WHAT ARE DIESEL FUEL ADDITIVES?
A fuel additive is a product you introduce to your system to improve its performance. Different additives can clean your engine, lubricate your system, or even increase your gas mileage. Most common additives are created for diesel engines, but additives for gasoline-powered vehicles are also available.
EPA regulations require that today’s diesel fuel contains ultra-low levels of sulfur. The issue is that the sulfur removal process introduces hydrogen into the fuel, which reduces the fuel’s natural lubricity.
With the various hydrocarbons and polar solvents in the fuel mixtures, the unknown characteristics of the fuel at the pump can cause some impactful and sometimes damaging results in your engine. The right fuel additive helps to restore lubricity removed in the fuel refining process. It can help to disperse moisture, boost cetane levels, remove internal deposits and build up and stabilize various fuel blends.
These factors increase the motor’s efficiency and prevent breakdowns without damaging any part of the system. Diesel fuel additives will also improve your engine’s ability to start in cold weather, reduce rough idling, address water contamination, lessen black exhaust smoke, and improve fuel pump and injector life.
WHAT DO DIESEL FUEL ADDITIVES DO?
Boost Cetane & Increase MPG
The higher the cetane number (CN) of fuel, the faster the fuel ignites which produces a complete and cleaner fuel burn. Your vehicle typically requires a CN of 47-50 in order to run as intended by the manufacturer, but the vast majority of the US is being served by diesel with a CN of 40-45. By increasing the cetane rating of diesel alongside the detergent properties of many Diesel Fuel Additives, combustion efficiency and fuel economy are improved.
Improve Fuel Lubricity
Lack of lubrication can cause a variety of issues in both older vehicles, which weren’t designed to run on ultra-low sulfur diesel, and new vehicles which are built with tighter tolerances, making a lack of lubricity potentially catastrophic. These issues include:
- Excessive Wear
- Premature failure
- Costly repairs
The Engine Manufacturer’s Association (EMA) recommends using fuel that produces a wear scar no larger than 460 microns to meet the needs of a vehicle. The diesel fuel specification in the United States (D-975) is only 520 microns, meaning additional lubricity must be added to meet the EMA recommendation – highlighting the importance of diesel fuel additives. Improving lubricity extends component life and prevents premature failure.
Clean Fuel System Components
Poor or incomplete combustion is one of the primary factors affecting the power and performance of your vehicle. As a result of low cetane fuel and a lack of detergents and lubricity, diesel fuel systems accumulate soot and carbon build-up in the key components including the injectors, turbo and DPF.
Deposits can clog those injectors, restricting the fuel delivery and giving you reduced performance. Allow that to continue and you’re likely to have to foot the bill for new injectors. Your filters can clog with gum, varnish and debris, too, meaning more frequent replacement and higher maintenance costs — and repair costs if you neglect to change them.
A good diesel fuel additive can provide the following:
• Removes carbon injector deposits to restore spray patterns
• Prevents turbo lag and restores boost
• Reduces frequency of DPF regenerations
This easy, proactive maintenance of the fuel system restores lost horsepower and fuel economy and extends component life.
Remove Heavy Carbon Build-up
Vehicles with high mileage or symptoms of a restricted fuel system (including smoking, poor fuel economy, turbo lag and frequent regens) should be treated with a diesel fuel additive first to speed up the process of cleaning the fuel system and remove heavier carbon deposits.
WHO SHOULD USE DIESEL FUEL ADDITIVES?
Virtually anyone using diesel fuel can find some benefit from the proper use of additives. However, those that may see the greatest immediate benefit include:
- Individuals that work in extreme climates: If you drive a diesel-powered vehicle and live in an area that experiences harsh winters, an anti-gel additive can help prevent clogged fuel filters and improve lubricity.
- Older vehicles: Additives help to reduce engine and fuel system wear and extend the life of your car. An injection cleaner or lubricant would be a good choice.
- Vehicles that are idle for long periods: Starting a vehicle after a long time has passed between drives can be a difficult experience. Occasional use of a cetane-boosting fuel stabilizer can help improve startups and maintain your engine’s performance.
- Vehicle used for mostly short trips: Because the engine doesn’t get hot enough to clean itself during short trips, carbon can build up under the hood. Using an injection cleaner can help eliminate those deposits and keep your engine clean.
If you believe your fleet or operation would benefit from introducing diesel fuel additives, please contact one of our Sales Specialists at Diverse Infrastructure and we will be happy to discuss your needs and get you set up on an additive program that will save you time, money, and headaches.