There are a few differences between diesel and standard vehicles—power, price, fuel, efficiency, and noise. Even though there is still controversy in the auto industry regarding oil changes, the basic oil change recommendation is still 3,000 miles or three months for gas-powered vehicles. The average recommendation for diesel oil changes is between every 5,000-7,000 miles or every six months. For the best advice, refer to your owner’s manual and check out “normal” driving conditions vs. “severe” driving conditions.
As you know, gasoline-powered vehicles use engine oil for lubrication and cooling of the engine. Although diesel engines use oil for basically the same reasons, it is a little more intensive:
- The running temperature of diesel engines is higher than gasoline engine temperatures,
- The compression ratio in diesel engines is higher than in gas engines,
- The diesel emission system uses up oil more, and
- The oil in diesel engines also cools and lubricates the turbocharger.
The situations below play a large role in determining the frequency of when you should have an oil change, whether it’s for a diesel vehicle or a gas-powered vehicle:
- Excessive stop-and-go driving (this leads to more soot accumulation in engine oil due to lower temperatures and distances)
- Frequent towing of large loads (higher loads lead to increased use of engine oil)
- Extreme temperatures (extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can shorten the life of diesel engine oil).
- Diesel engine modifications (diesel vehicles with aftermarket turbochargers, fuel injectors, custom tuning, etc.) should have oil changes performed more frequently than the standard.
Do you wonder why the cost of a diesel oil change is sometimes slightly higher than that of a standard oil change? Mainly because diesel fuel and oil are more expensive than petroleum products. Many auto shops offer oil change coupons to help make frequent oil changes more affordable for their customers.
Wondering how often does a diesel engine need an oil change? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel oil changes and to ask for our oil change coupons. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
There are a few differences between diesel and standard vehicles—power, price, fuel, efficiency, and noise. Even though there is still controversy in the auto industry regarding oil changes, the basic oil change recommendation is still 3,000 miles or three months for gas-powered vehicles. The average recommendation for diesel oil changes is between every 5,000-7,000 miles or every six months. For the best advice, refer to your owner’s manual and check out “normal” driving conditions vs. “severe” driving conditions.
As you know, gasoline-powered vehicles use engine oil for lubrication and cooling of the engine. Although diesel engines use oil for basically the same reasons, it is a little more intensive:
- The running temperature of diesel engines is higher than gasoline engine temperatures,
- The compression ratio in diesel engines is higher than in gas engines,
- The diesel emission system uses up oil more, and
- The oil in diesel engines also cools and lubricates the turbocharger.
The situations below play a large role in determining the frequency of when you should have an oil change, whether it’s for a diesel vehicle or a gas-powered vehicle:
- Excessive stop-and-go driving (this leads to more soot accumulation in engine oil due to lower temperatures and distances)
- Frequent towing of large loads (higher loads lead to increased use of engine oil)
- Extreme temperatures (extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can shorten the life of diesel engine oil).
- Diesel engine modifications (diesel vehicles with aftermarket turbochargers, fuel injectors, custom tuning, etc.) should have oil changes performed more frequently than the standard.
Do you wonder why the cost of a diesel oil change is sometimes slightly higher than that of a standard oil change? Mainly because diesel fuel and oil are more expensive than petroleum products. Many auto shops offer oil change coupons to help make frequent oil changes more affordable for their customers.
Wondering how often does a diesel engine need an oil change? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel oil changes and to ask for our oil change coupons. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
