Common Diesel Fuel Additives and Their Benefits

Your Guide to Improved Performance and More

When it comes to fueling heavy-duty vehicles, it’s all about power. Gasoline just doesn’t deliver the torque that’s needed to handle all that hauling, pushing, and pulling power: Think dump trucks, farm equipment and construction vehicles, as well as those long-haul 18-wheelers. Those types of fleets require the power of diesel fuel. But power alone is not always enough. Just like gasoline, additives can help enhance performance, reduce emissions and prolong the life of engines.

The main categories of diesel fuel additives include cetane improvers (which has to do with ignition rates), lubricity enhancers, fuel stabilizers, detergents, antigel agents, and biocides. Each type offers unique benefits, making diesel fuel more efficient and engine-friendly, for both on-road and off-road diesel engines.

Benefits for On-Road Diesel Engines

• Enhanced Combustion Efficiency: Cetane improvers increase the cetane number of diesel fuel. The cetane number measures the fuel’s ignition delay—the time between fuel injection and combustion. Higher cetane numbers result in shorter ignition delays, leading to more efficient combustion. Improved combustion enhances engine performance, providing smoother acceleration and better fuel economy. For on-road vehicles, this means reduced fuel consumption and lower operating costs.
• Engine Protection: Modern diesel fuels, particularly ultra-low sulfur diesel, are better for the environment, but they tend to provide less lubrication. This can increase wear and tear on fuel injectors and other components. Lubricity additives improve the lubricating properties of the fuel, reducing friction and wear, and helping extend the life of engine components.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Detergents help prevent the build-up of deposits in the fuel injectors and combustion chamber. Clean injectors ensure proper fuel atomization, which is critical for efficient combustion. Regular use of detergent additives can reduce emissions and improve overall engine performance, and result in fewer maintenance issues.

Benefits for Off-Road Diesel Engines

• Cold Weather Performance: Antigel additives are particularly beneficial for off-road diesel engines operating in cold climates like ours. Low temperatures causes diesel fuel tends to gel, which results in fuel flow issues and starting problems. Antigel agents help prevent these issues and ensure reliable engine operation in cold conditions.
• Fuel Stability and Storage: Off-road diesel is often stored for extended periods, leading to fuel degradation. Fuel stabilizers prevent oxidation and the formation of sludge and varnish, ensuring that it remains usable over long storage periods. This is especially important for emergency generators, seasonal equipment, and other situations where you may not use off-road diesel immediately.
• Prevent Microbial Growth: Biocides prevent microbial growth in diesel fuel. Water contamination in diesel storage tanks can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi, causing fuel contamination and system clogging. Biocides eliminate these microorganisms, ensuring clean fuel and preventing costly downtime for off-road machinery.

Why Jack Corse

From agriculture to warehouses, and from construction to hospitality, businesses large and small throughout Lamoille, Franklin and Northern Chittenden counties trust Jack Corse for the commercial fuels they need to get the job done. That’s because they know we understand how having the gasoline and diesel fuel you need—when you need it—is critical to the success of your business. Our on-road and off-road fueling services are convenient and dependable for trucking, construction and farm equipment needs, saving you time and money.

We’re committed to delivering real value that goes beyond competitive prices. We provide easy ordering and on-time deliveries of regular E10 87 octane, and non-ethanol 97 octane as well as on- and off-road diesel so you can keep your focus on your business and your fleets on the road. Contact us to become a customer today.