Across the country, there are more than seven million diesel engines in operation. This fuel type allows vehicles to have more power which translates to being able to tow with more capacity and often last much longer.
But the owner of a diesel-fueled vehicle has to pay very close attention to the engine maintenance they perform. It’s crucial to keep the engine from getting gummed up and forcing it to quit working. When maintenance is performed at the right intervals and in the correct way, your Diesel engine will last for years and years!
Here are our top seven tips for diesel truck care to help you stay on the right track with your vehicle.
1. Change Oil Frequently
No matter what the vehicle or machinery type, if it uses oil in the engine it needs to be changed out frequently. Failing to take care of this engine maintenance is one of the most common issues and also one of the most detrimental vehicle owners face.
If the oil isn’t changed out, it will become polluted and full of particles. Those particles can cause significant damage to the engine parts and make it so they can’t move freely or perform their functions. Bad oil can start a chain reaction of problems inside of any car and become a very expensive problem, very quickly.
Luckily, it’s very easy to avoid this issue by simply following the advice of professionals for an oil change schedule.
2. Keep the Tank Full
Another common mistake diesel owners make often is letting the fuel tank get too low. Sure the vehicle may be able to run until the last drop is gone but doing this often can cause similar damage to dirty oil.
The bottom of the fuel tank often collects sediments and particles found in the liquid. When you begin to pull that liquid off of the very bottom of the tank, it’s more likely that the debris will get run through the engine instead of staying in the tank. That could lead to a whole host of other problems, so it’s just best to always stay out of the reserves of fuel when possible.
3. Clean Out Filters
It’s safe to say from our last two tips that debris and particles are an engine’s enemy. That’s why it’s also so important to regularly check, clean out, and replace any filters throughout the engine.
Throughout an engine you’ll find a variety of filters, the main ones include an oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. Each of these plays an important role in capturing anything you don’t want going through the system. When they get too full, they’ll stop the flow altogether which causes it to overheat or stop working altogether.
It’s a good idea to set a regular schedule for checking these filters to avoid them getting too dirty.
4. Manage Belt Wear and Tear
An engine is made up of so many moving parts, some of them are bound to get some wear and tear after prolonged use. But since they all work together, it’s important to catch that breakdown before it breaks completely.
One of the more common areas where this can become a problem is the belts, which play a crucial role in making a vehicle move.
Just taking a few minutes to inspect your belting system can help you avoid a full blow-out. You’ll be looking for cracks and rips anywhere along the belt that could potentially turn into it breaking apart. If you see those things, the whole part needs to be replaced.
5. Follow Proper Techniques
While taking care of maintenance is an important part of being a vehicle owner, it doesn’t do you any good if you don’t follow proper protocol. In fact, you can do more harm than good trying to take on a job you don’t know how to do.
If you’re going to attempt the maintenance on your own, make sure to avoid common mistakes and follow instructions exactly. Engines have to be in precise balance to work properly, so you have to keep that in order as you make your repairs.
6. Routine Check-Ups
Maintenance that’s only done on very rare occasions won’t do your vehicle as much good as if you regularly get inspections and repairs made.
The easiest way to ensure your vehicle stays in the best shape is to create a schedule for maintenance and stick to it. That includes checking the brakes, electrical services, heating and cooling services, engine and transmission services, and rotating the tires. Each of these will help make sure you avoid major problems and keep your vehicle on the road as long as possible.
7. Pay Attention to Warning Signs
Even the most well-maintained car can run into problems, sometimes these issues are just unavoidable. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to any red flags or warning signs that come up.
The sooner you can get things checked out and repairs made, the better. This will help you eliminate the chain reaction and further damage to other areas of the vehicle. These signs come in more ways than a light on the dashboard, pay attention to the way the vehicle feels when you drive it and any irregular noises.
You know your vehicle and know when something’s off, it’s better to be safe than sorry in these situations!
Top Engine Maintenance Tips for Your Car
When you need a big, strong vehicle to get the job done, a diesel engine is definitely the smart choice. As long as you follow these engine maintenance tips and tricks, your vehicle will be there whenever you need it!
With so many moving parts and so much to know about a diesel engine, some owners find it easier to leave all of the repairs and maintenance to professionals. This way they know that their vehicle is getting the right work done and the results can be trusted. Working with a professional brings you peace of mind and also lowers your workload significantly!
If you’re looking to get your Diesel engine looked at and serviced by a professional team, contact us today to set up an appointment!
