If you’re a diesel vehicle owner, especially in colder climates, you know the challenges that come with maintaining your engine’s performance during harsh weather conditions.
That’s where Howes Diesel Treatment steps in as a reliable solution. Let me walk you through my experience with this product and why I think it’s worth considering for your diesel maintenance needs.
My Experience With Howes Diesel Treatment
Using Howes Diesel Treatment has been a game-changer for me, especially living in the Northeast where winters can be particularly brutal.
The first time I used it was during an unexpected cold snap.
Temperatures dropped into the single digits overnight, and I was worried about my truck starting in the morning.
I added Howes Diesel Treatment to my fuel tank as a precaution, and to my relief, the engine started without a hitch.
There was no gelling of the fuel, and my truck ran smoothly, even in the extreme cold.
Over the years, I’ve continued to use Howes with every fill-up during the winter months, and I’ve never faced any issues with fuel gelling or engine performance.
It’s not just my truck that benefits; I also use it in all my other diesel equipment, from my tractor to my backup generator.
Each piece of equipment has consistently performed well, regardless of the cold weather, thanks to Howes.
What I appreciate most is the peace of mind it gives me.
Knowing that my fuel system is protected from gelling, lubricated properly, and free from deposits makes a significant difference in how I approach maintenance.
There have been no costly repairs, no downtime due to engine issues, and overall, my vehicles and equipment seem to run more efficiently.
The ease of use is another big plus – just add the specified amount to the fuel tank, and you’re good to go.
It’s that simple.
Pros of Howes Diesel Treatment
- Prevents Fuel Gelling
Living in an area with harsh winters, preventing fuel from gelling is a top priority. Howes Diesel Treatment excels in this regard. I remember a particularly cold winter where temperatures plummeted to -15°F.
I had no issues with my diesel fuel gelling, and my engine started without any problems. This anti-gel property is a lifesaver, especially for those of us who can’t afford downtime due to fuel issues.
- Adds Lubricity
Modern diesel fuels, especially Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), lack the necessary lubricity to protect engine components effectively. Howes Diesel Treatment addresses this by adding the needed lubricity, which protects injectors, pumps, and upper cylinders.
Over the years, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in wear and tear on my engine parts, which I attribute to the added lubricity from Howes. This not only extends the life of my engine but also enhances its overall performance.
- Prevents Deposits
Diesel injectors are prone to carbon deposits, which can lead to a loss of power and efficiency. The specialized detergent in Howes Diesel Treatment helps prevent these deposits.
Since using Howes, I’ve seen a marked improvement in my engine’s performance and fuel economy. The engine runs smoother, and there’s a noticeable boost in power. It’s like giving your engine a clean bill of health every time you add Howes to your fuel.
- Removes Water
Water in the fuel system can cause serious issues, including fuel filter icing and corrosion.
Many treatments emulsify water, mixing it into the fuel, which can be harmful.
Howes Diesel Treatment, on the other hand, demulsifies water, safely removing it from the fuel without using harmful alcohols or solvents.
This feature has saved me from potential fuel system damage and ensures that my engine runs cleaner and more efficiently.
I’ve had no issues with water in my fuel system since switching to Howes.
Cons of Howes Diesel Treatment
- Packaging Issues: Some users have reported leakage from the cap during shipping, which can be messy. It’s more of a packaging issue than a product flaw.
- Limited Availability in Stores: Depending on where you live, it might be hard to find Howes Diesel Treatment in local stores, making online purchase necessary.
Maintenance Tips With Howes Diesel Treatment
Maintaining your diesel engine with Howes Diesel Treatment is straightforward. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:
- Regular Use: Add Howes Diesel Treatment to your fuel tank with every fill-up, especially during colder months. This consistency ensures that your fuel system remains protected against gelling and other issues.
- Proper Mixing: When adding the treatment, make sure it mixes well with the diesel fuel. Adding it before fueling up can help achieve this.
- Dosage: Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the bottle. Typically, it’s about 1 ounce of Howes per 5 gallons of diesel fuel.
- Storage: Store the bottle in a cool, dry place to prevent any degradation of the product.
Comparison With Other Brands
To give you a clearer picture of Howes Diesel Treatment’s performance, let’s compare it briefly with some other popular diesel treatments on the market:
Howes Diesel Treatment Vs. Stanadyne Performance Formula
- Anti-Gel Protection: Both Howes and Stanadyne offer excellent anti-gel protection. However, Howes is known for its effectiveness in extremely cold temperatures, preventing gelling down to -20°F, while Stanadyne is also reliable but comes at a higher price point.
- Lubricity Addition: Both brands add lubricity to the diesel fuel, which is crucial for protecting engine components. Howes, however, tends to be more affordable, offering similar benefits at a lower cost.
- Deposit Prevention: Howes includes a specialized detergent to prevent injector deposits, whereas Stanadyne also has strong detergent properties. Both are effective, but Howes provides a slight edge in overall fuel system cleanliness.
- Water Removal: Both products demulsify water, safely removing it from the fuel. This feature is essential for preventing fuel filter icing and corrosion.
Howes Diesel Treatment Vs. Power Service Diesel Kleen
- Anti-Gel Protection: Howes is known for its superior anti-gel properties, especially in very cold weather. Power Service Diesel Kleen is also effective but may not perform as well in extreme temperatures.
- Lubricity Addition: Both Howes and Power Service Diesel Kleen add lubricity to diesel fuel. However, Howes has a strong reputation for enhancing fuel system longevity due to its comprehensive lubricity formula.
- Deposit Prevention: Howes excels in preventing injector deposits with its specialized detergent package. Power Service Diesel Kleen focuses more on boosting cetane levels and cleaning injectors but might not be as robust in preventing deposits.
- Water Removal: Howes demulsifies water, whereas Power Service Diesel Kleen also removes water but may not be as effective in doing so without using alcohols or solvents.
Howes Diesel Treatment Vs. Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean
- Anti-Gel Protection: Howes offers reliable anti-gel protection, which is crucial for cold climates. Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean does not specifically focus on anti-gel properties but rather on overall fuel system cleaning.
- Lubricity Addition: Both Howes and Lucas Oil add lubricity to the fuel. Howes is particularly noted for its effectiveness in ULSD fuels, ensuring long-term engine protection.
- Deposit Prevention: Howes is designed to prevent deposits, keeping injectors clean and improving performance. Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean also works on cleaning the fuel system but is more focused on deep cleaning rather than ongoing deposit prevention.
- Water Removal: Howes Diesel Treatment demulsifies water, ensuring it is safely removed from the fuel. Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean addresses water in the fuel system but may not be as specialized in water removal as Howes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Over-treating your diesel with Howes Diesel Treatment is not recommended. While it’s formulated to be safe, excessive amounts can lead to unnecessary expenses without additional benefits. Stick to the recommended dosage for optimal results.
Howes Diesel Treatment is effective in preventing fuel gelling down to -20°F. For extremely cold conditions, you might want to use it in combination with Howes Meaner Power Kleaner, which provides added protection down to -40°F.
The best fuel treatment for a diesel depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that prevents gelling, adds lubricity, prevents deposits, and removes water, Howes Diesel Treatment is an excellent choice. However, for performance enhancement or specific issues, other treatments might be more suitable.
The recommended amount is typically 1 ounce of Howes Diesel Treatment per 5 gallons of diesel fuel. For extremely cold conditions, you can increase the dosage to 2 ounces per 5 gallons.
Conclusion: Why Howes Diesel Treatment Is A Must-Have?
In my experience, Howes Diesel Treatment stands out as a reliable and effective solution for diesel engine maintenance, especially in cold climates.
Its anti-gel properties, added lubricity, deposit prevention, and water removal capabilities make it a comprehensive choice for anyone looking to protect their diesel engine.
By following the proper maintenance tips and using the correct dosage, you can ensure your engine runs smoothly all year round. So, if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving Howes Diesel Treatment a shot.
You won’t be disappointed!
