If you’ve worked with diesel engines for long enough, you know that not all fuel additives are created equal.
I’ve tested more than I can count. Some improved mileage a bit. Others cleaned the injectors okay. But when winter hit or fuel sat too long in storage, most of them folded.
That’s why I started taking diesel additives seriously. I stopped looking at price and started paying attention to track record, long-term results, and cold-weather performance.
That’s how I landed on Howes Products.
They’ve been around for over a hundred years and, frankly, that kind of reputation doesn’t happen by accident. I’ve studied their product line, checked the specs, and seen how fleet managers and long-haul drivers rely on them year after year. In this article, I’m breaking down what makes their formulas worth it, and why you might want to skip the guesswork and just go with something proven.
Let’s get into it.
Diesel Storage? You Need Stability, Not Just Power
If you’re storing diesel for any length of time, whether it’s for backup generators or off-season equipment, stabilizing the fuel is critical.
Otherwise, water accumulation and oxidation will leave you with contaminated fuel that can damage injectors or even kill an engine on start-up.
The good news? Howes offers a Diesel Fuel Stabilizer that handles long-term storage exceptionally well. It keeps the fuel from breaking down and protects the internal components from corrosion and gunk buildup. I’ve seen reports of fuel sitting clean and stable even after two years.
And here’s what I like: there’s no alcohol or cheap solvents. That matters, especially if you’ve had fuel system seals fail due to harsh chemicals in other products.
Winter Fuel Gelling Is a Real Threat
If you’ve ever had a diesel truck shut down in freezing weather, you know how serious fuel gelling can be.
It’ll clog the fuel filter and prevent the engine from getting any diesel. Not ideal when you’re stuck on the side of the highway or trying to start heavy equipment in the snow.
Howes Diesel Treat is built specifically for this. It doesn’t just reduce the cold filter plugging point (CFPP). It also adds lubrication and cleans the injectors.
Most importantly, Howes was the first to introduce a Winter Tow Guarantee. If your truck gels while using Diesel Treat, they’ll cover the tow. That tells me they stand behind their product completely.
Cold Starts and Injector Cleaning
You might think anti-gel is the only thing to look for in cold weather. But low temperatures also mess with combustion and performance.
Hard starts, black smoke, and weak throttle response all become common.
That’s where Howes Meaner Power Kleaner comes in. It’s designed to break down injector deposits and restore proper spray patterns. This results in smoother starts, better throttle response, and improved MPG.
I’ve seen operators pair it with Diesel Treat during cold months and get both gelling protection and injector cleaning in one shot.
Fleet Use and Heavy-Duty Equipment
If you’re managing a fleet or dealing with off-road diesel equipment, performance issues cost money.
Downtime, repairs, and inefficient fuel usage all hit your bottom line.
I’ve found that companies using Howes Products tend to stick with them. Their Fuel Enhancer and Oil Enhancer are well-suited for high-mileage applications and extended idle periods. These formulas are tested across millions of miles and used by transportation companies, agriculture operations, and construction fleets.
The fact that they’re still family-owned and operating with the same focus on quality says a lot. It’s not about flashy branding or gimmicks. It’s about consistent performance.
Where to Buy and What to Expect
One thing I like about Howes is how easy it is to get their products.
You’ll find them online, obviously. But they’re also stocked at major retailers like AutoZone, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts, Walmart, Menards, and Tractor Supply. You’ll also see them at truck stops like Pilot, Love’s, and TA, which makes sense considering how popular they are among drivers.
And if you’re worried about trying a new product, they back everything with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You’re not left guessing.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of diesel additives on the shelf.
Some are budget-friendly. Some are heavily advertised.
But if you want something that actually works in extreme cold, holds up in storage, and keeps your engine running cleaner and stronger, Howes Products is the brand I’d recommend first.
Their track record, customer-first guarantees, and clean formulas give you exactly what you need without the risk.
