Howes Diesel Treatment: Is It a Good Cleaning Agent?

Absolutely, let’s break down the benefits of Howes Diesel Treatment in simple terms:

Cleans Your Engine (Removes Deposits): It acts like a detergent for your engine. It helps remove carbon deposits and other build-ups that can occur inside your engine over time. This cleaning action helps your engine run more smoothly and efficiently.
Prevents Gelling (Lowers Pour Point): Diesel fuel can start to gel at temperatures as high as 32°F (0°C). This means it gets thick and sluggish, like honey in the fridge. It lowers the ‘pour point’ (the temperature at which diesel begins to gel) by up to 20°F (-6.7°C), which keeps the fuel flowing freely in cold weather.
Boosts Cetane (Improves Combustion Quality): Cetane is a measure of how easily diesel fuel ignites. Higher cetane numbers mean the fuel ignites more quickly. Howes Diesel Treatment can increase cetane levels, which helps your engine start easier and run smoother, especially in cold weather.
Increases Fuel Efficiency (More Miles per Gallon): By helping your engine run more efficiently and burning fuel more completely, It can improve your fuel economy. This means you might get more miles out of each gallon of diesel, saving money on fuel costs.
Reduces Emissions (Cleaner Exhaust): Cleaner combustion means fewer pollutants in your exhaust. So, not only is your engine healthier, but it’s also kinder to the environment.
Lubricates Injectors and Pumps (Protects Engine Parts): Diesel engines have parts like injectors and fuel pumps that need good lubrication to work properly. It adds lubrication, reducing wear and tear on these parts, which can save you money on repairs.
No Alcohol (Safe for Engine Components): Some fuel additives contain alcohol, which can be harsh on engine components. Howes Diesel Treatment is alcohol-free, making it safer for regular use in your engine.
Usage Ratio (Easy Measurement): The typical recommendation is to use one bottle of Howes for every 320 gallons (about 1211 liters) of diesel fuel. This makes it easy to measure out the right amount for your tank.

it is like a health supplement for your diesel engine. It cleans, protects, and improves performance, which can save you money and hassle in the long run.

Read related article: Can You Use 2 Bottles of Fuel Injector Cleaner?

How It Works

Like a Cleaning Agent for Your Engine: Imagine your engine as a kitchen that’s been used to cook a lot of meals. Over time, grease and grime build up. In your engine, this ‘grease’ is carbon deposits and other stuff that can make it run less efficiently. Howes Diesel Treatment acts like a powerful cleaning agent, scrubbing away these deposits. This means your engine runs smoother, just like cooking is easier in a clean kitchen.
Keeps Diesel from Turning into Jelly in the Cold: In winter, diesel fuel can start acting like jelly, getting thick and sluggish. This can make it hard for your engine to use the fuel, especially when starting. Howes Diesel Treatment keeps the diesel more like a liquid, even in cold weather, so your engine starts easily and runs better.
Gives Your Engine a Little Energy Boost: This treatment improves the quality of combustion in your engine. Combustion is just a fancy word for burning fuel to make power. Better combustion means your engine can make more power more easily, kind of like how you feel more energetic after a good meal versus a bad one.
Saves You Money on Fuel: Because the treatment makes your engine run more efficiently, you get more ‘oomph’ out of every drop of fuel. This means you can go further on the same amount of diesel, saving you money on fuel in the long run.
Keeps Engine Parts Healthy: Just like your joints need good lubrication to move smoothly, parts of your engine (like injectors and fuel pumps) need to be well-lubricated to work their best. This additive adds this lubrication, reducing wear and tear and potentially saving you money on repairs.
Environmentally Friendlier: Cleaner combustion means less smoke and nasty stuff coming out of your exhaust. This is better for the air we breathe and is a more environmentally friendly way to run your engine.
Easy to Use: You don’t need to be a mechanic to use this. Just pour it into your fuel tank according to the instructions, and it does its magic on its own.

How to Use Howes Diesel Treatment

Using Howes Diesel Treatment is quite straightforward and doesn’t require any special tools or mechanical skills. First, make sure your vehicle is on a level surface and the engine is cool.

Find your diesel fuel tank; this is where you’ll be adding the treatment. Before you start pumping fuel, shake the Howes Diesel Treatment bottle well to ensure the ingredients are well mixed. Then, pour the recommended amount of treatment directly into the fuel tank. The amount you’ll need depends on your tank size, but a general rule is to use one bottle for every 320 gallons of diesel fuel.

After you’ve added the treatment, fill your tank with diesel fuel as you normally would. This helps mix the treatment thoroughly with the fuel. It’s good to use the treatment regularly, especially during colder months to prevent fuel gelling.

For ongoing maintenance and optimal engine performance, adding the treatment with each fuel fill-up is recommended, but you can also use it every few fill-ups if you prefer. Just remember, regular use helps keep your engine clean and running efficiently.

Comparing With Other Diesel Treatments

When comparing Howes Diesel Treatment to other diesel treatments on the market, there are a few key aspects to consider:

Effectiveness in Cold Weather: One of the standout features of Howes is its ability to prevent diesel fuel from gelling in cold temperatures. While many diesel treatments offer anti-gelling properties, this brand is often praised for its reliability and effectiveness in extremely cold conditions, making it a go-to choice for drivers in colder climates.
Cleaning Capabilities: Like some other treatments, it includes detergents that clean fuel injectors and other engine components. However, users often note that Howes is particularly effective at reducing the build-up of carbon deposits and other gunk, which can lead to smoother engine performance and longer engine life.
Lubrication: It also stands out for its lubricating properties. While other products provide lubrication to protect engine parts, the brand is known for its high-quality lubricants that can significantly reduce wear and tear on fuel pumps and injectors, especially in newer engines with more stringent fuel system tolerances.
No Alcohol or Harmful Solvents: A key difference with Howes is that it’s alcohol-free. Some diesel treatments contain alcohol or other solvents that can be harsh on engine components and seals. Its alcohol-free formula is gentler on the engine and safer for long-term use.
Performance Enhancement: Most diesel treatments claim to improve engine performance, but Howes’s combination of cleaning power, lubrication, and cetane improvement can lead to noticeably smoother operation, better fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, which is not always the case with other treatments.
Versatility: It is suitable for all diesel engines, including those with modern, high-pressure common-rail systems. This versatility is not always matched by other treatments, which may be limited in the types of engines they can safely and effectively work with.
Cost-Effectiveness: While priced competitively, Howes often offers more value due to the concentration of its formula, meaning you use less of it per gallon of diesel compared to some other brands. This can lead to long-term savings.

While many diesel treatments share similar basic functions, Howes Diesel Treatment distinguishes itself with its superior cold-weather performance, effective cleaning and lubricating properties, safe alcohol-free composition, and overall cost-effectiveness, making it a well-rounded choice for a wide range of diesel engines.

Where to Buy and How Much Does It Cost

Howes Diesel Treatment is widely available and can be purchased from various outlets, making it quite accessible for most consumers. You can find it at auto parts stores, big-box retailers, and many truck stops across the country. It’s also available online through various e-commerce platforms, including the manufacturer’s own website, as well as other online retailers like Amazon. The convenience of online shopping means you can have it delivered right to your doorstep.

In terms of cost, the price of Howes Diesel Treatment can vary depending on the size of the bottle and where you’re buying it from. Generally, a typical bottle that treats up to 320 gallons of diesel fuel can range from around $10 to $20. This price range makes it a reasonably affordable option for most diesel vehicle owners.

It’s worth noting that prices can fluctuate based on location and the specific retailer. Additionally, some stores and websites might offer discounts or bulk deals, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan on using the treatment regularly.

Can You Use Too Much Howes Diesel Treatment?

Yes, using too much Howes Diesel Treatment, or any fuel additive, can potentially lead to issues. While Howes is designed to be safe for your engine, using it in excess of the recommended amounts can have unintended consequences. Here’s why sticking to the recommended dosage is important:

Balance in Fuel Properties: Fuel additives are formulated to work in specific ratios. Exceeding these ratios can alter the fuel’s properties, potentially affecting performance, fuel efficiency, or even causing damage to fuel system components.
Cost-Effectiveness: Using more additive than necessary can simply be a waste of money. You won’t necessarily gain additional benefits from using more than the recommended amount.
Risk of Clogging: Overuse of additives could lead to an increase in deposits or even clog fuel filters, especially if the fuel system is sensitive or already has existing issues.
Chemical Balance: The chemicals in Howes Diesel Treatment are balanced for optimal performance at the recommended levels. Too much of certain chemicals can be harsh on engine components and might lead to corrosion or wear.
Environmental Considerations: Excessive use of additives can potentially lead to more harmful emissions, which is counterproductive, especially if you’re using additives to help reduce your environmental impact.

In general, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using Howes Diesel Treatment. This ensures you get the maximum benefit without any negative side effects. If you’re unsure about the correct amount to use for your specific vehicle or situation, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional or refer to your vehicle’s manual.

Conclusion

Howes Diesel Treatment is a handy product for anyone with a diesel engine. It’s like giving your engine a boost, helping it to run smoother, start easier in cold weather, and even save you some cash on fuel in the long run.

Plus, it’s good for the health of your engine, keeping things clean and reducing wear and tear. You can easily find it at most auto stores or online, and it won’t break the bank. Whether you’re driving a big truck or just a diesel car, adding this treatment to your routine is a smart move for keeping your engine in top shape.