Diesel fuel quality in the U.S. has become a problem for diesel owners, mechanics, and fleet operators. Diesel engines are designed to run on high-quality fuel for efficiency and longevity but according to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 70% of fuel stations in the U.S. fail to meet fuel standards. This problem is causing contamination in diesel engines with deposit formation on the DPF, injectors, EGR, and turbo.

The Problem with Diesel Fuel

Many diesel fuel-related issues contribute to poor engine performance and increased maintenance costs. Low cetane levels cause incomplete combustion, leading to excessive soot build-up. Poor lubricity results in premature wear of fuel injectors and pumps, while a lack of detergents allows harmful deposits to form, reducing overall fuel system efficiency.

How These Issues Impact Your Diesel Engine

The consequences of poor diesel fuel quality are severe. Engines experience reduced performance and clogged Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) due to excess soot accumulation. This leads to a noticeable loss of power and torque, shorter lifespans for critical engine components, lower fuel efficiency, and increased maintenance costs. If left unchecked, these issues can result in expensive repairs and prolonged downtime for vehicle owners.

The Root of the Problem: Changes in Diesel Fuel Production

Government regulations for Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) result in diesel being stripped of essential lubricity and carry no mandates for detergency. Cetane levels are also often too low with the vast majority of states mandating a cetane rating minimum that doesn’t meet most engine manufacturers’ requirements. Diesel fuel production has undergone big changes, negatively impacting fuel quality. In the past, only half a barrel was used for fuel production and now it's 90%, leaving heavy aromatics in diesel fuel production. This shift has resulted in higher contaminant content, which reduces combustion efficiency and fuel system cleanliness. Inconsistent fuel quality further complicates matters, making refueling unpredictable and risky for diesel vehicle owners.

Why Your DPF Keeps Clogging and Suffering Frequent Regens

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is designed to capture soot and ash from exhaust gases, but when fuel quality is compromised, the DPF clogs more frequently. Several key factors contribute to excessive soot build-up:

• Poor Fuel Quality – The Main Culprit: Low cetane diesel burns less efficiently, producing excessive soot. Additionally, the absence of detergents leads to deposit build-up, forcing frequent DPF regenerations.
• Short Trips and Low-Temperature Operation: Diesel engines require high temperatures to facilitate passive DPF regeneration. Frequent short trips prevent complete soot burn-off, accelerating the clogging process.
• Issues with EGR or Turbocharger: Malfunctioning Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valves and turbocharger failures contribute to increased soot production, further exacerbating DPF clogging.
• Failed DPF Regeneration: Incomplete regenerations occur when poor fuel quality lacks detergents and cetane, high-speed driving is insufficient to trigger regeneration, or faulty regen system components fail to operate properly.

The Consequences of a Clogged DPF

A clogged DPF leads to multiple performance and maintenance issues. Engine efficiency declines as contaminants restrict airflow and fuel combustion. Higher maintenance costs arise due to clogged injectors, fouled turbos, and frequent regens that cause increased engine wear and costly repairs. Fuel economy suffers as frequent regens consume more fuel, and power loss becomes evident as soot accumulation negatively impacts turbo performance, resulting in sluggish acceleration.

The Solution

The key to preventing excessive soot accumulation and optimizing DPF regens lies in using a high-quality diesel fuel additive. The right additive enhances combustion efficiency, improves fuel atomization, cleans the fuel system, and increases fuel lubricity. This leads to restored performance and fuel economy and improves the lifespan of key components, including the DPF. Many diesel treatments claim to improve detergency, boost cetane, or improve lubricity. Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment does all three and utilizes proprietary chemistry to clean the post-combustion system (DPF and turbo), making it the only diesel treatment your vehicle needs to restore and maximize power and performance.

Archoil AR6500: The Only Diesel Treatment to Clean the DPF, Restore Injectors, Boost Cetane and Improve Lubricity

AR6500’s advanced formula is proven to enhance fuel quality, optimizing combustion for better power, fuel economy, and fewer emissions.

DPF close-up before and after use of Archoil

Key Benefits of Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment

• Advanced Detergency: Cleans existing deposits and prevents new build-up, keeping injectors, turbochargers, and DPFs in optimal condition.
• Post-Combustion Cleaning: Unlike other diesel additives, AR6500 cleans carbon and reduces soot accumulation in the DPF and turbocharger, leading to fewer regenerations, improved exhaust flow, and sustained engine performance.
• Increased Cetane Levels Up To 8 Points: Enhances combustion efficiency, leading to faster cold starts, reduced engine noise, and improved fuel economy.
• Improved Lubricity: Exceeds manufacturer wear requirements for fuel system components, extending the lifespan of injectors and pumps.

With over 10,000 verified customer reviews (4.7/5 stars), Archoil products are trusted by thousands of diesel owners every day.