We Put Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Additives To The Test

Unless you have been living under a rock, you likely know that the team at Hot Shot’s Secret creates diesel additive formulas that increase the performance and life expectancy of engines. In doing so, they’re working to change the prevailing opinion of many diesel owners out there about diesel additives and oils. Yours truly has been on the wary side when it comes to diesel additives. But, now that I have tested several of these products, it’s clear that Hot Shot’s Secret is more than the ordinary additive manufacturer – they really want to help diesel truck owners.

Case in point, we have been testing their FR3 Friction Reducer, and EDT (Everyday Diesel Treatment) for more than a month in one of our trucks. The test mule is a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins. The job of this truck is to tow a trailer and race truck to events.

diesel additives

FR3 Friction Reducer

A major concern within any engine is friction. Friction produces excess wear on parts and heat. As internal parts move, the heat and friction work against the rotating assembly, resulting in a loss of horsepower and torque output. So, we wondered if a diesel additive would help curb this problem. According to Hot Shot’s Secret, FR3 does just that.

Per the recommendations, adding one treatment of FR3 to the oil per oil change will help the engine run cooler and have increased power and performance. In theory, the engine should run smoother and free up some of that much-needed performance.

By using FR3, we’re told we could potentially see up to a five-percent increase in fuel economy. With better fuel economy comes other benefits, including reduced operating oil temperatures, improved oil stability, reduced lifter and valve noise, and reduced engine wear. But what other diesel additive can help with mileage and engine longevity?

diesel additives

Diesel Additives: An Everyday Diesel Treatment

Like the oil, the fuel and fuel system also needs maintenance. Neglecting the fuel system and not keeping it clean and working efficiently can result in unwanted power loss and undo repairs. The Everyday Diesel Treatment is a one-stop shop for getting the most out of the fill-ups at the fueling station. One treatment of the EDT (per thankful) will potentially free up power and performance, as well as increase fuel economy.

EDT is recommended for all diesel engines because it is an ashless concentrate and has no negative effects on engine components. It also meets the regulations of low-sulfur-content requirements. EDT is meant to be an every-fill-up treatment. As you approach the fueling station, know that one ounce of EDT put into the tank will treat up to 25 gallons.

diesel additives

When you’re dosing your fuel system with this diesel additive, you’re going to want to know how much additive treats how much fuel. For a premium dose, one ounce will treat 25 gallons of diesel fuel. An entire 16-ounce bottle will therefore treat 400 gallons of fuel. For a performance-based application, you’re going to want to use a two-ounce dose.

EDT is also a Cetane improver consisting of special nitrates. These nitrates are pro-oxidants and will speed up the oxidative process of fuels during combustion, giving more power and improved mileage. Treating your fuel with this additive will also mitigate build-up, sludge, and corrosion.

The reason for the improved performance with EDT is that Cetane improves combustion. This happens in the cylinder during the ignition delay period and occurs between injection and ignition.

Power and fuel economy are increased as fuel burns more evenly and cleanly. When combustion is improved, emissions are reduced and noise levels are lowered. Controlling the pressure build-up allows a complete burning of the refractive molecules in the fuel. An incomplete burn steals power and produces deposits and wear.

Post Diesel Additive Testing

After pouring the Everyday Diesel Treatment into the truck, I soon noticed there was a slight dampening of the fuel system’s noise. I noticed the fuel components weren’t making nearly the noise or clatter they were before. When many diesel engines are running, you can hear injectors ticking. But with Everyday Diesel Treatment, the overall sound was substantially lowered.

I also noticed that my mileage on the overhead was reading higher than normal. Understanding that it wouldn’t be dead-on accurate, I anticipated testing for better mileage with this product. After multiple tanks of fuel, I averaged a 1.3 miles-per-gallon increase over using no diesel additive.

diesel additives

As for using the FR3, this was poured into the oil fill while the engine was running. The results were immediately noticeable. In fact, the formula nearly eliminated engine noise. I honestly thought something might be wrong with the truck because it had gotten so quiet.

Since this is a once-per-oil change treatment, I’ve only had to use the product this one time, but I can assure you that it will be used from here on out. The engine noticeably runs smoother and quieter, and the additional fuel mileage is more than welcomed. I averaged a 2.2 miles per gallon increase while using the combination of FR3 and EDT.  I can tell the truck makes more power than before.

After a month of testing with this combination of products, I’m pleased to announce they are a great addition to my routine. The truck has realized better drivability, smoother power, and an additional 3.5 miles per gallon. I would recommend these diesel additives to anyone considering the positive effects that they have brought.

For more information about all of Hot Shot’s Secret products, check out their website.

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About the author

Artie Maupin

Artie Maupin is from Southeast Missouri and has an extreme passion for anything diesel. He loves drag racing of all kinds, as well as sled pulling competitions.
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