Diesel fuel additives play an important role in maintaining the fuel systems in our diesel vehicles. Whether you are driving trucks, boats, or tractors, it is important to keep the fuel system clean and lubricated so it runs properly. Diesel fuel additives clean the injectors, boost cetane, and remove water from the fuel. This will protect the engine and prolong the life of the fuel filters. In addition, the diesel fuel additive will clean the fuel system, remove deposits on cylinder heads, and minimize the wear and effects on engine components. As a result, the diesel engine performance improves.
Do a Google search for “diesel fuel additives”, and you will see no shortage of options of what to use. We recently did a comparison of three leading diesel fuel additives to see which one performed the best for us. You can help yourself make the best decision if you read that article and the information we provide here. Please keep in mind that your choice of products will depend on the climate that you live in. Therefore, for our friends who live further North, a diesel fuel additive with anti-gel is preferable during the colder months.
Many people choose to combine products to get the best performance from their vehicles. You can combine most of these products with no problems. To confirm this, you should check with the manufacturer before you combine products.
Why is Cetane Important?
If your car recommends 87 octane, then will it run on lower octane? Sure, but maybe not as efficiently. Would 91 or higher octane make it get better fuel mileage? Maybe, but it would surely cut down on pre-ignition and detonation.
It is similar for cetane. A higher cetane number will equal better combustion and power. They design diesel engines today to run on a minimum fuel cetane number of 40. Higher cetane will improve performance and fuel mileage to a point.
Just like with a gasoline engine, once you achieve a certain performance level for the current ECU/PCM calibration, you will not see much more in gains. If you have a tuner that constantly calibrates the injection of fuel according to the cetane and burn characteristics, then you could see gains. But, is it cost effective or prohibitive?
In most areas around the US, the minimum cetane rating at the pump for diesel fuel should be 40. Most suggest you try to obtain a cetane number in the high 40’s if possible. If you go to 50 or higher cetane, then will it justify the cost per gallon per mile? Or, do you feel better knowing you put in a higher cetane rated fuel? Those decisions are up to you.
Here are our choices for the best diesel fuel additives of 2021! This list of the best diesel fuel additives is in no certain order, because each one of these products will provide you with better performance, better lubricity, and peace of mind.
Hot Shot’s EDT (Everyday Treatment)
The level in the bottle is clearly visible, and the built-in measurement device on the top of the bottle is excellent. This is easily the best measurement device I see built into these types of products. Just open the cap, and squeeze the bottle until it fills the top to the indicator mark. It is easy to use, and guarantees consistency.
One treatment of EDT with each fill up will keep your diesel powering down the road. The cetane improver consists of special nitrates which speed up the oxidative process of fuels during combustion. This will tremendously upgrade power and performance in all diesel equipment. Additionally, it will increase fuel and maintenance economy. The diesel fuel will be more stable, and diesel engines will be in a much cleaner, more maintenance-free condition.
Hot Shot’s Secret EDT diesel fuel additive will prevent gum and sludge from forming. EDT contains a corrosion inhibitor which produces a protective, non-deposit-forming film on metal surfaces in the fuel system. This will neutralize corrosive acids that form during combustion. Water condensing in fuels can cause rust and icing in cold weather. In addition, it can cause the growth of microorganisms in the fuel during warm weather. Therefore, the operation of your diesel engine is improved when corrosion and growth of bacteria are prevented. Hot Shot’s Secret EDT contains a special demulsifier which disperses condensed moisture. It also contains an exclusive polar lubricity additive to prevent fuel pump wear without changing fuel viscosity.
EDT is recommended for ALL DIESEL ENGINES because it is completely ashless. It has no adverse effects on engine components. In addition, this diesel fuel additive complies with the federal low sulfur content requirements for use in diesel motor vehicles and non-road engines.
Read here to find out more about Hot Shot’s Secret EDT product.
This is the diesel fuel additive that we are using, and we are very happy with it. Our fuel economy increased, we have better throttle response, and the engine is running quieter. The Hot Shot’s Secret EDT is extremely price competitive too.
Diesel Kleen + Cetane Booster (Power Service)
The Diesel Kleen products from Power Service are the only diesel fuel additive products that Cummins is endorsing for use in their engines and fuel systems.
Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost is a total injector cleaner and it improves performance. In addition, it boosts cetane and lubricates fuel injection components. To get the benefits of today’s cleaner-burning fuels, new technology is required to maximize performance. It restores lost power and fuel economy and smooths rough-running engines.
You can use Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost in the silver bottle year round, but it is not a winterizer. It does not contain anti-gel. The silver bottle is recommended for outside temperatures of 30 degrees F or above.
Therefore, for winter temperatures below 30 degrees F, you should use the Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost (white bottle). The white bottle contains the anti-gel in the mixture.
Diesel Kleen products clean dirty injectors and prevent injector sticking in both High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) and older systems. The cetane booster can improve cetane up to 6 numbers, which enables engines to run smoother with less power lag, and faster cold starts.
Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost diesel fuel additive restores lost power and improves fuel economy. It contains Slickdiesel® Lubricator to protect fuel pumps and injectors from increased wear caused by poor quality Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel.
All Diesel Kleen products are effective in all diesel fuels, including ULSD, biodiesel and biodiesel blends.
The bottle has measurement markings and a viewable level indicator. This helps when you try to add a consistent amount each time you fill your tank.
Stanadyne Diesel Fuel Additive
Stanadyne Performance Formula diesel fuel additive protects your diesel engine and will restore engine performance. Detergents clean deposits in the injection system. This results in improved combustion, better acceleration, power, and torque.
The cetane booster improves combustion, which results in better engine starting, a smoother running engine, and reduced engine noise. In addition, it reduces fuel consumption. Independent tests show an average of 4% improvement in MPG and gains up to 9.6% in fuel economy.
Stanadyne diesel fuel additive meets all engine fuel system requirements and will not harm exhaust aftertreatment systems. It will reduce smoke and particulates. Therefore, it will help to extend regen cycles on exhaust systems.
The added detergents and deposit modifiers protect injection pumps, injectors, nozzles, etc. Corrosion inhibiters will protect the fuel system from rust and corrosion.
Lubricity improvers will restore lubricity to ultra low sulfur and other low lubricity diesel fuels. This stabilizes fuel and will keep it more fresh. It will protect against the formation of gums caused by oxidation. It is specially formulated for use with ultra low sulfur diesel fuel.
This diesel fuel additive contains special demulsifiers, which will cause tiny water droplets to come out of suspension/emulsion. This will allow the fuel filters to remove water more effectively. It contains no alcohol, therefore it avoids corrosion and accelerated wear. This product can also be used with Bio Diesel Fuel up to B20 (20% bio content approved), for increased water separation shown in bio content up to B20.
Stanadyne diesel fuel additive has great cold weather protection. It improves diesel pour point up to 40°F (22°C), and cold filter plug point by up to 25°F (13°C), depending on the base fuel.
Read here for more information on the Stanadyne Products.
Howes Diesel Treat
Howes Diesel Treat is loaded with performance-enhancing technology. The product contains anti-gel and it is an excellent choice to prevent gelling in even the harshest temperatures. Diesel Treat is also designed to solve the inherent problems created by today’s ULSD. It provides higher levels of lubricity to injectors, pumps and upper cylinders. This adds to engine performance and life with today’s Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuels.
Howes Diesel Treat uses different technology to handle any water in the fuel. Many products emulsify or disperse water. Other products frequently use alcohols or solvents that can do damage to your engine. Howes Diesel Treat is a premium petroleum based product that demulsifies water, safely removing it from diesel fuel. It contains no alcohol or other harmful solvents, making it warranty safe for all diesel emission systems.
This product does not contain a cetane booster. The FAQ section (howesproducts.com/knowledge-station) says, “Howes products naturally improve the combustion quality of diesel fuel eliminating the need for cetane boosters.” There was no additional information given.
Howes Diesel Treat is safe and effective in all diesel and biodiesel fuels, eliminates smoking and rough idle, and is particulate filter friendly and warranty safe.
Read here for more information on the Howes Diesel Treat product.
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment
AR6500 will ensure correct injector spray patterns and a more complete fuel burn. This improves fuel efficiency, power and response. A more complete fuel burn also means less soot/carbon emissions produced. This keeps the engine, turbo, and emissions systems (EGR, DPF etc.) free from soot deposits.
Due to a reduction in soot emissions, vehicles equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) benefit from reduced frequency and length of DPF regeneration. Therefore, it results in big fuel efficiency gains. When the DPF captures less soot, much less fuel is needed to burn it off. As a result, there is less exhaust backpressure and engine efficiency loss.
Detergents keep your fuel system clean and prevent the formation of deposits that rob engine power and fuel economy. The lubricity improver prevents wear in all fuel systems including the most modern high pressure fuel systems. AR6500 also combats corrosion and disperses water to keep fuel filters clean.
Archoil AR6500 keeps fuel stable by preventing fuel from breaking down and forming sludge and varnish. Sludge and varnish do not burn easily. If left untreated, then this can plug fuel filters and injectors. Therefore, a powerful dispersant dissolves sludge and varnish and allows it to pass through your fuel system and burn completely.
Archoil uses the same type of technology for the bottle design as Hot Shot’s Secret. This type of bottle design is easily the best on the market.
The Archoil AR6500 data sheet contains more information.
Opti-Lube XPD Diesel Fuel Treatment
Opti-Lube XPD is an all-season diesel fuel additive. This diesel fuel additive cleans injectors, increases lubricity, and improves cetane. In addition, it contains an anti-gel to keep your fuel flowing down to -10° F.
The primary purpose of Opti-Lube XPD is to increase the lubricity properties of ultra low sulfur diesel fuels (ULSD). Better lubricity reduces wear on the fuel pump and the rest of the fuel system. However, improving lubricity is just the beginning. The XPD Formula is an additive with different functions that upgrades the quality of diesel fuels and enhances their performance.
Opti-Lube XPD improves water separation. In addition, it increases fuel stability and is compatible with all vehicle emissions systems.
Opti-Lube XPD also improves cetane by up to 3 points. This helps to improve fuel economy and increase power. This diesel fuel additive will reduce deposits, prevent rust and corrosion, and reduce emissions. Therefore, reducing exhaust emissions can reduce the amount of regen cycles, which saves fuel.
Adding an anti-gel improves cold weather performance. Preventative anti-gels are used before gelling occurs. When mixed properly, the preventive anti-gel will do its job while not ‘falling out’ of solution or separating. Additionally, Opti-Lube XPD and Winter contain components that interact with the wax molecules in a way that prevents them from stacking and subsequently forming large, filter plugging crystals.
Schaeffer Diesel Treat 2000
Schaeffer Diesel Treat 2000 Ultra Low Sulfur is an all-season fuel additive. It is ashless and formulated for use with all types of diesel fuel, especially low sulfur and ultra low sulfur diesel fuels.
Diesel Treat 2000 contains a highly concentrated, multi-functional additive system. This additive system will improve fuel economy, injector cleanliness and fuel stability to optimize performance. The cetane booster improves a fuel’s cetane rating by up to 4 points.
This diesel fuel additive provides excellent deposit control and eliminates black filter spots. In addition, this diesel fuel additive will reduce emissions, exhaust smoke, and particulates. It will also protect the fuel system against rust and corrosion.
The additive contains a non-alcohol, jet fuel deicer/water dispersant to remove moisture present in the fuel. It disperses insoluble gums and varnish present in low quality fuels. SynShield is their proprietary lubricity additive. It prevents fuel system wear and injector scoring for longer component life.
Schaeffer Diesel Treat 2000 is registered and meets US EPA requirements for blending into low sulfur diesel fuels. It contains less than 15PPM of sulfur. It provides excellent anti-wear protection and it restores lost power and engine efficiency.
Read the Schaeffer Diesel Treat 2000 data sheet for more information.
Lucas Oil Products Fuel Treatment
Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment is a powerful blend of oils and additives that contain no solvents. It is designed to increase power, performance, and fuel mileage. In addition, it is designed to also lower exhaust emissions through more complete combustion.
The Lucas Fuel Treatment formula is for both gasoline and diesel engines, whether they are carbureted or fuel-injected. It gives your fuel system a blend of super slick oils and additives, with a high detergent action. This combination will allow the engine to operate at maximum efficiency. Also, it will clean and lubricate the carburetor, injectors and fuel pump. Your fuel will burn more completely for an increase in power and less fuel consumption.
Lucas Fuel Treatment should be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel, because it replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline without causing harmful emissions. You can use it to pass smog tests. Finally, it totally neutralizes the harmful effects of low sulfur diesel fuel.
Lucas Fuel Treatment complies with the federal low sulfur content requirements for use in diesel motor vehicles and non-road, locomotive and marine diesel equipment engines.
Many choose to combine this with other additives to provide superior lubrication for diesel fuel pumps.
Read more about the Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment.
Conclusion
Each of the diesel fuel additives that we list are reputable, and will serve you well to maintain your diesel fuel system and engine. Do not overlook the fuel system when it comes to maintaining your diesel vehicle. Give yourself peace of mind and use one of these products, and maintain your diesel fuel system like a pro! Give your engine what it needs! Share this article with your friends, and follow us on social media.
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