Modern diesel oil lacks the lubricity and cleaning agents necessary to help the engine operate smoothly under high-stress conditions. Top-shelf additives can prevent performance issues and address sluggishness, poor fuel economy and starting difficulties. Consider these three manufacturers to buy the best diesel oil additive for your truck.
1. Hot Shot’s Secret
Hot Shot’s Secret has been manufacturing high-performance lubricant solutions since 1997. The company’s famous Stiction Eliminator is the first of its kind. Introduced in 2004, it’s the best engine oil additive for dissolving sludge and varnish from burned oil and cleaning internal components to restore performance. This product features FR3 nanotechnology, making it the only diesel additive with carbon nanoparticles for wear reduction.
ASTM standards validate Stiction Eliminator’s performance, and hundreds of five-star ratings prove that it’s as good in real-world applications as in tests. You add it before or during a fresh oil change and safely leave it in during the entire life of the engine oil.
Key features:
- American-made
- Solvent-free cleaning agent
- Money-back guarantee
2. Archoil
Archoil has been incorporating the latest developments in nanoborate technology into engine oil treatments since 2010. AR9100 Friction Modifier, its primary additive, liquefies oil, carbon, varnish and sludge deposits within spool valves and forms a solid boundary lubricating film. Aside from protecting engines, gearboxes and hydraulic systems from accelerated wear, it also extends motor oil’s lifespan.
Friction activates AR9100, allowing this oil treatment to remedy stiction in just a small amount of drive time. It outperforms zinc-based additives under high-stress conditions. Medium- and heavy-duty trucks with hydraulic electronic unit injector systems benefit more from AR9100’s stiction elimination properties, making it one of the best oil additives for older diesel engines.
Key features:
- Multisystem application
- 100% active ingredients
- Satisfaction guarantee
3. Sea Foam
Sea Foam has been a proud maker of fuel and engine oil additives for high-mileage cars and trucks since 1942. Its iconic Sea Foam Motor Treatment is a versatile product you can add to your truck’s fuel and oil. This treatment discourages the formation of gum and varnish, removes detrimental residues from fuel injectors and carburetors, decongests fuel passageways, and cleans deposits that restrict engine lubrication and oil flow.
Sea Foam Motor Treatment quiets noisy lifters and timing chain tensioners. This product doesn’t affect engine oil viscosity and is safe for seals, gaskets and O-rings. Sea Foam partners with third-party retailers, helping you compare prices online and find the nearest source.
Key features:
- 100% petroleum-based formula
- DIY-friendly
- EPA-registered
Comparing Diesel Oil Additives and Manufacturers
Consider these factors when choosing the right diesel additive for your truck:
- Nature: Determine whether the product is for diesel fuel or diesel engine oil, as you generally shouldn’t use the same additive in both.
- Formulation: Understand what the additive’s composition does to alleviate the issues you hope to address.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the formula suits your vehicle’s specific diesel fuel, biodiesel blend or engine oil, and emission system to avoid unintended problems.
- Performance claims: Read the manufacturer’s description to determine if the product meets your needs.
- Third-party approval: Verify that the additive meets industry standards to lend credibility to the manufacturer’s claims.
- Reviews: Check what fleet managers, owner-operators and fellow truckers say about the product to know whether lab test results are consistent with real-world performance.
- Cost: Evaluate whether its perceived performance justifies its price tag, and look for deals.
- Guarantee: Learn what the manufacturer pledges if you’re unsatisfied with the additive’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to common questions about diesel oil additives.
What Is the Best Diesel Oil Additive?
Most recognize Stiction Eliminator from Hot Shot’s Secret as the best diesel oil additive. It’s the original stiction eliminator and continues to earn the trust of truckers with its consistent real-world performance, high ratings and money-back guarantee.
Archoil’s AR9100 and Sea Foam’s Sea Foam Motor Treatment are also solid options. These oil additives are the best for older engines and high-mileage cars and trucks, respectively.
How Do Diesel Additives Work?
Diesel additives are chemical compounds designed to increase performance, clean internal engine components, boost lubrication, reduce mechanical wear and/or mitigate the effects of seasonal weather. They enhance the inherent properties of fuel or motor oil, enabling the diesel engine to function more efficiently and last longer.
Is It Worth Putting Additives in Diesel?
Mixing plain diesel with additives is worthwhile to reduce long-term maintenance costs and prevent performance issues. These products are particularly helpful for diesel vehicles that have high mileage, operate in extreme climate conditions or run on low-quality fuel.
Buy the Best Engine Oil Additive on the Market
Hot Shot’s Secret, Archoil and Sea Foam have the best oil additives for diesel engines. Stiction Eliminator, AR9100 and Sea Foam Motor Treatment are excellent in their own right, so your truck should be in safe hands whichever you choose.
