Best Diesel Additives of 2025

David Davis Avatar
David Davis
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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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

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 1 Gallon Cover #TOP 1
Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 1 Gallon
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment Cover #TOP 2
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme Cleaner Cover #TOP 3
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme Cleaner
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Diesel Additives

#TOP 1

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 1 Gallon

HSSEDT01G
Brown
1 Gallon
Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 1 Gallon Cover
Hot Shot's Secret - HSSEDT01G Everyday Diesel Treatment - EDT 1 Gallon - Treats Up to 3,200 Gallons

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment is an every-tank solution that boosts cetane up to 7 points for better fuel economy and maintenance. It adds lubricity to protect the fuel system including pump and injectors, prevents rust and corrosion, disperses moisture, and adds stability to fuel. This diesel additive is backed by science and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What We Like
Improves fuel efficiency
Reduces engine noise
Cleans fuel system
Convenient squeeze bottle
Enhances cold starts
What We Don't Like
Requires precise measuring
Large bottle can spill
#TOP 2

Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment

AR6500-40
AR6500 (40oz)
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment Cover
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment (40.6 oz) - Treats 400 Gallons - Additive for All Diesel Vehicles

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).

What We Like
Improved engine performance
Enhanced fuel efficiency
Easy to use
Reduces engine noise
Helps with DPF issues
What We Don't Like
Cap design could be better
Shipping packaging needs improvement
#TOP 3

Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme Cleaner

P040401G
Amber
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme Cleaner Cover
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme 1 Gallon, Concentrated Fuel System Cleaner, Diesel Fuel Additive, Fuel Injector Cleaner - Increases Fuel Economy & Restores Engine Performance

Hot Shot's Diesel Extreme is designed to thoroughly clean your diesel engine's fuel system, including injectors and fuel lines, ensuring optimal performance. By effectively removing harmful deposits, it helps maintain the efficiency of your engine. This product also boosts cetane levels, enhancing combustion and improving fuel economy, which can lead to significant savings at the pump. Additionally, it maximizes your mileage by improving fuel combustion, allowing you to get the most out of every drop of diesel. With its advanced formulation, it stabilizes the fuel and prevents rust, ensuring your engine stays healthy for the long haul.

What We Like
Improved fuel economy
Smoother engine operation
Enhanced throttle response
Easy to use
Effective cleaning of injectors
What We Don't Like
Strong odor
Spillage issues
#TOP 4

Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive

2698976584
Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive Cover
Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive 2 Pack of 1/2 Gallon Jugs - Part # 38566

The Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive is a product made in the USA that offers several benefits to diesel engine users. It restores and increases horsepower, reduces fuel consumption by an average of 4% with gains up to 9.6%, improves combustion, resulting in better engine starting, running, and reduced noise. The lubricity improvers also help to reduce wear, while emissions are reduced by decreasing smoke and particulates.

What We Like
Improves engine performance
Enhances fuel mileage
Prevents component wear
Reliable for older engines
Good value for quality
What We Don't Like
Strong odor when spilled
Difficult to measure effectiveness
#TOP 5

Power Service 1025-12PK +Cetane Boost Diesel Fuel Supplement Anti-Freezer - 1 Quart, (Pack of 12)

1025-12
Power Service 1025-12PK +Cetane Boost Diesel Fuel Supplement Anti-Freezer - 1 Quart, (Pack of 12) Cover
Power Service 1025-12PK +Cetane Boost Diesel Fuel Supplement Anti-Freezer - 1 Quart, (Pack of 12)

The Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement is a must-have for diesel vehicle owners. This powerful additive is designed to prevent fuel gelling and protect against fuel-filter icing, ensuring that your engine runs smoothly even in cold temperatures. With its cetane-boosting properties, it provides faster cold starts, allowing you to hit the road more quickly. Additionally, this supplement contains the Slick diesel Lubricator, which helps protect your fuel pumps and injectors from wear caused by poor quality Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel. Compatible with all diesel fuels, including ULSD and biodiesel blends, the Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement is a reliable and effective solution for maintaining your diesel engine's performance.

What We Like
Prevents fuel jelling
Effective in extreme cold
Quick delivery
Stronger formula available
Trusted by users
What We Don't Like
Limited effectiveness below -20
#TOP 6

Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit

AR-FSK
Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit Cover
Archoil Diesel Fuel System Kit - AR6500 Diesel Treatment (40.6 oz) + AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner

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.

What We Like
Improves fuel economy
Reduces engine wear
Enhances performance
Easy to use
Long-lasting effects
What We Don't Like
Pricey but worth it
#TOP 7

Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Anti-Gel

P403301G
Amber
1 Gallon
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Anti-Gel Cover
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel 1 Gallon, Amber (P403301G)

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.

What We Like
Effective anti-gel performance
Easy-to-use dispenser
Improved fuel mileage
Positive customer testimonials
Great for cold weather
What We Don't Like
May not work at extreme temperatures
#TOP 8

Howes Diesel Treat Anti-Gel

Howes
103060
Golden
Howes Diesel Treat Anti-Gel Cover
Howes Diesel Treat 64-Ounce Anti-Gel and Diesel Fuel Lubricator

Howes Diesel Treat is designed to keep your diesel engine running smoothly, especially in cold weather. It prevents fuel from gelling, ensuring that your vehicle starts easily during winter months. This product also adds necessary lubricity to protect your engine's injectors, pumps, and cylinders, enhancing their performance and lifespan. Additionally, it helps prevent harmful deposits from forming in your fuel system, which can lead to power loss. Lastly, it effectively removes water from the fuel without using harmful chemicals, safeguarding your engine from potential damage caused by moisture.

What We Like
Effective anti-gel protection
Improves fuel lubricity
Enhances engine performance
Easy to use
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Occasional leakage issues
Higher price in some regions
#TOP 9

Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive

add38565
Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive Cover
Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive - 16 Oz. Case of 12

The Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive is a diesel additive that offers several benefits. It can restore and increase horsepower by cleaning deposits in the injection system, reduce fuel consumption by improving MPG, improve combustion for better engine starting, running, and reduced noise with its cetane improver, restore lubricity to ultra low sulfur diesel fuels, and reduce emissions by reducing smoke and particulates.

What We Like
Improves fuel economy
Enhances engine performance
Maintains injector cleanliness
Economical and effective
Developed by industry experts
What We Don't Like
Container could be leak-proof
Limited size options available
#TOP 10

Performance Formula One Shot 8oz, Case of 24 Bottles

Performance Formula One Shot 8oz, Case of 24 Bottles Cover
Performance Formula One Shot 8oz, Case of 24 Bottles Treats 30 gallons Diesel Fuel per Bottle

This diesel additive can restore/increase horsepower, reduce fuel consumption, improve cetane combustion, reduce wear, and reduce emissions. The detergents in the formula can clean the deposits in the injection system, resulting in better engine performance. Tests show an average of 4% improvement in MPG and gains up to 9.6%. The lubricity improvers can restore lubricity to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels. The formula can reduce smoke and particulates, thus reducing emissions.

What We Like
Improved fuel efficiency
Enhances engine performance
Prevents fuel gelling
Easy to use packaging
Consistent quality over years
What We Don't Like
Initial skepticism about effectiveness
Possible minor product mix-up
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

During our diesel additive research, we found 24 diesel additive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 90,744 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 $60.27.

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, Stanadyne, Power Service, Howes. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
David Davis Avatar

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.