The Best Diesel Fuel Additives this Winter!

An extensive look at the most popular Diesel Fuel Treatments, Anti-Gels, and the best 2-in-1 treatments on the market today.

In this article, we will take a look at the most popular Diesel Fuel Additives on the market today. But, why would you need a diesel fuel additive in the first place? If your truck is running like a top, what do diesel fuel additives prevent or improve? Do you live in a cold climate and have been told you need anti-gel? Do 2-in-1 Diesel fuel additives give you all the winter protection without any of the drawbacks? Find out what you need to know this winter before you find out you can’t start your truck.

By Maurice Rodriguez
November 2, 2022

There are a variety of Diesel Fuel Additives that are geared towards the Diesel truck owner. We will take a look at the three main categories Diesel Fuel Treatments, Anti-Gels, and 2-in-1’s that combine the benefits of both.

Diesel Fuel Treatments address a number of issues your rig may be facing. Diesel Fuel treatments can clean your injectors by removing waxy paraffin deposits, clean out your fuel system, restores throttle response, and improve performance.

Diesel Anti-Gels are necessary for diesel engines when the temperature starts to drop below freezing (under 30°F). The reason you’re going to want to add Anti-Gel’s is that ALL diesel fuel contains paraffin wax that begins to solidify and can clog your fuel filter. That is why we show which Diesel Anti-Gels pass the Cold-Filter-Plugging-Test (or CFPP) and at what temperature. The lower the temp the better the protection.

Finally, we look at the 2-in-1 solutions that will clean your fuel system from waxy residue build-up and keep your diesel fuel from gelling when the temperature begins to drop. We will take a look at the most popular brands that will keep running strong.

Have you ever heard of an HFRR Test? This is a lubricant industry standard test for diesel engines using a High Frequency Reciprocating Rig. See image below.

The importance of this test is to find how well a lubricant will protect the moving parts in your diesel engine. Take a look at the video to get a quick lesson on HFRR testing from the experts at Hot Shots!

Best Diesel Fuel Treatment

First Place: Hot Shot EDT Diesel Treatment

Hot shot’s EDT (Every Day Treatment) Diesel treatment is the best diesel treatment product for your diesel engine on the market. This is based on scientific data collected on all the claims made by each manufacturer. The main 3 factors are HFRR Score 453 (the lower the better the lubricity), Cetane Octane boost 7 pts., and Fuel Economy improvement of 7.3%

It also has other benefits like fuel injection cleaners, a fuel stabilizer, and a demulsifier which disperses moisture in your fuel system.

Source: HOT SHOT’S SECRET® EVERYDAY DIESEL TREATMENT DATA SHEET

If you never heard of them, you can learn more about them in the video below.

Pros:

• HFRR Score 453
• Cetane Octane boost 7+ points
• Increases fuel efficiency by 7.3% on highway
• Fuel Stabilizer
• Demulsifier

Cons:

• Cold Filter Plug Point of only 32°F

Second Place: Stanadyne Diesel Performance Formula

Stanadyne the additive company has been around since 1970 designing diesel fuel pumps and additives that allow their pumps to work more efficiently. They created the additive market to fix the issues they were seeing in the production of fuel pumps and fuel injectors.

Stanadyne Diesel Fuel Additive has an excellent HFRR score of 479, a Cetane Octane Booster of 5+ points, a Cold Filter Plug Point of 25°F, and increased fuel economy by 8%. It nearly outperformed the Hot Shots product and is also a great product to consider.

Amazon Picture

Pros:

• HFRR Score 453
• Cetane Octane boost 7+ points
• Increases fuel efficiency by 7.3% on the highway
• Cold Filter Plug Point of 25°F
• Fuel Stabilizer
• Demulsifier

Cons:

• Only slightly behind the HotShots by a few points

Third Place: Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment Quart

Lucas Oil has been around since 1989 and has had a long history of making quality products for truck drivers. The founder Forrest Lucas was a truck driver that was looking for a solution to his real-world truck driver’s diesel engine problems. After doing some research and testing he found a unique formula that has been popular ever since.

Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant has a mediocre HFRR score of 641, which is 5 microns worse than the baseline. Lucas claims fuel economy improvements as well but we could not find any data to support that claim. Given the popularity of Lucas, we expected more from this product. Most of the products in this category include a Cetane Octane booster and other additives included in one product. With Lucas, you have to purchase the booster, stabilizer, and anti-gel individually.

Pros:

• Some fuel economy improvements but no data at this time
• Some cleaning detergents
• Cold Filter Plug Point of 25°F

Cons:

• Lower HFRR score
• No Cetane Octane boost

Comparison Chart of Best Diesel Fuel Treatment

We compiled a ton of research that was scattered across the internet on forums, manufacturer’s websites, Scientific Studies, and Spec sheets to bring a true side-by-side comparison of the Top Diesel Fuel Additives. We have taken into account many factors and given you actual data so you can quickly make an informed decision for your truck this winter. Below, if you care, I document each factor that went into the comparison and why it’s important.

• HFRR Score – This score is a standardized test where a ball bearing is vibrated on a metal disk and then the ‘Scar Mark’ is measured to give the additive a final score. The less scaring, the lower the score. The lowest score indicates the additive has in fact an improved lubricant protective property for your engine.
• Cetane Boost – Diesel fuel with high Cetane numbers will burn faster and completely without leaving deposits making for a quieter, and smoother running engine. It also improves ignition, increases power, and improves fuel economy.
• Cold Filter Plug Point – This is the lowest temperature at which Diesel begins to gel at cold temperatures. The higher the number the more protection the additive gives you. Meaning it lowers the temperature by the value decreasing the chance your fuel will begin to gel.
• Fuel Stabilizer – Diesel fuel can attract water when stored for longer than 30 days and begins to oxidize which will damage fuel injectors, fuel systems, and fuel lines. Helps stabilize fuel so it doesn’t degrade as fast.
• Water DeMulsifier – Removes any water that may accumulate in your fuel tank.
• Increases Fuel Economy – Percentage of gains you can expect in your fuel economy
• Added Lubricants – Lubricants that reduce friction on engine parts which improve power, fuel efficiency, and wear and tear.
• Added Detergents – Clean deposits on injectors and intake valves.
• Works in ULSD (Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel) – Does this additive work in ULSD the most commonly found diesel in the U.S.

Benefits	Hot Shot EDT Diesel Treatment	Stanadyne Diesel Performance Formula	Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment Quart
HFFR Score	453	479	641
Cetane Boost Increase	7+	5+	NO Sold Separately
Cold Filter Plug Point	Up to 32°F	Up to 25°F	Up to 25°F
Fuel Stabilizer	YES	YES	NO Sold Separately
Water DeMulsifier	YES	YES	NO
Increases Fuel Economy	7.3%	8% Increase	YES No DATA
Added Lubricants	YES	YES	YES
Added Detergents	YES	YES	YES
Works in ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel)	YES	YES	YES

Best Diesel Winter Anti-Gel

First Place: Hot Shots Diesel Anti-Gel

Another great product from Hot Shots that outperforms the competition. Hot Shot’s Anti-Gel gives you protection up to -40°F, gives you a Cetane Boost of 5+ points, and includes a Water Demulsifier.

Pros:

• Protection down to -40°F
• Cetane Boost 5+ points
• Water Demulsifier

Cons:

• None we could find

Second Place: STA-BIL Diesel Winter Anti-Gel

Sta-Bil has been around for over 60 years making fuel additive products to clean fuel tanks, improve performance, fuel economy, and help stabilize fuel systems.

Sta-Bil Diesel Winter Anti-Gel doesn’t include a Cetane Booster like Hot Shot’s product but does give the same winter protection down to -40°F. They also include a water demulsifier to disperse water in your fuel system.

Pros:

• Protection down to -40°F
• Water Demulsifier

Cons:

• None we could find

Third Place: Lucas Oil Products Diesel Treatment Anti Gel

Lucas Oil Diesel Treatment Anti-Gel comes in third as their solution works down to -10°F but requires a second dose to get protection down to -40° like the previously mentioned products.

Pros:

• -10°F
• Water Demulsifier

Cons:

• For Temps below -10°F add a second bottle for protection up -40°F

Comparison Chart of Best Anti-Gels

This data pertains to Diesel Anti-Gels and the most important factors that keep you running this winter. We will briefly explain each factor to get you up to speed. 

• Cold Filter Plug Point (CFPP) Temp – This is the lowest temperature at which Diesel begins to gel at cold temperatures. The higher the number the more protection the additive gives you. Meaning it lowers the temperature by the value decreasing the chance your fuel will begin to gel.
• Water DeMulsifier – Removes any water that may accumulate in your fuel tank.
• Cetane Boost – Diesel fuel with high Cetane numbers will burn faster and completely without leaving deposits making for a quieter, and smoother running engine. It also improves ignition, increases power, and improves fuel economy.
• De-Ices – Does it protect you in below-freezing (32°F) weather.
• Works in ULSD (Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel) – Does this additive work in ULSD the most commonly found diesel in the U.S.

Benefits	Hot Shots Diesel Anti-Gel	STA-BIL Diesel Winter Anti-Gel	Lucas Oil Products Diesel Treatment Anti  Gel
CFPP Temp	-40°F	-40°F	-10°F For Temps below -10°F add a second bottle for protection up -40°F
Water DeMulsifier	YES	YES	YES
Cetane Boost	5+	NO	NO
De-Ices	YES	YES	YES
Works in ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel)	YES	YES	YES

Best Diesel 2 in 1- Treatment and Anti-Gel

First Place: Opti-Lube XPD All Seasons Diesel Fuel

Opti-Lube XPD is the best choice for treating your diesel and protecting you from the winter elements. It has the best HFRR score 317 of ALL the products tested in this article. It is far and above the best lubricant available for Diesel engine owners. It also gives you a Cetane boost of 3+ points and protects you down to temperatures of -10°F.

If you are looking for increased fuel economy Opti-Lube XPD gives you a 10% increase in fuel economy. If you don’t believe me, a test was done by Motor Trend and can be found HERE.

Pros:

• HFRR score of 317!
• Cetane Boost of 3+ points
• Winter Protection down to -10°F
• Increased fuel economy up to 10%

Cons:

• None we could find

Second Place: Power Service +Cetane Boost Diesel Fuel Supplement Anti-Freezer

Power Service’s Diesel fuel treatment has a descent HFRR score of 575 and a Cetane Boost of 6+ points. Winter protection is only down to -3°F and an increase in fuel economy of 8%. These are all decent numbers but if you want the best stay with the Opti-Lube.

Pros:

• HFRR score of 575
• Cetane Boost of 6+ points
• Winter Protection down to -3°F
• Increased fuel economy of 8%

Cons:

• Just not as good as Opti-Lube’s numbers

Third Place: Howe’s Diesel Treat Conditioner and Anti-Gel

Howe’s Diesel Treat Conditioner and Anti-Gel is a descent lubricant with an HFRR score of 586 which is similar to Power service but it does not include a Cetane Booster or improve fuel economy. But it does offer winter protection up to -12°F which is very impressive but not enough to dethrone Opti-Lube.

Pros:

• HFRR score of 586
• Winter Protection down to -12°F

Cons:

• No Cetane Booster
• No improvements in fuel economy

Comparison Chart of Best 2-in-1 Diesel Treatment

This data pertains to Diesel Anti-Gels and the most important factors that keep you running this winter. We will briefly explain each factor to get you up to speed. 

• HFRR Score – This score is a standardized test where a ball bearing is vibrated on a metal disk and then the ‘Scar Mark’ is measured to give the additive a final score. The less scaring, the lower the score. The lowest score indicates the additive has in fact an improved lubricant protective property for your engine.
• Cetane Boost – Diesel fuel with high Cetane numbers will burn faster and completely without leaving deposits making for a quieter, and smoother running engine. It also improves ignition, increases power, and improves fuel economy.
• Cold Filter Plug Point (CFPP) Temp – This is the lowest temperature at which Diesel begins to gel at cold temperatures. The higher the number the more protection the additive gives you. Meaning it lowers the temperature by the value decreasing the chance your fuel will begin to gel.
• Water DeMulsifier – Removes any water that may accumulate in your fuel tank.
• De-Ices – Does it protect you in below-freezing (32°F) weather.
• Increases Fuel Economy – Percentage of gains you can expect in your fuel economy
• Added Lubricants – Lubricants that reduce friction on engine parts which improve power, fuel efficiency, and wear and tear.
• Added Detergents – Clean deposits on injectors and intake valves.
• Works in ULSD (Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel) – Does this additive work in ULSD the most commonly found diesel in the U.S.

Benefits	Opti-Lube XPD All Seasons Diesel Fuel	Power Service +Cetane Boost Anti-Freezer	Howe’s Diesel Treat Conditioner and Anti-Gel
HFFR Score	317	575	586
Cetane Boost	3+	6+	NO
CFPP Temp	-10°F	-3°F	-12°F
Water DeMulsifier	YES	YES	YES
De-Ices	YES	YES	YES
Increases Fuel Economy	10%	8%	NO DATA
Added Lubricants	YES	YES	YES
Added Detergents	YES	YES	YES
Works in ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel)	YES	YES	YES

HFRR Diesel Fuel Additive Score Comparison Chart

The lower the HFRR Score the better the protection against scarring in your engine.

Ranking	Additive Manufacturer	HFRR Score
1	Opti-Lube XPD All Seasons Diesel Fuel	317
2	Hot Shot EDT Diesel Treatment	453
3	Stanadyne Diesel Performance Formula	479
4	Power Service + Cetane Boost Anti-Freezer	575
5	Howe’s Diesel Treat Conditioner and Anti-Gel	586
6	Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment Quart	641

FAQ

Should you put additives in diesel fuel?

Yes. They can improve performance, power, and fuel economy, keep your fuel system clean, and give you excellent winter protection.

Do diesel additives really work?

Yes. There is scientific proof that there are tangible benefits to adding them to your diesel engine that is discussed in this article like improvements in performance, power, and fuel economy.

What is the best additive for diesel engines?

That depends on the weather the engine will exposed to. Above 30°F we recommend Hot Shot’s EDT Diesel Treatment. Below 30°F for a prolonged period of time, we recommend Opti-Lube’s XPD All-Season Diesel Fuel Additive.

How often should you use diesel fuel additives?

They are safe to use on a conditional basis where an issue needs to be addressed like winter gelling, cetane improvements, or cleaning the fuel system.

Do I need to add anything to my diesel fuel in the winter?

Yes. Especially, if the temperature is going to drop below 30°F. We highly recommend you pick Hot Shots Diesel Anti-Gel.

At what temperature do you add anti-gel to diesel fuel?

Anytime the diesel engine will be exposed to temperature below 30°F

When should I use diesel additives?

You should only use additives as needed to address engine issues like waxy buildup on injectors, increate cetane boost, or winter gelling.

What is diesel anti-gel made of?

Anti-Gel is made of diesel fuel additives that lower the winter gelling temperature so your filters do not clog.

How much anti-gel in diesel per gallon?

Most manufactures will have a ratio for how many gallons a single application will treat. Please follow the manufactures directions.

Conclusion: We hope we have provided you with all the data you will ever need to find the right diesel additive product to address your diesel engine needs. We highly recommend your give Hot Shots a chance if you need to increase lubrication and performance during warm weather and Opti-Lube XPD for your winter months.

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