Diesel engine cleaners are still a mainstay of the car care routine of diesel owners despite diesel cars being in decline across the UK, but they still remain a solid choice if you’re regularly doing long journeys. Not much can come close to diesel in terms of motorway fuel efficiency, and there are still plenty of diesel vehicles available, both new and used.
One issue that plagues diesel, however, is the build-up of carbon deposits over time. It’s a perfectly natural occurrence and shouldn’t do lasting damage, but affects your engine’s efficiency.
Diesel cars lose power, emit more harmful emissions and use more fuel if these deposits go unchecked. A number of engine components are affected; injectors, turbos and emissions equipment can all contribute to issues caused by carbon deposits. There are a number of ways to solve this, including the ever-so-popular diesel injector cleaners. But there are also far more comprehensive products than those out there.
The best diesel engine cleaners at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Cataclean Diesel DPF and Catalytic Converter Cleaner – buy from Amazon.
Best multi-purpose cleaner: STP 5-in-1 Fuel System Cleaner – buy from Amazon.
Best for EGR valves: Wynn’s EGR Cleaner – buy from Amazon.
Thankfully, there’s a simple solution. A diesel engine cleaner will remove these deposits and allow you to enjoy the full potency of your diesel car. The best part is that the majority of them are fuel additives, meaning you just bung it in your fuel tank (with regular diesel) and simply drive around as normal to clean your engine out. Join Parkers as we guide you through the best diesel engine cleaners currently for sale. And if you don’t own a diesel vehicle, then don’t worry – petrol engine cleaners are available too.
The best diesel engine cleaner
Editor's choice
Rrp: £17.49
Rrp: £17.49
Pros
- Reduce emissions
- Increase fuel economy
Cons
- Difficult to notice improvements in performance
Best multi-purpose cleaner
Rrp: £18.99
Rrp: £18.99
Pros
- Great for removing deposits
- Improves engine power
Cons
- MPG boost is debatable
Best diesel turbo cleaner
Pros
- Helps restore performance
- Saves turbochargers from expensive repairs
Cons
- Only works with turbo diesel engines
Best diesel cleaner for injectors
Rrp: £18.48
Rrp: £18.48
Pros
- Formulated to help with cold conditions
Cons
- Won't help anywhere else
Best diesel engine cleaner for EGR systems
Pros
- Reduces harmful emissions
- Avoid hefty EGR repair bills
Cons
- Will not help performance
Best particulate filter cleaner
Rrp: £12.49
Rrp: £12.49
Pros
- Reduces soot emissions
- Avoid DPF maintenance costs
Cons
- Doesn't target other areas of the engine
Best value diesel engine cleaner
Because Redex insist you apply it to every tank, it's best used continuously for notable effects.
Pros
- Great value
- Very effective engine and injector cleaner
Cons
- Has to be used continuously to have effect
Best diesel engine cleaner for high milers
Rrp: £6.49
Rrp: £6.49
Pros
- Perfect for cars with over 75,000 miles on the odometer
- General engine care
Cons
- No use on lower mileage cars
When should I use a diesel engine cleaner?
Diesel engine cleaners, also known as diesel fuel additives or injector cleaners, can be used to improve the performance and efficiency of diesel engines and to help them last longer. Periodically adding a diesel engine cleaner to your fuel tank should be part of your routine maintenance and can help prevent carbon build up in the injectors and keep the engine running smoothly.
Other times to use a diesel engine cleaner include:
Fuel System Issues: If you’re experiencing symptoms like rough idling, poor fuel efficiency, excessive smoke, or reduced power, it may indicate issues with the fuel system, such as clogged injectors or a dirty fuel filter. In such cases, a diesel engine cleaner can help clean the injectors.
Cold Weather: In cold climates, diesel fuel can gel and cause problems in the fuel system. Some diesel additives include anti-gel properties to prevent fuel from gelling at low temperatures.
Biofuel Blends: If you’re using biodiesel or other biofuel blends, a diesel engine cleaner can help mitigate issues related to water and microbial growth in the fuel system.
Emissions Testing: A diesel engine cleaner can help reduce harmful emissions and improve the chances of passing MOT emission tests.
Fuel Economy: If you’re looking to improve fuel efficiency, some additives claim to enhance combustion and increase miles per gallon (MPG).
Older Engines: Older diesel engines may benefit from engine cleaners to remove carbon deposits and improve overall performance.
When using a diesel engine cleaner, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific product you choose. Different products have different formulations and purposes, so be sure to read the instructions and dosage recommendations on the product label. Additionally, be aware that not all engine cleaners are created equal, so it’s important to choose a reputable product from a trusted manufacturer.
Keep in mind that regular maintenance, including changing fuel filters and using high-quality fuel, is also crucial for keeping your diesel engine running smoothly.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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