When it comes to keeping the diesel-run vehicle, truck, farm, or marine equipment up and running where there’s no presence of bacteria, or fungus in your fuel tank and putting a stop to gelling of diesel fuel during frigid weather conditions, it’s a good idea to bring a diesel fuel additive into the equation.
But as the marketplace is full of additives that are designed to gratify different purposes, and each of the manufacturers claims itself as the best in town, the novice users are at sea when it comes to picking the best diesel fuel additive for cold weather.
To help you out, here I have outlined the 7 best diesel fuel additive for winter across the multiple price range, with the aim that you can find the best one that won’t make a hole in your pocket.
Before jumping into the best diesel additive for cold weather, let’s take a close look at:
- What is a Fuel Additive?
- 5 Types of Diesel Fuel Additives.
- How to Pick the Fuel Additives for your Car?
- What is the best diesel fuel additive for cold weather?
Let’s take a deep dive into this detailed guide on fuel additives.
What is a fuel additive?
There’s no surprise that diesel can quickly and easily absorb water. It gives bed to bacteria, and fungus, in the fuel tank that plays havoc with mileage and overall fuel system. When you bring a fuel additive into the scenario, it lends a helping hand in multiple ways from pulling out water to lubricating the fuel to elevating the cetane rating and counting that translate into better mileage, cleaner fuel system, uplifts the engine’s power, and counting.
5 Types of Diesel Fuel Additives
As the marketplace is filled with multiple types of additives, you should have a clear idea of what is your purpose to bring an additive to your garage. For instance, you will find multiple types of additives out there that address the different concerns from preventing the diesel from gelling, to uplifting the overall engine performance and counting.
Let’s take a close look at the 5 types of diesel fuel additives that is available in the marketplace.
Type #1. Anti-Gel Additives
If you are a resident of Vermont, Montana, North Dakota, or New Hampshire, then there’s an inherent risk of the diesel fuel filter getting blocked because of gel formation in the diesel. The anti-gel additives put a stop to gelling, which uplifts not only cold-starting to a degree but also the engine performance on the whole.
Type #2. Fuel Stabilizer
No matter whether the diesel is stored in the filling stations or in your fuel tank, one thing is sure, if the diesel remains unused for a prolonged duration, it loses a part of its positive attributes and in the worst scenario, you will witness breakdown, degradation, and oxidation of fuel. When you bring the diesel stabilizer into the equation, there’s a good possibility that it will maintain the quality of the diesel and keep miles away from a further breakdown, degradation, or oxidation of fuel.
Type #3. Cetane Boosters
When the upliftment of engine efficiency and reducing the fuel consumption, are your pressing priority, then cetane boosters will save a significant dollar amount. When you add the cetane boosters at the right proportion before filling of fuel without a miss, then you will witness that your vehicle’s fuel consumption improves to a degree, a sharp decline in smoke emission, deposits, and counting.
Type #4. Fuel Injector Detergents
It’s no wonder that diesel attracts bacteria, fungus, dirt, molds, and counting in the fuel injectors which results in hard starts and tortoise-like acceleration. To solve the problem, the Fuel Injector Detergent is a viable option when it comes to cleaning the components of the vehicle that are exposed to fuel. Fuel injector detergents clean the unwanted dirt, molds, and yields that accumulate in the fuel injector with no exception, where you witness that it starts within a split second and there’s no problem in acceleration.
Type #5. Corrosion Inhibitors
If one or multiple components of the system stop working at full tilt, it requires utmost attention. But what items sow the seeds of rust and corrosion? The answer is simple and straightforward. The microbes and water by-products are the main jailbirds behind the rust and corrosion of engine components. Corrosion Inhibitors will save a significant diesel-led item’s owner’s day when it comes to creating an unfavourable condition to cause crystallization which keeps a mile away from the development of the rust and corrosions in the engine’s components.
What Factors You Should Consider When Buying A Fuel Additive for Performance?
Here are the 7 Questions you should ask yourself and find out the suitable answers before hitting the buy button when you’re going shopping for a diesel fuel additive that translates into sheer performance.
Question #1. What Contents does the manufacturer count?
It’s an open secret that the presence of solvent or alcohol plays havoc with the engine components which in turn you will witness a significant compromise in compression. Hence, it’s a good idea to bring a fuel additive into your detailing arsenal that accommodates detergents and dispersants as they are marked safe when it comes to wreaking havoc on the engine components.
Question #2. Is it environment-friendly?
It’s as clear as the sky is blue that a top-rated diesel fuel additive winds down the harmful, hazardous fuel emissions and goes along with environmental regulations that go to bat for minimizing the environmental pollution to a degree. To make sure whether a diesel fuel additive is safe or not, conduct a witch hunt for an EPA-approved seal. If you find it, then you’re free to buy it without violating the environmental norms.
Question #3. Does the diesel fuel additive remove water?
If a fuel additive fails to get rid of water that is in the fuel system, it’s a clear indication that there’s a development of bacteria, and fungus, in the fuel system that will give birth to a lot of trouble during cold frigid weather. To avoid the scenario, buy a diesel fuel additive that will flush the water out of the system through dispersants or emulsifiers.
Question #4. At what frequency you should add the diesel fuel additives?
The world is full of those vehicle owners who find all greek when it comes to figuring out the right frequency of adding diesel fuel additive. For instance, you will come across a fuel additive that needs to be applied at each filling of fuel. On the flip side, there is a fuel additive too where the manufacturer suggests that a user should add the fuel additive every n month or once the vehicle makes the distance of n miles.
Question #5. Is it preventing gelling during frigid winter months?
If you’re living in Montana, New Hampshire, etc. where the temperature goes well below 0 degree Celsius, then you must bring that fuel additive that not only lubricates the internal components which in turn makes cold start performance better but also prevents gel formation in the diesel with the aim that you won’t witness that the diesel fuel filter gets blocked in your lifetime.
Question #6. Is the engine compatible with the diesel fuel additive?
At the time of this writing, there are multiple fuel additives available in the marketplace designed for different fuel systems just to say, diesel, gasoline, and counting. In the scenario of having a diesel-led vehicle or agricultural or marine items in your garage, you should check whether the additive is compatible with the diesel-led items or not, unless it creates chaos when you add a diesel fuel additive to the gasoline-powered system.
Question #7. What price do the diesel fuel additives demand?
Seeing that the diesel fuel additive’s price range is anywhere between $15 and $50, it’s your call to pick the best one that won’t make a hole in your pocket. A significant vehicle population prefers buying the item in bulk to save dollars.
7 Best Diesel Fuel Additive for Cold Weather
When you apply diesel fuel additive in the fuel tank whenever you fill the tank, it’s no secret that fuel additives will lend a helping hand in multiple ways from cleaning the injectors with the aim that smooth functioning of the fuel system to making sure the engine operates efficiently to reduce the chances of wear and tear minimizing the cost of maintenance and counting.
As the marketplace is full of multiple types of fuel additives, there’s a strong possibility that the users are at sixes and sevens when it comes to picking the right one that won’t demand a significant dollar amount.
To help you out, here I have outlined the 7 best diesel fuel additives that will save your day without breaking the sweat.
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme
No matter what vehicle you have in your garage be it Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, or Ford, when it comes to extricating all external and internal diesel injector deposits including polymeric and waxy deposits, and protecting the engine with the aim to improve the engine’s performance, on the whole, it’s a tough call to resist buying Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme.
It’s clear that the presence of dirt and water in the fuel system wrecks havoc on engine performance where you will witness black smoke, poor fuel mileage, and unresponsive throttle. Hence, it’s a good idea to bring a diesel fuel additive that effectively cleans cylinders, fuel lines, and tanks which uplifts the engine’s performance to the fullest and eliminates black smoke at full tilt which in turn results in increased fuel mileage and enhanced lubricity.
What gives the Hot Shot a competitive advantage when compared to peer competitors is the ‘Clean Then Boost’ strategy where it cleans the whole system with the intention that all the components of the fuel system get back to their original cleanliness which translate into a satisfactory boost in cetane to an extent of 7 PTS, restoring throttle response to a degree, disperses moisture, goes to bat for cold starting where the engine starts at the blink of an eye, and counting.
The manufacturer recommends that you are free to add 8 ounces of Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme per 20 gallons of diesel fuels for all diesel engines. For best plausible results put one 32 Fluid Ounce bottle of Hot Shot’s Secret diesel Extreme into service within the time frame of 6 months or when your vehicle makes the distance of 6000 miles, whichever is lower. The manufacturer restricts a user when it comes to putting Diesel Extreme into action in gasoline-run vehicles.
One pain point is when you bring the diesel extreme into the equation, you will find difficulty while handling thanks to the bottle’s design. Take advantage of the funnel, and it’s not an uphill battle when it comes to guiding the diesel fuel additive into a small opening. Be careful as a small error can give life to a mess as the fuel additive is black in color with an ill-smelling odor and requires blood, sweat, and tears to wash. As a preventive measure, putting a garage floor cover and a protective glove into service will save your day in case any accidents happen.
Lucas Fuel Treatment
When you are on a fishing expedition for a diesel fuel additive that will clean the fuel system no matter whether it’s gasoline or diesel engines, then Lucas Fuel Treatment is a viable option.
When it comes to reliability, Lucas Oil is the first name that will come to mind among the significant driver population. Thanks to the absence of no solvent, this item is deemed fit not only as a lubricant but also as a cleaner that will lubricate and clean the fuel injector and carburetor which will lend a helping hand in multiple ways from upliftment of engine performance that in turn results in lesser consumption of fuel without compromising the power, to put forth the longevity of vehicle’s engine and components, to put a stop to cold filter plugging in frigid cold temperature anywhere between –10 F and –40 F and counting.
It’s hard to believe but as far as our testing, it will uplift the vehicle’s cetane rates from 5 to 9, which forces us to declare that it’s one of the best cetane boosters in the marketplace. Needless to say, the cetane rates give a detailed snapshot of whether the injected diesel or gasoline burns in better balance and whether it cleans and lubricates the carburetor and injectors which translate into a sharp decline in the number of visiting fuel charging stations to fill diesel or gasoline in a month.
The presence of Lucas Fuel Treatment in diesel-run vehicles makes sure that it neutralizes the detrimental effects of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel which in turn gives green light to higher-quality air emission.
On the negative note, though the manufacturer gives life to a high detergent formula that will clean and lubricate the fuel system, don’t expect fruitful outcomes when it comes to cleaning the truck’s fuel system. It requires exhaustive effort seeing that truck has a sizeable fuel tank where a staggering amount of moisture, sulfur, and carbon deposits are present in the fuel system.
Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive
When you’re conducting a fishing expedition for a diesel fuel additive that is operational not only in hot and humid weather conditions but also in frigid cold weather then there’s no need to look other than Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive.
The manufacturer brings this multifunctional alcohol-free additive into existence to bring multiple positive outcomes from cleaning of deposits in the injection system on the wings of the detergents it accommodate, which will lubricate and safeguard the fuel system of the vehicle’s engine, injection pumps, injectors, nozzles, etc., to cut down the effects of wear that ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel or other low-lubricity diesel fuels that are the main jailbirds who sow the seeds of corrosion which uplifts the horsepower, performance to a degree where you will witness that the system absorbs lesser fuel to make a mile.
The manufacturer claims that multiple independent tests bring a stunning fact to the light where there’s a 4% hike in fuel economy when you add the additive to the fuel tank and the maximum boost you can expect stands at a whopping 9.6%. Plus, it’s a dependable companion if you expect that this item will cover all bases – the vehicle’s engine starts without trouble when there’s frigid cold weather outside, safeguards the fuel system from rust and corrosion, and effectively clears away water from the system and counting.
The manufacturer recommends that a user should add 8 ounces of Stanadyne Diesel Performance Formula to 30 gallons of diesel, and 16 ounces to 60 gallons of diesel to witness optimum performance and effectiveness. When you’re heading to the nearest fuel filling station, add the item first and then fill the fuel in the right proportion with the aim that this high-performance formula blends well with the diesel.
When you have children, or pets, in your home or they have access to your garage where you store the item, after each use, do tighten the cap carefully as it’s a highly concentrated formula that houses petroleum distillates, 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate, Ethyl glycol monobutyl ether and naphthalene which is the main culprit behind the development of cancerous cell development and even can lead to death if swallowed. To keep the above-mentioned scenarios at bay, place the item at a safer distance from heat or flame, avoid direct contact with eyes or skin, or don’t breathe the vapor unless it’s not a distant dream when you need to call a physician.
STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer And Performance Improver
No matter what diesel-led vehicle, machinery, or equipment you have, be it agricultural or marine items, if you’re hunting high and low for a diesel additive that is marked safe and comes out with flying colors when it comes to keeping the diesel fuel fresh, that will promote quick easy starts then you should bring STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer And Performance Improver in your garage.
When you park any diesel-run vehicle or agricultural equipment in a frosty weather outside, then it’s highly likely that diesel fuel oxidizes on account of thermal breakdown which gives a bed to bacteria, fungus, and algae due to the fuel’s water content. The good news is that this fuel stabilizer and water bond together, and stand up for keeping diesel fuel fresh in the tank even when the vehicle or machinery remains untouched for a year. On top of that, this additive rules out the chances of development of sludge and sediment and cleans & lubricates the engine’s fuel system which brings a favorable outcome when it is a question of engine performance.
As the STA-BIL (22254) Diesel Fuel Stabilizer and Performance Improver is available in 2 different sizes including 32 fluid ounces, and 128 fluid ounces, which lets the user choose the right size. If you run the diesel-led machinery day after day, 128 fluid ounces is a sweet spot. On the flip side, if you run the vehicle or equipment once a week, then it’s a good idea to bring a 32 fluid ounce as 1 ounce treats up to 10 gallons of diesel fuel.
A significant population complains that once its cap is opened, they fail to seal the bottle cap tight which in turn leaks if not handled carefully. On top of that, it’s an uphill battle to pour, if there’s a small amount of the additive left at the bottom of the bottle.
Howes 103062 ‘Diesel Treat’ Diesel Conditioner and Anti-Gel
If you’re a resident of Wyoming, Vermont, or Montana, and on a witch hunt for a diesel fuel additive that is safe, effective, and features out-of-the-box technology that puts a stop to gelling in even the chilling cold weather up to –12 Degrees Fahrenheit, then you may be interested in what the Howes family is offering.
When it’s a question of adding lubricity to injectors, pumps, and upper cylinders, an addition of this diesel conditioner and anti-gel in the fuel will bring a favorable outcome in respect of engine performance on the whole, which translates into a quick easy start even in the frigid cold weather, an uplift in mileage. Diesel engines remain untouched when you rely on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels or bio-diesel blend to an extent of B-20 then Howes ‘Diesel Treat’ Diesel Conditioner and Anti-Gel is a lifesaver for a guy who is conducting a fishing expedition for the fuel additive for diesel trucks in cold weather.
Howes ‘Diesel Treat’ Diesel Conditioner and Anti-Gel is marked safe when you apply any of the fuel systems for instance trucks, tractors, RV, and construction items and counting. On top of that, where a significant diesel fuel additive brings the alcohol or solvent in order to emulsify or disperse water which in turn plays havoc with the engine, the good news is that the manufacturer won’t give a bed to solvents or alcohol, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it fails to demulsify water, it comes out with flying colors when it comes to removing the water from diesel fuel with the intent that the engine remains unharmed.
Howes ‘Diesel Treat’ Diesel Conditioner and Anti-Gel bring forth one size 32 Ounces. The manufacturer proposes when the temperature is above 0 degrees Fahrenheit then add 1 ounce per 5 gallons of fuel. On the flip side, if the temperature is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a good idea to add 1 ounce of diesel additive per 2.5 gallons of fuel.
On the downside, when your intention is to clean the fuel system, it’s not a suitable product, because it’s an anti-gel that prevents gelling of fuel and puts a stop to block the fuel injector at full tilt, not a detergent. If cleaning is your pressing priority, then try another item as the marketplace is full of worthy alternatives.
Power Service 1025-12PK +Cetane Boost Diesel Fuel Supplement Anti-Freezer
Power Service is a one-stop solution for a significant car population thanks to out-of-the-box products across multiple car care product categories, and the Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement Anti-Freezer is no bare exception. When you are looking for a diesel fuel additive that will address multiple assignments at the same time from putting a stop to fuel gelling, to covering all bases when it comes to fuel-filter icing, and step-up cetin that contributes to faster cold starts, then you would love to buy a bottle of Power Service 1025-12PK +Cetane Boost Diesel Fuel Supplement Anti-Freezer.
The manufacturer brings the diesel fuel supplement into being to help the users who are complaining that their vehicles struggle to start in cold temperatures where the temperature drops below +30 degrees Fahrenheit. Imagine a scenario where your vehicle won’t start in frigid cold weather, and you have sneaking suspicion that the fuel may be frozen in the intense cold or the fuel filters have frozen and under the circumstances, the frozen water or paraffin in ultra-low sulfur diesel obstructs the flow of the fuel. To solve the problem, it’s a good idea to apply Diesel 911 which will bring the fuel system on the road to recovery.
As the manufacturer hasn’t given the bed to solvent or alcohol, you’re free to add the additive in the fuel tank while filing the diesel or gasoline in the filling stations which will clean the fuel injector and carburetor, which in turn will elevate the engine performance. It’s a distant dream that you will experience cold starts, fuel system problems, and counting in the scenario of adding fuel additive in the fuel tank each time while filing the diesel.
If you have an inherent fear that fuel pumps and injectors will wear at a tremendous pace when your vehicle runs on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel or biodiesel blends, then what will give you the much-needed peace of mind is it contains a Slick Diesel Lubricator with the intension that it prevents wear to the nth degree. The manufacturer offers Diesel Kleen + Cetane boost for fruitful outcomes in summer.
PEAK Blue 32 Ounce Agri-Clean Liquid Fuel Stabilizer Additive for Diesel Engines
If you’re spending multiple sleepless nights to figure out which fuel stabilizer will cease your witch hunt for a fuel additive that will translate into optimized lubricity, peter out wear and tear on the vehicle’s fuel injection system, then PEAK Blue Agri-Clean Liquid Fuel Stabilizer Additive is the best bet. In fact, on the wings of Blue’s patented formula, this 32-ounce fuel additive is the right amount when it comes to treating 100 gallons of diesel fuel.
After you have added the Blue’s diesel additive into the fuel tank, the item not only goes to bat for managing the water in the tank in a heartbeat as the water in the fuel tank gives a bed to bacteria, fungus, and algae, but also cleans the fuel tank, injectors and keeps the critical engine parts safe. For best results, the manufacturer has recommended adding 1 ounce of fuel additive per 3 gallons of bio-diesel blends up to B-20.
When faster starts and better engine performance are a distant dream, then Blue’s Signature blend will save your day as it gives the cetane a leg up to 6 numbers, executing the backbreaking work when it comes to trouble-free engine operation and make sure long-term longevity. If restoring injector performance and fuel economy is your pressing priority, then it will help to lift the fuel economy by up to 8%. On top of that, your vehicle engine and other components remain unharmed when you count ultra-low sulfur diesel, renewable diesel, and biodiesel blends.
On the downside, the bitter truth is PEAK Blue Agri-Clean Liquid Fuel Stabilizer Additive isn’t designed for a passenger vehicle. This fuel additive is specifically designed for agricultural or off-road hard-working vehicles, not passenger cars. Hence, it’s a good idea to buy an additive that is designed for passenger cars as there are other worthy alternatives too.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to cleaning and safeguarding the fuel system so that there’s the upliftment of engine performance to a degree, a diesel fuel additive is a vehicle owner’s best bet. But if you’re at sixes and sevens when it comes right down which item is the best plausible option, consult an auto expert with the aim that he suggests you the best one after knowing what you are expecting.
- Read also: Best ATV Battery for Cold Weather
- Read also: Best Steering Wheel Cover For Cold Weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Are diesel fuel additives worth it?
When you keep in mind what dollar amount the fuel additives crying for and what benefits the additive reap, then it’s worth the price when you take a close look at what fruitful outcome it brings.
Are diesel additives any good?
The diesel fuel additive is engaged in executing multiple tasks from cleaning the fuel system to elevating the engine performance to putting a stop to the accumulation of bacteria, and fungus to preventing gel formation when there’s a frigid chilling weather condition outside, and counting.
Should I use diesel fuel additives?
Yes, you can add the diesel fuel additive before filling diesel or gasoline in the filling stations.
When to use diesel fuel additives?
No matter whether you’re a resident of a region where there is frigid cold weather during winter or high temperature during summer, you should bring a diesel fuel additive without a delay.
Can fuel additives damage your car?
Certainly not.
Can fuel additives damage catalytic converter?
A big no.
How often should I use diesel fuel additives?
The manufacturer recommends that you should add the fuel additives in the right proportion when you fill the fuel without a miss.
When to use diesel anti-gel?
If you’re residing in the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, etc. where the temperature goes well below 0°C during winter, then apply the anti-gel to put a stop to gelling of fuel in the frigid weather condition.
When to add anti-gel to diesel fuel?
During winter, when you fill up the fuel tank in the filling stations.
Do gas stations add anti gel to diesel fuel?
A significant number of gas stations brings an anti-gel agent on the payroll, but what amounts they add can vary. Hence, it’s your task to investigate whether your local gas station adds anti-get agents or not, and in a scenario where they add you need to check how much anti-gel they add to keep freezing issues at bay.
How much diesel anti-gel to use?
If you bring Howes 103062 ‘Diesel Treat’ Diesel Conditioner and Anti-Gel into the equation then the manufacturer recommends that you should add 1 ounce of diesel additive per 2.5 gallons of fuel when the outer temperature is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much anti-gel in diesel per gallon?
If you bring Lucas Anti-Gel into the equation then the manufacturer recommends that you should add 64 ounces of diesel additive per 300 gallons of fuel when the outer temperature is anywhere between 10°F and 40°F.
Hope this article has helped you to find the cold weather additive for diesel fuel.
Have I missed the best fuel additive for diesel in winter that you find the best? Make a comment so that I can update the list of the best fuel additives that will help millions of users.
If you have found this post helpful, feel free to share it with your loved ones with the intention that they can find the diesel fuel treatment for winter storage which will save their day when it all comes down to enhancing the fuel system on the whole.