For today’s trucker, every mile counts. Whether you’re hauling coast-to-coast or doing short regional runs, protecting your engine and maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial. Diesel fuel for your diesel engine or diesel truck has come a long way over the years, but it’s not perfect—especially when you factor in ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), varying fuel qualities at different pumps, and the challenges of extreme weather. That’s where diesel fuel additives come in.
“At Howes, we believe industry testing isn’t just a benchmark—it’s a promise. Rigorous testing ensures that our diesel fuel additives consistently deliver the performance, protection, and reliability that drivers and fleets depend on every day,” Rob Howes, President of Howes Products.
But with dozens of options on the shelf—each claiming to boost performance, clean your system, or prevent gelling—how do you know which one is right for your truck?
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Diesel Additive?
Diesel additives are chemical compounds formulated to improve fuel quality, engine efficiency, or both. While some diesel already comes treated from the supplier, truckers often add aftermarket additives for extra protection and performance.
Think of it like a vitamin for your engine—whether you’re fighting sludge, cold temps, or corrosion, there’s an additive that can help.
Key Diesel Additive Types (and Who Needs Them)
Anti-Gel Additives
What They Do: Prevent diesel fuel from gelling in freezing temps by lowering the cold filter plugging point (CFPP).
Best For: Anyone driving through northern states or facing winter conditions.
Why It Matters: Gelled fuel can leave you stranded. Adding an anti-gel treatment before the freeze hits keeps your fuel flowing and your rig moving.
Lubricity Additives
What They Do: Add back lubrication stripped out of ULSD, reducing friction and wear on injectors and pumps.
Best For: Trucks running high-pressure common rail systems or anyone concerned about injector wear.
Why It Matters: ULSD has reduced sulfur—and sulfur was a natural lubricant. Without it, your fuel system might wear out faster.
Fuel Stabilizers
What They Do: Keep diesel fresh during storage and prevent microbial growth (aka diesel algae).
Best For: Truckers who store rigs for weeks or months, or use auxiliary tanks.
Why It Matters: Stale fuel can lead to clogs, corrosion, and hard starts. Stabilizers ensure your fuel stays ready when you are.
Complete Fuel System Cleaners
What They Do: Clean injectors, reduce carbon buildup, and improve fuel atomization.
Best For: Older engines, trucks with inconsistent fuel economy, or anyone noticing power loss.
Why It Matters: Dirty injectors mean poor spray patterns, reduced combustion, and wasted fuel. A good cleaner can restore lost power.
How to Choose the Right One
- Know Your Route: Are you driving through snow or heat? High elevation or humidity? Match the additive to the climate.
- Know Your Engine: Newer engines with DEF systems and DPF filters might benefit from different treatments than older, pre-emissions trucks.
- Watch Your Fuel Source: If you regularly fuel up at small-town stations, you might be more vulnerable to water contamination or lower cetane levels.
- Listen to Your Truck: Hard starts, white smoke, reduced MPG, or a rough idle are all signs that your fuel system might need a little help.
- Research lab testing: That’s where third-party and industry-standard testing come into play. And while social media influencers might offer real-world anecdotes, influencer testing simply doesn’t compare to sophisticated lab results backed by ASTM protocols and OEM approvals.
