Best Diesel Additives to Clean Injectors and Boost Engine Performance
Keeping your diesel engine’s injectors clean is essential for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Diesel additives that clean injectors help remove deposits, prevent clogging, and improve combustion, resulting in smoother operation and reduced emissions. Below is a summary of some top-rated diesel injector cleaning additives available on Amazon, followed by detailed reviews to help you choose the best option for your vehicle.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner | Archoil | Cleans injectors, turbo, DPF & EGR; restores performance; improves fuel economy |
| Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost | Power Service | Cleans injectors; boosts cetane; effective in biodiesel blends |
| Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme Clean and Boost | Hot Shot’s Secret | Thoroughly cleans fuel system; boosts cetane up to 7 points; reduces DPF regenerations |
| Rislone DEF Crystal Clean Diesel DEF & SCR Cleaner | Rislone | Prevents SCR crystallization; safe for DPF, DOC, SCR systems; for low load/stop conditions |
| Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 6-in-1 | Hot Shot’s Secret | Injector cleaner; boosts cetane; fuel economy enhancer; protects fuel system components |
Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner
Archoil AR6400-D is designed to rapidly clean diesel injectors, turbochargers, diesel particulate filters (DPFs), and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. This multifunctional additive helps restore engine performance, improves fuel economy, and results in smoother idling. Its concentrated formula enables one 12 oz bottle to treat 40 gallons of diesel fuel, recommended every 5,000 miles for consistent results.
This additive is an excellent choice for restoring engine efficiency and maintaining clean combustion systems, especially in modern diesel vehicles with complex emission control components.
Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost
The Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost comes in a 64oz bottle and is designed to clean dirty injectors and prevent injector sticking in both modern High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) systems and older diesel engines. It effectively boosts cetane up to 6 points, leading to smoother engine running with less power lag and improved cold starts.
It is compatible with all diesel fuels including ULSD, biodiesel, and biodiesel blends, making it a versatile choice for diverse diesel engine needs. This additive also enhances combustion efficiency, contributing to better fuel economy.
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme Clean and Boost
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme focuses on thoroughly cleaning, lubricating, and protecting all components of the diesel engine and fuel system including valves, pumps, rings, pistons, and upper cylinders. It removes internal and external diesel injector deposits and stubborn varnish that can affect engine performance.
This additive increases cetane by up to 7 points, improving combustion efficiency, fuel economy, and engine power. Additionally, it helps reduce the frequency of DPF regenerations, providing a smoother driving experience in diesel vehicles equipped with particulate filters.
Rislone DEF Crystal Clean Diesel DEF & SCR Cleaner
Rislone DEF Crystal Clean is specialized for diesel vehicles that often operate under low loads, slow speeds, short trips, or frequent stops. These conditions can lead to crystallization deposits in the SCR system which this cleaner helps dissolve and prevent.
The product is safe for diesel emission control systems like Diesel Oxidation Catalytic Converters (DOC), DPFs, SCR devices, and ammonia slip catalysts. Regular use every 5,000 miles maintains system cleanliness and does not void new vehicle warranties.
Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 6-in-1
Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment is a 6-in-1 formula designed for daily diesel engine maintenance. It cleans both internal and external injector deposits, boosts cetane by up to 7 points, and enhances fuel economy alongside improving engine longevity.
By enhancing fuel lubricity, it safeguards critical fuel system components like pumps and injectors from wear. Regular use can help reduce poor acceleration and decrease visits for injector maintenance, supporting reliable engine performance.
Buying Guide for Diesel Additives to Clean Injectors
When selecting the best diesel additive to clean injectors, consider these key factors to make an informed choice:
1. Cleaning Effectiveness
The additive should effectively remove both internal and external diesel injector deposits as these deposits can impact spray patterns and combustion efficiency. Look for products tested for cleaning modern common rail injectors as well as older systems.
2. Cetane Boosting Capability
A high cetane rating improves diesel combustion, leading to smoother engine operation, improved cold starts, and better fuel economy. Some additives provide cetane boosts up to 7 points, which can be beneficial for overall performance.
3. Compatibility with Diesel Fuels and Emission Systems
Ensure the additive is safe for use with all diesel fuel types you use, including ULSD and biodiesel blends. It should also be compatible with emission control systems such as DPF, DOC, and SCR to avoid damage or warranty issues.
4. Frequency and Concentration
Consider how often the additive needs to be used (e.g., every 5,000 miles) and the concentration requirement (amount per gallons of fuel). Frequent use products may offer better ongoing protection for your engine and emissions system.
5. Additional Benefits
Some additives offer additional features like turbocharger cleaning, improved fuel lubricity, or reduced DPF regeneration frequency, contributing to longer component life and fewer maintenance expenses.
6. Brand Reliability and Reviews
Choose reputable brands with positive customer feedback and consistent product formulation. Established brands often have rigorous quality control and customer support.