Best Fuel Additives for Diesel Engines in 2025

Why Diesel Additives Work Better than Gasoline Additives

Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of heavy hydrocarbons that are more prone to waxy deposits in cold weather, microbial growth in storage, and injector coking from modern common rail systems operating at 30,000+ PSI. The higher value of diesel additives relative to gasoline additives reflects this greater baseline need for chemical assistance.

#1: Power Service Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost

The industry standard for diesel injector cleaning and performance. Raises cetane rating by 4–6 numbers, cleans injectors, and lubricates the fuel system. Documented MPG improvements of 5–8% on vehicles with dirty injectors. Available in gallon jugs for fleet use at excellent cost-per-treatment.

#2: Stanadyne Performance Formula

Recommended by Stanadyne (major diesel injection system manufacturer) for their own pump systems. All-in-one formula addresses cetane, lubricity, and deposits. Particularly popular with Navistar DT diesel owners.

#3: Archoil AR6200

Unique combustion modifier that improves fuel atomization and combustion efficiency. Particularly popular with Ford 6.0 and 6.4 Powerstroke owners for reducing HPOP (high pressure oil pump) stress and improving cold-start performance.

#4: Power Service Diesel 911 (Emergency)

The go-to emergency treatment for gelled diesel in cold weather. Not a regular additive, but every diesel owner should have a bottle for temperatures below 10°F.

HHO + Diesel Additives

Diesel additives and HHO complement each other. Cetane boost improves ignition quality; HHO improves combustion completeness. Clean injectors from additives allow HHO gas to mix with properly atomized fuel for maximum combustion improvement.