Opti-Lube Additives & Lubricants - BlogOpti-Lube Additives & Lubricants - Bloghttps://www.opti-lube.com/blogsThu, 16 Apr 2026 00:33:32 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[What's the Difference?]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/What-s-the-DifferenceWhat is our most asked question? It's "What's the Difference?" XPD is by far our most popular product as it is an All-In-One solution that co ]]>
What is our most asked question? It's "What's the Difference?"

XPD is by far our most popular product as it is an All-In-One solution that covers all bases when it comes to a Diesel Fuel Additive. You can run it year round in all Climates. High Lubricity, Cleaners, Cetane, Water Control, and Anti-Gel.

If you only concern is Lubricity, XL is a great option.

If you want to have a high quality Lube and Cetane Booster at a lower cost, Summer Lube+ Cetane might be your go to.

If you want the most Cetane you can get, BOOST! Maximum Cetane is your best bet.

And if your main concern is keeping your stuff running in the coldest months, Opti-Lube Winter will be what you reach for.
]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:20:00 -0700<![CDATA[Lubricity Comparison]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/lubricity-comparisonThe only fully independent test on the lubricity of Diesel Fuel Additives was done many years back. Over the last few years we ourselves have been col ]]>
The only fully independent test on the lubricity of Diesel Fuel Additives was done many years back. Over the last few years we ourselves have been collecting and testing our competitors products along with our own to make sure we once again, stay at the top of the lubricity game.

We won't be naming any names, but you can be sure that anything you can get at the Parts Stores, 'Marts', and Truck Stops were tested.

See for yourself how Opti-Lube XL, XPD and Summer+ stacked up against 25 others in the Diesel Additive World.
]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:26:00 -0700<![CDATA[Emulsifier vs. Demulsifier]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/emulsifier-vs.-demulsifierFor years there has been a spirited discussion regarding the use of either an emulsifier or a demulsifier in fuel additives. Diesel people and additiv ]]>
For years there has been a spirited discussion regarding the use of either an emulsifier or a demulsifier in fuel additives. Diesel people and additive producers often have strong opinions.
In order to better decide between the two, let’s first look at the differences that set each of them apart.
Arguments on the emulsification side make claims that demulsification can allow corrosion in the low points of the system without proper maintenance. While this could be a concern to some it is important to note that Opti-Lube’s Diesel Fuel Additives contain corrosion inhibitors, as well as cleaners to keep sludge and gum from forming at the water/fuel line. In our 18 years of business we have never known anyone that could link corrosion with the use of a demulsifier.
The big question with emulsifiers is what happens to a water/diesel emulsion when it's pressurized to 30,000 lbs and then exposed to the shearing effect and heat that occurs inside an injector? It seems like a no brainer that steam in the combustion chamber would be a bad thing. The other concern is passing water droplets through the injector nozzles. As injector nozzle technology advances they are becoming smaller and smaller making particles of any size a concern.

Here at Opti-Lube we have noted that not one engine manufacturer (that we have seen) recommends using an emulsifier. Our research suggests this is for one single reason: In the past, many of the emulsifiers used alcohol as a water dispersant, and most of these are bad news for a fuel injection system.
THREE TYPES OF ALCOHOL
We have found that there are 3 types of alcohol that diesel engine builders have problems with: Methanol (Very bad), Ethanol (mildly bad), and Propanol (on the fence, typically used in emergency dewaxing or icing products). Methanol may be a great power producing fuel but it can mess up a diesel engine in short order. Some competitive organizations have restricted the use of this type of fuel in diesels.

So what does the statement “Alcohol-Free” mean? When additive producers state “Alcohol-Free” it is a broad phrase because as we just noted, not all alcohols are the same. There are many alcohol based chemicals, or chemicals in the alcohol family that are not harmful. This can be difficult to explain on a bottle’s small label or to those of us who are not chemists.

Ethylhexanol for example, is not as popular as Methanol, Ethanol, or Propanol and does not harm engines in any way the others do. So the statement “Alcohol-Free” typically means free of any harmful alcohol.
In order to better decide between the two, let’s first look at the differences that set each of them apart.
If there ever comes a time when emulsifiers are the proven scientific answer to water problems in diesel fuel, Opti-Lube is equipped and willing to adapt in any way to ensure that our customers have the highest quality products available. For now, Opti-Lube has taken the position to rely on our chemists and the research they have conducted, and only use Demulsifiers in our blends.

Their word, along with every engine manufacturer (that we are aware of), have not accepted emulsifiers as an answer to water problems in diesel fuel. Many self proclaimed “diesel experts” on the internet or suppliers of emulsifier additives are very vocal and can argue the point till the cows come home. But the fact remains that the people who should know are standing behind demulsification (for now). We will too.
]]>Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:43:00 -0700<![CDATA[What is cavitation and why is it bad for your injectors?]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/What-is-cavitation-and-why-is-it-bad-for-your-injectorsCavitation is a phenomenon in which rapid changes of pressure in a liquid lead to the formation of small vapor-filled cavities in places where the pre ]]>
Cavitation is a phenomenon in which rapid changes of pressure in a liquid lead to the formation of small vapor-filled cavities in places where the pressure is relatively low.

One way cavitation affects your injectors is by inertial cavitation which can cause significant wear. This is due to the low-pressure areas forming bubbles in the liquid which rapidly collapse and produce a fatiguing shockwave.

Think about when you pour a cold glass of water and let it warm to room temperature. As the water warms, gasses dissolved in the water start to escape. This is visible in the bubbles that seem to form from nowhere. This is because the change in water temperature turns in favor of the dissolved gasses moving to an area where the pressure is less. Which in this case happens to be atmospheric pressure.
Same for bubbles formed in diesel fuel and subsequently your injectors. The bubbles move to a more suitable pressure zone, like the low-pressure area formed by cavitation. It just happens much more quickly and violently than a cold glass of water warming to room temperature, or even a shaken can of soda.

For this same reason, many diesel users will install an air separation unit between the tank and engine to cut down on the amount of air getting to their injectors. FASS has a good video showing other effects that air in your fuel can have. Like a low-density region in the fuel distribution just outside the injector nozzle. Which leads to lower engine performance and higher exhaust emissions due to an incomplete burn of fuel. This is another major side effect of cavitation.
Eliminating cavitation is a major field of study in fluid dynamics. When speaking about fuel injectors a complete understanding of how cavitation occurs has been elusive.

If cavitation is not yet fully understood, how do you prevent it from happening?

While manufacturers try to design and optimize cavitation-suppressing injectors capable of higher pressures and improved performance, you can take care of your already well-designed fuel system. Fuel injector spray holes are barely the width of human hair. The smallest change in these small components can greatly affect the performance of your engine.

Poor quality fuel can cause corrosion in your injectors that changes the way your fuel was designed to flow thus increasing the chances of further damaging your injectors because of cavitation. The same goes for physical contaminants in your fuel.

Regular fuel system maintenance is necessary to reduce any damage that may increase the effects of cavitation. While an air separation system goes a long way in helping prevent damage to your fuel system, a diesel fuel additive like Opti-Lube can also be used at regular intervals to help break down physical contaminants and separate water found in poor quality fuels. With this, you also get added lubricity that can help your entire system run safer and more efficiently. Including the pump in an air separation system.

Protect your investment. Use Opti-Lube to reduce damage in your fuel system that leads to the further damaging effects of cavitation. 
]]>Mon, 07 Dec 2020 11:37:00 -0700<![CDATA[Fungicides and Biocides In Diesel Fuel]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/Fungicides-and-Biocides-In-Diesel-FuelMany of our customers wonder why Opti-Lube does not offer a fungicide/biocide. Though these chemicals are sometimes necessary, there are serious disad ]]>
Many of our customers wonder why Opti-Lube does not offer a fungicide/biocide. Though these chemicals are sometimes necessary, there are serious disadvantages of using them continually.

Fungus and bacteria grow at the water fuel interface. Fungicides and biocides work by stopping fungus and bacteria from growing in the fuel, however if fungus is already present a ‘Kill dose’ is required.
Disadvantages of Biocides/Fungicides include:
Handling and mixing is hazardous because the chemicals are poisonous.

For a ‘kill dose’, killing the fungus can lead to build up of dead matter which will block filters and cause fuel oxidation. The tank should be emptied and cleaned after a ‘kill dose’.

Maintenance doses are effective but no more so than regular water draining. Opti-Lube Diesel Fuel Additives focus on prevention. Opti-Lube does not offer biocides and fungicides because they are so dangerous to handle and can have too many negative side effects. Opti-Lube Diesel Additives strive to help you prevent the need to ever use a biocide or fungicide.
BACTERIAL GROWTH IN FUEL PICTURED ABOVE
]]>Mon, 01 Feb 2016 12:06:00 -0700<![CDATA[Extending the Storage Life of Diesel Fuel]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/extending-the-storage-life-of-diesel-fuelFor years there has been a spirited discussion regarding the use of either an emulsifier or a demulsifier in fuel additives. Diesel people and additiv ]]>
For years there has been a spirited discussion regarding the use of either an emulsifier or a demulsifier in fuel additives. Diesel people and additive producers often have strong opinions.
In order to better decide between the two, let’s first look at the differences that set each of them apart.
Arguments on the emulsification side make claims that demulsification can allow corrosion in the low points of the system without proper maintenance. While this could be a concern to some it is important to note that Opti-Lube’s Diesel Fuel Additives contain corrosion inhibitors, as well as cleaners to keep sludge and gum from forming at the water/fuel line. In our 18 years of business we have never known anyone that could link corrosion with the use of a demulsifier.
When storing diesel fuel, most everyone is familiar with the adverse effects of water or growth in their bulk tank. Are there other factors or elements that cause diesel fuel to degrade?
The simple answer is YES.
Storage life of any fuel is dependent on the storage conditions. Untreated diesel fuel can be expected to stay in a usable condition for approximately 12 months, when stored at an ambient temperature of 68°F; and 6-8 months when stored at temperatures exceeding 85°F.
WHY?
As diesel fuel gets older fine sediment and gum forms in the diesel, brought about by the reaction of diesel components with oxygen from the air. Oxidation eventually leads to fuel darkening and stratifying (layers in fuel/separation). Sediment and gum will block fuel filters and burn inefficiently in the engine, often leading to carbon and soot deposits on injectors and other combustion surfaces. Let’s discuss conditions that accelerate the aging process, additives to counteract this process and suggestions for extending storage life.
5 THINGS TO HELP EXTEND STORAGE LIFE
Contact with Metals
Verify that the fuel is not in contact with any surfaces containing zinc, copper or compounds that contain these metals (e.g. brass). A metal deactivator may help if this is the case.
Regular Maintenance
To remove any chance for fungus growth, create a regular maintenance program to remove water and dirt from fuel tanks. Condensation is the most common way for water to get into a fuel tank. The rate at which water collects via condensation varies depending on local climate and is higher in hot, humid areas.

Keeping a tank full is the easiest way to limit water in the tank as this reduces the space for water to condense. Tanks should have a well-defined low point, such as cone down bottoms, where water collects and can be drained. Water should be drained weekly in bulk fuel tanks. If the tank shows no tendency to collect water the frequency can be extended but should be done at least monthly.
Empty Tanks
Tanks should be emptied and cleaned at least once every 10 years, or more frequently if you have a major contamination. Establish a system for filtering the contents of the main storage tank through a recirculating filter system (filters should be checked and changed at regular intervals). Make this automatic and reduce problems by removing sediment and gums.
Replenish Fuel Stock
it is best to do this in the winter season November – March. This will ensure the fuel will not cause wax problems no matter what season it is used. Verify the winter fuel matches the cloud point for your area to avoid gelling caused by wax drop out in cold weather.
Use and Replace Fuel
If possible, plan to use the fuel within one to three years and replace it with fresh fuel.
Take the first step towards preventing these common problems from becoming your problem. Add Opti-Lube Preserve to your Bulk Tank.

Preserve was created to help your bulk tank fuel reach its full storage potential. Although all diesel fuel will eventually degrade anyway, Preserve extends its life.

Diesel stabilizers should be added to new diesel, as no stabilizer can fix fuel that is already failing. Addressing these issues can more than double your fuel’s storage.
]]>Fri, 01 Jan 2016 12:57:00 -0700<![CDATA[Helpful Information To Prevent Gelling In Your Diesel]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/helpful-information-to-prevent-gelling-in-your-dieselContact with Metals Verify that the fuel is not in contact with any surfaces containing zinc, copper or compounds that contain these metals (e.g. brass ]]>
Contact with Metals
Verify that the fuel is not in contact with any surfaces containing zinc, copper or compounds that contain these metals (e.g. brass). A metal deactivator may help if this is the case.
Are you ready for winter?
Make sure you and your investments are protected this winter with Opti-Lube Fuel Additives. Refineries make sure their diesel fuel meets minimum low temperature specifications based on location and time of the year. However unseasonably cold snaps, long distance travel from a warm location to a cold location, or just extreme low temperatures can cause issues for many drivers. One of the main issues is gelling. Cold Flow Improvers are designed to help ULSD improve low temperature flow performance. When considering why a fuel gels there are four cold flow measurements/terms that are useful to know.
Cloud Point (CP) -
The temperature at which waxes become visible in diesel.
Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) -
The highest temperature at which a fuel will not flow through a filter or requires more time than is allotted to flow through the filter.
Pour Point (PP) -
The highest temperature at which the diesel fuel will not flow.
Operability -
The lowest temperature at which a diesel fuel vehicle will operate in practical application. Typically either 18°F below the cloud point or the CFPP Temperature, whichever is higher.
WHY DOES FUEL GEL? All diesel fuel contains waxes. Protect yourself and your investment When the waxes are warm, as in from gelling. milder climates, they stay liquid and are harmless. As they cool, the waxes begin to crystallize and link together. A visual haze known as the Cloud Point begins to appear in your fuel. As temperatures continue to fall, sheets of crystallized waxes form and begin to stack on top of each other, creating more solid layers that can block filters, stopping the flow of fuel to the engine. Eventually as the fuel becomes more gel-like, the Cold Filter Plugging Point is reached and fuel flow will stop altogether.
Anti-Gel
As the name suggests, works to counteract the gelling of diesel fuel. Typically speaking, there are two kinds of anti-gel, Preventative and Post CFPP. Post CFPP Anti-gels are used after gelling or plugging has already occurred. They are often alcohol or kerosene based to burn through the waxes and restore fuel flow. Although use of these chemicals is sometimes necessary, such as when gelling and plugging has already occurred, alcohol and kerosene based additives are usually avoided. The speed by which alcohol or kerosene can liquefy wax buildup is useful but the lack of lubricity, and the caustic effect these chemicals have on rubber seals and hoses, is why they are typically avoided. Preventative Anti-gels are used before gelling occurs. To ensure a Preventative anti-gel works properly there is an important rule to keep in mind. Diesel Fuel can not be at or below the cloud point when Preventative anti-gel is added.

There are two reasons for this: (1) If the fuel is cold and wax has begun to crystalize and link, the cold flow additive will not be able to modify the crystals as designed to minimize their growth or alter their morphology and (2) cold fuel has poor solubility, meaning proper mixing can not occur. The easiest way to ensure your preventative additive is properly mixed and your diesel is not too cold during winter months is to add it at the pump while fueling. Once mixed properly the preventive anti-gel will not only do its job but will not ‘fall out’ of solution or separate.

Opti-Lube XPD and Winter contain components that interact with the wax molecules in a way that prevents them from stacking and subsequently forming large, filter plugging crystals. As the temperatures drop this season, ask yourself: Am I ready for winter?
]]>Tue, 01 Dec 2015 13:16:00 -0700<![CDATA[New Product Announcement: Opti-Lube Ag Formula (Agriculture)]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/new-product-announcement-opti-lube-ag-formula-agricultureNew Opti-Lube Agriculture Formula! Opti-Lube Agriculture (Ag) Formula is designed to meet the needs and demands of farming equipment and bulk storage. ]]>
New Opti-Lube Agriculture Formula!

Opti-Lube Agriculture (Ag) Formula is designed to meet the needs and demands of farming equipment and bulk storage.
Here at Opti-Lube our goal is to improve performance and extend equipment life. At only $0.05 per treated gallon of diesel, the benefits of Ag far outweigh the cost.

Like all Opti-Lube diesel products Ag Formula improves lubricity, adds efficiency and cleans injectors. The components inside have been specially formulated with a water separator (demulsifier) to help stabilize your fuel for long term storage and inhibit bacterial growth. To counter the growing amount of B5 and B10 bio-diesel, Ag also contains a measure of anti-gel to help keep your fuel flowing at colder temperatures, despite the high Cloud Point of many bio-diesels. With the added benefit of 5-7 points cetane, Ag will make your equipment a force to be reckoned with.
  • Boosts Cetane rating 5-7 points
  • Improved water separation
  • Keeps Fuel Systems Clean
  • Improved Cold Starts
  • Increased Power
  • Improved Storage Stability
  • Fuel Will Flow Down to 0 °F (Dependent on base fuel)
]]>Sun, 01 Nov 2015 13:24:00 -0700<![CDATA[What is Cetane? Question and Answer]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/what-is-cetane-question-and-answerCetane is becoming commonly heard, but many people still ask; ‘What is Cetane? Why do I want Cetane?’ Let’s consider three aspects of cetane to answer ]]>
Cetane is becoming commonly heard, but many people still ask; ‘What is Cetane? Why do I want Cetane?’ Let’s consider three aspects of cetane to answer these questions.
WHAT IS CETANE NUMBER?
The Cetane Number or CN is a measurement of the length of time from fuel injection until the combustion process begins. It is NOT a measurement of fuel economy, power or combustion smoothness.
HOW DOES CETANE WORK?
Cetane improvement reduces the ignition delay period between the first fuel injection into the cylinder and start of combustion. In short, the higher CN, the easier fuel will combust in a compression setting (such as a diesel engine). The characteristic diesel ‘knock’ occurs when fuel that has been injected into the cylinder ignites after a delay - causing a late shock wave. Minimizing this delay results in less un-burned fuel in the cylinder and a less intense ‘knock’. Therefore higher CN fuel usually causes an engine to run smoother and quieter.
WHY DO I WANT HIGHER CETANE IN MY DIESEL FUEL?
By increasing the cetane number of your fuel you improve cold starts and reduce engine noise. By reducing the ignition delay cetane causes a more complete burn. Because of this it’s very common to see a MPG increase with a higher CN.

Generally, diesel engines operate well with a CN from 40 to 55. As mentioned earlier, fuels with a higher cetane number have shorter ignition delays, providing more time for the fuel combustion process to be completed. Hence, higher speed diesel engines operate more effectively with higher CN fuels. Interestingly many countries, such as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and many other countries in Europe, require a minimum cetane rating of 51. Premium diesel fuel can have a CN as high as 60. The U.S. however, has a minimum CN rating at 40 and Premium diesel fuels are not required to have a higher cetane rating - it is left to the discretion of the supplier.

With these facts in mind Opti-Lube provides a number of diesel additives ranging from a 3-9 point cetane increase to help you ‘blend’ your way to premium diesel. See your diesel vehicle running at peak efficiency and grab some higher MPG today with Opti-Lube Diesel Fuel Additives.
]]>Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:33:00 -0600<![CDATA[Tired Of Measuring Diesel Additive For Every Tank?]]>https://www.opti-lube.com/blogs/post/tired-of-measuring-diesel-additive-for-every-tankOpti-Lube Diesel Additives are now conveniently available in 6 and 8 packs. These packs of smaller 4 or 8 once bottles were specifically designed for c ]]>
Opti-Lube Diesel Additives are now conveniently available in 6 and 8 packs.

These packs of smaller 4 or 8 once bottles were specifically designed for convenience so you can treat 1 tank per bottle and just toss the bottle in the trash.

Now, it doesn’t get any easier to protect your investment!
]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:46:00 -0600