‘Waxing’ causes diesel vehicle fuel filters to become clogged by a gel-like substance during colder conditions, which starves the engine of fuel and can cause the vehicle to lose power or fail to start completely.
According to RAC breakdown data the effects of ‘waxing’ were widely felt across the country as Storm Emma hit last week, with 500 vehicles requiring assistance.
The organisation reported 5% of the 9,600 callouts they attended were due to ‘waxing’ in diesel filters – 44% more than usual for this time of year.
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RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “The RAC last saw issues with diesel ‘waxing’, as it is known, predominantly in the east of the UK in the very cold weather of late 2013, and to a lesser extent in periods of really cold weather since then.
This should not occur, as all diesel produced for UK winter use is formulated with additives to prevent waxing. In addition, modern diesel vehicles are fitted with heating elements on the fuel delivery lines to prevent waxing occurring.
“We are, however, aware that some vehicles’ fuel lines are more exposed than others which can exacerbate waxing issues.”
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to stop ‘waxing’ from affecting diesel vehicles, although there are some precautionary measures which can be taken to help reduce the likelihood of cars being affected.
The organisation advises storing diesel vehicles in garages and making sure their filters are up to scratch with industry standards.
Mr Williams said: “Frustratingly for motorists, however, there is still no solution to this problem. The most likely explanation appears to be that there are a combination of factors at play involving the diesel itself, its bio content, and the way vehicles move the fuel around their systems.
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“There is nothing diesel car drivers can do to prevent the problem from occurring, other than getting their vehicles’ fuel filter changed in line manufacturer guidelines and keeping their car in a garage if they can. Even then, this may not stop a problem happening out on the road.”
The RAC assured drivers it is currently working with other “breakdown service providers, motor manufacturers and representatives from the fuel industry” to help solve the issue and minimise the impact of cold weather spells on diesel drivers.
Mr Williams said: “As a member of the working group set up across the industry to get to the bottom of this issue, the RAC is working hard to amass and analyse its breakdown data to help find a solution.”
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