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10 Best Diesel Additives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,346
Injector Cleaners

Most important from
1795 reviews

Injector Cleaners
Woke up my 01 7.3, puts you back in the seat; injectors love it.

Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment is a versatile additive suitable for all diesel vehicles. A 40.6 oz bottle can treat up to 400 gallons of fuel, making it a cost-effective option for frequent use. One of its primary strengths is its ability to clean the post-combustion system, including turbos and DPFs, which can prevent premature failures and reduce the frequency of regenerations. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining the longevity and efficiency of diesel engines.

Additionally, it incorporates a strong cetane booster, which can improve power and responsiveness, giving your vehicle a noticeable performance boost. The additive also excels in cleaning, lubricating, and protecting the entire fuel system, including high-pressure common rail (HPCR) systems, which are prone to deposits and wear.

Archoil AR6500 is a robust choice for those looking to enhance engine performance and protect their fuel systems, especially for users prioritizing power, response, and post-combustion cleaning.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,346
Injector Cleaners

Most important from
1795 reviews

Injector Cleaners
Woke up my 01 7.3, puts you back in the seat; injectors love it.
#2

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 16 Ounce Squeeze Bottle (HSSEDT16ZS)

Rating
9.6
Cetane Boosters
Fuel Stabilizers
Injector Cleaners

Most important from
8112 reviews

Cetane Boosters
Noticeable difference in truck performance, smoother operation, and improved fuel efficiency.
Fuel Stabilizers
Think of it as really cheap insurance to keep your fuel system happy and operating optimally.
Injector Cleaners
Protects aging fuel pumps and injectors, offering better value compared to other brands.
Anti-Gel Additives
Great for combating the harsh effects of diesel fuel, especially in colder weather.

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment in a 16-ounce squeeze bottle offers several strong features that cater to diesel engine needs. It effectively boosts cetane by up to 7 points, which can enhance power, performance, and fuel economy. This is a significant advantage for those looking to improve their diesel engine's efficiency and performance.

The product also stabilizes fuel and disperses moisture, which helps prevent issues related to fuel degradation and water contamination, ensuring smoother engine operation. Additionally, it increases lubricity, which reduces wear and tear on engine components and prevents rust and corrosion, extending the engine's life.

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment is particularly beneficial for those seeking improved engine performance, fuel stabilization, and protection against rust and corrosion.

Rating
9.6
Cetane Boosters
Fuel Stabilizers
Injector Cleaners

Most important from
8112 reviews

Cetane Boosters
Noticeable difference in truck performance, smoother operation, and improved fuel efficiency.
Fuel Stabilizers
Think of it as really cheap insurance to keep your fuel system happy and operating optimally.
Injector Cleaners
Protects aging fuel pumps and injectors, offering better value compared to other brands.
Anti-Gel Additives
Great for combating the harsh effects of diesel fuel, especially in colder weather.
#3

Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme, 1 Qt (Packaging May Vary) (P040432Z)

Rating
9.4
Injector Cleaners

Most important from
5226 reviews

Injector Cleaners
Cleared up a very slight miss at an idle on an IH tractor after running 2 tanks of fuel with the extreme mixture.

Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme is a diesel additive designed to enhance engine performance and longevity. One of its main strengths is its comprehensive cleaning capabilities, targeting various components like fuel injectors, valves, and cylinders to remove deposits and prevent further buildup. This leads to a smoother engine operation and better fuel efficiency. Another notable feature is its cetane boosting ability, increasing cetane levels by up to 7 points, which can improve combustion, fuel economy, and engine power.

The product also acts as a water dispersant and includes rust and corrosion inhibitors, making it a good choice for preventing rust and improving engine performance. This additive is easy to use, requiring just 8 oz. for every 20 gallons of fuel, making it convenient for regular maintenance. However, one potential downside is that the product is designed for automotive use, which may limit its application in other diesel-powered equipment. Additionally, while it offers multiple benefits, it might be more costly compared to simpler, single-purpose additives.

In summary, Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme is a robust option for those looking to maintain and enhance their diesel engine’s performance, particularly through its cleaning, cetane boosting, and anti-rust features.

Rating
9.4
Injector Cleaners

Most important from
5226 reviews

Injector Cleaners
Cleared up a very slight miss at an idle on an IH tractor after running 2 tanks of fuel with the extreme mixture.

Buying Guide for the Best Diesel Additives

Choosing the right diesel additive can significantly improve the performance and longevity of your diesel engine. Diesel additives are chemical compounds that you add to your fuel to enhance its properties. They can help with cleaning the engine, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing emissions. When selecting a diesel additive, it's important to understand the different types and their specific benefits to ensure you pick the one that best suits your needs.
Cetane BoostersCetane boosters are additives that increase the cetane number of diesel fuel. The cetane number is a measure of the fuel's ignition quality; higher cetane numbers mean the fuel ignites more easily and burns more completely. This can lead to smoother engine operation, reduced noise, and improved cold starting. If you often drive in cold weather or have an older diesel engine, a cetane booster can be particularly beneficial.
Fuel StabilizersFuel stabilizers are additives that help prevent the degradation of diesel fuel over time. Diesel can degrade and form sludge or varnish, which can clog fuel filters and injectors. Stabilizers keep the fuel fresh and prevent these issues, making them ideal for vehicles that are not used frequently or are stored for long periods. If you have a seasonal vehicle or equipment, using a fuel stabilizer can help maintain fuel quality.
Injector CleanersInjector cleaners are additives designed to clean the fuel injectors and other parts of the fuel system. Over time, deposits can build up in the injectors, leading to poor fuel atomization and reduced engine performance. Injector cleaners help remove these deposits, improving fuel efficiency and engine power. If you notice a drop in performance or fuel economy, an injector cleaner might be the right choice.
Anti-Gel AdditivesAnti-gel additives prevent diesel fuel from gelling in cold temperatures. Diesel fuel can thicken and gel in cold weather, which can clog fuel lines and filters, preventing the engine from starting. Anti-gel additives lower the fuel's pour point, keeping it fluid in cold conditions. If you live in or travel to areas with harsh winters, using an anti-gel additive can ensure your engine starts and runs smoothly.
Lubricity ImproversLubricity improvers are additives that enhance the lubricating properties of diesel fuel. Modern ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has reduced natural lubricity, which can lead to increased wear on fuel system components. Lubricity improvers help protect these components by reducing friction and wear. If you use ULSD or have an older engine, a lubricity improver can help extend the life of your fuel system.
Water DispersantsWater dispersants are additives that help remove water from diesel fuel. Water can enter the fuel system through condensation or contamination and can cause corrosion, microbial growth, and fuel filter plugging. Water dispersants break down water into small droplets that can be safely burned off during combustion. If you operate in humid environments or have experienced water contamination, a water dispersant can help protect your engine.

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