When we imagine a diesel car, we get an image of a large truck puffing out smoke. This perception has been changed for some time as now people lean towards energy-efficient cars, which makes diesel cars increasingly common. Long gone are the days when diesel cars were seen as dirty and noisy ones. Now their performance is just like any gas-powered car with stylish looks.

Diesel engines do put on a load on the engine and emit smoke. for this reason, the government has made it mandatory for diesel engine makers to install a special emission control to filter the smoke and keep the air pollution free.

What is a Diesel Additive?

The features of the diesel can be stabilized by the use of additives which can increase the yield. These additives can be added at different stages by the producer or the consumer, which can show massive improvement in the performance of the car. There are many types ​​of additives available that enhance the performance of the car in a specific way. You can choose any of them depending on your need. The types of additives and their functions are:

1. Fuel Handling Additives

These types of additives specialize in the engine’s distribution and handling of fuel. Their primary function is to get maximum yield from the fuel by variation in its properties for best performance.

• They maintain the low temperature of the car so it wouldn’t heat up.
• They increase the flow
• They reduce the foam formation
• They are anti-wax in nature
• They prevent corrosion in the engine
• They reduce the formation of ice and protect the engine from variations in the outside temperature.

2. Fuel Stability Additives

The primary function of these additives is to stabilize the characteristics of the fuel and protect it from any external harm.

• They are anti-oxidizing in nature and inhibit anti-corrosion properties
• They act as dispersants.
• They also deactivate the metal present in the fuel to enhance performance.

3. Combustion Additives

• The efficiency of the car can be highly enhanced with the improvement of the combustion of the engine.
• Controlling the smoke inhibitors
• Improving the ignition power
• Catalysts for the better combustion process

These additives can be added to diesel fuel in three stages. They are:

• During the Refinery Stage: The fuel refiners ensure that the additives are compatible with the engine. The best results of the additives at the refinery stage are achieved by choice of the oil used, mixing process, blending of the oil, etc. here, the process of Additization is done at the production stage.
• During the Fuel Distribution System: Here, the Additization is done at the distribution stage, where the operators of the pipeline insert these additives. This is practiced in many countries to improve cost efficiencies and to control corrosion at the distribution stage so that it doesn’t go any further.
• During the Final Stage or the End User: These are also known as the aftermath additives, as the customers use them at the final stage of consumption. These additives can be customized varying on the needs of the specific individual, as they can be used to save the engine from the cold climate; they also act as detergents and lubricants to enhance the performance of the fuel. Many aftermarket additives are available, which are of high quality and have shown the best results.

Top 5 Best Diesel Additive 2017 Market​

To help you choose the best diesel additive, we have reviewed the top 5 such products to make your decision process a little easy.

1. Hot Shot’s Secret

The new and improved formula of the hot shot’s secret cleans all the engine components to give you the best performance. It also acts as a lubricant, which avoids friction to make your engine run smoother than before. It reduces wear and is highly durable.

Major Features

• Model-HSS64Z
• Extra power and mileage
• Keeps oil pressure intact
• Provides warranty

Pros

• Reduces contamination
• Compatible with maximum kinds of trucks and cars
• Cost control
• Fuel efficient
• Prevents sludge
• Noise-free

2. Hammonds Diesel Treatment

It helps to prevent clogging by filtering out all the deposits. It sterilizes the fuel completely and also adds improved lubrication for a smoother run. The durability of the engine enhances and provides better fuel efficiency and mileage.

Major Features

• Model-HB-01US
• Certifies by the U.S coast guard
• It lowers the sulfur levels
• Eligible for warranty of parts

Pros

• Prevents microbial growth
• Fuel efficiency
• Effective cleaning of the fuel system
• More durable

3. Hot shot’s secret P040464Z diesel extreme clean and boost

It contains a cetane improver which raises the cetane level and increases performance. It acts as a great fuel stabilizer and filters out impurities which makes it a less maintenance product. It also treats 150 gallons of fuel, allowing you to treat more gas with less.

Important Features

• Model-P040464Z
• High lubrication
• Anti-corrosion properties
• Warranty and support

Pros

• Elimination of water from the system
• Increases cetane level
• Sterilizes the tank
• Improved fuel mileage

4. Rev-x DIS1601 Distance

This is a high-quality additive that boosts fuel performance at its optimum level. It reduces the emission of smoke and provides protection in all weather conditions. It also acts as a fuel stabilizer and increases fuel storage to give you extra mileage.

Salient Features

• Model-DIS1601
• Provides warranty and support
• One bottle can treat 800 gallons of fuel

Pros

• Increases the cetane level by 6 points
• Reduces wear
• Improved lubrication
• Protection from the rusting process

5. FPPF Killem Biocide Diesel Treatment​

This additive is a type of diesel biocide that doesn’t allow the formation of microbial growth by eliminating the water from the fuel. The presence of water aids in the formation of algae, bacteria, and fungi which can cause decreased performance and the presence of rust. This biocide sterilizes the fuel and removes all the impurities for the best performance.

Key Features

• Model- 00119
• One bottle can treat 1920 gallons of diesel fuel
• Reduces Corrosion

Pros

• Eliminates all the contamination
• It can be easily dissolved in fuel
• Controls bacteria and fungi

How Does Diesel Additive Work?

They serve as a catalyst for an engine to suppress the negative impact of diesel by cleaning and lubrication to enhance performance. They are added to the fuel of the engine directly. After adding the additive, make sure to top up the tank to avoid any additive getting stuck in the fillers.

Filling up the tank will ensure that the additive washes down to the tank completely. So the amount of fuel in the tank doesn’t matter as after adding the additive filling, the tank becomes essential. They immediately mix with the fuel and start to carry out their functions. The properties of the additives are such that they don’t allow the particles of the fuel to stick together and give extra power to the vehicle.

What are the Benefits of Using a Diesel Additive?

Diesel additives have proved to be a blessing for diesel car owners and choosing the right and best diesel additive is very important. To understand this, we need to know its major benefits. They are:

• Improved Lubrication: The additives increase the fuel’s lubrication, which enhances its longevity and makes the car run smoothly. It increases fuel efficiency and also makes it last for a longer period. It adds a higher lubricating value by distributing the compounds into the diesel fuel.
• Fuel Cleaner: Many additives act as a detergent and clean the entire fuel system of any impurities present. This prevents clogging in the system and acts as a filter for the fuel. Always replace your filters on a regular basis, and you can add these additives to help you go the extra mile.
• Fuel Stabilisers: They stabilize the fuel system by preventing the growth of algae or any other kind of contamination. They also prevent the formation of sludge in the fuel, which avoids the sticking of particles to provide high-end performance.
• Improves the Cetane Level: It increases the cetane level, which increases fuel efficiency and also controls the cost. This can result in high-performance gains and extra power. Higher cetane levels will prove shorter ignition delay periods and less fuel consumption.
• Weather Protection: The additives’ inhibitors help control the engine’s temperature and protect it from the changing external temperature. Many additives have several properties to help in de-icing the engine and stabilize the fuel system.
• Separation of Water from Fuel: Mixing water with fuel is the most common problem faced by every car owner and can prove to be quite a hassle if not treated in time. The diesel additives help in the separation of the two and also prevent any further mixing by getting rid of the water.
• Extra Power: Many additives help create extra power and efficiency, ensuring that the engine burns the fuel in the most efficient way possible. This will result in added power to the piston with every stroke. This will make your vehicle run smoother than ever before.
• Anti-Oxidising Properties: Many car owners face the problem of rust in their engines. By adding additives to the diesel, oxygen flow into the fuel is restricted, preventing corrosion.

How to Choose the Best Diesel Additive for Yourself?

Choosing the right and the best diesel additive is the most important step. You need to figure out your specific need and conduct careful research to prevent any adverse effects on the engine. You can choose the best diesel by the following steps:

1. Maximum optimization of needs

Many diesel additives are available that cater to different needs and use. You should select the kind of additive which covers all your needs so that you won’t need to buy many additives. Finding a fuel stabilizer additive would be a good option which will help in the anti-oxidation process, avoid sludge by separating the particles so that they don’t stick together, the presence of metal deactivators so that they don’t cause a chain reaction, etc.

2. Economical rate

You should select the kind of additive which doesn’t cut deep into your pockets by calculating the monetary value of the fuel and comparing it with that of the additive. You need to remember that lowering the treatment rate of the additive means it will treat more gallons of fuel. A higher rate means less fuel treated. So you need to keep this ratio in mind and select the additive with a lower treatment rate.

3. Environment friendly

Diesel vehicles are a little harmful as compared to alternative fuel vehicles, so you can go green by purchasing a diesel additive, which is eco-friendly and will go easy on the environment. These additives can reduce the carbon emissions of your diesel vehicle. So, look for the green mark on the additive to help prevent any further harm to Mother Nature.

4. Avoid active ingredients

There are chemicals in the additives, which are the same as those used by the refinery. Try to avoid these ingredients as they will make your engine run smoother but will also permanently damage the injector tips. Ingredients such as ancho and alcohol damage the gaskets and have proven to be very less durable.

According to the customer feedback and our product review, the best diesel additive is Hammond’s diesel treatment(AD) for a smart buy. The reason behind this is its multi-functioning property of sterilizing the fuel and also improving lubrication. Very fewer fuel additives can provide this quality, and it has been shown to give the best results.

It is cost-efficient, so it doesn’t cut deep into your pockets and ensures high performance with extra mileage. It covers all your needs and doesn’t possess any active ingredients. We highly recommend this product for you to reap the benefits of extra power and mileage at an affordable cost.

In recent years, electric vehicles have become more popular as a part of the growing trend toward having eco-conscious modes of transportation. More and more companies plan to phase out gas cars and transition to EV cars.

Purchasing an EV charging station will cost about $400 – $1200. The cost to install it is $0 if a 120V outlet is used, $50 if you want to do it yourself, and about $1200 for an electrician. Altogether the average cost to buy an EV charger and use an electrician would be about $2000. 

Many electrical vehicle owners may want to upgrade to a faster charging system. The chargers in this article are level two chargers (up to ~70-mile range an hour), meaning they can charge many times faster than a level one charger (up to ~30-mile range an hour). We’ll look at 5 level 2 chargers.   

Before Choosing An EV Charging Station

For those who have doubts on which one will make the best choice, below are some considerations that might make it easier for you to arrive at the right decision:

• Ease of Use: One of the most important is for the product to be user-friendly, not only when it comes to the operation but also its installation. The manufacturer must provide comprehensive instructions on how to use the product. It must be devoid of complications.
• Reviews: For those who are still undecided on which to pick, it is also best to consult on the feedback of other users. Through their first-hand experiences, you will be able to easily weigh the pros and cons of the possibilities.
• Charging Time: You can opt for a slow, fast, or rapid charger. More of this will be tackled in the latter part of this article. Obviously, the faster ones will be the better choice, but the problem is that they can also be costly.
• Technical Specifications: To be a responsible buyer, you need to look at the technical details and know what they mean. For instance, consider the amperage, voltage, and wattage. You need to learn how they will have an impact on the performance of the electric vehicle charging station.
• Safety: There are products with inferior quality, and hence, they can pose threats. With this, buy only a charging station that has undergone and passed stringent tests, which should be proof that it goes in accordance with global standards.
• Warranty: A product with a longer warranty option will definitely be a tempting choice since you can have peace of mind. This is because if there are defects that are apparent, the manufacturer can handle the repair and replacement of the parts without any added cost on your end.

5 Examples of Home Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Below, we will let you know five of the popular products that are worth considering. We will list down a few of their notable features, as well as some of their pros and cons, which will be useful in trying to narrow down the possibilities.

1. JuiceBox 40A EV Level 2 Charging Station

Power and reliability. These are two things that you can expect from this product. It will provide your house with a dependable charging station.

It is also considered a compact option, although not the smallest on the market today, making it the perfect choice for those who have limited space at home. It can be mounted on the wall; alternatively, you can also easily take it out and use it even when traveling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22PufD_SSkI

Major Features:

• Weatherproof construction
• Wattage – 7.7 kilowatts
• Voltage – 240 volts
• Amperage – 40 amps
• 25-foot cord
• Uses a phone app and the web to control charging

Pros:

• Indoor or outdoor installation
• The unit appears durable, making it last for years
• Can use 120 volt (w/ adapter not included) or a 220-volt outlet.  
• Get access to your real-time and historical charging data
• You can easily remove the unit from its mounting plate and take it wherever you want
• Plug into any NEMA 14-50 outlet

2. ChargePoint 50 Amp Level 2 Charging Station

With this product, you will be able to charge your electric vehicle at an average rate of 25 miles of range per hour, a feat that may be quite hard to surpass for many of its competitors. The package comes with a standard connector that will fit in most vehicles. In terms of safety, there is no need to worry as it has passed several global tests to prove that this is indeed going to be a dependable choice. Lastly, it is also worth noting that it comes with a warranty that lasts for three years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pXNVEIrB5M

Major Features:

• Comes with a status indicator light for ease of monitoring its functions
• Wi-Fi enabled for ease of control through a mobile app or remote
• Level 2 charger
• Amperage – 50 Amps, 240 volt
• 23-foot cord

Pros:

• Charges battery within a short span of time
• Can be started and controlled remotely through the accompanying app
• Offers options that can be customized based on user preferences
• Has an attractive design
• A tough body that will withstand the test of time

3. MUSTART TRAVELMASTER Level 2 Portable EV Charger

Efficiency and simplicity – are two of the things that you can expect from this model. It comes with user-friendly features. The simple design makes sure that it is space-efficient. Lastly, it auto-adjusts to charge your EV at the maximum safe current.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WNJYSjoPoU

Major Features:

• 25 ft cable
• Amperage – 15/25/32 amps
• Level 2 charger
• Indicator screen for simple operation

Pros:

• Works perfectly and smoothly for a wide array of electric vehicles (SAE J1772)
• Installation can be accomplished within a short time
• Indoor installation, but has a connector rating of IP67 for temporary rainy conditions
• Has adapters for both 120V outlet and 240V outlet
• Automatically adjusts to provide as much power as your EV can accept

4. LEFANEV EV Charger Level 2 Station

The simplicity of this product is one of the first things that will captivate your attention. From the installation to the operation of this electric vehicle charging station, it is sure to be user-friendly. You will also love the intelligent charging.

Major Features:

• Charges with 7.7 kilowatts
• Comes with a 20-foot flexible cord
• The manufacturer is offering a 30-day unconditional replacement warranty
• Uses SAE J1772 plug type at 32 amps

Pros:

•  IP66 Waterproof Mode 3 Wall Box 
•  Monitors Voltage, Current, Charging Time, and Power Consumed.
• The cord will last for a long time
• NEMA 14-50 plug 

5. PRIMECOM Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger

The installation of this unit is sure to be a piece of cake, especially because all you need to do is connect it to your 240V outlet. It comes with a pretty long cable – 25ft. Compact design. Multiple light indicators let you know how your unit works for peace of mind. You can power share with multiple units. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sldZhrSUNew

Major Features:

• Amperage – Adjustable from 16 – 40 amps
• Wirelessly control your charging – App
• Input – 240 volts
• 25-foot flexible cord
• 3-year warranty

Pros:

• Easy to install and use
• Charges your battery fairly quickly – Level 2 
• Has simple operation
• Solid construction and safety features

Different Types of EV Charging Stations

As you try to slim down the available options, think about how they differ. Among others, one of the first considerations would be the speed at which they will charge your electric vehicles. In this case, the following are the options that you have:

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1. Level One Charger

• This one is the slowest of the three types based on the charging speed.
• Will use 120 volts of power to charge your electric vehicle
• For an empty battery, it will take about eight hours before it can be fully-charged
• Installation cost is low
• An affordable option for many who are still new in electric vehicles
• Can be connected to any wall socket
• Can charge a battery that is good for two to five miles per hour

2. Level Two Charger – Ones shown in this article

• Electric vehicles that are charged using this type of charger will have an additional runtime of ten to twenty miles per hour.
• For short charges, it can deliver higher energy efficiency compared to Level One Charger
• The installation cost is higher
• Will need 240 volts of power
• The wiring requirements are similar to those used for stoves or dryers

3. DC Fast Charger

• This is the fastest of the three types but also the most expensive when it comes to product price, installation costs, and operation.
• Drastic reduction in charging time, allowing users to charge their battery to up to 80% in under half an hour
• If you live in a place with extremely cold weather, it may not be as reliable in terms of its battery charging performance.
• Make use of direct current instead of the usual alternating current
• More often than not, this is a practical choice only for public facilities because of its excessive costs

Install An EV Charger Yourself 

Getting a professional electrician to install anything that requires you to go into your electrical box is usually advised. Some electrical panels can handle 240V, and some can’t. You’ll need to know exactly how everything works with your EV charger and your panel.

You should have some experience working with electric panels, so you don’t make mistakes. That being said, this video shows how you can install your own EV charger.

If you planning to do it yourself, you can buy all of the items in this video for about $50 if you have the tools and are able to mount it similar to the video. 

 Here are the items that he used. You can also use the links under his video on YouTube. 

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If you want an electrician to install it, you will need to pay about $1200, but rates can vary widely from electrician to electrician and from job to job. It all depends on how difficult the job is and how many parts are needed. 

It’s a good idea to go to places like Google or Yelp to get an idea if your electrician is a good one. If you see an AD in your search engine, be careful to look up more about the company because it might not be the best source for reviews.

Quick Tips for Using an EV Charging Station

Keep in mind the things that will be mentioned below, which we believe will be essential in making the most out of your electric vehicle’s battery and the charging station as well:

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• You need to know when enough is enough, especially if you are in a public charging station and the line is already getting too long. In most instances, most owners of electric vehicles consider 80% to be enough if they are charging in public.
• To conserve battery and minimize the need to frequently charge the battery, it will be best to reduce your speed when driving. The faster your speed is, the more it will be able to drain your vehicle’s battery. Also, keep in mind that as of these days, electric vehicles are not meant to be driven like sportscars.
• Download compatible mobile apps. Not all electric vehicle charging stations can be connected to an app. In the same way, not all apps will have universal compatibility. The good thing about apps is that you can monitor everything easily.
• Pay attention to safety. If you are installing your own charging station at home, it will be good to read the instructions from the manufacturer, especially the part that outlines how to install the product the right way. The right location will also help to minimize possible hazards.
• Do not be afraid to ask for help, especially regarding installation. Some manufacturers will offer expert installation services as a part of the bundled price of the product. This is a good choice if you are not into electric cars and if you are admittedly someone who is not into technical complications.

Conclusion

If you have finally decided to join the electric vehicle trend, you need to invest in the right charging station. A vehicle charging station is an investment that you are sure to love. Make sure to pick one that has been well-received by its users. Pay attention to technical specifications as well to determine how powerful and reliable one product can be.

Are you looking for other products that will also be useful for the garage? Click here and read some of our buying guides that will help you determine some tools you might need for an electric vehicle.