Best Diesel Additives of 2026
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Diesel additives are specialized products designed to enhance the performance of diesel fuel. They are typically added to the fuel tank in small quantities to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and protect the engine from wear and tear. Some additives are designed to improve the cetane rating of the fuel, which helps to increase power output and reduce engine noise. Others are formulated to clean the fuel system and prevent the buildup of deposits that can impede performance. Diesel additives are available in a variety of formulations to meet the specific needs of different applications, from heavy-duty trucks to personal vehicles.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Diesel Additives
Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment
Enhance your diesel engine's performance and health with the Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment. This every-tank solution boosts cetane up to 7 points, adding lubricity to protect your fuel system, prevents rust and corrosion, disperses moisture and adds stability to fuel. The treatment is perfect for diesel engines of all sizes for better fuel economy and maintenance.
Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit
The Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit is a diesel additive that includes a 40 oz AR6500 Diesel Treatment and an AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner. The AR6500 Diesel Treatment restores key fuel system components such as injectors, turbo and DPF, boosting cetane and improving performance and MPG. The AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner improves fuel system efficiency by removing harmful deposits from fuel injectors, carburetors, and intake valves.
Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment 10003
The Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment is a versatile additive designed for both gasoline and diesel engines. It acts like a tune-up in a bottle by cleaning and lubricating key parts of your fuel system, such as injectors and carburetors, helping your engine run smoother. Using this treatment can also improve your fuel economy, meaning you'll get more miles out of each gallon. Additionally, it helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions by promoting better fuel burning. With the Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment, you can enjoy a more efficient engine and save money on fuel over time.
Hot Shot's Secret EDT+ Winter Defense
Hot Shot's Diesel Additive is designed to enhance your diesel fuel performance, especially in cold conditions. It effectively prevents gelling by reducing the size of wax crystals, allowing fuel to flow smoothly even at subzero temperatures. Additionally, it boosts lubricity and cetane levels, which can lead to improved cold starts. The additive also works to remove moisture, protecting your fuel system from rust and corrosion, while preventing fuel line freeze-ups in extreme cold. With its fuel injector cleaning properties, it helps maintain engine longevity by keeping injectors clean and efficient.
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment is a diesel additive designed to address issues with modern diesel fuels. The 40.6 oz bottle is capable of treating 400 gallons of fuel and should be used at every fill-up. This additive cleans, lubricates, and protects your fuel system, including HPCR systems. Additionally, it increases power and response through Archoil's proven combustion modifier technology and a strong cetane boost, which also leads to an increase in fuel economy (MPG).
Archoil AR6300 Winter Diesel Treatment
The Archoil Winter Diesel Treatment helps keep your diesel fuel flowing smoothly during cold weather by stopping it from thickening and clogging your fuel filter. It also enhances the burning process in your engine, which can improve how your vehicle runs and gives your fuel a better ignition quality. This treatment protects important parts like the fuel pump and injectors from damage and wear, helping your engine last longer. Plus, it works to break down sludge and other buildup inside your fuel system, keeping everything clean and efficient. Using this treatment regularly can make your diesel vehicle more reliable and easier to maintain in winter conditions.
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Anti-Gel
Hot Shot's Diesel Anti-Gel is designed to protect your diesel engine during winter months. It prevents fuel from gelling in cold temperatures, ensuring smooth operation. This additive enhances cold-weather performance, making it easier for you to start your engine in frigid conditions. Additionally, it boosts the cetane number, which can lead to improved power and efficiency. By keeping your fuel lines clear of wax and ice, it helps you avoid costly repairs and downtime during the winter season.
Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner
The Archoil Diesel System Cleaner is designed to quickly clear out diesel injectors, turbos, and clogged diesel particulate filters (DPFs), as well as clean dirty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. This helps your engine run more efficiently by restoring its power and improving fuel economy, so you can save money on gas. It also smooths out idling, making your vehicle run more quietly and steadily. One 12-ounce bottle treats up to 40 gallons of diesel fuel, and it's recommended to use it every 5,000 miles to keep your diesel system in good shape. This cleaner works with all diesel setups, offering convenience and performance benefits for any diesel vehicle owner.
Hot Shot’s Secret Defender DEF Booster Additive
The Hot Shot’s DEF Booster is designed to keep your diesel truck’s exhaust system running smoothly. It prevents white crystal build-up in the DEF system, which helps protect important parts like injectors, pumps, and sensors from damage. This additive also cleans the diesel exhaust fluid system to ensure your truck performs at its best and keeps key components reliable over time. Additionally, it helps reduce corrosion and freezing in the SCR system, especially useful in colder weather. If you’ve faced trouble codes related to DEF issues, this booster works to keep your system clean and lower the chances of those error codes appearing.
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel
The Hot Shot's Diesel Anti-Gel is a handy solution to keep your diesel engine running smoothly in cold weather. It works by preventing wax crystals from clogging your fuel system, making sure your fuel flows even in freezing temperatures. This means you can count on easier starts during chilly mornings, as it boosts your engine’s performance and cetane levels. It also keeps your fuel clean by removing injector deposits, which helps your engine run efficiently. Plus, it tackles moisture in your fuel, stopping rust and ice build-up that could damage your system. This product is perfect for anyone looking to protect their diesel engine in winter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What additives should I put in my diesel?
There are several additives that can be used in diesel fuel to enhance its performance. Some examples include specific additives, anti-gel treatment, diesel stabilizer, and popular options like Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme, Peak 'Blue' Agri-Clean Diesel Fuel Additive, Lucas Oil 10013 Fuel Treatment, and Sta-Bil 22254 Diesel Fuel Stabilizer.
2. Should I use an oil additive in my diesel?
Using oil additives in diesel engines can be beneficial. These enhanced oils may cost more, but they offer advantages such as improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and better performance in extreme temperatures. The benefits outweigh the additional expense.
3. When should I put additives in my diesel?
The timing of adding additives to diesel depends on the temperature. If it's above 30°F, you can use Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost (silver bottle) for maximum performance. For temperatures below 30°F, you can use Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost (white bottle) to ensure winter operability.
4. How much diesel additive per Litre?
The recommended dosage of diesel additive is very small - just 166mg (milligrams) per treated liter of diesel fuel. This small amount is sufficient to achieve the desired effect.
5. What are the disadvantages of diesel additives?
Some disadvantages of diesel fuel additives include compatibility issues with older engines and the potential presence of harmful chemicals like alcohol that can damage engine parts. It is important to choose additives that are suitable for your specific engine and to avoid those that may have detrimental effects.
6. Are additives bad for diesel engines?
No, fuel additives are not bad for diesel engines. In fact, using diesel fuel additives can significantly improve engine performance and increase the lifespan of the engine. It is important to use the right additives and follow proper maintenance practices for optimal results.
7. Do modern diesel engines need additives?
Yes, modern diesel engines can benefit from the use of additives. The low-sulfur diesel fuel used today lacks the lubricating properties that older diesel fuel had. Adding a diesel fuel additive helps restore the lubrication and protect the engine from premature wear.
8. How often should I use diesel additive?
For year-round maintenance, it is recommended to use a diesel additive every time you fill up. If the temperatures are above 30°F, you can use Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost (silver bottle) for maximum performance. This formula contains cetane, detergent, and lubricity improver to ensure peak diesel performance.
During our diesel additive research, we found 24 diesel additive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 178,730 customer reviews through our big data system to write the diesel additives list. We found that most customers choose diesel additives with an average price of $25.07.
The diesel additives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of diesel additives, including Hot Shot's Secret, Archoil, Lucas Oil. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,380 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
David Davis has rich experience as a mechanic and a general repairman in the automotive industry. It has given him plenty of knowledge in automobile repair, auto parts, and all kinds of tools. In his spare time, he enjoys assembling and disassembling parts for cars.