Winter Diesels Products

Why choose Caltex Winter Diesels?

Caltex Winter Diesel blends are specially formulated diesel products with lower
cloud points compared to regular diesel. They are formulated to our strict quality
standards to inhibit waxing and crystal formation. Caltex conducts regular
testing of our winter diesels for quality assurance purposes, providing our
customers with quality and piece of mind.

What is waxing and why does it occur in diesel products?
All diesel fuels contain wax molecules. These are natural components of the
crude oil that diesel is produced from. Wax is considered an important diesel
component because of its high cetane value (for good ignition quality of the fuel).
However, in severe winter conditions especially in inland or high country areas,
the diesel may get cold enough for the wax to start to crystallise (solidify). If
enough wax crystals solidify, the fuel lines, filters and strainers in diesel powered
engines and machinery may become blocked and as a result may become
difficult or impossible to start and operate. This phenomenon is known as
waxing.

Do the specifications of diesel vary during different seasons?
In Australia the specification for diesel varies seasonally. In winter, fuel
manufacturers are required to produce diesel where the temperature at which
wax crystals begin to form is lowered. From time to time and in certain locations,
the Cloud Point determined in the Australian Standard may not be low enough to
protect the diesel from waxing up. Our Highland and Alpine diesel products not
only conform to these requirements but are formulated to have lower cloud
points.
Winter Diesels FAQs
Highland Diesel
Has a cloud point that is
2

C below regular diesel

Ideal for moderate to
cool climates and areas
that experience regular
frosts in the winter
months.
Alpine Diesel
Has a cloud point that is
4

C below regular diesel

Suitable for Alpine regions,
i.e. regions in North &
South West NSW, Snowy
Mountain district, Northern
Victoria and Tasmania.
Vortex Highland and
Vortex Alpine Diesel
Vortex Diesel Winter
Blends are now
available in NSW and
VIC.
Supply Points:
NSWBanksmeadow and Newcastle
Terminals
VIC - Newport Terminal


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3 August 2011
Version 1.1
What to do if your vehicle experiences waxing
Notes: Mineral Diesel (XLSD) Cloud Point Specification

C maximum
Source: Caltex Winter Diesel Products (XLSD) Sales Specs. Approved 19 Oct 2010.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR COLD START.
Should wax crystals cause a problem, then the following emergency start up procedure has been taken from
Australian Standard AS 3570-1998.
1. Check dipstick to ensure engine oil is fluid. If the engine oil is fluid, go to step 2. If it is not fluid do not attempt to
start the engine because waxy fuel in the crankcase has frozen. Wait until the oil becomes fluid. Using external
heat source such as a blow heater, steam line or exhaust gases from another vehicle will speed up the process.
Once the oil is liquid then replace it with fresh oil in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
2. Attempt to start the engine. If the engine fails to start then check the fuel filter for wax. If the fuel wont flow or is
hazy then the filter body and fuel lines will need to be heated using a blow heater or steam cleaner.
3. Once the engine starts, run it at low speed until it is warm. This will prevent further blockages.

NEVER:- rev the engine violently after starting. This could damage the injection pump and bearings.

NEVER:- Light a fire under the vehicle fuel tank or around equipment.

NEVER:- Add petrol to diesel fuel. Petrol has a low flash point, viscosity and cetane, and the resulting blend may result
in increased fuel system wear and operational problems.

The following table denotes the cloud point specifications for regular mineral diesel (XLSD).
Caltex Winter diesels are specifically blended to achieve a lower cloud point, (2

C and 4

C lower for Highland and Alpine

respectively).