I’ve spent years working with engines and fuel systems, and I’ve seen the difference the right additive can make. Not all products are built the same. Some leave behind deposits, others fail to protect against gelling, and a few barely move the needle on performance. I’ve researched, compared, and tested enough options to know what works and what doesn’t. In this article, I’ll break down where you should focus and why Howes stands out as a reliable choice.
The First Additive You Should Know
If you’re serious about keeping your diesel system clean, you can’t ignore Howes Diesel Defender. It’s one of the most effective injector cleaners available, with a detergent blend designed to remove and prevent internal diesel injector deposits. A cleaner injector means better combustion, smoother performance, and lower emissions. Plus, it adds crucial lubricity, which protects against premature wear. I recommend it because it covers two of the most common diesel problems at once: dirty injectors and poor lubrication.
Why Stabilizers Matter More Than You Think
A lot of people underestimate the value of a proper diesel fuel stabilizer. If you store fuel for any period of time, you run the risk of contamination, microbial growth, or sediment. That’s where products like Howes Meaner Power Kleaner come into play. It stabilizes fuel for long-term storage, adds lubricity, and keeps water from causing corrosion. I’ve seen stored fuel go bad in less than a year without the right stabilizer, and the repair costs far outweigh the small investment in a product like this.
Handling Winter Conditions Without the Headache
Winter is where diesel owners face the most problems. Gelled diesel can leave you stranded in the cold, and if your filters freeze, you’re not going anywhere. Howes Diesel Treat is a proven anti-gel that prevents those issues in the first place. It doesn’t use alcohol or harsh solvents, which makes it safe for modern engines and emissions systems. And if you’re caught in an emergency with fuel already gelled, Diesel Lifeline is designed to reliquefy fuel and de-ice frozen filters fast. I’ve seen fleets avoid costly downtime by keeping both of these on hand.
Why Multi-Purpose Products Still Have a Place
Even though diesel-specific additives get most of the spotlight, a penetrating oil or multi-purpose lubricant is still essential in your toolkit. Howes Multi-Purpose has been around for decades because it works across so many applications, from freeing up rusted bolts to protecting electrical connections. I keep a can nearby because it covers the little problems that can slow down your workday.
What Sets Howes Apart from Others
Here’s what makes me recommend Howes over other brands. First, their products are free from alcohol and harmful solvents, which protects your engine components long term. Second, they offer money-back guarantees and even a Winter Tow Guarantee on Diesel Treat. That tells me they stand behind their products. Finally, their formulas consistently deliver better results, whether that’s increased fuel economy, smoother combustion, or emergency reliability. When a company has been trusted for over a century by truckers, farmers, and fleets, you know there’s a reason.
The Bottom Line
If you’re running diesel engines, you need the right additives. Without them, you risk dirty injectors, poor fuel storage, gelled fuel in winter, and unnecessary wear. Howes has built a product line that covers all of these areas, and I recommend them because I’ve seen the difference in performance and reliability. Whether it’s Diesel Defender cleaning your injectors, Diesel Treat preventing gelling, or Meaner Power Kleaner keeping stored fuel fresh, you’re getting proven solutions that keep your engines running stronger for longer.
When you put the right additive in your tank, you’re not just avoiding problems, you’re extending the life of your equipment. That’s a move worth making.
