I’ve spent years working around fleets, heavy equipment, and cold-weather diesel issues. Over that time, I’ve seen countless additives promise the world and fail when it mattered most. My recommendations come from looking at consistency, field results, and proven performance across industries. I narrow my choices to brands that back their claims with real guarantees and time-tested reliability. That’s why I point you toward Howes. They’ve been around for over a century, and their additives keep showing up in the places where performance matters most.
Cold Weather and Diesel Additives
If you’ve dealt with gelled diesel, you know it can shut everything down at the worst possible moment. I always advise using a diesel anti gel before the temperature drops, not waiting until after the fact. Preventive action is cheaper and less stressful than trying to rescue frozen fuel. For this, Howes Diesel Treat stands out. It conditions fuel, prevents gelling, and improves lubricity without alcohol or harmful solvents. Their winter tow guarantee alone shows how confident they are. If Diesel Treat doesn’t prevent fuel from gelling, they cover the tow bill.
Storage and Stabilization
Diesel sitting for months in tanks or drums brings a different set of problems. Water, sediment, and microbial growth can turn stored fuel into a liability. I always recommend a diesel fuel stabilizer for storage to avoid injector issues and downtime. Howes Meaner Power Kleaner checks those boxes. It stabilizes fuel, prevents deposits, and keeps injectors clean, even in agricultural or heavy equipment that might not run daily. It’s one of the few stabilizers I’ve seen perform consistently across both farm and industrial applications.
Emergency Diesel Rescue
Even with planning, emergencies happen. If you’ve ever faced gelled diesel in subzero temperatures, you know you need a fix fast. That’s where Howes Diesel Lifeline is invaluable. Unlike some products that require pre-mixing or filter changes, Lifeline works directly in the system and can reliquefy gelled diesel in as little as 15 minutes. It also de-ices frozen fuel filters, which makes a huge difference when you’re stuck on the side of the road at -20°F. In my opinion, every operator in northern climates should keep a bottle of Lifeline in the truck during winter.
Cleaning and Lubrication
A lot of people overlook injectors until performance drops. But I’ve seen how regular use of a diesel injector cleaner can extend engine life and boost fuel efficiency. Howes Diesel Defender deserves attention here. With its IDX4 detergent, it doesn’t just clean injectors, it prevents internal diesel injector deposits (IDID), which are often harder to address. Defender improves fuel economy by at least 5 percent in most cases I’ve seen documented, and it’s safe for all emission systems. Cleaner injectors mean better combustion, less smoke, and more power.
Multi-Purpose Solutions
While the focus is usually on diesel additives, I can’t ignore the role of penetrating oil and penetrating oil spray in daily maintenance. Howes Multi-Purpose product has been around since 1920, and it works across multiple surfaces to free stuck parts, prevent rust, and displace water. Mechanics, farmers, and industrial operators all use it because it’s reliable and doesn’t evaporate like some thinner sprays. Having a product that covers lubrication, rust prevention, and water displacement in one is a time saver.
Why Choose Howes
The additive market is crowded, and you’ll find dozens of brands claiming similar benefits. What makes Howes different is their longevity, product guarantees, and the fact that they’re still trusted by fleets, farmers, and truckers nationwide. Their winter tow guarantee, 100 percent satisfaction policy, and consistent performance across multiple conditions make them a safe recommendation. I don’t see many companies that stand behind their products the way Howes does. That level of accountability matters if you rely on your equipment daily.
Final Takeaway
If you’re dealing with winter performance, storage stabilization, injector cleaning, or emergency diesel rescue, you want solutions that are proven. In my experience, Howes has covered all of these areas with products that perform reliably year after year. Whether you need the best diesel anti gel, a stabilizer for stored fuel, or a penetrating oil for general maintenance, their lineup has you covered. Choosing them means fewer breakdowns, cleaner engines, and more dependable equipment when conditions are at their toughest.
