As winter sets in, farms and businesses face unique challenges in keeping operations running smoothly. Proper fuel management is critical during cold weather to prevent freezing, maintain efficiency, and avoid costly downtime. At Rockingham Petroleum Cooperative, we’re here to provide reliable fuel solutions, delivery services, and expert advice to help you navigate the winter months with ease.
1. Store Fuel Properly
Proper storage is the foundation of effective winter fuel management. Cold temperatures can cause diesel to gel and water condensation to form in tanks, leading to clogs and other issues.
- Invest in quality storage tanks: Ensure your tanks are clean, well-maintained, and designed for outdoor winter use. Double-walled or insulated tanks can help protect fuel from extreme cold.
- Monitor tank levels: Keeping tanks at least half full minimizes airspace, reducing the risk of water condensation that can lead to microbial growth and fuel contamination.
- Inspect regularly: Check for leaks, rust, or signs of damage that could compromise the integrity of your storage system.
2. Prevent Diesel Gelling
Diesel fuel is prone to gelling in freezing temperatures, which can clog filters and prevent engines from running. To avoid this issue, consider the following steps:
- Use Rockingham Petroleum fuels that already have high-quality fuel additives to lower the pour point of diesel, keeping it fluid and flowing even in extreme cold.
- Warm up equipment properly: Allow diesel-powered vehicles and equipment to warm up fully before use to ensure smooth operation.
3. Protect Gasoline-Powered Equipment
Gasoline also requires special care during the winter to maintain performance and reliability.
- Stabilize gasoline: Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent gasoline from breaking down during periods of inactivity.
- Store fuel in approved containers: Keep gasoline in tightly sealed, labeled containers designed for fuel storage to prevent contamination.
- Maintain small engines: Regularly service tools like snowblowers, generators, and pumps to ensure they’re ready when you need them.
4. Schedule Reliable Fuel Deliveries
Running out of fuel during the winter can bring operations to a halt. That’s why it’s important to partner with a dependable supplier like Rockingham Petroleum.
- Bulk fuel delivery: We offer convenient bulk fuel delivery services to keep your tanks stocked and your equipment running.
- Flexible scheduling: Our team works with you to develop a delivery schedule that fits your needs, ensuring you’re never caught off guard.
- Expert advice: Not sure what blend or additive is right for your fuel system? Our knowledgeable staff can recommend the best options for your farm or business.
5. Stay Prepared with Rockingham Petroleum
At Rockingham Petroleum, we understand the critical role fuel plays in your operations, especially during winter. That’s why we’re committed to providing top-quality fuels, additives, and services tailored to the unique needs of farms and businesses.
From winter-grade diesel and gasoline to anti-gel additives and dependable delivery services, we’ve got everything you need to stay fueled and efficient all season long. Our experienced team is always ready to help you implement the best winter fuel management practices to protect your equipment and ensure uninterrupted operations.
Contact us today to learn more about our fuel solutions or to schedule your next delivery. Let Rockingham Petroleum keep your farm or business running smoothly this winter.