow-plug system prior to the season’s first freeze, it’s an untreated fuel system that can really bring the suck when temperatures drop. Paraffin in diesel fuel freezes easily, and when that occurs it creates a wax-like gel that blocks everything in the fuel system, including fuel lines and filters. When this happens fuel can’t flow as easily, and you’ll be left in a no-start situation. Excessive moisture in the fuel system can all wreak havoc during the winter months, as this water turns to ice. The best cure for this situation is prevention, and regularly adding a quality diesel fuel additive at each fill-up during the winter can help ensure that your truck stays happy and healthy.

Hot Shot’s Secret offers a trio of winter protection products, beginning with the company’s EDT+ Winter Defense. This product is the company’s go-to everyday diesel treatment (EDT); however, it has been infused with increased anti-gel properties. In addition to preventing both gelling and icing of the fuel, EDT+ also contains a powerful cetane booster, the company’s LX4 lubricity additive, and its keep-clean detergent package. Adding the recommended dosage at each fill is the best way to keep the fuel system flowing smoothly.

If you live and work in extreme climates and need more anti-gelling aid, then Hot Shot’s Secret’s Diesel Winter Anti-Gel is the product you need. Hot Shot’s Diesel Winter Anti-Gel works to lower the cold filter plugging point of diesel fuel, helping to prevent clogged fuel filters and fuel lines during the coldest of winter months. It also improves diesel’s lubricity and stability, adds detergent, and increases cetane. This product reduces fuel line freezing at temperatures as low as negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit and lowers the pour point to a staggering negative 65 degrees. The company recommends that its Diesel Winter Anit-Gel be used any time the outside temperature dips below freezing.

If you’ve waited too long and are already experiencing tough starting due to gelled fuel, it’s okay. Hot Shot’s Diesel Winter Rescue can get your truck running again. Formulated with a military-grade de-icer and lubricity additives, Diesel Winter Rescue quickly thaws ice and disperses built-up moisture. Winter Rescue works two ways. If the fuel in the tank is still liquid but the truck won’t start, it can be used by removing the truck’s fuel filter and filling the housing with a mix of fresh diesel and Winter Rescue. After a few minutes the mixture will thaw the gelled fuel lines, allowing the engine to start. If the full tank has gelled, adding 32 ounces of Winter Rescue per 40 gallons will quickly get you back on the road again.

Stay warm out there!