What does Ford recommend for diesel fuel additives?
Ford recommends using only Ford-approved diesel fuel additives or none at all; avoid unapproved aftermarket products to protect your engine and warranty.
Ford's official stance on diesel additives
In its owner manuals and service communications, Ford emphasizes fuel quality and adherence to manufacturer recommendations. For most Ford diesel owners, the recommended approach is to rely on clean diesel fuel meeting current industry standards and to use additives only if Ford explicitly approves them. When an additive is advised, Ford typically references Ford-approved products, such as Motorcraft Diesel Fuel Additive, and warns that using non-approved additives could interfere with fuel-system components or emissions controls and may affect warranty coverage. Always consult the owner’s manual or a Ford dealer before introducing any additive to the fuel system.
Ford-approved additive option
The primary Ford-approved diesel additive is Motorcraft Diesel Fuel Additive. It is intended for use as directed by Ford or a dealership and is designed to help maintain fuel quality under certain conditions, such as low cetane or cold-weather operation. Use only as recommended by Ford.
Note: If your vehicle is under warranty or covered by a service plan, using unapproved additives could impact coverage. For model-specific guidance, speak with your local Ford dealer.
Practical guidance for diesel owners
To help owners decide when an additive might be appropriate, Ford emphasizes the following guidelines:
- Rely on high-quality diesel fuel that meets applicable standards. Avoid brands or additives not endorsed by Ford.
- Only use Ford-approved additives (e.g., Motorcraft Diesel Fuel Additive) and follow the label directions exactly.
- If you notice fuel-system symptoms (hard starting, rough running, or reduced performance), consult a Ford dealer rather than experimenting with multiple additives yourself.
Following these steps helps preserve fuel-system longevity, maintain emissions performance, and protect warranty coverage.
Winter and cetane considerations
Diesel's cetane rating and cold-weather performance can affect starting and combustion. Ford advises using fuel and additives that address climate needs and to seek dealer guidance in regions with severe winter conditions, ensuring compatibility with your specific engine and emissions controls.
In practice, many Ford diesel users rely on quality diesel fuel and use Ford-approved additives only when recommended by a dealer, rather than routinely adding aftermarket chemicals.
Summary
Ford's guidance on diesel fuel additives centers on caution and official approval: use only Ford-approved products or none at all, primarily relying on high-quality diesel fuel. The Motorcraft Diesel Fuel Additive is the main Ford-approved option when an additive is warranted. Always verify with your owner's manual or a Ford dealer before adding any additive to your diesel fuel.
