What are the advantages and disadvantages of using diesel additives? Diesel fuel reacts to changes in temperature. During winter, diesel turns into a gel, and when this happens, it becomes tough to start your truck.
Using fuel additives is one of the best methods to start a diesel engine during the cold season. However, is diesel fuel additive good for your truck? Upon reading this guide, you will understand both the advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Using Diesel Additives
Offers Protection To The Engine
Diesel additives reduce the amount of water getting into the engine. Water is harmful, and when it becomes too much in your engine, it can erode the engine and reduce its performance.
Diesel additives also increase engine lubrication. Every engine requires lubrication to function effectively. Proper lubrication protects engine parts from wearing out and ensures that parts like fuel injectors and pumps function smoothly.
Removes Water
During winter, diesel fuel not only gels up but also forms water. Diesel fuel has water that freezes during winter. If this happens, the ice blocks the fuel system. Water having a higher freezing point is the main reason for diesel engine problems during winter. Fuel additives perform the role of capturing and removing water from diesel fuel during winter.
Lowers CFPP
CFPP is an abbreviation for cold filter plugging point. The lowest temperature diesel fuel can pass through your truck’s filtration system. CFPP value varies depending on the type of diesel fuel you use, and the time it has taken from refining.
Diesel has a natural paraffin wax. The concentration of paraffin wax may be higher in some diesel fuels. The paraffin wax solidifies when the temperature drops. Your diesel fuel becomes cloudy when the wax becomes solid.
During extreme winter conditions, the paraffin wax solidifies to the extent that your diesel starts to gel, which happens at -10° F and if your truck has stayed in the parking lot for long.
When diesel solidifies, it clogs the fuel system, making it difficult for fuel to flow effectively. In this situation, it is the fuel additives that lower the CFPP. Therefore, your fuel will not gel when the temperature goes negative.
Disadvantages of Using Diesel Fuel Additives
May Contain Harmful Chemicals
Some additives are made of alcohol, and alcohol damages sensitive engine parts when they come into contact. Such parts are the seals and O-rings.
On the other hand, some additives do not conform to EPA regulations.
They Are Many In the Market
Various diesel additives in the market vary in quality, and some may not have anti-freezing capabilities. Therefore, it is not easy to determine the best diesel additive for your engine.
Conclusion
Diesel fuel is prone to solidifying during winter weather. It has a natural paraffin wax that reacts to low temperatures. When this happens, diesel fuel clogs the fuel system of your truck. Diesel fuel additive ensures that your diesel does not solidify due to cold. It also helps in the removal of water that can damage your engine.
Diesel additives have invaded the market and vary in quality, and some do not adhere to EPA regulations. Before buying one, seek advice from the experts.