Here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are leading fuel oil professionals, delivering a range of high quality fuel oils across the UK, in bulk and barrels, within just 1-3 days. We also offer fuel tank hire too. But what are the key steps when preparing your fuel tank for winter weather?
What are the important steps for preparing your fuel tank for winter weather?
There are a number of steps you can take to help prepare and protect your fuel tank throughout winter. This can be essential for keeping your fuel clear of contamination and ensuring that your supply is safe throughout the cold and wet winter months. The important steps include:
- Checking the oil levels
- Securing your fuel tank
- Taking steps to prevent water contamination
- Checking for condensation
- Planning regular maintenance checks throughout winter
Checking the oil levels can help prepare your fuel tank for winter
Low levels of oil in your fuel tank can be potentially problematic for your fuel as this can result in sludge forming. When the tank is then refilled, the sludge at the bottom of the tank will be disturbed and this can clog up and block filters, resulting in a number of problems for your fuel and the connected equipment. Blocked filters generally lead to performance issues and a lack of fuel efficiency.
It’s important to secure your fuel tank for winter protection
It is always essential that your fuel tank is stored according to legal guidelines and requirements, but in the winter months this can harder to achieve, particularly as strong winds and bad weather can move fuel tanks that are almost empty, or have a low level of fuel. As a result, not only should you fuel be topped up, but you may need to take additional measures to secure this in the centre of the base.
In addition, you will also need to ensure that your fuel tank is protected and safe from the winter weather. This means storing your fuel tank somewhere safe and protected from the elements and it also means making sure that the base is fully supported.
Preventing water contamination is essential in winter
Water contamination in a fuel tank can be a serious and significant problem. If water does enter the fuel tank then this can cause an exponential growth in bacteria and contribute to the formation of sludge. As a result, this can lead to problems with blocked fuel lines and filters, which would require a professional team to resolve. As such, its important to make sue that there are no cracks or damage to your fuel tank before the wet and cold weather truly kicks in.
Prepare your fuel tank for winter by checking for condensation
Condensation is another way that water may contaminate your fuel and so its important to check for condensation by dipping the fuel and having this tested by a professional.
Keep up with the maintenance throughout the winter months
Finally, to keep your fuel safe and protected through the winter months you should prepare a maintenance list to ensure regular checks for your fuel tank. These should include checking for:
- Cracks in the body of the tank
- Tank discolouration
- Tank bulges
- Stains or wet patches around the tank
- Corrosion
For more information or advice, get in touch with the professionals today, here at Compass Fuel Oils.