Mercedes Mullins
Diesel fuel additives are a popular topic of discussion among vehicle owners. Additives are used to improve the characteristics of diesel fuel and can be added at different stages: at the refinery, in the fuel distribution system, or after the fuel has left the producer. While some additives may have legitimate uses, such as de-icers in cold weather conditions, others may be aggressively marketed with exaggerated performance claims. The use of additives depends on individual needs, such as operating in cold climates or the belief that higher-quality fuel is required. Some common diesel fuel additives include Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT), Diesel Extreme, and Hot Shot's Secret, which aim to improve fuel efficiency, lubrication, and engine performance.
Diesel Fuel Additives:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve diesel fuel characteristics, including performance, fuel economy, and stability |
| Use | Added directly to the fuel tank (1 ounce of additive per 10 gallons of diesel) |
| Availability | Widely available from multiple suppliers; prices range from $8-$25 for a 1-quart bottle |
| Types | Lubricants, detergents, stabilizers, injector cleaners, anti-gels, de-icers, etc. |
| Effectiveness | Varying opinions; some users report improved performance and fuel economy, while others notice no significant difference |
| Examples | Diesel Extreme, Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT), Howes Diesel Treat Conditioner, Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean, Sea Foam Motor Treatment |
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What You'll Learn
Types of fuel additives
Fuel additives for diesel serve important purposes, especially for modern diesel engines that are more sophisticated and sensitive to fuel quality. Additives can be added to diesel fuel at three different stages: at the refinery, in the fuel distribution system, and after the fuel has left the control of the producer.
There are several types of fuel additives for diesel fuel, including:
- Cetane boosters or improvers: These additives increase the cetane rating of diesel fuel, ensuring better combustion for extra power and less noise from the engine. They also help to improve fuel economy and provide cleaner emissions.
- Fuel system cleaners: These additives purify the fuel system by removing dirt, particles, and contaminants that may accumulate over time. This helps improve engine performance and increase mileage.
- Octane boosters: While octane boosters are more commonly associated with petrol engines, they can also be used in diesel engines to improve fuel economy and assure the complete burning of fuels.
- Stabilisers: These additives help prevent fuel deterioration and are ideal for vehicles stored for long periods.
- Fuel treatment additives: These additives contain detergents and lubricants that clean the fuel system and provide critical lubrication to engine components.
- Corrosion inhibitors: These additives protect the fuel system from rusting and corrosion, especially in humid environments.
- Cold flow or low-temperature additives: These improve the flow of diesel fuel at lower temperatures, prevent gelling, and disperse wax crystals and water that may contaminate the fuel.
- Biocides or biocidal additives: These additives prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae in diesel fuel storage tanks.
- Dehazers and demulsifiers: These are used when diesel fuel becomes hazy due to the presence of finely dispersed droplets of water.
- Anti-gel additives: These additives ensure that the fuel stays at an optimum temperature and is viscous enough to prevent internal damage to the engine.
- Fuel-line antifreeze additives: These additives prevent the gelling of diesel fuel in very cold temperatures and maintain a constant flow of fuel to the engine.
- Detergents: These additives clean the vehicle's system components and remove carbon deposits, helping to prevent harmful deposits from forming within the system.
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Benefits of fuel additives
Fuel additives are available to improve the characteristics of diesel fuel. They can be added at three different stages: at the refinery, in the fuel distribution system, or after the fuel has left the producer. Additives can be used to aid handling and distribution, improve fuel stability, protect engines and fuel systems, and influence the combustion process.
One benefit of fuel additives is their ability to improve diesel's ignition speed and act as a lubricant, protecting fuel system components like pumps and injectors. This can help prevent premature deterioration and improve engine performance. Additionally, fuel additives can help improve fuel economy and reduce emissions output.
In cold climates, certain fuel additives can be used to prevent diesel fuel from congealing and turning into a waxy, glue-like gel, which can restrict fuel flow and cause severe damage. These additives, known as de-icers, can be particularly useful in extreme cold conditions.
Some fuel additives can also be used to preserve fuel in vehicles that are stored for long periods, making it easier to start the vehicle when it is needed again.
While fuel additives offer these benefits, it is important to note that they may not always deliver significant improvements. Some additives are aggressively marketed with performance claims that may not be accurate. Additionally, modern high-technology diesel engines may not require additional additives as good-quality commercial fuels already contain the necessary additives.
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When to use fuel additives
Diesel fuel additives are available from a number of suppliers and can be used to improve the characteristics of diesel fuel. Additives can be included at the refineries distribution terminal to support the marketing company's quality claims or standards, for example, to produce "regular" or "premium" grade diesel fuels. They can also be added at the retail pump, allowing fuel retailers to market more than one grade of diesel fuel at a retail site without the need for separate storage tanks.
Additives may be added to diesel fuel at three different stages: at the refinery, in the fuel distribution system, and after the fuel has left the control of the producer. Additives of the latter group, when added by the end user or a reseller, are called aftermarket additives. One notable exception to this latter point is the use of Fuel Borne Catalysts (FBC) that are added to the fuel on the vehicle and form part of the vehicle manufacturers' emissions control strategy.
Aftermarket additives may have legitimate uses, such as de-icers under cold weather conditions or when problems with fuel system icing are encountered. However, users should exercise caution when considering aftermarket additives as they are often aggressively marketed with performance claims that are too good to be true. Modern high-technology diesel engines do not need aftermarket additives, and good-quality commercial fuels from reputable marketers contain all the additives that a fuel needs.
Some common aftermarket additives include:
- Injector cleaners: These additives are meant to clean and lubricate injectors, lines, and other key components in a diesel truck's fuel system.
- Anti-gel additives: These additives are used to prevent diesel fuel from turning into a waxy, glue-like gel in extreme cold conditions, which can restrict fuel flow and cause severe damage.
- Anti-foam additives: These additives reduce the surface tension in air bubble walls, causing them to burst quickly and eliminate foaming. They help clean the fuel management system, especially the fuel injector, and improve fuel economy.
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How to use fuel additives
Fuel additives are compounds added to a fuel tank after filling it up. They can be used to improve diesel fuel characteristics, such as optimising combustion, enhancing fuel efficiency, and cleaning specific components. Additives can be added at three different stages: at the refinery, in the fuel distribution system, or after the fuel has left the producer (by the end user or reseller).
When choosing a fuel additive, it is important to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle. There are various types of additives available, including cetane boosters, fuel stabilisers, and octane boosters. Cetane boosters improve combustion and power by increasing the cetane number, which improves ignition quality and reduces emissions. Fuel stabilisers aim to stop fuel degradation and protect engine components from rust, thus extending fuel longevity. Octane boosters are liquid additives that enhance a vehicle's fuel octane rating, helping it withstand higher pressures and temperatures, and potentially improving engine efficiency.
Some aftermarket additives are also available, but users should exercise caution when considering these. While some may have legitimate uses, such as de-icers in cold weather, many aftermarket additive packages consist of compounds that would normally be added at the refinery or fuel terminal. Good quality commercial fuels from reputable marketers contain all the additives that are necessary, and aftermarket additives may not be needed and could even cause adverse interactions.
When using a diesel fuel additive, simply pour it into your tank. The amount required may vary, but a general guideline is 1 ounce of additive per 10 gallons of diesel.
It is worth noting that regular maintenance of your vehicle can decrease the need for fuel additives. Actions such as cleaning or replacing fuel filters and checking injectors can help maintain engine performance. Additionally, ensuring proper fuel storage can reduce the chances of contamination and quality degradation, minimising the need for stabilisers.
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Cost of fuel additives
Fuel additives are substances added to diesel fuel to improve its performance and address specific issues. They can be added at different stages, including during refinery, in the fuel distribution system, or by the end-user. The cost of fuel additives can vary depending on the brand, quality, and intended use.
For example, at Hot Shot's Secret, they offer a range of fuel additives for diesel engines, including the Everyday Diesel Treatment, which is designed to be used at every fill-up to improve maintenance and fuel economy. The price of this product is not immediately available on their website, but they do offer free shipping on most orders over $49 and a 100% money-back guarantee.
AutoZone also offers a selection of fuel additives and cleaners, with sizes ranging from 5.25 ounces to 20 ounces. While their website does not explicitly list the prices of these products, they advertise having some of the lowest prices on fuel additives and cleaners, with free shipping on certain items.
Walmart offers a range of fuel additives with more visible pricing. For instance, the STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer 8 Oz, which protects the engine from issues caused by gum, varnish, rust, and corrosion, is priced at $6.78. On the higher end, the Dura Lube Catalytic & Exhaust System Treatment Emissions Additive Automotive Converter Cleaner 16oz is priced between $18.99 and $227.88.
It is worth noting that while fuel additives can provide benefits, they should be chosen carefully based on research and recommendations from the additive supplier and engine manufacturer. Automakers also recommend their own brands of additives or designated providers, and using non-approved additives may void warranties. Additionally, aftermarket additives are sometimes aggressively marketed with exaggerated performance claims, so it is important to exercise caution when considering such products.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel additives are added to diesel fuel to improve its characteristics. They can be used to aid handling and distribution, improve fuel stability, protect engines and fuel systems, and influence the combustion process.
Some examples of fuel additives for diesel fuel include Diesel Extreme, Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT), Stiction Eliminator, Shift Restore, and Hot Shot’s Secret.
Using a diesel fuel additive typically involves pouring it into your tank. The amount of additive used depends on the product and can range from 1 ounce of additive per 10 gallons of diesel to a 10% additive to oil ratio.
Fuel additives can improve fuel economy, restore lost performance, improve ignition speed, act as a lubricant, protect fuel system components, and reduce emissions output.
While fuel additives can provide benefits, they may not be necessary for modern high-technology diesel engines. Good quality commercial fuels already contain the necessary additives and have been tested to minimize adverse interactions. Additionally, some aftermarket additives may be aggressively marketed with exaggerated performance claims.
