I will keep this brief because it is straightforward.
Take any branded diesel fuel. What is the difference between that brand’s standard EN590 diesel and super/premium diesel that you pay an extra 8-10p more per litre for?
1. Additional 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) cetane improver
2. Possibly additional deposit control detergent and lubricant.
That is it. The additional performance reported by vehicle owners when using “super” diesel is the improvement in combustion quality from the higher cetane value through additional 2-EHN. 2-EHN is the worldwide proven and recognized standard for raising the cetane value in diesel fuels.
What would your average diesel fuel conditioning additive deliver?
1. Additional 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) cetane improver
2. Lubricity additive/friction modifier.
Higher quality brands may also include the following:
3. Deposit control detergent
4. Water demulsifier
5. Anti-corrosion additive
6. Dispersant and antioxidant to help restore and preserve fuel quality
7. Combustion catalyst enhances combustion quality further and helps keep post-combustion areas clean.
Other specialist additives can deliver the following:
8. Cold flow performance (anti wax/gel)
9. Biological contamination removal/prevention (biocide).
So what does this mean?
Virtually all diesel fuel conditioners contain 2-EHN or are 2-EHN based. Even the cheapest, lowest quality 2-EHN-based diesel additives will most likely deliver more benefits and value than premium diesel fuels when added to standard diesel fuel. However, we don’t recommend using 2-EHN on its own due to its negative effect on fuel lubricity.
The average price of super/premium diesel is 8 to 10 pence more per litre or £5+ per average tank of diesel. A 2-EHN-based conditioner that uses the same or similar performing ingredients and essentially turns standard diesel into premium fuel will cost between 1 and 3 pence per litre.
I hope that clears up the mystery.
