Winterisation checklist: Helping you maintain your industrial diesel engines

Fleet operators who invest in winter preparation are the ones who keep working when temperatures drop. We’ve created this checklist to help you protect your industrial diesel engines over the winter.

1. Fuel

In colder temperatures, paraffin wax naturally present in diesel can crystallise, restricting flow through filters and fuel systems.

Checklist:

✅ Switch to winter-grade diesel before the first cold snap
✅ Keep fuel tanks full to reduce condensation
✅ Drain water separators
✅ Use an approved anti-gel or fuel conditioning additive
✅ Check the condition of fuel storage tanks

2. Cooling system

Coolant regulates engine temperature and protects against freezing, corrosion, and cavitation damage.

Checklist:

✅ Check coolant level
✅ Test freeze protection and top up with the correct coolant specification
✅ Inspect hoses, clamps, and radiators for leaks or damage

3. Batteries

A battery that performed during autumn may struggle during the first hard frost.

Checklist:

✅ Test battery condition
✅ Clean battery terminals and check cable connections
✅ Verify operation of glow plugs, heaters, and cold-start systems.

4. Oil and service intervals

Cold weather increases oil viscosity, making engines work harder during startup.

Checklist:

✅ Check oil level and condition
✅ Ensure the correct oil grade is being used for lower temperatures
✅ Follow service intervals for oil, fuel and air filter changes
✅ Check for general leaks

5. Standby and prime power generators

Regular testing ensures the engine reaches operating temperature and identifies potential problems before they become failures.

Checklist:

✅ Weekly test runs
✅ Fuel quality checks
✅ Battery inspections
✅ Coolant testing
✅ Verification of automatic transfer systems
✅ Exhaust system inspections

6. Winter storage

Equipment entering winter storage should be prepared properly.

Checklist:

✅ Fill fuel tanks to minimise condensation
✅ Change contaminated oil
✅ Disconnect or maintain batteries
✅ Protect air intakes from moisture
✅ Store equipment indoors where possible

7. Look out for early warning signs

Early reporting of issues can turn a minor maintenance task into a major cost avoidance exercise.

Checklist:

✅ Slow cranking
✅ Excessive smoke on startup
✅ Fuel filter restriction warnings
✅ Coolant leaks
✅ Unusual noises
✅ Generator starting issues

Our Aftermarket division provides genuine parts, oils and filters help you to maintain your engines, email SparePartsStaff@barrus.co.uk for more information on our after-sales services and solutions.

Afterall, fleet operators who invest in winter preparation today are the ones who keep working when temperatures drop and reliability becomes critical.

Contact Aftermarket Team

For more information on winterisation, please contact Ian Daffern.

Contact us: industrialenquiries@barrus.co.uk