Sales of diesel trucks and SUVs rose 28% during 2020. Whether you’re a new or experienced diesel owner, you want to get the best performance from your truck. Is it time for 4×4 services?
If you need repairs, maintenance, or upgrades, you only want to trust your truck to the best shop. But how do you find the right mechanic?
Find out here how to choose the right shop for your diesel 4×4 services.
Look for Recommendations and Reviews
One of the best ways to find the right 4×4 services for your diesel truck is to ask other truck owners for recommendations. People in your area who are as passionate about their trucks as you are will usually be happy to tell you about their favorite shop. They can also tell you about places to avoid.
Online reviews can be another useful source of information. Look for a shop with good reviews and mechanics that consistently have four- and five-star ratings.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has records on many businesses. You can see if customers have complained to the bureau in the past and how those issues were resolved. Accreditation from the BBB recognizes the business for excellent customer service and quality work.
Check Certifications
Choose certified technicians and mechanics for your 4×4 services. Certification shows that the people working on your truck have up-to-date training and knowledge about your vehicle.
ASE certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence are some of the top certifications for diesel mechanics. Earning ASE certification is difficult. You know that an ASE-certified mechanic has a high level of skill in a certain area of repair.
Some mechanics may have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in diesel technology. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation accredits these programs.
Choose Diesel Specialists
Look for a shop that specializes in diesel vehicles. Diesel engines work differently than gasoline-powered ones. Not all auto repair shops have the equipment and training to service diesel trucks.
A diesel repair shop is more likely to have the level of expertise you’re looking for. Their in-depth knowledge means they may be able to suggest accessories or performance upgrades to improve your driving experience.
Get a Warranty and Quality Parts
You want a repair shop that stands behind their work with a warranty. If the mechanics don’t trust their work enough to give you a warranty, you shouldn’t trust it either.
Ask about the parts the shop uses. You may prefer OEM parts for some repairs.
If you want performance modifications, you may prefer aftermarket parts. They can range widely in quality, though. Be sure the mechanic is using high-quality components that will give you the boost you’re seeking.
Look for a Fair Price
When you’re looking for the best 4×4 services, get a few price quotes. Anything that seems too good to be true probably is. On the other hand, you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to have your truck serviced.
Comparing estimates from a few shops will give you a good idea of what a fair price is. You’ll have more confidence that you’re not overpaying or picking a shop that cuts corners to reduce costs.
Take a Look Around
Before you finally choose where you’re going to take your truck for 4×4 services, stop in and look at the shop. You want a convenient location. The shop should be tidy and organized with professional mechanics and staff.
Seeing the shop in person lets you get a feel for what you can expect if you work with them.
When to Get 4×4 Services for Your Diesel Truck
You know you need 4×4 services for your diesel truck if you break down. Good diesel truck care, including regular engine maintenance, can keep you from breaking down in the first place.
Basic Maintenance Services
Diesel engines are easier to maintain than gasoline engines in many ways. They don’t have electrical parts in the ignition. They don’t have moving parts like distributor rotors that can wear out quickly.
However, regular maintenance is still very important. For regular truck usage, you should do a maintenance check at least every 10,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months. If you do a lot of heavy hauling or idle the engine a lot, you may need maintenance every 3,000 miles.
A maintenance check should include services like:
- Changing the oil
- Changing the fuel filters
- Changing the air filters
- Inspecting the glow plugs and gaskets
- Replacing essential fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid
Diesel truck care is about keeping your engine clean. This extends the life of your truck and can prevent expensive repairs.
4×4 Maintenance Services
The main parts of your four-wheel-drive system are the differentials, the transfer case, and advanced electronics. Expert 4×4 services can give you a rebuild or installation in addition to maintenance.
Transmission services and undercar services help keep your 4×4 system in top condition. The differentials send power from the engine to the tires. To get the right RPM at specific speeds, you need the right gear ratio for your tire size. Installing a locking or limited-slip differential can give you better traction.
You can have the OEM or aftermarket components underneath your truck repaired or adjusted.
Electronic services can diagnose and repair your truck’s electronic systems. This affects how your engine and transmission work. If you’re noticing issues with performance, you may need an update or computer reflash.
4×4 Services with Diesel Performance Specialist
After you’ve checked reviews, certifications, warranties, and prices, you’re ready to choose a diesel shop for your 4×4 services. Diesel Performance Specialist is your trusted source for maintenance, repairs, and other services. We specialize in light- and medium-duty vehicles.
We give you quality work at a competitive price. In addition to 4×4 services, we provide services for brakes, electrical, engine and transmission, and everything under the truck.
Schedule an appointment today and give your truck the service it deserves.