Automotive

The Best Diesel Additives

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Diesel engines require specialized care to maintain optimal performance and longevity. Using a quality diesel additive can help prevent common issues like injector clogs and fuel system corrosion. Choosing the right additive ensures your vehicle runs efficiently and avoids costly repairs.

SaleNo. 1
Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment EDT, 16 oz
  • EVERYDAY TREATMENT: Keep your diesel engine in top condition with our EDT that is designed to improve performance & maintain engine health. With regular use, you can ensure your engine runs smoothly & efficiently giving you peace of mind on the road.
  • BOOST FUEL ECONOMY: Enhance your vehicle performance with our diesel additive that boosts cetane levels by up to 7 points resulting in better fuel economy & reduced maintenance costs. Say goodbye to poor acceleration & frequent trips to the mechanic.
  • FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER: Cleans both internal & external injector deposits, enhances the lubricity of fuel to safeguard the fuel system components, such as the pump & injectors to increase engine longevity while also acting as a fuel system cleaner.
  • PREVENTS RUST & CORROSION: While demulsifying moisture & adding stability to fuel by preventing oxidation & degradation, it also provides a reliable solution for protecting fuel systems from the damaging effects of rust & corrosion.
No. 2
Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment EDT, 1 Gallon
  • EVERYDAY TREATMENT: Keep your diesel engine in top condition with our EDT that is designed to improve performance & maintain engine health. With regular use, you can ensure your engine runs smoothly & efficiently giving you peace of mind on the road.
  • BOOST FUEL ECONOMY: Enhance your vehicle performance with our diesel additive that boosts cetane levels by up to 7 points resulting in better fuel economy & reduced maintenance costs. Say goodbye to poor acceleration & frequent trips to the mechanic.
  • FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER: Cleans both internal & external injector deposits, enhances the lubricity of fuel to safeguard the fuel system components, such as the pump & injectors to increase engine longevity while also acting as a fuel system cleaner.
  • PREVENTS RUST & CORROSION: While demulsifying moisture & adding stability to fuel by preventing oxidation & degradation, it also provides a reliable solution for protecting fuel systems from the damaging effects of rust & corrosion.
SaleNo. 3
4 Bottles of Stanadyne 38564 Performance Formula 8 oz Diesel Fuel Additive
  • Improves Performance & Horsepower
  • Cold Weather & Anti-Gel Protection
  • Improves Fuel Economy
  • Lubricates, Cleats & Protects
No. 4
Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive - 16 Oz. Case of 12
  • Restores/Increase Horsepower: detergents clean deposits in the injection system
  • Reduces Fuel Consumption tests show an average of 4 percent improvement in MPG and gains up to 9.6 Percent
  • Cetane Improver improves combustion resulting in better engine starting, running and reduced noise
  • Reduces Wear: Lubricity improvers restore lubricity to ultra low sulfur diesel fuels
No. 5
Power Service Diesel Kleen+Cetane Boost 64 oz, Pack of 1 3064-06 Grey
  • Cleans dirty injectors and prevents injector sticking in both High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) and older systems
  • Removes both internal and external deposits on fuel injectors
  • Restores lost power and fuel economy
  • Contains Slickdiesel Lubricator to protect fuel pumps and injectors from increased wear caused by poor quality Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel
SaleNo. 6
Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment EDT, 16 oz 2-Pack
  • EVERYDAY TREATMENT: Keep your diesel engine in top condition with our EDT that is designed to improve performance & maintain engine health. With regular use, you can ensure your engine runs smoothly & efficiently giving you peace of mind on the road.
  • BOOST FUEL ECONOMY: Enhance your vehicle performance with our diesel additive that boosts cetane levels by up to 7 points resulting in better fuel economy & reduced maintenance costs. Say goodbye to poor acceleration & frequent trips to the mechanic.
  • FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER: Cleans both internal & external injector deposits, enhances the lubricity of fuel to safeguard the fuel system components, such as the pump & injectors to increase engine longevity while also acting as a fuel system cleaner.
  • PREVENTS RUST & CORROSION: While demulsifying moisture & adding stability to fuel by preventing oxidation & degradation, it also provides a reliable solution for protecting fuel systems from the damaging effects of rust & corrosion.
No. 7
Performance Formula One Shot 8oz, Case of 24 Bottles Treats 30 gallons Diesel Fuel per Bottle
  • Restores/Increase Horsepower: detergents clean deposits in the injection system
  • Reduces Fuel Consumption tests show an average of 4 percent improvement in MPG and gains up to 9.6 Percent
  • Cetane Improver improves combustion resulting in better engine starting, running and reduced noise
  • Reduces Wear: Lubricity improvers restore lubricity to ultra low sulfur diesel fuels
No. 8
Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit - AR6400-D (12 oz) + AR6500 (40 oz) - Complete Restoration For All Diesel...
  • TWO-STEP FUEL SYSTEM RESET: Includes AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner + AR6500 Diesel Treatment (40 oz) for a complete clean-and-maintain solution
  • HOW IT WORKS: Use AR6400-D first for a deep clean (12 oz treats 30-40 gallons), then use AR6500 at every fill-up for ongoing protection (40 oz treats up to 400 gallons)
  • FOR ALL DIESEL ENGINES: Suitable for all diesel vehicles and equipment, including modern HPCR systems
  • CLEANS INJECTORS & RESTORES RESPONSE: Removes injector deposits and restores spray patterns for smoother running, improved response, and more efficient combustion
No. 9
Power Service Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost - 12 Ounce (Pack of 9)
  • Cleans dirty injectors and prevents injector sticking in both High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) and older systems
  • Removes both internal and external deposits on fuel injectors
  • Restores lost power and fuel economy
  • Contains Slickdiesel Lubricator to protect fuel pumps and injectors from increased wear caused by poor quality Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel
No. 10
Stanadyne Diesel Performance Formula 38566, 64 Ounce
  • Approved by many OEMs including GM, Ford, Deere & Navistar
  • Proven to perform best in independent testing
  • The premium, all-season, all purpose diesel fuel additive, designed to tackle virtually any diesel fuel related problem.
  • Meets Cummins L10 Superior Test for cleanliness

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Diesel Additives

Understanding Diesel Additives

Diesel additives are chemical formulations designed to improve fuel quality and protect the engine. They can address various issues, from cleaning fuel injectors and preventing carbon buildup to improving lubricity and reducing emissions. Understanding the primary function of an additive will help you select the best product for your specific needs.

Key Benefits to Look For

When evaluating diesel additives, consider these key benefits:
  • Injector Cleaning: Removes deposits from fuel injectors, restoring spray patterns and improving combustion.
  • Lubricity Improvement: Enhances the lubricating properties of diesel fuel, reducing wear on fuel pumps and injectors, especially with low-sulfur diesel.
  • Corrosion Prevention: Protects the fuel system components from rust and corrosion caused by water contamination.
  • Cetane Boost: Increases the cetane number of diesel fuel, leading to smoother engine operation, easier starting, and reduced knocking.
  • Stabilization: Prevents fuel degradation during storage, especially important for seasonal vehicles or backup generators.

Types of Diesel Additives

Diesel additives generally fall into a few categories:
  • All-in-One Cleaners: These aim to provide a comprehensive solution, addressing cleaning, lubrication, and sometimes cetane boosting.
  • Specific Purpose Additives: Focus on a single function, such as extreme cold flow improvement or heavy-duty injector cleaning.
  • Winter Additives: Designed to prevent fuel gelling and freeze-ups in cold weather.

Choosing the Right Additive

Consider your vehicle's age, mileage, and common issues. For newer vehicles, a preventative cleaner might suffice. Older vehicles or those experiencing performance issues may benefit from a more aggressive cleaning formula. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for any specific recommendations or warnings regarding fuel additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use a diesel additive?
The frequency depends on the product and your vehicle's usage. Many are designed for regular use with every fuel fill-up, while others are recommended for periodic treatment every few thousand miles or as needed for specific issues.
Can diesel additives harm my engine?
When used as directed, quality diesel additives are safe for your engine. Using excessive amounts or choosing the wrong type of additive could potentially cause issues, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What is lubricity in diesel fuel?
Lubricity refers to the fuel's ability to reduce friction between moving parts in the fuel system. Modern low-sulfur diesel fuels have reduced natural lubricity, making additives important for protecting pumps and injectors.
Will a diesel additive improve my fuel economy?
Some additives, particularly those that clean injectors and improve combustion, can indirectly lead to better fuel economy. However, significant gains are not always guaranteed and depend on the initial condition of the engine and fuel system.
Are diesel additives necessary for all diesel vehicles?
While not strictly mandatory for all vehicles, they are highly recommended, especially for modern diesel engines. They help maintain optimal performance, prevent common problems, and extend the life of critical fuel system components.
What is a cetane number?
The cetane number is a measure of diesel fuel's combustion quality or ignition delay. A higher cetane number indicates that the fuel will ignite more readily, leading to smoother engine operation and potentially easier cold starts.

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