I get asked quite often about my take on using diesel fuel additives, be it for fuel or oil. And I must admit, early on, it took me a while to really get comfortable with the idea that they did any good. So, many years ago, I did my research so I could draw a few educated conclusions and decide whether I needed to utilize any additive products.

That said, I currently use Hot Shot’s Secret products in my truck. Mainly, I add Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) at each fill-up. But what benefits am I getting and am I doing enough? I am told that adding EDT at each fill up delivers a concentrated level of cetane booster which will increase power and improve fuel economy. EDT also cleans fuel injectors, which aids in maintaining fuel efficiency (better mileage) and proper injector spray patterns. So it does offer several benefits.

EDT is infused with Hot Shot’s LX4 Lubricity Extreme to improve diesel fuel lubricity by up to 26 percent (verified by third-party testing). EDT also combats moisture via water dispersants, rust and corrosion inhibitors, and it contains a fuel stabilizer.

I have been using EDT for several years and I can honestly say that I have noticed an improvement in fuel mileage and decreased regeneration cycles over not using it. Fortunately, I have not had to disassemble any parts of my fuel system for repairs, so unfortunately, I cannot say I have physically seen whether my injectors and other fuel delivery parts are clean and in better shape than when not using it. Maybe that in itself answers the question of, “does it work?”.

That said, I noticed that Hot Shot’s Secret has other diesel fuel additives available, but why would I need to utilize them if EDT is working? Take for instance Diesel Extreme. I am all for doing whatever I can to take care of my truck, but if EDT is working for me, why would I also need Diesel Extreme? I reached out to Josh Steinmetz of Hot Shot’s Secret to find out why and if I needed to also use this product.

“Using Diesel Extreme after consistent use of EDT is for long-term Internal Diesel Injector Deposit (IDID) removal and moisture accumulation caused by varying fuel quality. While EDT does exceed the “keep clean” requirements for the DW-10 coking test, in a long-term, real-world application, the peace of mind of occasionally using diesel extreme to ensure all deposits and moisture have been removed is worth the minor cost every 6,000 miles for a Diesel Extreme treatment. You use mouthwash, floss, and brush your teeth, but you still need to go to the dentist every once in a while, Diesel Extreme is the dentist.

Josh says that Diesel Extreme will remove and prevent IDIDs and other forms of varnish that cause scaring and wear, which leads to premature failure of fuel system components, including fuel pumps and injectors.” While this all sounds well and good, how do I verify that?

“At Hot Shot’s Secret, we never hide behind the data,” said Josh. “We post testing information on our website that includes ASTM tests, white papers, and case studies. Anyone can see the result given to us from third-party labs.”

With the air cleared for my personal knowledge, I figured you guys might benefit from knowing this stuff as well so you can draw an honest conclusion.