Optimizing Performance: McIntosh Energy's Winter Blend Diesel Fuel

McIntosh Energy takes proactive steps to ensure that your diesel engines run smoothly even in the coldest temperatures. The winter blend diesel fuel program, operational from November to mid-March, includes on and off-road diesel products.

Cold Weather Challenges, Solved:

Our winter blend diesel fuel lies in a blend of additives designed to combat the challenges posed by cold weather conditions.

1. Cold Flow Inhibitors and Wax Dispersing Agents: By reducing the cold filter plug point, these additives ensure that the fuel remains operational even in the harshest cold snaps.

2. Cetane Improvers: Enhancing cetane levels facilitates easier engine starts and smoother warm-ups, critical for reliability in chilly weather.

3. Dispersants and Detergents: These additives play a dual role. They improve fuel lubricity, preventing sludge formation and keeping fuel injectors clean, leading to reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, they contribute to fuel economy improvements.

4. Stabilizers and Antioxidants: Decreasing harmful gum and resin formation is crucial to preventing filter clogs and injector issues, ensuring a smooth and efficient engine performance.

5. Demulsifiers and Corrosion Inhibitors: Combatting corrosion of metal engine parts, these additives contribute to the longevity of your engine, especially important in winter conditions.

Experience peak winter performance with our diesel fuel blend. Winter Blend is available to customers across our Pacific Pride Fleet Card network, at Sunoco-branded MacFood Mart convenience store locations, and for all our fuel delivery clients.

Why Choose McIntosh Energy?

Our commitment to quality extends beyond providing fuel; it’s about delivering an optimized product to our customers. With McIntosh Energy’s winter blend diesel fuel, you’re not just getting fuel; you’re getting reliability, performance, and a partner in ensuring your operations run seamlessly through the winter months. Trust us to keep your engines running, no matter how low the temperature drops.

As we embrace the winter season with our specialized winter blend, we’re proud to celebrate McIntosh Energy’s 70th anniversary. For seven decades, we’ve been dedicated to delivering high-quality fuels. Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind our success. As we blend our winter fuels, we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this significant milestone. Thank you for trusting us for 70 years, and we look forward to continuing to fuel your success for many more. Cheers to 70 years of excellence!

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Being on the road can be draining and stressful for us all, especially for truck drivers who spend nearly 11 hours on the road daily. It’s important in today’s age to utilize technology in as many ways as possible to make life easier where you can.

ATBS recently published an article highlights 12 of the most helpful apps for truckers and they shared some useful insights on apps that truckers should use. Here are some apps worth noting that are useful for drivers, truck drivers, and anyone else who spends time on the road– all are available on the App Store or Google Play store.

McIntosh Energy owns and operates five fueling stations and provides on-site bulk fuel delivery services throughout Fort Wayne, IN. 

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McIntosh Energy owns and operates five fueling stations throughout Fort Wayne, IN. Click here to see our locations.

1. Turn Off Your Vehicle

Whether you are just “topping off” your tank or maybe it’s 15º outside, leaving your car running when pumping gas can be very dangerous. If any static electricity combines with the heat and vapors being put off from your engine, and with the gasoline in close proximity, fires can start. Take a moment and turn the ignition off with your keys-in-hand. The risk is not worth the warm(er) car.

2. Leave Your Phone in the Car

Have you ever seen a sign that says ‘No Cell Phone Use While Fueling’ at the pump? There is the potential for a mix of electricity and gasoline that could cause trouble. It is also possible for cell phone batteries to explode, which would be a huge problem. While both are still somewhat of a possibility, cell phone dangers at the pump originate more from the art of distraction. Driving while operating your phone is a big no-no, but it is even a bad idea when you’re fueling up. You may forget to pull the fuel pump out of the car fuel tank, you could overfill your tank, or even just miss what is going on in your surroundings. All in all, put the phone down for a couple of minutes to focus on the task at hand. The only appropriate time to use your phone is when you are using your phone to pay through the Sunoco App. After payment, place your phone back in your car.

3. Lock the Car Doors

Many people already have the habit of locking the doors as soon as they get in or out of the car, which is a great practice to keep you and your car safe. At the gas station is no different. Taking a quick second to lock your doors can prevent thieves or other criminals from entering your vehicle from the passenger side when you’re not paying attention. Combine this with looking at your phone and you may have no idea anything is happening! Stay safe by taking this quick easy measure to protect yourself and your belongings.

4. Touch Something Metal

When you get out of your car, you may notice that you get shocked by sliding out of your seat, especially during the winter season. We all know the dangers of electricity combined with gasoline, so it is a great idea on your way out of your car, to touch the side of your car before getting near the gas pump, or touch anything metal at the station. This will “discharge” you and allow for a more safe, and shock-free pumping experience.

5. Put Out the Cigarette

This one explains itself. Fire + gasoline = BAD!

6. Inspect the Card Reader

Gas stations have been notorious for being an easy place for card skimmers to steal your card information. It’s always wise to take a moment to inspect the card reader for anything that looks off. Giving the card reader a little tug or jiggle may help distinguish a card skimmer on a card reader. All of our MacFood Mart-Sunoco stations are equipped with top-of-the-line EMV Chip Readers which is proven to help reduce the likelihood of card skimming. Learn more about the advantages of EMV-chip-readers here.

7. Stay With Your Car

Leaving your car unattended while allowing the pump to auto-fill your tank could result in a catastrophe. Even if the pump has always clicked off for you in the past when you lock the gas pump trigger, all it takes is one pump or fuel tank error to cause an overfill. Oil spills are a serious environmental and health and safety risk and should be prevented at all costs. Monitoring the pump and car’s behavior while fueling up is a simple way to prevent a serious mess.

8. Don’t Sit in Your Car

It is so tempting to go back inside of the comfort of your vehicle while pumping gas, especially during cold weather. Getting into your car can cause static electricity, which as previously said, does not mix well with gasoline, and it can cause a lapse of attention for the gas pump. As said in the “Stay With Your Car” tip, it’s important to be alert and conscious of what the pump is doing and to not overfill your tank.

9. Wash Your Hands After

Gas pumps are something that everyone touches but are more difficult to sanitize. It is helpful to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car to disinfect your hands after touching the pump to help prevent the spread of germs. Even better, if time allows, run inside the station and thoroughly wash your hands in the restroom. Don’t forget to sing the ABCs–twice! Each of our MacFood Mart-Sunoco stations is equipped with a clean public restroom for your convenience.

9. Tap the Fuel Pump Nozzle

After your tank has been filled to your liking, it is a great idea to slowly remove the nozzle from the gas tank while tapping it inside the tank to help any gas drip off into the tank and not outside of it. This is a great way to prevent gas spills on your skin, which can cause rashes or burns, or on the ground, which can be toxic to our environment. Doing this process slowly and meticulously can help you also get every last drop of gas into your tank!

11. Use Your MacFood Mart Rewards Card

It pays to use your Rewards Card at our stations. You earn 2 points per gallon purchased which you can, in turn, spend like cash in-store or on future fuel purchases. It’s like free money! Sign up now and save 30¢ off every gallon for the first 30 days or 100 gallons when you register your Rewards Card to be used for ACH Payment. Simply link it to your checking account and verify the account, and you’re set. Free, safe, and secure – always. Learn more about our rewards program here.

Don’t want to have to worry about traveling to a gas station for fuel? Get it delivered to your site for your fleet! Learn about our fuel delivery services here. McIntosh Energy is a fuel company located in Fort Wayne, IN. We own and operate 4 convenience stores and 5 gas stations throughout the Fort Wayne area.

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Yes, it’s fairly dry, and probably boring unless you’re a car nut. But there are several good reasons why you should crack open the manual before you head out on a pleasure cruise. Here are a few.

Finding extra features

If you bought your car at a lot, the salesman probably briefed you on all the features. But it’s possible you don’t remember all of them – and if you bought your car from somewhere other than a lot, it’s likely the seller didn’t tell you about all of the options. Read your car’s manual to discover all the exciting options you didn’t know your new car has.

Learn where the knobs and features are

It’s dangerous to be flying down the highway and take your eyes off the road to hunt for the cruise control button. Read your car’s manual to get acquainted with all the important knobs and buttons are. At the very least, you should be able to find the windshield wipers, cruise control, turn signals, and radio controls before you hit the road.

Customization options

If your car is new (or at least new-ish), it probably has some customization options, such as changing the seat and steering wheel position when your specific key approaches. Read your car’s manual to find out about these features and set them up for you.

Know what the dashboard lights mean

Sure, some dashboard lights are obvious (like the one that just says “service engine soon”). But unless you’re a car expert, you probably don’t know all of your car’s dashboard lights at first glance. Read your car’s manual beforehand to see what those lights mean, so when one comes on while you’re driving you know if it’s an emergency or it can wait until you get home.

DIYing service

If you like to service your car yourself (or have a friend or family member who does it for you), read your car’s manual to see what parts your car needs. The manual can tell you basic things like the oil type and tire pressure, as well as more complicated service-related information.

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Get a car wash

Residual salt and sand from treated winter roads can make your car rust, especially the undercarriage. Car washes aren’t usually a part of a maintenance checklist, but they’re important for spring car maintenance to prevent premature rust.

Change your wipers

Windshield wipers are supposed to be changed every six months, and you’ll need them working properly to deal with the spring rain. If it’s been a while or they’re just not working right, it’s time for new ones.

Check your battery

Starting your engine in cold weather puts a lot of strain on your car’s battery. Now that the weather’s warming up, you may not realize your battery is bad until you car won’t start. Head over to an auto parts store and ask them to check your battery, or have your mechanic do it next time you’re in for an oil change.

Test your tires

Changes in temperature can cause changes in tire pressure. Part of your spring maintenance tasks should be checking your tire pressure and making sure it’s what’s recommended in your car’s manual. (Tip: Use the recommended pressure in the manual, not the pressure listed on the tire. The pressure listed on the tire is the maximum pressure and inflating it that much puts your tire at risk for popping.)

Fill your fluids

You probably used a lot of windshield wiper fluid dealing with salted or sanded roads, and it probably needs topped off. Also check and make sure your coolant is topped up and isn’t too old. Coolant is important to prevent overheating as the temperature climbs, and old coolant will be less effective.

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Tires

Tires is the thing most people think of when they think of winter car maintenance. Good tire treads are essential in driving on slippery roads. If your treads are worn, it’s a good idea to get new tires before the snow hits. You can also opt to switch out your all-season tires for winter tires, which are specially designed to get maximum traction on snow and ice.

Oil

Did you know that there is oil specially formulated for winter use? Oil tends to thicken when it gets cold, and oil with a W in its name (e.g. 5W-30) is designed to resist that. Next time you change your oil, make sure you replace it with a W-formulated oil.

Battery

Batteries tend to suffer a lot in cold weather. It’s a good idea to get yours tested before the weather starts dropping below freezing. You can have it professionally tested at an auto parts store or service shop. If your battery is defective or worn out, it’s time to replace it before you’re late for work with a car that won’t start.

Wiper blades

Wiper blades actually need changed more often than you think. If it’s been more than six months since you last replaced your wiper blades, it’s a good idea to do it now. New wiper blades are going to be much more effective clearing snow off your windshield.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze, also known as coolant, does exactly what its name says – it keeps your engine from freezing. Make sure your antifreeze is filled up. Most mechanics actually recommend a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, as this makes the freezing point of your engine lower than it would with just antifreeze.

Emergency kit

This isn’t as much a winter car maintenance tip as a winter safety tip, but it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded. Your kit should at least include a blanket, a knife, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger (the kind that hooks up to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter). It’s also a good idea to keep a snow shovel in your trunk, just in case.

The post Winter Car Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car Running in the Cold appeared first on McIntosh Energy.

Check the oil

If you’re getting close to oil change time or the trip’s mileage will put you over 3,000 miles since your last oil change, get your oil changed before you leave. If not, at least make sure to check the oil level and top off as needed.

Check your other fluids

This is probably the easiest road trip car maintenance you can do. Power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and coolant are all important for your car to run properly. Make sure you check their levels and top them off as needed.

Check your belts and hoses

A quick visual inspection is fine – look for cracks, bulges, or blisters in hoses and cracks, wear, or looseness in the belts. If you spot anything amiss, get them replaced. It might cost a little bit, but it’s better than having a belt fall off while you’re on the road.

Check your tires

Make sure the treads aren’t worn down too much and your tire is properly inflated. The amount of pressure your tires should have is usually listed on the inside of the driver’s door. Improperly-inflated tires waste gas and increase your risk of a blowout.

Check the battery

If your battery is more than a few years old, make sure the terminals are free of corrosion (white chalky-looking stuff – you can scrub it off with a wire brush). You can also have an auto parts store test for problems. Beware if your car seems sluggish to start – it could be a sign that you need a new battery.

Go for a test drive

Just because you drive every day to work doesn’t mean your car is ready to go. Take it out for a trip on the local freeway and look for anything that sounds or feels different or wrong (such as shaking, squeaking or grinding noises, or vibrations in your pedals) or anything unusual in your gauges. If you suspect something is not quite right, take it in to a mechanic for some road trip car maintenance – they’ll be able to get you in long-distance driving shape.

A pinch of road trip car maintenance is worth a pound of repair later on – especially if you want to avoid finding yourself in the middle of nowhere in the dark with no idea why your car just died. Stay safe, make sure your car will keep running, and have a great 4th of July!

The post Road Trip Car Maintenance: 6 Ways to Avoid Road Trip Problems appeared first on McIntosh Energy.

10 Ways to Winterize Your Car

1) Give your battery a check-up! Batteries only last a few years. Don’t leave things to chance. There are several places in town that will check your battery for free.

2) Change your wiper blades. Not all wiper blades are created equal. The last thing you want is to be caught in a snowstorm with your visibility jeopardized due to inadequate wiper blades.

3) Refill your wiper fluid. Shiny new blades do no good without fluid.

4) Consider snow tires. They’re expensive but may keep you out of a ditch.

5) Keep a full tank. It’s better for your car and can keep you out of the cold.

6) Get a tune up. Always a good idea!

7) De-icer is key if you want to adequately winterize your vehicle.

8) Check your tire pressure.

9) Make sure you have anti-freeze

10) Prepare an emergency kit for your car. Sometimes all of the precautions on the world are not enough to save us from disaster. DMV.org suggests the following a) Flares b) Blankets c) Boots d) Radio e) Engine Oil f) Washer Fluid g) Coolant h) flashlight

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