Best Diesel Additives to Clean Injectors and Improve Engine Performance
Keeping your diesel engine’s fuel injectors clean is essential for optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Diesel additives designed to clean injectors can help reduce deposits, boost cetane numbers, and protect vital engine components. Below is a summary table of the top diesel additives reviewed here, highlighting their key features and suitability.
| Product | Brand | Key Features | Treatment Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner | Archoil | Cleans injectors, turbo, DPF, EGR; restores performance; improves fuel economy | 1 bottle treats 40 gallons |
| Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost (64oz, 6 Pack) | Power Service | Cleans injectors; boosts cetane up to 6 points; suitable for all diesel fuels | 64 oz per bottle |
| Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme Clean and Boost (16 fl. oz.) | Hot Shot’s Secret | Thoroughly cleans fuel system; boosts cetane by up to 7 points; reduces DPF regenerations | 16 oz |
| Rislone DEF Crystal Clean™ Diesel DEF & SCR System Cleaner (11.8 oz) | Rislone | Prevents crystallization deposits; safe for SCR/DEF systems; suitable for short trips | 11.8 oz |
| Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (32oz) | Hot Shot’s Secret | Injector and fuel system cleaner; boosts cetane up to 7 points; enhances fuel economy | 32 oz |
Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner
Archoil AR6400-D rapidly cleans diesel injectors, turbos, and clogged diesel particulate filters (DPFs), as well as dirty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. This multi-action treatment restores engine performance and improves fuel economy while ensuring smoother idling. Each 12-ounce bottle treats up to 40 gallons of diesel fuel and is recommended for use every 5,000 miles. It is designed to provide a complete cleaning solution for various diesel engine components that tend to accumulate deposits over time. This additive is ideal for those who want to maintain their diesel engines efficiently and prevent costly repairs due to clogging and buildup.
Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost 64oz Bottle (6 Pack)
The Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost is designed to clean dirty fuel injectors and prevent injector sticking in both modern High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) systems and older diesel engines. This additive can boost cetane ratings by up to 6 points, improving combustion efficiency, resulting in smoother engine operation with less power lag and faster cold starts. It is effective in all diesel fuel types including ULSD, pure biodiesel, and blends. The 64-ounce bottle size supports extended use for regular maintenance, making it suitable for drivers seeking enhanced fuel economy and injector protection.
Hot Shot’s Secret P040416Z Diesel Extreme Clean and Boost
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme provides comprehensive cleaning by lubricating and safeguarding key engine components such as valves, pumps, pistons, and rings. It effectively removes internal (IDIDs) and external diesel injector deposits (EDIDs), along with stubborn varnishes and other buildups, ensuring smooth engine performance. Additionally, this treatment boosts cetane levels by up to 7 points which can increase engine power and improve fuel economy. It also helps reduce diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration frequency, fostering a smoother driving experience in diesel vehicles.
Rislone 4784 DEF Crystal Clean™ Diesel DEF & SCR Emissions System Cleaner
Rislone DEF Crystal Clean™ is formulated specifically for diesel vehicles that experience crystallization buildup in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems. This problem is common in vehicles driven with frequent stops, short trips, or low loads. Regular use every 5,000 miles helps prevent white crystallization deposits and maintains cleaner emissions systems. It’s safe for use in vehicles with DOC catalytic converters, DPF filters, SCR devices, and DEF/AdBlue systems without voiding manufacturer warranties. This additive supports emission control system longevity and reduced maintenance needs.
Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 32oz
The Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) is a versatile 6-in-1 additive that keeps diesel engines running smoothly and efficiently by cleaning internal and external injector deposits. It boosts cetane levels by up to 7 points, which can improve fuel economy and reduce maintenance costs. This additive also enhances fuel lubricity, protecting fuel system components such as pumps and injectors for increased engine longevity. Ideal for daily diesel engine maintenance, this treatment helps avoid poor acceleration and frequent mechanical issues.
Buying Guide for Diesel Additives to Clean Injectors
Choosing the right diesel injector cleaner additive requires consideration of several important factors to ensure compatibility and effectiveness:
Type of Diesel Engine and Fuel System
Modern engines with High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) systems may require specialized additives formulated to clean delicate injector components without damage. Older diesel engines might benefit from more robust detergents. Verify the additive is compatible with your engine type and fuel system.
Cleaning Capabilities
Look for additives that target both internal and external diesel injector deposits, as well as other system components such as turbochargers, DPFs, and EGRs. Choose formulas with proven abilities to reduce buildup and deposits that impair fuel atomization and combustion.
Cetane Boosting Effects
Higher cetane numbers generally improve combustion efficiency, acceleration, and starting performance. Many quality additives boost cetane by 6-7 points. This can translate directly into smoother running engines and better fuel economy.
Treatment Volume and Frequency
Consider how much fuel each bottle treats and how often the additive needs to be applied. For example, treatments designed for every 5,000 miles are convenient for regular maintenance schedules. Larger bottles treating higher gallons can offer better value but check dosage instructions carefully.
Emissions System Compatibility
If your diesel vehicle uses SCR, DPF, or DEF systems, select additives that explicitly state safety and efficacy in maintaining these emission controls. This helps avoid costly repairs and preserves compliance with environmental standards.
Fuel Types Supported
Some additives work effectively across all diesel fuel types, including ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), biodiesel, and biodiesel blends. Ensure compatibility, especially if you use alternative or blended fuels.
Brand Reputation and Warranty Safety
Picking reputable brands with proven performance histories helps ensure product quality. Check that usage does not void any new vehicle warranties, especially for additives claiming to clean post-combustion systems or emissions components.