Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel supplements are used to improve the performance and lifespan of diesel engines. They are particularly useful in cold weather, where they can prevent fuel gelling and protect fuel filters from plugging with ice and wax. This is achieved through the use of anti-gel additives, which lower the gelling point of the fuel and improve the engine's cold-weather performance. Some popular brands that manufacture diesel fuel supplements include Howes, Power Service, Cummins, and Schaeffer's. These supplements are recommended for use when temperatures drop below +30°F.
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel supplement prevents fuel gelling in winter
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which begins to crystallize at temperatures of 32°F. As the temperature continues to drop, the paraffin will eventually turn into gel, causing fuel filters and fuel tanks to become clogged. This can lead to issues such as reduced engine power and fuel injector deposits.
To prevent these problems, diesel fuel supplements, also known as anti-gel additives, can be added to lower the gelling point and improve the engine's performance in cold weather. These supplements are designed to keep fuel-filters from plugging with wax and to prevent diesel fuel from gelling. They are intended for use during the winter months when temperatures drop below 30°F.
There are several diesel fuel supplements available on the market, such as Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, Howes Diesel Treat, and Schaeffer's Diesel Treat. These products are safe to use and will not harm your engine. They can be used to improve the lifespan and performance of diesel vehicles and equipment.
It is recommended to add the diesel fuel supplement before filling up the tank to ensure a proper mix. Additionally, regular maintenance and following manufacturer instructions for engine care in cold weather are crucial for optimal performance.
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Protects against fuel-filter icing
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which can cause issues in cold weather. As the temperature drops, the paraffin in diesel fuel can gel, blocking the fuel tank and filters. This can cause major issues with the engine, including reduced power or even engine shutdown.
To prevent this, a diesel fuel supplement can be added to the fuel. Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost is a winter additive that prevents fuel gelling and protects against fuel-filter icing. It is intended for use when temperatures drop below +30°F. The additive lowers the gelling point of the fuel, improving the engine's cold-weather performance.
If your vehicle is already experiencing issues due to cold weather, Diesel 911 can be used to reliquefy gelled fuel and de-ice frozen fuel filters. It is a winter emergency product that restores the flow of diesel fuel to the engine. Diesel 911 can be used in conjunction with Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost to prevent further issues.
It is important to note that anti-gel diesel additives will not harm your engine, so it is better to use more additive if you are unsure. Additionally, it is recommended to use a diesel fuel anti-gel each time you fill the tank in the winter to ensure proper engine performance.
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Use anti-gel additives when temperatures reach freezing
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which starts to crystallize at 32°F. As the temperature drops further, the paraffin turns to gel, clogging the fuel tank and filters. This can cause major issues with your engine, including loss of power. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to use anti-gel additives when temperatures reach freezing.
Anti-gel additives, such as Howes Diesel Treat, Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost, and Hot Shots, can lower the gelling point of the fuel and improve your engine's cold-weather performance. These additives are designed to prevent fuel gelling and keep fuel filters from plugging with ice and wax. They can also provide added lubricity to injectors, pumps, and upper cylinders, extending the life and improving the performance of diesel engines.
It is important to note that anti-gel additives will not harm your engine, so don't hesitate to use a bit more if needed, especially if your engine is showing signs of struggling in cold weather. Additionally, always add the additive before filling up your tank to ensure a proper mix.
If your vehicle is already struggling to start or gain power in cold temperatures, you may need to use an emergency rescue product, such as Howes Diesel Lifeline, to modify the melting points of wax and ice and quickly restore fuel flow. After the engine is running, you can then add the anti-gel additive to prevent further issues.
By using anti-gel additives when temperatures reach freezing, you can effectively protect your diesel engine and ensure trouble-free operation during the cold winter months.
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Diesel fuel additives improve engine performance
Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel is not pre-treated with additives by default. Diesel fuel quality and additive content can vary significantly between suppliers and regions. Diesel fuel may contain additives for performance enhancement, but this is at the discretion of the supplier or refinery. As a result, diesel users may need to add aftermarket additives to optimise performance, improve fuel economy, or ensure reliability in challenging conditions.
Fuel additives are specialised substances designed to optimise combustion, improve fuel efficiency, reduce engine wear, and prevent fuel-related issues. They can be particularly beneficial in diesel engines by improving combustion efficiency and reducing the amount of soot and other pollutants released into the atmosphere.
Detergent additives help prevent carbon deposits and ensure smoother engine operation. Lubricity additives improve the lubrication of moving parts, reducing wear and prolonging the engine's life. Biocide additives kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can grow in diesel fuel, clog filters, and damage fuel systems.
Cetane boosters are another type of additive designed to improve how well diesel fuel burns by raising its cetane number, which directly affects how smoothly your engine runs. They are particularly beneficial for cold starting, ensuring reliable ignition even in low-temperature conditions.
Anti-gel additives are also commonly used in diesel fuel to prevent fuel gelling and keep fuel filters from plugging with ice and wax in cold weather conditions.
Overall, diesel fuel additives can significantly improve engine performance, increase power, extend engine lifespan, and improve fuel efficiency.
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Additives are necessary to protect diesel fuel in storage
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which starts to crystallize at 32°F and turns to gel at temperatures between 11°F and 15°F. This gelled fuel can clog the fuel tank and filters, impacting the engine's performance. To prevent this, anti-gel additives are used to lower the gelling point and enhance cold-weather performance. These additives are particularly useful when temperatures drop below freezing, ensuring the fuel remains stable and operable.
Additionally, diesel fuel is susceptible to changes over time, even in storage. It requires additives to protect it from external factors, ensuring its stability, lubricity, and performance. Additives like detergents and lubricants are designed to remove carbon deposits, improve fuel atomization, and restore injector performance, keeping injectors clean and efficient.
For bulk fuel storage, additives are essential to protect against contamination and extend shelf life. Exposure to air, moisture, or other contaminants can reduce fuel shelf life, increase consumption, and damage vehicles and machinery. Additives like Gas Oil Supreme counter the negative effects of FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) content in gas oil by increasing water resistance and preventing emulsions and blockages. They also enhance fuel lubricity and performance, reducing deposit formation and protecting against corrosion.
Furthermore, additives containing antioxidants and biocides, such as Fuel Store Plus, are beneficial for bulk stocks stored long-term. These additives delay fuel discolouration, reduce corrosion and filter plugging, and prevent microbial growth that causes "diesel bug". They ensure the fuel remains stable and usable over extended periods, making them ideal for seasonal storage or when fuel may be left unused for prolonged periods.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel supplements should be used in the winter months to prevent fuel gelling and protect fuel-filters from plugging with ice and wax.
If temperatures drop, paraffin (wax) in ULSD fuel will gel, stopping fuel from flowing through the engine, and water in the fuel can freeze on the facings of fuel filters, blocking fuel flow.
If your vehicle will not start or gain power in cold temperatures, you should use a diesel fuel supplement.
You should add the diesel fuel supplement to your tank before filling up with diesel fuel.
