A: At I-55 Truck and Trailer Repair, we are fully aware that cold weather is a serious challenge for diesel engines-it isn’t only the battery that is affected, but also the entire system which has to cope with the cold. In winter, diesel fuel becomes thick and harder to pump, which takes more power to get the required amount of fuel into the combustion chamber for the ignition to take place. Moreover, the engine oil gets thick and temperature rises inside the engine which in turn makes the start even harder. The first thing we do is to test the battery’s health with a cold cranking amp test, check the starter motor, and assess the fuel system’s capability to perform in these conditions-all this helps us to know whether you only need a simple battery boost, a block heater installation, or more extensive winterization of your diesel rig.

A: When temperatures drop below freezing, we get calls about gelling fuel all day at I-55 Truck and Trailer Repair. Preventing it requires preparation before the cold hits! We recommend adding quality anti-gel additives to your tank when temperatures approach 40°F, which lowers the fuel’s cloud point by dissolving those wax crystals that form in cold weather and clog filters. For more severe conditions, we can install an in-line fuel heater or switch to winter blend diesel fuel if it’s available in your area-these measures will keep your truck running when others are stranded on the side of I-55.

A: Drivers coming to our garage with rough idling or hard-starting problems are already aware of the signs of cold-weather parts failure, and at I-55 Truck and Trailer Repair, we will help you. We will use a multimeter to test each glow plug separately to check its resistance and functionality-anything beyond manufacturer’s specifications means it is time to replace it. For intake heaters, we will check their functionality by measuring the grid temperature during cold starts and confirming they are correctly cycling through your engine control module. If your car’s glow plugs or intake heaters are not functioning, you are stressing your battery and starter system a lot in this weather-you can count on us to get your cold-weather performance back up to speed so you will not be left behind.

A: We accept various payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and company checks. We strive to make the payment process as convenient as possible for our customers.

While idling might seem like the obvious solution for cold weather, at I-55 Truck and Trailer Repair we know there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. We recommend running your engine above 1100 RPM during extended idling-this generates sufficient heat without creating excessive unburned fuel that can wash cylinder walls and damage piston rings over time. For true protection, we suggest installing an electric block heater and plugging in overnight when temperatures drop below freezing. This approach warms your engine from the inside out while using minimal diesel fuel compared to all-night idling-keeping your truck ready for morning starts without premature wear on your engine components.