As a truck driver, you know it's important to protect your semi's engine in bitter cold temperatures. The last thing you need is a frozen engine. When your truck is down, that means no miles--and no miles means no money. Preventing a frozen engine is the best policy. But if you ever do find yourself with a frozen engine and a truck that won't start, there are steps you can take to defrost it and get back on the road as soon as possible.
Add a deicing product formulated for diesel engines into your fuel tanks. Follow the directions on the container to determine the quantity needed.
Recruit some friends and push the truck into an enclosed area such as a garage. Even an area that is shielded from the wind is preferable to leaving the truck unprotected. If there is nowhere to protect the cab from the elements, cover the hood with a couple of heavy blankets to protect it from windchill.
Set up two or three space heaters near the truck--one near the engine, and the others in a position where the heat will reach the fuel lines.
Leave the truck for several hours to allow the engine to thaw, then try to start the truck. If it is still frozen, leave it longer and try starting it again periodically until the engine is thawed.
