How Can Drivers Prevent Costly Diesel Repair?
Whether you’re driving a semi-truck cross-country to meet delivery deadlines, or taking your child to baseball practice in your personal diesel truck, there are some things you should know about diesel engines. A diesel engine is a little less complicated than a gas engine, with greater reliability and longer working life. Although diesel engines don’t require ignition tune-ups and tend to last longer without major repairs than gasoline engines, they still need regular maintenance. The last thing you want is a premature engine failure requiring a major diesel repair that is costly and time-consuming!
When it comes to most diesel vehicles, the recommended service period is every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Of course, depending on how much you drive on a regular basis, as well as the make and model of your diesel vehicle, this service interval can vary. Check with your service manual or your diesel mechanic.
So how should you take care of your diesel vehicle? Following the tips below will ultimately save you time and money by keeping you out of a diesel repair shop.
- Clean Your Truck and Engine – Whether you just drive across town or across the country, dust, road grime, and soot will collect on your vehicle. Keeping it clean allows your diesel mechanic to notice any issues before they become major problems. For example, on a clean vehicle, you can spot new oil leaks, broken hoses, coolant leaks, etc. Further, dirty components such as radiators and intercoolers will affect how your engine performs.
- Check Fluid Levels – Engine coolant is just as important as motor oil. Keeping coolant topped off and balanced with proper chemicals will help prevent engine overheating, coolant freezing, and engine-damaging electrolysis in your cylinder liners. Also, don’t forget to replenish the window washer fluid as dirty windshields create hazardous driving conditions.
- Change Filters – Good quality filters help keep the oil and other fluids clean longer. A clean fuel filter ensures good, clean fuel flow to your engine. A dirty fuel filter restricts the flow of fuel to your engine and you will notice reduced engine performance. Air filters also need to be changed, the frequency depending on the environment you drive in. A dirty, clogged air filter will restrict airflow and decrease engine performance. Diesel particulate filters (DPF), a vital part of the exhaust system, are also very important to maintain.
- Keep up with Oil Changes – Regular oil changes will keep your engine running smoothly. The timing depends on several factors, such as idle time, number of cold starts, workloads, etc. The oil filter should also be replaced at every oil change. This will help remove particles that can cause engine wear and damage. Refer to your specific engine manufacturer guidelines or ask your diesel mechanic to help you determine the oil change interval and the right type of oil for your specific diesel engine.
- Check the Exhaust System – An exhaust system in good working order is vital to the well-being of your vehicle. Diesel exhaust systems are getting more and more complicated to meet EPA emissions standards so be sure to have them inspected regularly.
- Check the Radiator – The radiator keeps your vehicle cool by transferring heat from the engine to the air. Because diesel engines produce a lot of heat while in operation, a compromised radiator could reduce this heat transfer, resulting in overheating and causing irreparable engine damage. Basic maintenance includes radiator cleaning and coolant testing.
Remember, having preventive maintenance performed at the right intervals should be a top priority to keep you rolling down the road!
Do you have questions for a certified diesel mechanic? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
Whether you’re driving a semi-truck cross-country to meet delivery deadlines, or taking your child to baseball practice in your personal diesel truck, there are some things you should know about diesel engines. A diesel engine is a little less complicated than a gas engine, with greater reliability and longer working life. Although diesel engines don’t require ignition tune-ups and tend to last longer without major repairs than gasoline engines, they still need regular maintenance. The last thing you want is a premature engine failure requiring a major diesel repair that is costly and time-consuming!
When it comes to most diesel vehicles, the recommended service period is every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Of course, depending on how much you drive on a regular basis, as well as the make and model of your diesel vehicle, this service interval can vary. Check with your service manual or your diesel mechanic.
So how should you take care of your diesel vehicle? Following the tips below will ultimately save you time and money by keeping you out of a diesel repair shop.
- Clean Your Truck and Engine – Whether you just drive across town or across the country, dust, road grime, and soot will collect on your vehicle. Keeping it clean allows your diesel mechanic to notice any issues before they become major problems. For example, on a clean vehicle, you can spot new oil leaks, broken hoses, coolant leaks, etc. Further, dirty components such as radiators and intercoolers will affect how your engine performs.
- Check Fluid Levels – Engine coolant is just as important as motor oil. Keeping coolant topped off and balanced with proper chemicals will help prevent engine overheating, coolant freezing, and engine-damaging electrolysis in your cylinder liners. Also, don’t forget to replenish the window washer fluid as dirty windshields create hazardous driving conditions.
- Change Filters – Good quality filters help keep the oil and other fluids clean longer. A clean fuel filter ensures good, clean fuel flow to your engine. A dirty fuel filter restricts the flow of fuel to your engine and you will notice reduced engine performance. Air filters also need to be changed, the frequency depending on the environment you drive in. A dirty, clogged air filter will restrict airflow and decrease engine performance. Diesel particulate filters (DPF), a vital part of the exhaust system, are also very important to maintain.
- Keep up with Oil Changes – Regular oil changes will keep your engine running smoothly. The timing depends on several factors, such as idle time, number of cold starts, workloads, etc. The oil filter should also be replaced at every oil change. This will help remove particles that can cause engine wear and damage. Refer to your specific engine manufacturer guidelines or ask your diesel mechanic to help you determine the oil change interval and the right type of oil for your specific diesel engine.
- Check the Exhaust System – An exhaust system in good working order is vital to the well-being of your vehicle. Diesel exhaust systems are getting more and more complicated to meet EPA emissions standards so be sure to have them inspected regularly.
- Check the Radiator – The radiator keeps your vehicle cool by transferring heat from the engine to the air. Because diesel engines produce a lot of heat while in operation, a compromised radiator could reduce this heat transfer, resulting in overheating and causing irreparable engine damage. Basic maintenance includes radiator cleaning and coolant testing.
Remember, having preventive maintenance performed at the right intervals should be a top priority to keep you rolling down the road!
Do you have questions for a certified diesel mechanic? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
