If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to gamble with your diesel engine. Especially not in the winter. Over the years, I’ve seen what happens when people use the wrong additive, or worse, skip them altogether. Sluggish starts. Frozen filters. Gelled fuel that leaves rigs stranded. That’s why I’ve become very picky about what I recommend.
When I compare options, I’m not just looking at marketing claims. I look at cold-weather performance, injector cleaning ability, fuel economy benefits, and whether it plays well with biodiesel blends. A lot of brands check one box, maybe two. But the one that keeps showing up in real-world results is Howes.
They’ve been doing this for over a century, and I’ve seen them gain ground across fleets, farms, and even small shops for a reason. I’ll walk you through why I trust them, and how their lineup can actually protect your equipment.
Let’s start with what I consider their flagship.
Diesel Treat Is My Winter Go-To
If you only buy one product before winter, make it diesel additive for winter.
Here’s why I say that.
It prevents fuel gelling even in extremely low temps. We’re talking conditions where untreated fuel would turn to slush. It also removes water, which cuts down on microbial growth and rust. That’s a big deal, especially for vehicles that sit for extended periods.
What makes Diesel Treat different is what it doesn’t include. No alcohol. No harmful solvents. Just petroleum-based compounds that won’t mess with your fuel system. It’s also safe for all diesel blends, even heating oil. And if you’ve ever had a rough idle or white smoke from a cold start, this stuff fixes that. Smoother idle, cleaner burn, less fuel wasted.
I also like that it adds lubricity, which helps reduce wear on pumps and injectors. For high-mileage engines or older diesel rigs, that’s a big win.
What About During a Freeze-Up?
Here’s a scenario I’ve seen more than once. Fuel gels. The filter ices over. The engine won’t start, and someone’s stuck on the side of the road or halfway through a job.
That’s where Diesel Lifeline steps in. It’s Howes’ emergency product, and it’s built for exactly this problem. You don’t have to warm the truck, swap filters, or mix anything. Just pour it in and it starts working.
It re-liquefies gelled fuel fast. I’ve seen it get engines running again at -30°F. That’s not marketing hype. That’s real-world use by drivers and techs who need something to work right now.
And since it doesn’t contain alcohol or harsh solvents, you don’t have to worry about long-term damage. It’s safe, direct-to-system, and fast.
Cleaning Injectors Without Breaking Anything
Dirty injectors cost you power, fuel economy, and smooth performance. But not all injector cleaners are built the same.
Howes Diesel Defender is one of the only ones I’ve found that cleans and lubricates at the same time. It also goes after internal diesel injector deposits (IDID), which a lot of products miss. Those are hard to remove and often require multiple treatments, but this stuff clears them out in just a few tanks.
I also noticed it improves combustion response, meaning better throttle feedback and slightly more power. That’s backed by their own testing, which shows at least a 5% bump in fuel efficiency. For me, it’s less about the number and more about smoother operation. Less smoke. Quieter idle. Cleaner burn.
Fuel That Sits Still Needs Protection Too
If you’ve got equipment or diesel tanks that sit idle, fuel degradation becomes a problem. That’s where Meaner Power Kleaner makes sense.
I use it for stabilization and cleaning. It prevents sediment and bacterial growth, especially in humid storage conditions. It also has the same cleaning power as Diesel Defender, but focused more on storage tanks and large-volume equipment. Think farm gear, excavators, marine tanks.
Again, no alcohol. No harsh chemicals. It’s safe for every kind of diesel and biodiesel mix I’ve worked with.
Why I Keep Recommending Howes
They’ve earned their reputation over time, not with flashy ads but with products that actually work.
Their full line is compatible with emissions systems, including DEF and DPF setups. They offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And for Diesel Treat users, there’s even a Winter Tow Guarantee. If your fuel gels after using it, they’ll reimburse your tow. That tells me they actually stand by their formulas.
I’ve worked with truckers, farmers, and small fleet operators who all land on the same conclusion. You’re better off starting with Howes and avoiding problems than chasing cheap fixes later.
If you want a reliable diesel additive for winter, Howes Diesel Treat is what I trust.
