Do you want your truck to last longer? Well, no diesel engine performs smoothly without regular maintenance and checkups. You don’t need to wait until you see signs of problems to start contacting a mechanic.
You can do some DIY maintenance for your truck such as changing your tires by simply following the owner’s manual recommendations. However, some problems may still require you to consult a skilled mechanic.
Do you want to know the kind of maintenance service used diesel trucks require? Read on to learn about the best tips for keeping your truck running smoothly.
Regular Oil Change
One important thing you should never forget about diesel trucks is changing oil.
This is the same with any vehicle, but a used commercial truck engine will require more attention. If you fail to provide proper oil changes when needed, your used diesel engine may prematurely break down and thus requiring a more costly maintenance service.
Additionally, unchanged oils will eventually become thick and dirty. It can also lead to your engine clogging or, worse, cause severe damage due to friction and heat.
But, how often should you change your diesel engine oil?
The frequency of changing your truck oil will depend on the distance covered since the last change. That means, if you use your truck often, you will not wait long between changes.
In other words, you should consider changing the oil once your truck has covered between 3000 to 5000 miles. However, that may vary depending on vehicle make and age, among other factors.
You can ask your professional mechanic if you are unsure about the oil change interval.
Frequent Engine Cleaning
It is also important you make sure that your diesel truck engine is clean.
However, this is not something you will do all the time. But you will need to reduce gunk and debris that build up from the engine and amp. For instance, some diesel engine manufacturers recommend cleaning diesel particulate filters (DPF) every six months.
It is also essential to understand the signs that indicate your DPF requires cleaning. Such signs may include a pungent fuel odor from the truck, diminishing fuel efficiency, and frequent DPF issues.
Furthermore, diesel trucks have a light on the dashboard that indicates when to clean DPF. When it is time to clean the engine, the light will glow orange. So, make use of the dashboard indicator.
Routine diesel truck care is essential in ensuring that all components remain intact and operating as needed.
Monitor Essential Fluids
A diesel engine does not run on diesel fuel alone; it needs other essential fluids to keep your truck running.
One of these critical fluids is coolant. You need to keep an eye on coolant in a diesel truck more than any other engine type. When this fluid breaks down, it usually turns acidic and damages the engine parts.
Also, whenever you are changing coolant, you should never:
• Mix different types of coolant
• Add water unless in an emergency
• Use unrecommended coolant
You also need to check other fluids that include:
• Transmission fluid
• Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)
• Power steering fluid
• Engine oil
• Rear differential fluid
• Automatic transmission fluids
• Brakes fluid
An excellent way to ensure you never run out of essential truck fluids is to check them whenever you intend to drive cross state or any other lengthy drive. Top up your truck oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
You don’t want to be caught off-guard with your windscreen full of dust and obscuring the view. Though it may be costly to keep doing routine diesel maintenance, it may help you avoid costly repairs in the long run.
Always Keep Up With Repairs and Replacement
No matter how safe you drive your truck, some of its parts will eventually break.
But you can ensure your vehicle does not experience severe issues. For instance, if you do not repair a broken part, it will deteriorate until it cannot function any further. Thus, you should make a good follow-up of any broken parts.
Some parts of diesel engine you can replace at home include:
Diesel Fuel Pump
You can replace it at home if you have a fass replacement pump. Some of the signs you need a new pump include; engine breakdowns, struggling to accelerate, etc.
Replacing a pump will improve your driving experience and make you feel like you are driving a brand new vehicle.
Change Filters During 4×4 Services
A diesel engine maintenance may involve changing filters that include oil filters, fuel filters, and others.
However, filters don’t require frequent replacement. Many used diesel engines will need filter change once they have driven 10,000 to 15,000 miles. But, an old engine may require frequent replacement.
Check Gaskets
Diesel engine gaskets always operate under intense pressure and should be inspected regularly.
When inspecting your truck gaskets, check mounting bolts and look for signs of leaks.
Additionally, whenever you decide to replace gaskets, you should simultaneously replace them. If one gasket is leaking, all of them will soon be leaky.
Give the Best Maintenance to Your Used Diesel Trucks
Maintenance is vital for all used diesel trucks. Failure to give adequate attention will only result in your used commercial trucks encountering pitfalls and problems down the road.
Although diesel engines tend to last longer without needing major repairs, they need low-cost maintenance intervals such as oil and filter changes. However, some issues like electrical services, heating and cooling services, transmission services, and under-car services may require the expertise of a professional.
Does your diesel truck require routine maintenance? Contact us today to get assistance from professionals you can trust.
