How often should I use diesel additive? (2023)

Can you use too much diesel additive?

You can easily add too much of a high-quality diesel fuel additive. What happens when you over-treat your diesel fuel? Overdosing can lead to a whole new list of fuel and engine issues from clogged filters to overall decreased engine performance and efficiency. If you're losing lubricity, don't over-treat.

How often should I use a fuel additive in my gas tank? For fuel injector cleaners, manufacturers recommend once every 3,000 miles. However, some brands may go up to 10,000 miles between fuel additives because you have a newer car or use high-quality gasoline.

When you balance the value of the benefits vs. the cost of the additive, the answer to the question is a resounding Yes. Diesel fuel additives are worth it for them. And if you're a consumer, luckily you have access to the same kind of commercial-grade diesel fuel additives that these businesses use.

Additives work to lower the number of crystals in diesel fuel and to lower fuel's pour point. You should use an additive any time temperatures reach or drop below 32 F, or if temperatures drop drastically. The lower the temperature, the more anti-gelling additive you should add to your fuel.

According to most refiners, diesel has an average shelf life of 12 months if stored at a temperature below 20°C (68°F). That may be realistic for underground storage tanks, but not for aboveground storage facilities. If temperatures reach above 30°C (86°F), shelf life is 6-12 months at best.

The longer you keep diesel around, the more likely it is to develop issues that will affect its own quality and the performance of the engines that its used in. Hence the need for additives like stability improvers to protect the fuel.

So the recommendation would be that, yes, it would be best if you used gas treatment in every tank. Not only will it clean the existing deposits and control any existing water in the fuel, it will also keep the engine clean as time goes on.

Deposits start to form after a vehicle has done as little as 1000 miles so we would recommend STP Diesel Injector Cleaner is used every 3000 miles.

Disadvantages of diesel fuel additives

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.

Do diesel additives clean injectors?

These fuel additives are available for petrol and diesel engines and promise a wide range of benefits, from keeping carburettors, injectors and intake valves clean, to removing water from the fuel system.

On older cars, fuel additives will likely improve your engine's performance because older vehicles tend to have more gunk that builds up in the fuel injectors. Additives can help clean out those deposits and prevent expensive car maintenance down the road.

The diesel fuel in your fuel tank will become like gel at a temperature of 15ºF or -9.5ºC and you will have trouble starting your engine. Anything below 15ºF / -9.5ºC can and will cause problems for your diesel vehicle.

The worst thing that could happen is you actually damage your engine. Certain chemicals are absolutely not to be introduced into your fuel tank or crankcase, as they can damage sensitive electronics. Some additives have been directly linked to catastrophic engine damage.

Additives are designed to work with specific quantities of fuel. For example, 16 ounces of additive may treat 30 gallons of diesel fuel. Over-treating a fuel system with too much additive can damage expensive fuel injectors and the injection pump.

What Happens If You Put Too Much Fuel Injector Cleaner? It is possible to give a car too much of a good thing and add too much fuel injector cleaner. If this happens, you can risk damaging the lining of the fuel tank. Also, you may notice that there is lowered engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Using a diesel fuel additive is as simple as pouring it into your tank (1 ounce of additive per every 10 gallons of diesel), and prices range from $8 to $25 for a 1-quart bottle.

The answer in most cases is no. This is because detergents, cetane improvers, dispersants, lubricants, etc., are designed to work with a specific amount of fuel. This ensures that any deposits are removed and dispersed in a controlled manner and aren't purged through the system too quickly.

But fuel additives — both commercial and homebrewed — are almost always a waste of money. With one notable exception (keep reading), these additives simply will not increase your car's mpg. If you really want better gas mileage, your best bet is to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle, and drive it frugally.

Do Fuel Additives Work? Maybe, but it depends on what you're trying to achieve with your fuel additive. They may prevent future car maintenance problems regarding your fuel injectors and buildup. However, fuel additives may not improve your vehicle's fuel economy right away after just one tank.

How quickly does fuel additive work?

Although fuel injector cleaner starts working as soon as you put it into your vehicle's tank, it takes time for the effects to become noticeable. You should begin seeing results within 100 - 300 miles after you use fuel injector cleaner.

Royal Purple recommends adding a bottle of the Max Atomizer Fuel Injector Cleaner to your gas tank every time you fill it up, but suggests using a bottle every 3,000 miles at the bare minimum.

From stalls to difficulty accelerating, you risk a lot of performance issues without a diesel injector cleaner. Instead of taking that chance, you can simply apply a diesel injector cleaner to address the buildup. An essential part of preventative maintenance, the quality of the cleaner dramatically impacts its value.

According to Afton Chemical's North American Marketing Manager, David Cleaver, there are three major causes of injector failure associated with the properties of the fuel itself: excess wear, abrasion, and deposits.