Critical temperatures: At what temperature do gasoline and other fuels freeze?

Introduction

Knowing the freezing temperature of fuels is essential for the operation of vehicles, machinery and energy systems in cold climates. At what temperature does gasoline freeze? The freezing temperature of gasoline varies depending on its composition. In general:

• Gasoline does not freeze like water, but loses fluidity at extreme temperatures.
• Its behavior begins to change from -40°C to -60°C, depending on the formulation and additives present.
• At temperatures below -20°C, its viscosity increases, making it difficult to burn. This change in physical properties affects engine combustion, as the fuel no longer evaporates easily enough to mix with the air.

This issue is of great importance in industries such as automotive, aviation and energy, where fuel fluidity determines the efficiency and safety of operations. In this article, we analyze the factors that influence the freezing of these fuels, the differences between gasoline and diesel, as well as the best antifreeze additives to maintain engine operation in cold climates.

Gasoline and its behavior in the cold: Changes and effects

Gasoline is a petroleum-derived fuel composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons of different molecular weights and additives that improve its performance. They are used in internal combustion engines, providing the energy necessary for their operation.

This mixture of hydrocarbons varies according to the type of gasoline (regular, premium, etc.), and its formulation may change depending on the region and climatic conditions.

Changes in gasoline due to low temperatures

When the temperature drops, gasoline undergoes certain modifications in its physical and chemical properties, which can alter its performance in the engine.

Reduced volatility

• Change: Gasoline evaporates with greater difficulty in cold temperatures, which affects its ability to form an efficient mixture with air for combustion.
  Effect: It can be more difficult to start the engine in cold weather, especially in the morning or after long periods of non-use.

Increased viscosity

• Change: At extremely low temperatures, gasoline becomes denser and less fluid.
  Effect: The fuel pump has to work harder to deliver gasoline to the engine, resulting in fuel delivery failures.

Possible formation of kerosene crystals

• Change: In gasolines with small amounts of kerosene, extreme cold can cause crystallization of these compounds.
• Effect: Fuel filters can become clogged, reducing gasoline flow and causing loss of power or combustion failure.

Water condensation in the tank

• Change: Due to temperature changes, condensation can be generated inside the fuel tank, introducing small amounts of water.
• Effect: The freezing of the water below freezing causes blockage of the fuel lines and prevents gasoline from flowing into the engine.

Differences between gasoline and diesel in extreme cold

The performance of fuels in cold climates is significant in the operation of vehicles and machinery in regions with extreme temperatures. One of the main differences between gasoline and diesel is their freezing point, which directly influences their performance in winter conditions.

Fuel	Critical Temperature
Gasoline	-40°C to -60°C
Diesel (summer)	-7°C to -10°C
Diesel (winter)	-20°C to -30°C
Diesel Artic	Up to -40°C

Gasoline maintains greater resistance to cold compared to diesel, which is prone to gelling.

Types and effectiveness of winter fuel additives

In regions with extreme temperatures, fuels can lose fluidity and hinder engine operation. To avoid these problems, antifreeze additives, developed to improve the performance of gasoline and diesel in cold climates, are used. These products have proven to be effective in prolonging the operability of fuels and preventing engine and injection system failures.

Gasoline additives

Unlike diesel, gasoline does not usually solidify in extreme temperatures. However, in very cold climates, its evaporation capacity decreases, which can hinder combustion and engine starting. Winter gasoline additives help improve fuel volatility, ensuring a proper air-fuel mixture for efficient starting.

Main types of additives

Volatility improver additives

• They increase the evaporation capacity of gasoline at cold temperatures.
• They facilitate the formation of a homogeneous mixture with the air for combustion.
  Practical example: In regions such as Canada and Norway, winter gasoline is marketed with these additives

Demulsifier additives

• They prevent the accumulation of water in the fuel tank, preventing the formation of ice in the injection lines.
• Practical example: In winter, many drivers add these products to their tanks to prevent blockages in the fuel system due to condensation.

Injector cleaning additives

• Keep injectors free of residues to optimize ignition at low temperatures.
• Practical example: Vehicles operating in cold climates can experience misfiring due to deposit build-up in the injectors, a problem that is minimized with these additives.

Diesel Additives

Diesel is more problematic in winter due to the presence of kerosenes, which begin to crystallize at low temperatures, causing the fuel to gel and block filters and pipes. Winter diesel additives are designed to improve fluidity and prevent the formation of these crystals.

Main types of additives

Freezing point depressant additives

• Reduce the temperature at which kerosenes begin to solidify.
• They allow the diesel to flow freely at lower temperatures.
• Practical example: In Siberia and Alaska, truck fleets use these additives to prevent diesel from thickening at temperatures below -20°C.

Crystal dispersant additives

• Prevent kerosene crystals from growing and clogging fuel filters.
• Practical example: Diesel vehicles in cold mountainous regions can continue to operate without problems thanks to the addition of these compounds.

Water antifreeze additives

• Prevent water accumulated in the diesel from freezing and blocking the fuel lines.
• Practical example: Drivers of heavy machinery in the Arctic use these additives to prevent blockages in injection lines

Multifunctional diesel additives

• Combine depressant, dispersant and antifreeze properties in one product.
• They improve engine performance in extreme temperatures.
• Practical example: Transport companies in Europe use these additives to keep their fleets operational in winter.

How to prevent gasoline and diesel freezing in cold climates

In regions with extremely low temperatures, partial freezing or loss of fluidity of fuels can lead to engine starting and performance problems. Although gasoline rarely freezes under normal conditions, its volatility can be reduced in extreme cold, making combustion difficult. Diesel, on the other hand, is more susceptible to gelling due to the crystallization of kerosenes in its composition.

To ensure the proper operation of engines in cold climates, preventive measures are necessary. The following are the most effective strategies to prevent gasoline and diesel from freezing.

Use of winter fuel additives

Winter fuel additives are formulated to improve fuel fluidity in low temperatures:

• In gasoline:
  • They increase volatility, ensuring better evaporation and facilitating engine ignition.
  • They prevent water accumulation in the tank, avoiding ice formation in the injection system.

• In diesel:
  • They reduce the gelling temperature by modifying the structure of kerosenes.
  • Disperse kerosene crystals, avoiding blockages in fuel filters.
  • Prevent freezing of condensed water in the tank.

Installation of fuel heaters in diesel engines

• Since diesel is more prone to gelling in extreme cold, one of the most effective solutions is the use of heating systems in fuel tanks and fuel lines.
• Practical example: In Siberia, heavy-duty trucks and industrial equipment use electric heaters in diesel tanks to operate uninterrupted in temperatures below -30°C.

Storage in tanks protected from extreme cold

• The way fuel is stored also influences its resistance to low temperatures.
• Practical example: In service stations in frigid climates, fuel tanks are located underground to take advantage of the underground temperature and prevent the diesel from freezing.

• Key recommendations:
  • Keep fuel tanks full to reduce water condensation and prevent freezing.
  • Store fuel in subway tanks or tanks protected from extreme cold.
  • In case of outdoor storage, use thermal insulation or heated covers to minimize exposure to cold.
  • Practical example: In service stations in cold climates, fuel tanks are located underground to take advantage of the underground temperature and prevent diesel from freezing.

Alternatives to gasoline and diesel in cold climates

In cold climates, gasolineand diesel can present performance challenges due to reduced volatility and fuel gelling. In the face of these challenges, energy alternatives have emerged that offer greater resistance to extreme temperatures and additional benefits in terms of efficiency and sustainability.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a viable alternative to gasoline and diesel in cold regions due to its resistance to extreme temperatures. Unlike liquid fuels, CNG is stored in a gaseous state at high pressure, which makes it less susceptible to freezing problems.

Advantages of CNG in cold climates:

It does not freeze easily, as it remains in a gaseous state until extremely low temperatures.
Lower environmental impact, with reduced CO₂ and pollutant emissions compared to gasoline and diesel.
Longer engine life, by producing cleaner combustion.

CNG Challenges:

• Requires specialized infrastructure, such as refueling stations with compression equipment and high-pressure gas storage.
• Less range compared to liquid fuels, which can be a problem in remote regions.
• Practical example: In countries such as Sweden and Canada, public transport fleets have implemented CNG buses to reduce dependence on diesel in winter, achieving efficient operations even in sub-zero temperatures.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a fuel derived from vegetable oils or animal fats that can be used in conventional diesel engines with few modifications. However, like traditional diesel, its freezing point varies depending on its composition.

Key points about biodiesel in cold climates:

• Pure biodiesel (B100) has a higher freezing point than fossil diesel, making it less suitable for extremely cold temperatures.
• Biodiesel blends with diesel (B5, B20, etc.) offer better cold resistance while maintaining environmental benefits.
• Improved biodiesel formulations for winter include additives that reduce its gelling temperature.

Winter biodiesel challenges:

• May become more viscous in freezing temperatures if appropriate additives are not used.
• Availability varies by region and distribution infrastructure.
• Practical example: In Germany, where biodiesel is widely used, winter blends with special additives have been developed that allow it to be used without problems in temperatures below -20°C.

How do vehicles perform at low temperatures?

In the following video, we will explain two topics vital to understanding how low temperatures affect vehicles: first, at what temperature does gasoline and diesel freeze? And second, how do vehicles perform in these extreme conditions? As temperatures drop, not only fuels can be affected, but also the performance of engines and vehicle systems. So, join us to learn how these factors impact vehicle performance in cold climates in the video below courtesy of Motor matchups on YouTube.

Economic and technological impact of freezing fuels

Extreme temperatures can create costly problems for the transportation and energy industry:

• Maintenance and prevention costs: use of additives, heaters, and storage improvements.
• Development of antifreeze technologies: Includes advanced fuel formulations and thermal monitoring sensors in transportation fleets.
• Operational losses: Vehicles stranded by gelled fuel can impact logistics chains and business efficiency.

Conclusions

Clearly understanding at what temperature gasoline freezes and how to prevent these effects through the proper use of winter fuel additives is vital in cold regions. Knowing clearly what the freezing point of gasoline is, the differences between gasoline and diesel, and evaluating alternatives to gasoline and diesel are key actions to ensure the operability, efficiency and safety of vehicles and machinery exposed to extreme temperatures.

Faced with this challenge, both industry and consumers can adopt effective strategies to mitigate the effects of fuel freezing. The incorporation of antifreeze additives, the use of appropriate blends for low temperatures and the correct storage of fuels are key practices to avoid operating problems in extreme conditions.

Avoid engine failure! Use winter fuel additives and maintain performance in cold weather.

References

Avoid engine failure! Use winter fuel additives and maintain performance in cold climates.

1. Energy agency studies on fuel fluidity in cold climates.
2. Reports from cold-zone airports on fuel handling.
3. Winter fuel additive manufacturers’ publications.