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04/11/25

7 Signs You Need a Diesel Lubricity Additive

By Rich Guida

Diesel fuel plays a crucial role in keeping your engine running smoothly, but not all diesel is created equal. Modern refining processes, especially those used to create ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), strip away much of the natural lubricity that older diesel fuels provided. This can cause serious wear and tear on your fuel system components.   

Using a high-quality diesel lubricity additive can protect your engine and improve fuel economy. Here are seven signs that indicate it's time to add a diesel fuel lubricity additive to your routine.

1. Your Engine Feels Sluggish

If your diesel-powered vehicle or equipment lacks power and acceleration, it could be due to poor fuel lubricity. A lubricity additive for diesel fuel helps reduce friction in your fuel system, allowing for smoother performance and improved diesel efficiency.

Diesel Fuel Injection Pump

2. Increased Wear on Fuel System Components

When diesel fuel lacks proper lubricity, it causes excessive wear on critical parts like pumps and injectors. Over time, this wear leads to performance issues and costly repairs. The best diesel fuel lubricity additive can extend the life of these components and keep your engine running at peak performance.

3. Noisy or Failing Injection System

A properly functioning injection system should operate smoothly and quietly. If you start hearing loud knocking or ticking noises, your injectors may be struggling due to poor fuel lubrication. Diesel fuel additives designed to improve lubricity can help restore normal function and reduce noise.

4. Poor Fuel Economy

If you've noticed a drop in your miles per gallon, your diesel fuel may not be providing the protection and performance your engine needs. Lubricity additives help improve fuel economy by reducing friction and enhancing combustion efficiency, allowing your diesel to burn more effectively. 

A fuel tank with a diesel pump refueling.

5. Hard Cold Starts and Fuel Gelling

Cold weather can make it difficult for diesel engines to start, especially if your fuel lacks an anti-gel component. The best diesel fuel anti-gels also include lubricity additives. Anti-gel properties prevent fuel from thickening in low temperatures, and added lubricity keeps the system running smoothly, even in the cold. If you're experiencing hard starts in winter, a lubricity additive with anti-gel protection can help.

6. Premature Wear Scar on Engine Parts

Wear scars occur when metal surfaces in your engine suffer from increased friction due to a lack of lubrication. If your vehicle undergoes frequent maintenance for worn-out parts, a diesel fuel lubricity additive can provide the extra protection needed to reduce wear scar formation.

7. You Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)

ULSD is required for modern diesel engines but lacks the natural lubricants found in older diesel formulations. This means using a lubricity additive for diesel fuel is more important than ever. Adding a high-quality product like Howes Products' Diesel Treat or Diesel Defender ensures your engine gets the protection it needs.

Choosing the Best Diesel Lubricity Additive

Infographic with icons depicting lubricity additive benefits.

With so many options on the market, finding the best diesel fuel additive for lubricity can be overwhelming. Look for products that:

  • Reduce wear on pumps and injectors
  • Improve fuel economy
  • Support the entire injection system
  • Contain high-quality lubricity additives
  • Do not contain harmful alcohol

Be sure to choose a product that fits your needs. For example, if you are searching for a product in the winter months, make sure the anti-gel additive you are using to prevent fuel gelling also contains added lubricity. 

Protect Your Engine with Howes Products

Like diesel fuel itself, not all diesel fuel additives are created equal. If you're looking for the best diesel lubricity additive, check out Howes Products' lineup. Their Diesel Treat and Diesel Defender are specially formulated to improve diesel performance, reduce wear, and enhance fuel efficiency. Don't let poor diesel fuel quality damage your engine - protect it with the best diesel fuel lubricity additives today. Team up with Howes and visit Howes Products to find the right diesel additive to fit your needs!

A bottle of Howes Diesel Defender and a bottle of Howes Diesel Treat each sitting in front of their cases.

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