Using Fuel Additives On All-Year Basis

Quantifying the benefits of using fuel additives on an all-year basis can be difficult. Direct benefits such as using a CFI instead of blending No. 1 diesel for winter operation can be calculated. Other benefits may be perceived by the end user, quantified by maintaining accurate maintenance records, and/or conducting TMC/SAE type fuel economy tests.

Detergents Deposit Control Additives (detergents)  Detergents will remove combustion and injector deposits and restore the "like new" condition of the engine. The engine will operate more efficiently and provide increased durability, less downtime (reduced maintenance costs), and improved operation.

Lubricity Additives 

Lubricity additives can prolong the life of critical wear parts in the fuel system. Approved testing has demonstrated that using a lubricity additive can improve component life and possibly reduce down time and maintenance costs.

Stability Improvers 

Stability improvers can prevent diesel fuel from degrading and can eliminate gum deposits that form in the fuel filter and on engine components. Gum deposits will reduce engine performance resulting in decreased fuel economy, increased exhaust emissions and smoke, driver dissatisfaction, and increased maintenance costs.

Cold Flow Improvers 

CFIs may reduce or help eliminate the use of No.1 diesel for winter operability. Blending No.1 diesel may increase fuel costs and decrease engine power, fuel lubricity and fuel economy.

Deicers 

Deicers reduce fuel filter plugging due to ice by depressing the freezing point of the remaining water in the fuel. Icing usually occurs in the range of 0-30°F. Below 0°F without a deicer, the ice may sheet out on vehicle fuel tank bottoms. Upon reheating, it can melt and go into the fuel at a fairly high concentration. Fuels conditioned with a deicer will avoid this seasonal problem.