Fuel Additives- Are They Worth It?

Fuel Additives

At James D Bilsland we sell additives for your boilers, tanks, cookers and cars. Fuel additives are used to prevent problems and increase efficiency which can ultimately save you money.

Fuel additives can help with the following common problems you may run into with your heating system, tank or engine.

Sludge Present In Tank

After a long period of time, water and sludge will eventually build up in an oil tank. Sludge is a result of water condensing on the inside of the tank upon changes in temperature. As water is heavier than oil, it will collect on the tank’s bottom. Water deposits represent a good place for growing various bacteria. Heating oil sludge can be a mix of bacteria, dirt and debris and tends to build up in tanks where oil has been stored for a longer period of time.

Sludge or water in your heating oil tank can clog pipework, damage or corrode heating systems and reduce the efficiency of the oil.

To prevent sludge formation from building up we recommend using Anti Bug Protect and Anti Bug Kill to eliminate sludge that is already present.

Heating Oil Carbon Build Up

Carbon buildup and other contaminants from your tank can flow through your boiler system causing it to become slower and less efficient. To keep your system clean and running more efficiently we suggest using Premium Heating Oil or if your home has an AGA Cooker- Premium Heating Oil For AGAs

Gas Oil/Derv Freezing

During the winter when temperatures drop, Diesel and gas oil contain wax which is present due to its high cetane value. This wax is normally in liquid form, but when the weather gets colder, this wax can crystallise causing blocked filters and fuel lines. We suggest using Anti Wax Additive which can be added to your gas oil or derv before colder weather to prevent the fuel from freezing which can cause blocked filters, blocked fuel lines and costly downtime.

Water In Gas Oil

Contamination in gas oil can occur when water seeps into the tank leading to rusting and bacterial growth which can then lead to contamination. Anti Bug Protect can be used to help prevent bacterial growth and anti-bug kill is used to kill the infestation if your fuel is already contaminated. Gas Oil Supreme is used to enhance lubricity, efficiency and to protect gas oil from water contamination.


Additives should be seen as more of an investment and will save you money on maintenance costs, downtime and repairs. Additives are used to prevent any future problems that may cost you money further down the line whilst improving efficiency and overall performance. Click below to view our range of fuel additives, greases and lubricants.