Fuel Additive - Worth It?

[Mag_Pie]

I usually fill up with standard Shell diesel and every so often I think that I should put a tank of V Power diesel in to give things a clean/declog.  Now I've read a bit on here that talks about this not really being worth it and how some people use a fuel additive with every tank instead.  With this in mind I've had a look over at opieoils at the Millers treatments, can anyone share which one they have tried?

[KyleB]

monkeyhanger used to swear by Millers I believe but I've never used any and get good MPG and it isn't overly noisy (although it is a diesel).

[p3asa]

I used Millers for several tankfuls and definitely noticed a difference. It seemed more responsive.
I only stopped using it as the stuff absolutely stinks.

[mcmaddy]

Millers diesel power plus every tank is better than using shell v power. Esso premium diesel is supposed to be better than shell v power but I haven't tried it yet.

[p3asa]

Just a heads up that Wilco direct are doing 5 Litres of Millers for £55 delivered with the 20% off code WD20

A lot cheaper than buying the wee bottles.

[monkeyhanger]

^ At £55 for a big tin and using an average 50ml per tankful, it's costing you a fraction over a penny a litre on your fuel costs. Buy Shell Vpower over standard diesel and the difference is 12-14p a litre.

Vpower diesel is less potent than standard diesel, it is 8% less calorific as the average hydrocarbon chain length is shorter due to the natural gas synthesised portion. It is definitely purer and you get fewer regens when using it, but your mpg will be noticeably down on the standard stuff. Its only advantage is cleaning up a dirty engine, that's where people will see an improvement in their car. I used the stuff for the first 4 tankfuls on my GTD and ditched it, seeing an improvement when I did.

Cetane number for diesel fuel is optimum at around 55, Millers helps your fuel get there. There's a fine line on fuel volatility - petrol cars are trying to be a little more like diesel with higher compression ratios, higher Cetane makes the diesel to be a bit more volatile, combusting slightly earlier for a more complete (and cleaner) burn with better response.

[p3asa]

I definitely notice a difference using it.

Thanks for sharing that Monkeyhanger. Most informative. Cheers.

[ffrank]

I've been using millers for 6 months now and it's great stuff.

I had started to get a slight shudder in 6th gear when flooring it at 1800rpm. I thought it would either be a fueling issue (dtuk box related) or something like the flywheel.

Added the millers and it solved the issue as well as making the car smoother in general. I add 50ml after every full tank. Happy customer!

[corgi]

It depends what you mean by "worth it"...

I doubt it'll pay for itself in terms of economy, (although Monkeyhnager may have a different view - and I wouldn't doubt his calculations) but even if it does it'll be marginal.

In that case, if it provides a little more power, smoothness or better engine cleaning... only you can decide whether it is worth it...

[monkeyhanger]

It's definitely smoother and a little more responsive with a 50ml shot of Millers in every yank and the regens ate down too, definitely worth the additional cost of 55p per tank of fuel at the best price you can get it for, premium diesel is not worth the additional 12ppl IMO.