Diesel truck owners rely on fuel additives to protect engines, improve lubricity, reduce deposits, and boost cetane for smoother starts and better fuel economy. This guide highlights five well-regarded diesel fuel additives, reviewing their key benefits and how they work in modern diesel systems. Each product below targets common diesel concerns—from injector cleanliness to cold-weather reliability—helping you choose a solution that aligns with your driving needs.
| Product | Brand | Highlights | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday Diesel Treatment (HSSEDT16ZS) 16 oz | Hot Shot’s Secret | 6-in-1 formula; cleans injectors; increases cetane; improves overall performance | Cleaner fuel system and modest cetane boost |
| Diesel Extreme 16 oz | Hot Shot’s Secret | Intense fuel system cleaning; cleans injectors; cetane boost | Enhanced power and efficiency |
| Everyday Diesel Treatment 32 oz | Hot Shot’s Secret | Similar 6-in-1 formula at a larger size | Extended use and consistent cetane boost |
| EDT+ Winter Defense 8 oz | Hot Shot’s Secret | Anti-gellant; cetane boost; anti-water; cold-start support | Winter reliability and lubricity |
| Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment (40 oz) | Archoil | Treats 400 gallons; cleans post-combustion system; reduces regeneration | Comprehensive fuel-system and post-combustion cleaning |
Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (HSSEDT16ZS) 16 oz
Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (HSSEDT16ZS) combines multiple benefits in a single bottle. The 6-in-1 formula is designed to improve engine performance and maintain health by cleaning injectors and the fuel system while boosting cetane by up to seven points. Regular use aims to promote smoother operation and better fuel economy. The product is formulated to clean both internal and external injector deposits and enhance lubricity to protect fuel-system components such as pumps and injectors, potentially increasing engine longevity.
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme 16 oz
Diesel Extreme is a concentrated fuel system cleaner intended to thoroughly clean, lubricate, and safeguard all engine and fuel-system components, including valves, pumps, rings, and pistons. It targets injector deposits and various varnish buildups and increases cetane by up to seven points. The result can be improved combustion efficiency, enhanced power, and reduced regeneration frequency for diesel particulate filters, contributing to more consistent performance in daily driving or heavy use.
Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 32 oz
This larger bottle mirrors the 16 oz EDT formulation with a 6-in-1 approach designed to keep diesel engines in top condition. It emphasizes cetane improvement by up to seven points, cleaner injectors, and boosted lubricity. Using the 32 oz bottle can be convenient for longer-term maintenance and consistent use across a fleet or multiple vehicles, supporting smoother starts and improved engine health over time.
Hot Shot’s Secret EDT+ Winter Defense 8 oz
EDT+ Winter Defense focuses on winter diesel reliability. This 7-in-1 anti-gel additive not only boosts cetane but also improves lubricity and helps prevent gelling by lowering the effective cloud point. It disperses moisture to protect the fuel system from rust and corrosion, and it supports reliable cold starts in subzero conditions. The additive is designed for users who operate in winter climates or encounter temperature extremes during travel.
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Winter Anti-Gel – 16 Oz Squeeze
This 7-in-1 anti-gel diesel fuel additive targets cold-weather performance, reducing wax crystal formation and maintaining fuel flow through filters at lower temperatures. It also offers cetane boosts, lubricity improvements, and injector cleaning capabilities to support better cold starts and consistent engine operation in freezing conditions. The formulation aims to minimize winter-related drivability concerns while preserving fuel system integrity.
Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment (40 oz)
Archoil AR6500 is a 40-ounce diesel treatment that covers up to 400 gallons. It is formulated to address issues with modern diesel fuels, aiming to restore and maximize performance and fuel economy. AR6500 claims to be the only diesel treatment to clean the post-combustion system, including turbo and DPF, helping reduce regeneration frequency and potentially extending the life of critical aftertreatment components.
Buying Guide
- Engine and fuel-system needs: If your priority is injector cleanliness and cetane improvement, look for products that specifically mention injector cleaning and cetane boost, such as those in the Hot Shot’s Secret EDT family and Diesel Extreme.
- Cold-weather performance: For winter operation, choose additives with anti-gel properties, water demulsification, and strong cetane boosts to support cold starts and fuel flow in freezing temperatures.
- Post-combustion system care: If you want to protect the aftertreatment system (DPF, turbo), consider formulas that claim post-combustion cleaning or anti-deposits for the exhaust path, like AR6500.
- Size and frequency of use: Larger bottles (e.g., 32 oz or 40 oz) can reduce refill frequency, but ensure the dosage directions match your vehicle’s fuel consumption and mileage.
- Fuel economy and power: Cetane boosts, injector cleanliness, and lubricity improvements generally contribute to smoother starts, reduced deposits, and sometimes measurable gains in efficiency.
- Maintenance schedule: For fleets or multiple vehicles, consistency matters. Establish a regular dosing routine aligned with fill-ups to maintain predictable engine health.
- Vehicle compatibility: Most additives are designed for ULSD diesel, but confirm compatibility with your engine and any aftertreatment systems to avoid unintended interactions.
When selecting a diesel fuel additive, balance your primary concerns—cold weather reliability, injector cleanliness, cetane improvement, and post-combustion protection—with practical considerations such as bottle size and maintenance routines. The products above are representative options frequently chosen by diesel truck owners for routine maintenance and seasonal needs. For best results, adhere to manufacturer dosage instructions and consider periodic testing to monitor fuel-system cleanliness and performance.