Product Overview
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme, produced by Lubrication Specialties, is a concentrated, multi-function diesel fuel additive engineered primarily for cleaning, boosting, and protecting diesel fuel systems. Its stated functions are to remove harmful injector and combustion chamber deposits, boost cetane (fuel volatility), improve lubricity, and address the root causes of inefficient combustion and power loss in diesel engines. The product is marketed for use in all types of diesel vehicles—including heavy-duty trucks, pickups, farm machinery, and passenger cars—making it suitable for both commercial operators and everyday diesel drivers. According to the manufacturer, Diesel Extreme stands out by targeting Internal Diesel Injector Deposits (IDIDs), a key pain point for modern diesel engines, and providing up to a seven-point cetane increase per treatment. The additive is recommended for use every six months, with dosage guidelines scaling to tank size (e.g., 16 oz. treats 40 gallons). Retail pricing positions it in the mid-range category, often found between $15 and $30 for a standard treatment, making it accessible yet premium compared to basic fuel cleaners.
Detailed Assessment
Functionality & Benefits
Rating: 5/5 – Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme delivers multifaceted benefits: it thoroughly cleans injectors (addressing both IDIDs and external deposits), substantially improves lubricity, and increases the cetane rating for more efficient combustion. Users and testers consistently report improvements in idle quality, cold starts, and a reduction or elimination of engine hesitation and check engine lights. Notably, real-world tests indicate smoother running and mileage gains (up to 2.5 mpg reported) after a single treatment, even in vehicles with lingering drivability issues.
Technology & Innovation
Rating: 4.5/5 – The formulation includes a highly concentrated, proprietary detergent blend that is uncommon in many competing products. Diesel Extreme’s dual-action approach—first cleaning, then boosting—sets it apart from many additives that prioritize instant performance at the expense of long-term system health. The emphasis on IDID removal places it on the leading edge of additive technology for modern diesel engines.
Ease of Use
Rating: 4.5/5 – Application is straightforward: users simply pour the recommended dose into the fuel tank with each treatment. The packaging is robust, and the product is available in several sizes tailored for personal and commercial vehicles. Recommended use is just twice per year, so there’s minimal maintenance burden. The bottles are user-friendly and resealable, adding convenience at the pump.
Market Popularity
Rating: 4/5 – Diesel Extreme enjoys widespread adoption among both consumer and professional markets. It is readily available through major auto parts retailers and online platforms, with a strong reputation in truck and diesel enthusiast communities. While perhaps not as ubiquitous as some legacy brands, it ranks among the most recognized specialty diesel additives on the market.
Customer Satisfaction
Rating: 4.5/5 – The product receives consistently high marks from verified customers (averaging 4.9 out of 5 stars across hundreds of reviews). Users cite quieter operation, smoother startups, noticeably improved fuel economy, and restoration of lost performance. Occasional negatives include the strong odor of the additive—but few complaints regarding the effectiveness or ease of use.
Competitive Comparison
Rating: 4/5 – Compared to major alternatives such as Power Service Diesel Kleen and Stanadyne Performance Formula, Diesel Extreme is particularly praised for its high detergent concentration and pronounced cleaning effect. Diesel Kleen focuses more on continuous maintenance, while Stanadyne is also reputable for cleaning and cetane boost. Diesel Extreme stands out for its “deep clean, then boost” regimen, but may be more expensive per treatment cycle than some continuous-use additives.
Performance Results
Rating: 4.5/5 – Documented performance gains include improved throttle response, restored idle quality, smoother operation, and quantifiable fuel economy improvements (testers have reported up to 2–3 mpg gains in some applications following a single dose). Instances of check engine lights being resolved due to injector cleaning further highlight its effectiveness, especially in higher-mileage or previously neglected engines.
Value for Money
Rating: 4.5/5 – Diesel Extreme justifies its mid-range price by delivering comprehensive system cleaning and lasting results with infrequent application. When measured against competing products—some of which require much more frequent use or deliver less pronounced results—the cost-per-benefit is very competitive. Occasional users may find it more cost-effective than continuous-use products, particularly for heavily used or aged diesel vehicles.
Verdict
Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme stands out as a robust, high-performance diesel additive that bridges the gap between deep cleaning and performance enhancement. Its strongest attributes are its concentrated detergent action—particularly the ability to remove tenacious internal injector deposits—and a significant cetane boost that translates into improved drivability, efficiency, and engine longevity. Customers and independent testers routinely record smoother idling, restored fuel economy, and even the resolution of engine fault codes after use. The product’s biannual application regimen and straightforward use make it suitable for both fleet operators and private diesel owners, especially those operating vehicles with higher mileage or signs of injector fouling.
Weaknesses are minor: the initial odor during application is notable, and the up-front purchase price is somewhat above entry-level alternatives. However, these pale in comparison to the long-term savings and performance improvements delivered by effective fuel system cleaning and maintenance.
Diesel Extreme is ideally suited for any diesel owner—whether driving a Powerstroke, Cummins, Duramax, or high-mileage BMW diesel—looking to maximize performance, restore lost efficiency, and minimize maintenance surprises. It is also an excellent first-step solution for vehicles suffering symptoms of injector or combustion deposit buildup. Overall, it earns a strong endorsement for both preventative maintenance and problem-solving.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
