Vehicles that use diesel and its additives have a higher fuel economy and longer engine life. But it’s a bit controversial which additive is the best to use. However, low-sulfur diesel is better for our environment. The diesel comes at the cost of lubrication, and that’s how the additives help. It may be tricky to choose the best additive, but I will take you through some products.
The best fuel additive offers a solution for any situation you face in compression ignition engines. They’ll help clean fuel and the machine’s essential fueling components. The tank will also keep everything running right. The best diesel fuel additive will thus improve your engine performance.
Do Diesel Additives Work
Yes, diesel additives work if you use the right type and add it frequently. But you won’t realize any results if you treat the fuel only when there is an issue. It will take long before you notice the effects. However, not all additives are worthwhile. The best you can consider is a fuel injection cleaner as it can improve fuel economy by assisting the engine work efficiently.
The additives work to improve the performance of your engine. Some, like oil-type additives, coats the internal parts of the machine to enhance lubrication. Others induce favorable chemical reactions inside the oil to lower oxidation and degradation. The film made through the response has a lower shear strength preventing metal-to-metal contact. Additionally, the additives seal valve guides and pistons ring in your motor, restoring engine compression. In vehicles with high mileage, they repair torque and horsepower.
When Should I add Anti Gel to Diesel Fuel?
Diesel fuel has a lot of upsides like engine maintenance. However, there is one main disadvantage that it doesn’t fare well in low temperatures. When the weather becomes cold, diesel fuel forms crystals that clog fuel filters and fuel lines. Crystallization causes costly engine damage. But to prevent it, you can use a diesel anti-gel supplement.
Anti-gel additive is easy to use; you need to top off your fuel tank with the supplement. The additive lowers the diesel freezing point to reduce its chances of freezing. In other words, the anti-gel lowers the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), which is the lowest temperature at which fuel flows through a specific filter. When should you add anti-gel to diesel fuel to prevent clogging?
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- Temperatures drop below 32 degrees F- it’s a thumb rule to follow, and as the temperature drops, you need more additives.
- Rapid temperature drop- you need to prepare in case of any cold front anticipation. Add more anti-gel to your fuel as a precaution for low temperatures.
- When the engine begins to gel – if you note your fuel has crystals, it’s best to add anti-gel, especially the emergency type, to dethaw fuel and unclog the lines.
- When adding fuel- using additive anytime causes no harm, and thus you can add it when fueling.
Can You Put Too Much Anti Gel in Diesel?
No, it’s not best to use too much anti-gel in diesel. Adding too much diesel anti-freeze will cause more harm than gain. The additive works through chemical reaction and not dilution. Overdosing can lead to clogged filters, decreased engine performance, and efficiency. The best thing is to use the recommended amount of additive and treat the fuel frequently.
Which Diesel Anti Gel Additive is Best?
- Power Service Diesel Anti-Gel Additive 1025-12
- Lucas Oil 10865 Anti Gel Additive
- Howes HL306212 Quartz Diesel Fuel Anti Gel
- Howes 103060 Diesel Antifreeze and Conditioner
- STA-BIL Diesel All Season Anti Gel
Power Service Diesel Anti-Gel Additive 1025-12
The power service is an anti-gel used in cold months to prevent fuel gelling. It also keeps fuel filters from plugging with ice and wax. The artic formula treats all diesel fuels effectively to ensure your vehicle is running trouble-free during winter. It’s best to use during cold months when temperatures are below + 30 F. use diesel Kleen + cetane boost for optimum performance in non-winter months or diesel 911 as per instructions on the label.
Features
- It contains a slick diesel lubricator to protect fuel pumps and injectors from increased wear.
- Boost cetane for faster cold starts
- Prevent fuel gelling
- Effective in all diesel fuels, including USD.
- Protects against fuel-filter icing
Pros
- It doesn’t contain any alcohol
- Safe for use in all diesel engines
- Best selling price.
Cons
- It’s toxic, so be careful while using
Lucas Oil 10865 Anti Gel Additive
Lucas oil anti-gel additive has high-quality components to give you the best performance. It lacks alcohol and will not void warranties. You require one quartz bottle to prevent cold filter plugging in 150 gallons of diesel o biodiesel in temps as low as -10 F. The product gives excellent results in cold weather, temperatures between -10 F and -40 F.
Features
- It contains true water dispersants to remove moisture from the entire fuel system effectively.
- Reduces the connection point of the ULSD cold filter and biofuels
- Prevents fuel from thickening and gelling
- No alcohol
- No harmful effect on diesel particulate filters
Pros
- Gives best results
- Contains no alcohol
- It doesn’t void the warranty
Cons
- It has a risk of cancer and reproductive harm.
Howes HL306212 Quartz Diesel Fuel Anti Gel
Howes diesel treats help prevent diesel fuel from gelling in cold weather and fixes the complications of using low sulfur fuel. The product replaces the lost lubricity and improves combustion resulting in more power. Howes provides superior weather performance and is much cost-effective.
Features
- Lower the cold filter connection point of your base fuel by an average of 20 degrees.
- Provides superior cold-weather protection and is safe and effective in all diesel and biodiesel blends to B-20.
- Prevents diesel fuel from gelling
- Increase power and fuel economy.
- Cleans and lubricates injectors
- Eliminates smoking and rough idle
- Safely removes water from biodiesel fuel
Pros
- It’s cost-friendly
- The product is safe and effective
Cons
- Fails to give the quantity to use in a small amount of fuel.
Howes 103060 Diesel Antifreeze and Conditioner
Diesel treat is the top remedy to solve crystallizing issues cold weather. The product is safe to use and effective. It comes with the latest and super enhancing technology to solve the diesel winter issues. Howes is the leading diesel treat for all diesel engines, like truckers’ pickups to cars. It’s the only remedy to the inborn issues that occur in using low sulfur diesel.
Features
- Prevents diesel fuel from crystallizing
- It does not contain alcohol or harmful solvents.
- Clean and lubricate the fuel injectors.
- Safe and effective on all diesel and biodiesel fuels.
- Removes water from diesel fuel safely
- Increase energy and fuel consumption
- Eliminate tobacco and inactivity.
- Suitable for particle filters.
Pros
- It’s worth the price
- Best for a power boost.
Cons
- It doesn’t state how much to use in a small amount of fuel
STA-BIL Diesel All Season Anti Gel
Sta-Bil is a classic formula for all your diesel additive needs. The product lubricates fuel injectors and provides ant-gel protection down to – 40 F. This formula is safe for all diesel engines and boosts cetane. Sta-Bil comes in a pack that is an easy pour, non-slip 20-ounce bottle that treats up to 450 liters of fuel. While carrying out the treatment, pour the formula into the tank before filling -up. Overtreatment, use of a whole bottle is still safe for the engine.
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Features
- Advanced year-round formula for all your additive needs
- Cleans and lubricates the entire fuel system
- Demulsifies water
- Anti-gel protection down to -40°F
- Boosts Cetane
- Safe for all diesel engines
Pros
- It prevents corrosion
- Suitable for any diesel engine.
Cons
- Has a risk of causing cancer
- It’s harmful to gasoline engines
There are many diesel fuel additives in the market today. From the best five, choose the favorite that you can use. If you find it tricky choosing one, you can consult your mechanic to advise you on the best. Don’t just consider a cheaper option but a product that gives the best engine performance.
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