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10 Best Diesel Fuel Additives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 1 Gallon, 6-in-1 Diesel Additive - Injector Cleaner, Fuel System Cleaner, Fuel Additive Boosts Cetane (HSSEDT01G)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,480
Type (Function)
Cetane Number Improvement
Lubricity Enhancement

Most important from
8382 reviews

Type (Function)
Proper use results in noticeably improved throttle response and quieter engine operation.
Cetane Number Improvement
It effectively boosts cetane and lubricity to compensate for lower-quality U.S. diesel fuel standards.
Lubricity Enhancement
This additive helps protect aging high pressure fuel pumps and injectors, extending engine life.
Treatment Ratio
Following the exact dosage instructions is crucial to avoid damaging expensive fuel injectors and pumps.

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment is a versatile diesel additive designed to keep your engine running smoothly on a daily basis. One of its main strengths is boosting the cetane number by up to 7 points, which helps your diesel engine ignite fuel more efficiently. This can lead to better fuel economy and improved acceleration, making it a good choice if you're looking to enhance performance and reduce fuel costs.

It also acts as a fuel injector cleaner, removing deposits that can clog injectors, and improves fuel lubricity to protect vital parts like pumps and injectors from wear. This helps maintain engine health and can potentially extend the life of your fuel system. The product offers protection against rust and corrosion by removing moisture and stabilizing the fuel, which is important for preventing damage over time, especially if you live in a humid area or use your vehicle infrequently.

This additive is easy to use, with a recommended dose of 1 to 2 ounces per 25 gallons of diesel, suitable for regular use at every fill-up. It serves as an excellent choice for everyday maintenance and improving engine efficiency, though users in freezing climates may need to consider additional products for specialized cold weather protection.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,480
Type (Function)
Cetane Number Improvement
Lubricity Enhancement

Most important from
8382 reviews

Type (Function)
Proper use results in noticeably improved throttle response and quieter engine operation.
Cetane Number Improvement
It effectively boosts cetane and lubricity to compensate for lower-quality U.S. diesel fuel standards.
Lubricity Enhancement
This additive helps protect aging high pressure fuel pumps and injectors, extending engine life.
Treatment Ratio
Following the exact dosage instructions is crucial to avoid damaging expensive fuel injectors and pumps.
#2

Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment (40 Ounces) - Treats 400 Gallons - Additive for All Diesel Vehicles

Rating
9.4
Type (Function)
Detergency (Cleaning Ability)

Most important from
2645 reviews

Type (Function)
Delivers noticeable improvements in engine smoothness and eliminates stutter at all speeds and RPMs, even on older, high-mileage trucks.
Detergency (Cleaning Ability)
Effectively keeps the fuel system clean, protecting critical components and supporting long-term engine health.

The Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment is designed to improve the performance and lifespan of diesel engines by addressing several critical functions. It offers a strong cetane number boost, which helps diesel fuel ignite more efficiently, leading to better engine power and throttle response. This additive also lubricates and protects the fuel system, including sensitive high-pressure common rail (HPCR) components, which can reduce wear and extend engine life. A standout feature is its ability to clean the post-combustion parts like turbos and diesel particulate filters (DPF), potentially preventing costly failures and reducing how often regeneration cycles occur.

The treatment ratio is convenient, with one 40-ounce bottle treating up to 400 gallons of diesel, making it easy to use regularly at every fill-up without dosing guesswork. It also helps maintain fuel system cleanliness and may improve fuel economy by restoring performance lost to deposits.

With high customer ratings and a solid reputation as a top diesel additive, this product is well-suited for diesel vehicle owners who want a comprehensive, maintenance-focused additive to improve combustion, protect key components, and keep injection systems clean. It fits best for those regularly using diesel fuel and looking to preserve engine health and efficiency rather than just a quick fix for cold weather or lubrication alone.

Rating
9.4
Type (Function)
Detergency (Cleaning Ability)

Most important from
2645 reviews

Type (Function)
Delivers noticeable improvements in engine smoothness and eliminates stutter at all speeds and RPMs, even on older, high-mileage trucks.
Detergency (Cleaning Ability)
Effectively keeps the fuel system clean, protecting critical components and supporting long-term engine health.
#3

Hot Shot's Secret LX4 Lubricity Extreme 1 Gallon, Fuel Treatment for All Engines, Gasoline & Diesel Additive, Fuel Additive Increases Lubricity, Protects & Extends Fuel System Life

Rating
8.5
Lubricity Enhancers

Most important from
977 reviews

Lubricity Enhancers
A must-have for vehicles with CP4 fuel pumps due to the lack of lubricity in U.S. diesel.

Hot Shot's Secret LX4 Lubricity Extreme is designed to enhance the performance and longevity of both gasoline and diesel engines. One of its standout features is the significant increase in fuel lubricity, which can protect critical components like fuel pumps and injectors by up to 56%. This added protection is especially beneficial for users of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, as it restores lubricity that may be lacking in such fuels. The product also aims to extend the life of the fuel system, ensuring smoother operation by reducing friction and wear on engine parts, which can lead to better performance.

An appealing aspect of LX4 is its versatility; it can be safely used in all engine types, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of vehicles. Additionally, its ease of use—requiring just 1oz per every 10 gallons of fuel—adds convenience for users looking for a simple solution to maintain their engines.

Hot Shot's Secret LX4 Lubricity Extreme is a strong choice for those looking to protect and enhance their engine performance with a reputable product. Its strengths lie in its lubricity-enhancing properties, ease of use, and versatility, making it a solid option for both diesel and gasoline vehicle owners. Users should be aware of the need for consistent application to fully reap its benefits.

Rating
8.5
Lubricity Enhancers

Most important from
977 reviews

Lubricity Enhancers
A must-have for vehicles with CP4 fuel pumps due to the lack of lubricity in U.S. diesel.

Buying Guide for the Best Diesel Fuel Additives

Choosing the right diesel fuel additive can make a difference in your vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall engine health. With so many different products on the market, it can be confusing to know what features matter most and which ones match your needs. To make an informed choice, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to what you want to achieve—whether that's cleaning your engine, protecting it from wear, improving cold-weather starting, or enhancing power output.
Type (Function)The type of diesel fuel additive refers to what it is formulated to do, such as cleaning the fuel system, improving lubricity, preventing gelling in cold weather, boosting cetane, or dispersing water. This is important because not all additives serve the same purpose, and using the wrong one might not deliver the results you expect. Some additives are multi-purpose, but many are specialized. Generally, people who drive in cold climates look for anti-gel additives, while those concerned about engine wear might choose lubricity enhancers, and drivers wanting to clean their fuel system seek out detergents. Understanding your primary goal ensures you choose the type that suits your needs.
Cetane Number ImprovementCetane is a measure of how quickly and efficiently diesel fuel ignites under compression. Additives that improve cetane number can lead to easier starting, quieter operation, and improved power. Cetane boosters are usually most beneficial if your vehicle is experiencing rough starts, excessive smoke, or knocking. Cetane numbers usually range from 40 to 55, with higher numbers offering better ignition quality. If your fuel source has low cetane levels or your engine is struggling, choosing an additive with strong cetane boosting properties makes sense.
Lubricity EnhancementLubricity refers to the fuel’s ability to lubricate the moving parts within your diesel engine's fuel pump and injectors. Modern ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuels are lower in natural lubricity, so additives that enhance this characteristic can prevent premature wear and costly repairs. If your vehicle is newer or uses ultra-low-sulfur diesel, or you drive long distances often, an additive targeting lubricity should be a priority to ensure long-term engine health.
Anti-Gel/Cold Weather ProtectionAnti-gel additives prevent diesel from thickening when temperatures drop, making sure fuel still flows smoothly to the engine. This is particularly important in areas with cold winters, as gelling can prevent your vehicle from starting or running properly. The effectiveness depends on the lowest temperature it protects against, usually specified on the product. If you operate in a mild climate, this may be less important; in areas with freezing temperatures, it is essential.
Detergency (Cleaning Ability)Detergency indicates how well an additive can keep your fuel system clean by removing deposits from injectors, valves, and other components. This improves fuel atomization, engine performance, and can restore lost power and efficiency. If your engine has high mileage or you’ve noticed poor idling, smoke, or rough running, an additive with strong cleaning properties can help. For preventative maintenance, regular use of a detergent additive can keep your system running smoothly.
Water DispersionDiesel fuel can sometimes accumulate water through condensation or contaminated storage, which can lead to corrosion or microbial growth in your fuel system. Water-dispersing additives bind water so it can be safely eliminated. This is especially useful if you live in humid climates or use your vehicle infrequently, as idle fuel tanks are more prone to water accumulation. If these risks apply to you, choosing an additive with water dispersion properties is a smart move.
Treatment RatioThe treatment ratio tells you how much additive you need to treat a certain amount of diesel fuel, often expressed as ‘ounces per gallon’ or ‘milliliters per liter.’ This affects how often you need to buy and use the product. If you have a large vehicle or multiple tanks, a higher treatment ratio (meaning less additive per gallon) is more convenient. Tailor your choice to your usage patterns and vehicle’s fuel tank size.

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