10 Best Diesel Injector Cleaners Of 2022

If you’re not using a diesel injector cleaner, it’s time to change that. A diesel injector cleaner will prolong the life expectancy of your most costly components, while also delivering better fuel economy and engine performance.

But since you can’t see what’s going on underneath the hood, it’s imperative that you get the right product so you don’t get bamboozled into spending money on a product that doesn’t work.

That’s why we tracked down and The ten most effective diesel injector cleaners were reviewed For your vehicle. We want your car to last. These products are designed to help you reach your goals.

Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.

These are the Best Diesel Injector Cleaners

1. Chevron Techron D Concentrate Diesel Fuel System Cleaner – Best Overall

• Size: 20 oz
• This product lasts for: 3000 miles
• Up to 35 gallons

If you’re looking for the best diesel injector cleaner for your truck, look no further than the Chevron Techron D Concentrate Diesel Fuel System Cleaner. One 20-ounce container can treat up to 35 gallons and will last up to 3000 miles.

It’s a diesel-specific formula that’s available for a great price considering the outstanding results. This formula not only cleans the injectors well, but also the entire fuel system. TechronD cleans every part of the fuel system, including the rails.

You’ll notice these results through improved fuel efficiency, restored engine power, boosted cold start performance, and a more responsive throttle. But while you’ll get performance benefits galore, if you’re taking your vehicle in for an inspection, you’ll also notice you get better emissions.

A bottle Techron D may be the perfect solution for older diesel engines that are struggling with the emission process.

Our only real complaint with Techron D – and it’s a stretch – is that it treats a smaller amount of fuel. But at 35 gallons, it’s more than many of the other products on our list, but it does mean you’ll need to purchase a new bottle for each treatment.

Of course, this also means there’s no measuring when you’re using it. Simply pour it all in the fuel tank before filling up, and you’re good to go!

Chevron sells tons of additives to your engine. However, only Techron D Concentrate (20 ounces), is made specifically for diesel engines. If you switch the size, you’re getting a different product, even if you don’t realize it when you place the order!

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2. Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment – Best Budget

• Size: 16 ounces
• This product lasts for: 3000 miles
• Up to 20 gallons

Sea Foam is perhaps the most controversial product on the market. Some backyard mechanics swear it’s a cure-all for every ailment your engine has, others tell you that it will destroy your engine.

Like most things, truths are somewhere in the middle. Sea Foam isn’t the cure-all that some people believe, but it’s certainly not going to damage your engine. But while it won’t damage your engine, and you will see some good results, it’s simply not as good as some of the other options on our list.

But that didn’t keep it from rising towards the top of our list for one reason – the price. Most fuel additives will cost you two to four times the cost of Sea Foam, which means if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat Sea Foam.

It’s an EPA registered and safe product, and it’s just as easy to use as any other fuel additive. Add it to your nearly empty fuel tank, and then fill it up. Sea Foam will help clean the entire fuel system, but don’t expect the same level results you’ll get from diesel-specific fuel additives.

It’s these mediocre results that keep it from climbing into our top spot, and it’s why it narrowly edged its way into our best budget choice because of its price alone.

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3. Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme Clean and Boost – Premium Choice

• Size: 64 ounces
• This product lasts for: 6 Months
• Up to 160 gallons

If you’re looking for the best possible fuel additive out there for your engine, there’s little doubt that Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme Clean and Boost is what you want. While it’s not the most affordable product out there, for a premium product, you have to pay a premium price.

There are 2 things that make it worth the extra cost. It comes in a 64-ounce larger container, which can hold 160 gallons. So, while you’ll undoubtedly spend more upfront, you won’t need to buy it nearly as often as other fuel additives.

Second, it’s the results. You want a fuel additive that’s going to make a difference, and with Hot Shot’s Secret, there’s no doubt it’s making a difference. Hot Shot's Secret starts with cleaning your injectors. It then removes hard deposits that other fuel additives cannot even dream of.

It cleans every component of the fuel system, and removes all hard deposits. This works with any type of diesel engine, so it is a great perk for those who own several diesel cars.

All this cleaning produces outstanding results that you will see. First, when you go to start up your diesel on a cold day, you’ll notice outstanding performance. Second, after long trips, you’ll find that you’re making fewer trips to the gas station.

And while you’re driving, you’ll experience an improved throttle response and overall better engine performance! Finally, like all the best diesel injector cleaners, Hot Shot’s Secret is sure to improve your vehicle’s emission standards too.

Using Hot Shot’s Secret can save you a ton of money in expensive repairs, making it a product that really pays for itself in the long run. Our only complaint outside of the price with Hot Shot’s Secret is that you have to measure it out to get the right ratio in your engine.

It’s not a huge deal, but it is an extra step that you don’t have to deal with when you’re using other additives.

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4. Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner

• Size: 12 ounces
• This product lasts for: 5k miles
• Up to 40 gallons

However Archoil AR6400-D Diesel Fuel System Cleaner just narrowly missed our top three, it’s not because it’s a poor product. In fact, it’s an outstanding mix of price and performance, and it gave Chevron Techron D Concentrate Diesel Fuel System Cleaner a run for the top spot.

However, it is more effective when combined with the full diesel system treatment. That can lead to a significant increase in cost. Still, even if you’re just using their AR6400-D product, you’re going to notice some phenomenal results.

The entire fuel system is cleaned and engine performance improved, particularly in cold conditions. This also increases engine emissions which can be very important if the vehicle is subject to annual inspections.

This cleaner works on all diesel engines, so whether you’re need something for marine applications, lawnmowers, or an F150, this cleaner can get the job done.

The cleaner lasts up to 5k miles, which is a significant advantage over many additives. While it’s not the longest distance out there, it’s far longer than most products that need a new treatment after 3,000 miles to stay effective.

And if you’re looking for a complete engine treatment, they have an option for that too! They receive the full Diesel treatment It is the perfect solution for trouble engine problems. 

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5. Stanadyne Performance Formula Bundle With Injector Cleaner Diesel fuel Additive

• Size: 8 ounce – pack of 4
• This product lasts for: 3000 miles
• Up to 25 gallons per 8 ounces

The Stanadyne Performance Formula Bundle With Injector Cleaner diesel fuel additive is confusing at first glance. But the more you dig into it, the more you realize what a great deal it is – if you know what you’re doing.

For just a few bucks more than most of the choices on our list, you’re not getting one but two treatments of two different products! This means that a single purchase will last you 6,000 miles instead of the usual 3,000.

But with the Stanadyne Performance Formula Bundle, you’ll need to apply two treatments at each session, and you can’t do them at the same time.

That’s because two of the four bottles you get are a fuel injector cleaner, and the other two are performance additives. You can’t add too many additives to the same tank of fuel, so you need to apply the first dose of the fuel injector cleaner two tanks of fuel before you add the performance additive.

This requires more work since it’s pretty easy to forget when you need to add an additive and when you added the last one. Still, it’s pretty easy to use since all you need to do is pour the entire bottle into an empty fuel tank before filling up! 

And since you’re using both a fuel injector cleaner and a performance additive, you’re getting two products specifically formulated to improve those areas.

Not only will you get a clean fuel system, but you’ll get much better engine performance compared to most other fuel additives!

The Stanadyne Performance Formula Bundle might require a little more work, but it’s a great value that delivers even better results!

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6. Opti-Lube XPD Formula Diesel Fuel Additive

• Size: 32 ounces
• This product lasts for: 1 tank
• Up to 128 gallons

Although not many people search for fuel additives that can be applied at each fill-up station, those who are are searching will find it. Opti-Lube XPD Formula Diesel Fuel Additive is precisely what you’re looking for. The advantage of using a product that you need to add at every fill-up is that you’re getting consistent results that don’t wear down over time.

You will get better results and your injectors stay cleaner longer. However, there’s no doubt that a product you need to add at every fill-up will cost you more in the long run, and it’s a bit of a headache to remember to add it every time.

A 32-ounce container can hold up to 128 gallons. This means that you will have to measure each batch to achieve consistent results. It’s a ton of extra work that not too many people want to deal with.

However, it can help you improve your fuel economy, keep your injectors clean and maintain them, as well as improve your emission.

So, while we can’t deny that it does a great job, we can’t help but send it down to the middle of our list since there are additives you can every 3,000 to 10,000 miles and get similar – if not identical – results. 

However, Opti-Lube XPD Formula Diesel Fuel Aditive can be used if you're patient or want instant gratification after every fill-up.

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7. BG 245 Premium Diesel Fuel System Cleaner

• Size: 11 oz
• This product lasts for: 10,000 Miles
• Up to 15 gallons

While BG 245 Premium Diesel Fuel System Cleaner might not be the biggest name in the industry, that doesn’t mean it’s not an excellent choice for your vehicle. It can last up to 10,000 miles. That’s twice as long as the next closest product on our list.

That’s a pretty big deal since that lines you up with most service intervals if you’re using synthetic oil. It’s also a big deal considering that a single container of BG 245 Premium Diesel Fuel System Cleaner only treats 15 gallons of fuel, and it’s about the same price as a product that treats twice as much.

But since it lasts twice as long, it’s not like you’re spending any more in the long run! BG 245 works on the whole fuel system and not just injectors. This gives you the best results. This will result in improved fuel efficiency and engine performance as well as improved cold start.

This works best on high pressure common-rail systems which are on most diesel cars, but will also clean your diesel engine. You don't have to spend much money on it. It will clean out hardened deposits and restore injector performance.

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8. Lucas 10872 Oil Diesel Deep Clean

• Size: 16 ounces
• This product lasts for: 1500-3000 miles
• Up to 30 gallons

Lucas Oil is one of the largest names in the additive industry, but that doesn’t mean they should be your go to. To be clear, they’re not a bad choice, but we don’t like that you start to notice performance drop-offs after just 1,500 miles.

So, yeah, it’s a more affordable additive upfront, but if you’re not getting the results you’re expecting, you’ll need to add more, and then your savings are straight out the window. 

In the end, it’s a good product that improves your overall engine performance, improves fuel efficiency, and of course cleans your injectors, but it’s also going to cost you more in the long run. For a product that sells itself as a more affordable alternative, it’s a bit of a letdown.

Because while you might save a bit of money the first time you buy it, there’s no doubt you’ll spend more in the long run compared to other products. But it’s still better than using no fuel additive at all! 

Lucas 10872 Oil Diesel Deep Cleaning is an excellent choice for those who want to trust a brand name product. You’ll notice results, just don’t be surprised if many of those results start to wane away long before the 3,000-mile mark.

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9. Liqui Moly Pro-Line Diesel Cleaner

• Size: 17 ounces
• This product lasts for: 1,500 Miles
• Up to 15 gallons

Liqui Moly Pro-Line Diesel Cleaner from Germany is an excellent product for cleaning diesel engines. It’s an extremely affordable product that improves your fuel efficiency and gives you a quiet ride.

It only lasts for about 1,500 miles. The difference is that Liqui Moly is a product they recommend to use to spot treat problems, and that’s why it fell down our list a bit. 

Sure, there’s a place for a product that helps spot treat problems, but we want something that can help spot treat problems and that you can use a preventative to keep those problems from coming back!

With Liqui Moly it can work that way, but that’s not what they made it for. And it’s for this reason alone it fell down to the bottom third of our list. 

We recommend Liqui Moly Pro-Line Diesel Cleaner as a temporary treatment. Then, you can move on to another product. It’ll do a great job at clearing up problems, but once the problem goes away, it’s best to use something that specializes in prevention.

Why would you use a product to hope the problem goes away?

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10. XADO Xtreme Cleaner Heavy-Duty Semi Truck Diesel Treatment

• Size: 17 ounces
• This product lasts for: 10,000 Miles
• Up to 130 gallons

While the XADO Xtreme Cleaner Heavy-Duty Semi Truck Diesel Treatment might be the last product on our list, it’s not because it doesn’t do a great job. This product is limited in its application. 

Diesel fuel additives can only be used on semitrucks. It’s a super concentrate formula that effectively treats large quantities of fuel. 

Avoid using a fuel tank that is 130 gallons in size or greater. Don’t try to measure it out to get the right among for a much smaller engine because even a little too much can have disastrous results.

This product is perfect for semi-trucks with fuel tanks between 125 and 300 gallons. You might need two if your engine is on the larger size, but when you look at the ultra-affordable price of this product that’s no big deal.

It will increase your engine's performance and fuel efficiency. 

You’ll save money by making fewer trips to the gas station and by staying on the road longer, making XADO Xtreme Cleaner Heavy-Duty Semi Truck Diesel Treatment a no-brainer choice for those driving a larger truck.

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Diesel Injector Cleaner FAQ

If you have a few questions after reading through the reviews, you’re not alone. That’s why we took the time to answer some of the most common questions you might have here.

Buyer’s Guide

There are so many choices that it may be hard to decide which product is best for your car. That’s why we came up with a brief buyer’s guide here to walk you through what you need to know.

How to use a diesel injector cleaner

We want to show you how to use a diesel injector cleaner before we get into choosing the right one. You use every diesel injector cleaner on our list the same way – and it’s easy!

Drive your diesel car around until you run out of fuel. You don’t need to run it bone dry, but the closer you can get it to empty, the better. Take your vehicle to the station for fuel and turn on the pump.

The fuel cap can be opened and you will have to add the proper amount of additive. It will depend on what product is being used and how large your tank is. Then, fill the tank up with diesel

That’s all you need to do. When you’re driving around, the additive will work its magic, and there’s nothing else you need to do. It was simple, we said.

Service Intervals

While there’s not much harm if you add an additive too often (as long as you don’t add too much at once), it is a waste of money. Meanwhile, if you’re not adding it enough, you’re not getting optimal results.

Each brand has a recommended schedule that you need to use. This is an excellent guideline for getting the best results. Don’t skip treatments, and expect your injectors and the rest of your fuel system to last as long as it would otherwise!

Diesel Specific?

There are many products that claim to be able to cure almost anything. Don’t fall for the hype. You can find specific strategies that will help you manage everything. Companies that are focused on one issue at a given time have a greater chance of completing the task.

That’s why a product like Sea Foam doesn’t work nearly as well as the Techron product at the top of our list. While it does its job well, it doesn't give you the best results. You need a cleaner designed for your vehicle, even though it may be more expensive.

How to get the right treatment amount

This is an essential part of getting the best results. Every product treats a different amount of fuel, and if you don’t use enough or if you use too much you won’t get the results you want.

That’s why we put the exact amount of fuel each product can treat right at the top of our product descriptions. If you want a product you don’t have to measure, get one that matches the size of your vehicle’s fuel tank!

You need something else to determine the correct amount of additive to use, or to add fuel to your vehicle. 

If your vehicle is equipped with a 30 gallon fuel tank, but the product you use only handles 20-gallons of fuel, then drive to fill up your tank until there's about 1 gallon. Add the fuel additive and then drive 19-gallon miles. Once you are done, you can continue driving until you have to refill again.

You’ll have to make an extra trip to the fuel station, but at least you didn’t have to measure anything out or purchase multiple bottles of the same product.