Tips to Prevent Diesel Fuel Gelling in Cold Weather

If you’re like me and you’ve spent a lot of time around diesel engines, you already know the smallest problems can cost the most time. I’ve seen clogged injectors wreck fuel economy. I’ve dealt with gelled fuel on cold starts. I’ve had to explain to others why their diesel engine feels sluggish and rough without a clear reason. That’s why I don’t take fuel additives lightly.

Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of diesel additives for different scenarios—winter prep, injector cleaning, fuel conditioning, the works. And the one name that consistently checks all the boxes is Howes. Not because they’ve got flashy branding, but because their stuff actually works. In this article, I’ll break down which of their products I trust, why they’re different, and how they’ve earned that trust through performance, not hype.

If you’re looking to clean your injectors, remove water, boost performance, or just protect your engine through winter, this is what I’d point you to. Let’s get into it.

What Sets Their Additives Apart

Here’s the deal. A lot of additives out there rely on alcohol or harsh solvents to deal with fuel gelling or moisture. That might work in the short term, but long term, it can damage seals and reduce lubricity, especially in ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel). What makes Howes different is their commitment to using safe, petroleum-based formulas with no alcohol, no shortcuts.

Their Diesel Treat is known for being the go-to solution for winter prep, but there’s more to the story. If you want better fuel combustion, injector longevity, smoother idle, and improved economy, their full product line covers it all.

In fact, one of the best overall treatments I’ve used for lubricity, injector cleanliness, and water removal is Howes Diesel Defender. It gives you noticeable gains in fuel economy while actually protecting your injectors and emissions systems. And yeah, I said noticeable—because if I’m spending money on additives, I want to see the difference.

Cold Starts? You’ll Want This

Let’s talk about winter fuel gelling. If you live in the north or drive through freezing climates, then you know this isn’t something you can leave to chance. One bad gel-up and you’re stranded.

Howes Diesel Treat is built exactly for this. Unlike other anti-gels that only work to a point, this stuff is tested in real-world hauls across brutal winters. What makes it solid is that it doesn’t just prevent gelling. It also improves combustion, keeps the fuel flowing, and adds the lubricity that ULSD fuel is often missing.

They even back it with a Winter Tow Guarantee. If the product fails and you get stuck, they’ll pay for your tow. That tells me they’re not just throwing marketing at you. They’re standing behind it with a clear promise.

For Emergency Fuel Issues

Even with the best prep, stuff happens. Filters freeze. Fuel gels. When that happens, you need something that fixes the problem on the spot.

That’s where Howes Diesel Lifeline comes in. I’ve had people ask me what to do when their truck won’t start in sub-zero temps. My answer is usually the same: keep Diesel Lifeline in the cab. It re-liquefies gelled fuel and de-ices filters without having to remove or replace anything. Just pour it in and let it do its thing.

No mixing. No tools. No guesswork. That’s what makes it a must-have in my book.

Cleaning and Stabilizing Fuel Long-Term

If you’re running farm equipment, generators, or anything that sits for extended periods, fuel stabilization is a must. You don’t want sludge, microbial growth, or injector fouling when it’s time to run.

For that, Meaner Power Kleaner is your solution. It’s a year-round additive that cleans and stabilizes diesel in storage while also improving combustion quality. It’s got the same detergent base as Diesel Defender, which means better performance and cleaner burns even in older equipment.

And because it’s concentrated, a single bottle goes a long way. If you’re treating bulk tanks, this one’s a no-brainer.

Final Thoughts

I’ve seen a lot of people waste time and money on cheap diesel additives that overpromise and underdeliver. You don’t want to find out the hard way that the product you bought doesn’t protect your injectors or prevent fuel gelling when it matters most.

Howes consistently stands out because they’ve been field-tested across industries. Truckers, farmers, fleet operators—these are people who don’t have time for nonsense. The results speak for themselves, and the guarantees they offer just reinforce that they believe in what they’re selling.

If you’re maintaining diesel equipment regularly, I’d suggest giving their lineup a serious look. Whether you need injector cleaning, cold weather protection, water removal, or long-term fuel conditioning, their products are built to handle it all.

Keep your system clean. Keep it efficient. And use what works. Howes gets my recommendation because they’ve earned it. Simple as that.