Why Winterize?

It's safe to say we know that safety is always the highest priority when traveling alone on the road, but how does winterizing your vehicle help keep you safe? With the weather being as unpredictable as it is during this time of year, "winter is the most difficult time of year to keep a fleet in steady operation" according to Gary Uftring of Uftring Auto Group.

The cold weather and other extreme conditions are the perfect breeding ground for maintenance issues.  While the preparing the exterior of your vehicle is probably your first thought, it is just as, if not more, important to take the steps to prepare the internal components, like your diesel fuel, for extremes of winter as well. Doing so will not only greatly minimize the number of breakdowns and other maintenance issues keeping drivers safe, but from a business point of view, will also reduce the amount of downtime drivers face while waiting for assistance during a breakdown. TA and Petro want to make sure to do their part in keeping you safe and helping your business with the return of its winterized diesel blend.

Back by Popular Demand...

TravelCenters of America LLC (TravelCenters), operator of the TA® and Petro Stopping Centers® travel center brands, is continuing its annual winter diesel additive program to help trucking fleets and professional drivers weather what is forecasted to be a brutally cold and snowy winter. The treated fuel dispenses directly from TA and Petro fuel island pumps and helps to eliminate breakdowns due to fuel line and filter freezing and corrosion. More than 186 TA and Petro locations will dispense this winter blend. Of those, at least 148 of them are expected to include the additive from now until late March. Again this year, nearly 38 locations will dispense the winter blend when temperatures fall under 16 degrees Fahrenheit. These locations are situated in areas of the county that have sporadically low temperatures and occasional winter storms.

"Our winter diesel additive program delivers the serious weather protection our drivers need to keep them running smoothly on the road this winter. Most importantly, it gives them added peace of mind in knowing their winter driving experience will be a positive one," he added. -Tom O'Brien, President and CEO of TravelCenters

The winterized 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.

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.

You're in good hands with the experienced technicians at TA. Visit your favorite location and make sure all your maintenance needs are taken care of before you get on the road.  

As an FTS Plus+ member, you never have to worry about spending an arm and a leg on your fleet needs. We've got the entire spread for you! Save big on everything from wireless services to fuel and tires to office supplies. Take a look at our full list of savings at ftsplus.com/savings or give us a call at (800) 749-1724 Opt. 2 to speak with a Dedicated Savings Consultant and learn about all the ways you could be saving on your fleet needs.