Antigel for diesel fuel: reviews. Antigel for diesel fuel: choice, recommendations

Ice, snow drifts, poor grip of wheels with the road - this is one of the most unpleasant factors that lie in wait for our motorists in the winter. Especially unpleasant cases of difficult starting the engine. This problem can be provoked by several moments - a malfunction of the fuel system elements or the freezing of the fuel itself. Therefore, in today's article, we will consider how useful additives for diesel fuel, as well as test the products of the most famous manufacturers.

What is it for?

Let's start with the characteristics of this product. Additives for diesel fuel are designed to prevent the solidification of fuel at low air temperatures. With the use of such depressors, the properties of solar oil are substantially improved. In other words, the additive makes the fuel "obedient" in the winter period of time.

As practice shows, the antigel is able to increase the chance of reliable start of the engine at times. This allows you to stop disruptions in the engine and perform a quick warm-up for the further movement of the car.

About freezing of diesel fuel

Why does this type of fuel freeze in the cold season? The whole point of the problem lies in paraffins, which, when the air temperature decreases, begin to turn into dense crystals. When their concentration is high, the fuel begins to change its color (note the photo below), while its viscosity increases.

If the temperature continues to drop further, small paraffin clots form in the fuel. By their size, they are not able to pass through the cleaning filter, and because of its composition simply clog it. Thus, because of the large amount of paraffins, the fuel supply to the combustion chamber is blocked. In this case, the engine can not be started.

It is also worth noting such a factor as PTF (the limiting temperature of fuel filterability). It is the determining indicator in which diesel fuel does not lose its original properties, that is, it does not start to crystallize. Experts recommend buying fuel at the gas station, whose PTF value is 5-10 degrees Celsius below the average daily air temperature in your region in winter.

But how to act if in fact the fuel freezes before the time specified at the gas station (at a lower temperature)? The only way out is to "defrost" the fuel, filling the tank with diesel additives. Reviews say that this product significantly lowers PTF fuel, so that it does not clog in the filter at start-up.

What if the fuel is cloudy?

As we said earlier, a change in the color of the liquid indicates that it has been exposed to low temperatures. That is, small paraffin crystals began to form in the fuel. However, this does not mean that muddy diesel fuel is no longer usable. The main thing for a winter fuel is not an indicator of transparency, but a good pumpability for all the details of the fuel system, including through fine filters. Therefore, always pay attention to fuel PTF, not its color. By the way, sometimes even after using anti-gels, diesel fuel does not become completely transparent, while the engine works stably and does not damage it.

Test of additives from the company "Felix"

Recently, on the shelves of domestic stores began to appear anti-gels brand Felix. This additive was developed by specialists of the Russian company "Tosol-Sintez". During the tests, the novelty showed a good result, ensuring the prevention of freezing of the fuel at temperatures up to -28 degrees Celsius. But, as noted by the reviews, the antigel for Diesel fuel brand "Felix" is able to reduce the value of PTF as much as -40 degrees. Thus, if the correct use of the anti-gel of this brand is used, it can start with a half-turn even in the harshest climatic conditions.

Additive Mannol

It is a German antigel for diesel fuel. The test showed that this additive as well copes with paraffins in diesel fuel, as well as its domestic analogue "Felix". True, the Germans managed to surpass it by only 1 degree. Judging by the results, the antigel diesel Mannol is able to start the car in winter at a temperature of -29 degrees Celsius. Another plus of "Mannola" is the ability to accurately dose the liquid (thanks to a vial with a measuring capacity).

Additive "Expert" - domestic antigel for diesel fuel

The test showed that the "Expert" additives are able not only to significantly increase the limiting temperature of the filterability of the fuel (by 9 units), but also to improve the lubricating properties. Thus, "Expert" makes it possible to start the car in winter at an ambient temperature of minus 29 degrees Celsius. But this is not all the advantages of the Russian additive. According to the reviews, the antigel for diesel oil Expert has a very convenient bottle with a narrow neck, so that it can be poured into tanks with a small diameter of the neck. This factor is especially relevant for owners of modern foreign cars, whose manufacturers make very small filling holes, designed for pistols with a thin nose.

Gunk Additive

This tool is produced by a company of American origin. It is worth mentioning that the additive in the diesel engine oil and anti-gels of Gunk brand has been delivered to Russia for a long time and managed to prove itself only from the good side. How does this diesel antigel behave? Reviews say that, unlike the previous additive, Gunk is able to increase the PTF value by as much as 13 units. Thus, this product can turn even summer diesel in winter, which does not crystallize and in severe frost. However, unlike the Russian "Expert", Gunk did not excel with high lubricity.

Castrol

Next is the German additive for diesel fuel Castrol. Alas, the results of the research did not justify the famous German quality. Yes, with the temperature of freezing fuel diesel additives "Castrol" coped well. However, with the main indicator of PTF - no. After using this anti-gel, the fuel becomes unusable already at -20 degrees. Also one of the drawbacks of this additive is the lack of instruction in Russian. The only plus of "Castrol" is the availability of a convenient vial, which is also equipped with measuring strips for a more accurate dosage. As they say, anti-gel for diesel fuel from the company "Castrol" does not justify its price, and therefore we can not give him leadership.

"Liquid Moli"

Antigel from the company Liqui Moly has been for many years considered one of the best among imported analogues, supplied from abroad. Judging by the test results, this additive is able to ensure a successful start of the motor even at 32-degree frost. In addition, "Liquid-Moly" distinguished itself with excellent lubricating properties. Thanks to this, the resource of the fuel system components, including filters and pump, is increased. I must say, the German company Liqui Moly significantly ahead of its fellow brand Castrol in terms of protecting the fuel from the formation of paraffin sediment. By the way, the company "Liquid Moli" produces good additives in diesel oil, which, depending on the purpose, provide lubricating or cleaning properties to the engine. In the latter case, they perfectly prevent the coking of the cylinders, which is a consequence of the use of poor-quality and sometimes dirty fuel.

Figures and results

The test of diesel additives showed that most of the tested samples of anti-gels with dignity withstood the cold test. The depressors significantly improved the low-temperature qualities and viscosity of the fuel. Thus, the indicator of the maximum filterability temperature of the summer grade of fuel was reduced to -20 to -29 degrees Celsius (depending on the brand of the product). On the basis of these indications, it can be safely asserted that if the filterability index of diesel fuel corresponded to the winter grade (-25 ^о С), the antigel would lower this value to the following temperatures:

• -40 degrees with anti-gel of the Russian brand "Felix".
• -36 degrees from the products of the company "Mannol".
• -32 degrees for additives "Expert", "Liquid Moly" and "Gank".

In addition to improving the properties of viscosity, some samples of anti-gels were significantly different in their lubricity. Improving the quality of the lubricant reduces the wear of fuel equipment, which significantly extends the life of the equipment. Thus, the motor additives "Liqui-Moli" (by 7.5 percent) and "Expert" (3.7 percent) provided the best lubricating properties. As noted by the reviews, the anti-gel for diesel brand Liqui Moly is one of the best options for the driver. It is this additive that has the most optimal price-quality ratio, for which it deserves to be the leader in our test.

How correctly to use antigel?

It should be noted that the above listed limit values of fuel filterability can be achieved only if the driver has met the correct dosage and technology of adding this petrochemical. First of all, one must understand that each manufacturer requires mixing antigel in a certain proportion. Do not be guided by the principle "the more, the better." Having done an overdose, you will only aggravate the situation - the increase in the amount of additive added to the tank will not increase the PTF value. That is, in this case you just spend money on the wind. By the way, the proportionality of adding anti-gel to fuel can vary significantly. Dosage can be as much as 30 milliliters per 100 liters of fuel, and 300 milliliters for the same amount of fuel. Therefore, always pay attention to the instruction (it is often available on the label of the vial).

In addition to dosage, the temperature regime should also be observed. It is necessary to remember that the antigel is added to the tank only if the ambient temperature is at least 0 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the use of an additive will not result in the expected effect. This rule applies to both fuel and the vial itself with an additive. The latter is desirable to add immediately after refueling the car, without violating the proportion.

Safety precautions

When working with such petrochemicals, we should not forget about the safety rules. It is necessary to reduce the likelihood of the additive falling on the surface of the skin of the hands. To do this, it is recommended to use special rubber gloves. Or at least do not touch the neck of the bottle with your fingers. If the antigel is spilled on your hand, it should be washed off with soap. In no case do not allow the gel to hit the eye area (this can happen when the vial is opened casually).

When buying, pay attention to the expiry date of the goods. It should not end less than six months after the purchase. Quality additive has a shelf life of 36 months, that is 3 years. Keep the antigel recommended closed when in a dark place, carefully guarding against direct sunlight. Note that at temperatures above 45 degrees, the properties of the additive begin to get lost. Therefore, it should be stored in a cool place.

Conclusion

So, we learned what kind of reviews antigel for diesel fuel from different manufacturers, and also found out what importance this additive presents for the car in the winter period of time. Paraffin - the main enemy of the motorist in the winter. It can not be removed, but it is quite possible to prevent its "reproduction". To do this, it is enough to buy an antigel and pour it into the tank, adhering to the correct proportions and temperature conditions. Finally, we note that the purchase follows the products of only well-known manufacturers. It is not necessary to save on additives, trusting unknown producers with goods without labels or labels. A poor-quality antigel can adversely affect the operation of the fuel system of the car, which can lead to costly repairs.