Diesel Fuel Additives- What are they?

One of the main questions that people tend to ask about fuel additives is – are they worth it? If the benefits and the overall cost are considered, experts do seem to agree that it is worth adding fuel additives, especially in the case of diesel. Fuel additives mainly serve as a means to improve the functioning capability and efficiency of engines. They can serve different purposes – lubrication, system cleaning, or performance enhancement. Let us find out more about diesel-fuel additives and are they worth it!

Photo Credit: pixabay.com

What are diesel fuel additives?

Diesel fuel additives are substances that are injected alongside the fuel to either clean the debris from the engines or lubricate the moving parts of the engine.

Different types of fuel additives

There are various types of fuel additives that are available in the market:

• Fuel stabilizing additives: Diesel fuels can be extremely volatile over elongated periods of usage; these additives stabilize the fuel. They increase lubrication inside the engine.
• Cetane boosters: The better the cetane count, the more efficient is the fuel. Cetane boosters decrease fuel consumption while also speeding up the ignition process in the engine.
• Fuel injector detergents: The injectors spray diesel inside the engines. When these valves get clogged over time, the engine faces trouble getting started. These detergents can clear off the nozzle to ensure peak efficiency.
• Anti-gel and corrosion additives: Diesel fuel tends to corrode over time that can damage the internal components of the engine. These additives ensure that the fuel stays at optimum temperature and is viscous enough.

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Benefits of diesel fuel additives

• Wear and tear reduced: Since these additives ensure that the fuel does not degrade and the components are well-lubricated, they reduce wear and tear inside the engine.
• Increased fuel efficiency: There is still debate as to whether these additives actually improve fuel efficiency but they do seem to make a difference.
• Lower emissions: These additives reduce the number of dangerous emissions coming from the engines.
• Peak performance in all conditions: The fuel might get corroded or even crystallized in extreme weather conditions; these additives prevent that from happening.

Disadvantages of diesel fuel additives

• Difficulty in choosing: Since there are so many different types of additives, it can be hard to judge which additives work for the particular engines.
• Compatibility issues: Some fuel additives don't work with older engines and have only been designed for newer engines.
• Harmful chemicals: There are some additives that might contain chemicals like alcohol that can damage parts of the engine. Alcohol also affects the compression of the fuel.

Are they worth it?

The decision pretty much depends on the owner themselves. The manufacturers should always be consulted before any additives are used – some discourage the usage of any fuel additives. Check what the long term goal of the vehicle is and then decide if these additives are necessary.