The Best Emissions Reducing Fuel Additive: Diesel & Petrol

By on 30 October 2020 / Leave a comment Updated on: 17th February 2021

Emissions are a hot topic right now. The worlds governments are all working towards carbon zero, increasing renewable energy sources and placing bans on the sale of internal combustion engine (petrol and diesel) vehicles from as early as 2030. In such times then, any pour-in additive that could potentially reduce exhaust emissions is a great product to use.

As a result of the pressure surrounding environmental preservation, vehicle manufacturers are pouring millions into developing the most efficient engines with the lowest exhaust emissions possible. Over the years and miles however, engines develop dirt and carbon build-ups, which contribute to less efficient running and hence, higher emissions. This essentially undoes some of the good work done by the manufacturers and increases drivers personal carbon contribution, not to mention putting owners at risk of an MOT failure.

Emissions reducing additives are available for both petrol and diesel engines, with the goal of reducing exhaust emissions, for a relatively small outlay. This may be particularly helpful as a short-term solution to pass a cars next MOT test (where emissions testing is becoming ever more stringent) or to clean the engine and keep it running efficiently with repeated use.

The Best Emissions Reducers for Diesel Engines

STP Diesel Emissions Reducer

stp diesel emissions reducer

Check the latest price on Amazon

The first of the diesel specific products comes from STP. STP is an American additives manufacturer, active in the sector for nearly 70 years. Thousands of customers and hundreds of products later they are one of the most well-regarded brands in the industry and boast impressive results from all their bespoke additive formulas. STP’s emissions reducing products however, are manufactured here in the UK, as the company designs and manufacturers products for specific markets and applications.

Their diesel emissions reducer promises to clean key internal engine and fuel components for a more efficient, cleaner running diesel engine. This, they claim, will not only lead to a reduction in emissions but also an increase in performance and fuel economy. The bespoke formula is designed specifically to get emissions levels back below that required at the next MOT test, back to the levels the car produced upon leaving the factory.

The fluid is simply poured into a full tank of fuel, at least one tank-worth of driving before an emissions test, to allow the product to pass through the engine and complete its cleaning work.

Pros:

  • Manufactured in the UK
  • Well-trusted company
  • Low outlay
  • Compatible with bio-diesel vehicles
  • Cleans fuel system parts and keeps them clean
  • Reduces diesel engine emissions

Cons:

  • Full bottle used per application

Redex Advanced Diesel Emissions Reducer

redex diesel emissions reducer

Next, another top brand in the sector, Redex. Claiming to be the UK’s number one fuel additive brand, they have been making products in the sector for almost 100 years (since 1922). After all this time, their products are well engineered and proven to provide good results. Redex’s additive lines are headed by the “Advanced” formulas, which promise “professional level” results without the high expenses of specialist maintenance.

The diesel emissions reducer is claimed to help pass MOT emissions tests by cleaning the engine internals, thereby promoting more efficient running and possibly even elongating the engines lifespan. Cleaning of the engine’s internals should also restore any lost performance to the vehicle.

Every Redex additive product comes with an attached dosage device, that will measure out the required amount to be added to a full tank of diesel fuel. Redex recommend adding one shot to every tank of fuel in order to maintain the lowest possible emission levels.

Pros:

  • UK manufacturer
  • Nearly 100 years in the industry
  • “Professional grade” formula
  • Reduces exhaust emissions
  • Possible increase in engine life

Cons:

  • Continued use could build expense

Wynn’s Xtreme Diesel Emission Reducer

wynns diesel emissions reducer

The last of our diesel-specific products is the Wynn’s Xtreme emissions reducing additive. Wynn’s is yet another top additive brand. The US manufacturer started in business over 80 years ago and is still going strong, selling its products all over the world. Like STP, Wynn’s has a European division, focusing on market-specific offerings, such as this diesel emissions reducer.

Wynn’s promises that their bespoke formula will reduce harmful emissions and black smoke from a diesel engines exhaust. The solution reduces the emissions via cleaning of the combustion chamber and fuel system, allowing for maximum efficiency, improved fuel economy and restored performance. Lastly, Wynn’s product, unlike the aforementioned rivals, promises to reduce harmful NOX gasses that are created in diesel combustion. These gasses are incredibly damaging to the environment and are the main reason for large-scale bans on diesel vehicles in UK city centres.

A full bottle of the product is added to at least 20 litres of diesel in the fuel tank, driving a minimum of 100 miles before an MOT emissions test, to allow the product to get to work. For best results, Wynn’s recommends using every 3rd tank of fuel. The product promises that it is safe to use on engines fitted with catalytic convertors and turbochargers.

Pros:

  • Well-known brand
  • Reduces exhaust emissions including NOX
  • Lessens black exhaust smoke
  • Restores performance and fuel economy
  • Improves combustion efficiency

Cons:

  • Entire bottle used per application

The Best Emissions Reducers for Petrol Engines

STP Petrol Emissions Reducer

stp petrol emissions reducer

Check the latest price on Amazon

Like the diesel offering, STP’s petrol emissions reducer promises to restore emissions levels for an MOT or to improve engine combustion efficiency. The product is designed to clean the key engine internals and vital fuel system components. This promises not only to reduce emissions but also restore lost performance and fuel economy.

Apply in the same method as the diesel product. One bottle to a full fuel tank and use at least one full tank before the next emissions test to get the best results, allowing the formula to perform it’s work on the engine.

Pros:

  • Manufactured in the UK
  • Well-trusted company
  • Restores emissions levels
  • Revival of lost performance
  • Cleans engine internals

Cons:

  • Entire bottle used per application

Redex Advanced Petrol Emissions Reducer

redex petrol emissions reducer

Check the latest price on Amazon

Redex is another brand offering a petrol alternative version of their emissions reducing additive formula. Like their diesel emissions reducer, this petrol variant is part of the brands “professional level” advanced range. The product is designed to help owners of petrol vehicles pass their MOT emissions tests via a thorough cleaning of the engine and fuel system internals, promising this will also increase the life of the engine. The cleaning process should also, Redex promises, restore lost performance and fuel economy to any petrol vehicle.

Like its other products, Redex supplies their petrol emissions reducer with a handy “shot” dosage measure, that will enable quick and easy measuring to add to each tank of fuel. The product is suitable for all petrol vehicles, with the recommendation from the manufacturer being to add one shot to every tank of fuel for prolonged effects.

Pros:

  • UK manufacturer
  • Nearly 100 years in the industry
  • “Professional grade” formula
  • Reduces exhaust emissions
  • Possible increase in engine life

Cons:

  • Continued use could build expense

Wynn’s Xtreme Petrol Emissions Reducer

wynns petrol emissions reducer

Not to be outdone by its competitors, Wynn’s also offers a petrol-vehicle emission reducing additive. Noxious exhaust gasses such as carbon monoxide should be reduced, while fuel economy should see a restoration to as-new levels, thanks to a thorough cleaning of the fuel system and internal engine components. The results of improved combustion should also see a revival of any lost performance.

Recommended for use on any petrol or hybrid petrol-powered vehicles, the entire contents of the bottle are simply added to at least 20 litres of petrol in the fuel tank. The additive is also safe to use on engines fitted with catalytic convertors and turbochargers. Add every 3rd tank and at least 100 miles before any emissions tests to ensure MOT passes and maximum results from the product.

Pros:

  • Compatible with hybrid vehicles
  • Well-known brand
  • Reduces exhaust emissions including CO
  • Restores performance and fuel economy
  • Improves combustion efficiency

Cons:

  • Entire bottle used per application

Conclusion

None of these additive solutions require expert tools or equipment to use, but could make a big difference to a vehicle’s tailpipe emissions. This could come in very handy in the case of a failed MOT or if the next test is on the horizon.

These products promise to restore emissions back to the factory standards, through thorough engine cleaning that enables the vehicle’s powertrain to run at maximum efficiency. Dirt and carbon build up within an engine but is not visible from the outside, making it impossible to predict if/ when emissions levels may rise. Using one of the products above will keep emissions low and let owners relax come MOT time.

Whether you have an interest in reducing your carbon footprint or passing your next MOT emissions test, an emission reducing additive should be a serious consideration. They are all available for a very small outlay and are backed by thousands of customers five-star reviews. Not only could this save you some stress and hassle but will undoubtedly boost the efficiency of your vehicle, while cleaning the parts most vital to keeping you on the road.

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Jack Gill

Car journalist and fully qualified mechanical engineer, Czok’s newest contributor and long-time automotive writer. Lifetime passion for all things automotive, from new supercars to rusty old hatchbacks. If I’m not behind the wheel, I’m likely under the bonnet or browsing the classifieds. Having spent over 5 years in the automotive industry and under the bonnet of my own car at home, I want to share the knowledge and learning that I have gained, with others without the time to study or the expertise, who just want their car to get them from A to B every day. We aren’t all interested in trawling through endless internet pages and forums. I aim to gather all the information up and roll it into a quick summarised format, to give only the information you really need.

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