If you’re the owner of a diesel vehicle, it’s important that you learn it inside and out.
Gasoline vehicles are the most common, but diesel vehicle owners enjoy a world of benefits. For instance, diesel vehicles are 35% more cost-effective and generally last longer.
To get the most from your vehicle, take time to learn some diesel engine maintenance tips that’ll help you give it the TLC needed to perform optimally. We’re happy to point you in the direction of the tips your diesel vehicle needs to thrive.
Keep reading so that you know where to start when creating a maintenance schedule for your favorite diesel vehicle.
Get the Oil Changes
Staying on top of your oil changes is the bread and butter of owning a vehicle. It’s the engine oil that lets your diesel vehicle stay clean and lubricated without overheating or locking up. Every diesel vehicle has its own parameters for the type of oil you should use and how frequently you need oil changes.
For some vehicles, you’ll need to get the oil changed every 3,000 miles. Others can go more than 10,000 miles without needing an oil change. Study your manufacturer’s recommendations so that you’re always changing your oil on schedule, whether your vehicle is performing poorly or not.
Check Out the Transmission
Next, make sure that you get your transmission checked out and fixed. This is a part that works concurrently with your diesel engine to help it change gears. Anytime you accelerate or decelerate, your engine needs to adjust the output that it is expending.
It’s the transmission that makes this happen. Proper transmission maintenance includes checking the fluid and getting it changed when it goes from auburn or pink to a burnt orange, brown, or black. You may also need full-fledged repairs for your transmission, especially if it’s locking up, or your vehicle sputters or smokes whenever you try to change gears.
Transmission work can be a heavy-duty project that requires a mechanic to take it apart and inspect every element. You’ll be glad that you got your transmission checked out because it will make your engine perform at its best.
Remember Your Annual Inspections
Getting your diesel truck inspected once a year is the easiest form of maintenance that you can follow, but arguably the most important. When a mechanic checks out your diesel vehicle each year, they will make sure that all of the parts are working correctly and that it isn’t polluting the air with an overwhelming amount of emissions.
Having a pro inspect your engine will let you come away with either a clean bill of health for your vehicle or a checklist of repairs that you need to take care of. Either way, you’ll have the information that you need for your vehicle to run safely and to prevent wasted money and energy whenever you drive it.
Swap Out the Air Filters
If you’re going to create a maintenance schedule that is effective, you have to pay attention to detail. Many people know to get their oil changed. However, many drivers also forget to change the filters at the time of the oil change.
When you change your filters, you improve your engine’s ability to block out sludge and debris that can create serious problems. The engine gets dirty and gritty the more that you drive it, so make sure to have a mechanic apply a fresh one on a set schedule. This will let your engine expel waste properly without getting backed up and creating airflow issues.
A car with a clean set of air filters is also more cost-effective and better for the environment.
Check and Change the Coolant
Take care of your radiator if you want your diesel engine to perform at its best. This is a critical piece of engine maintenance because it’s the coolant that keeps your engine from overheating.
Once your engine starts to overheat, it can affect other parts of the car. It can make your transmission fail, and can burn out hoses inside your engine block, causing messy fluid leaks. Check your coolant levels every other week or so, or whenever you check your oil and transmission fluid. If your coolant is running low or starting to get dirty, don’t hesitate to fill it back up with fresh fluid.
Tune the Engine and Change the Spark Plugs
You also need to make sure that your diesel engine is properly tuned. Take it to a mechanic and have them strip and change the wires, replace spark plugs, and check for emission levels.
These small pieces of maintenance work wonders when it comes to improving the way that your engine runs. Make sure that you get your engine tuned at least once a year, or whenever you’re about to go on a long road trip.
Repair and Maintain the Fuel Injectors and Exhaust
Finally, make sure that you’re taking care of your fuel injector and exhaust. Blocked or dirty fuel injectors will make your engine struggle to work, and it may even start to idle or stall out. You can look into a fuel injector cleaning system or have a professional take a look.
The exhaust system is just as important. A working exhaust lets your engine circulate the way it’s supposed to, and minimizes the amount of pollution expelled. While you’re working on your exhaust system, consider getting a muffler replacement from a seasoned pro.
Follow up on any check engine light indicators so that you know your vehicle is working the way it should.
Diesel Maintenance Schedule 101
The points above are worthwhile when you’re looking into a maintenance schedule for your diesel vehicle. Now all you need to do is find the help of some pros that can help you carry out these tips.
Diesel Performance Specialist can help you get your favorite diesel trucks running like a dream again. Get in touch with us on our site, or give us a call at (916)652-9457.
