Winter is coming, temperatures are dropping, and it may be time to finally address the glow plugs. If you’re not in the fighting mood for another winter of cold starts, it’s time to work on your truck again, and just like last time, you’re optimistic that there will be no struggle, no fight, no sweat, no swear words. With some research on your truck’s particular setup and the right tools, replacing glow plugs and/or injectors sounds straight-forward enough, in theory. In practice, however, we all know that trucks somehow always win, and by win, we mean you lose. By the end, you’re lucky if you don’t cause more damage, turning your simple job into a nightmare.

To stop while you’re somewhat ahead and before you manage to mangle a glow plug or two during the removal process, it might be wise to preemptively throw the white surrender flag and grab some Liqui Moly. This isn’t a guaranteed solution, but it might be a prudent starting place before resorting to more drastic measures. Founded in 1957, Liqui Moly develops and manufactures its vast array of products in Germany. Pro-Line Injector and Glow Plug Dismantling Aid (SKU: 22242) helps facilitate a clean extraction, and to make sure you don’t struggle next time, there’s Pro-Line Injector and Glow Plug Grease (SKU: 22243).

The first is a spray product that helps loosen stuck injectors and glow plugs (and spark plugs) by infiltrating corrosion, oil residues, resin, and dirt crusts. Like other products of its nature, spray the seized-up part with the Dismantling Aid and grab a 30-minute cold brew break. You may need to spray naughty parts a few times and let the solvent do its work overnight in extreme cases (which applies to your truck, every time). Ideally, the good cleaning properties of the Dismantling Aid will cause the injectors/glow plugs to un-stuck themselves without further drama, so you can move forward with being the hero.

The second is semi-synthetic, metal-free grease that lubricates injectors and glow plugs before installation, preventing the intrusion of corrosion-causing moisture. Apply with a brush or lint-free cloth. This stuff makes dismantling easier, making the job easier for next time. It’s a good lubricant for highly stressed sliding surfaces and for separating temperature-stressed components (including pins and fasteners).

Don’t let glow plugs (which preheat the combustion chamber so your diesel engine will start easier) or fuel injectors (which regulate the fuel atomization, timing, and amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber) win. Get the upper hand on stuck parts with products like Liqui Moly’s Pro-Line Injector and Glow Plug Dismantling Aid and Pro-Line Injector and Glow Plug Grease. Various Liqui Moly additives, oils, engine oils, gear oils, greases, pastes, car care, and repair/service products are available at places like NAPA and AutoZone. Good luck!