- Diesel engines produce more power and torque.
- Diesel engines are increasingly more efficient than they used to be.
- Diesel engines get better fuel efficiency than gasoline, so even though it is a little more expensive at the pump, you get more miles out of a single tank.
- Diesel engines are cleaner than they once were.
- Diesel engines help vehicles hold their value.
- Diesel engines are built to last.
Whether it’s for hauling heavy loads or pulling your camper or boat to a much-deserved getaway, you expect your truck to work when you need it. However, diesel engines are different from those that run on unleaded gasoline, so you have to pay special attention to maintenance.
Here are a few tips to help make sure your diesel engine will fire and run smoothly every time you turn the key.
Nine Tips for Maintaining Diesel Engines
1) Inspect and Replace Gaskets
On a diesel truck or vehicle, the gaskets are under increased stress. You need to open the hood and inspect your gaskets as often as you can. The slightest sign of a leak will warrant replacing all of them at the same time; otherwise, you could be looking at an engine rebuild sooner than later.
2) Check and Replace Glow Plugs
Glow plugs generate the heat required for a diesel engine to start, run, and perform properly, particularly in cooler weather. If your glow plugs are worn out, your truck may not want to get going during the colder months in Surry County.
3) Use Diesel Fuel Treatments
Like any engine, diesel engines generate a lot of friction. Tiny imperfections in fuel can cause a domino effect of damage to your engine. Diesel fuel treatments help clean up those imperfections and prevent them from leaving you stranded.
4) Change Your Oil Regularly
Just like a regular gasoline engine, you have to change your oil regularly in your diesel truck. Modern engines can withstand 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes, but make sure you don’t push past your limit with your diesel truck.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and ask your trusted mechanic how often you need to change your oil.
5) Replace Your Diesel Fuel Filters
You cannot let your diesel fuel filter get too old. In most trucks, you will need to replace it every ten to fifteen thousand miles. Of course, it is always important to check with your manufacturer and mechanic.
6) Change Your Cabin Air Filters
Do you drive your diesel truck on dirt roads or to and from dusty job sites? You need to make sure your cabin air filter is clean and working properly. You can replace this as often as you change your oil.
7) Regularly Check Your Coolant
It is always vital to make sure your vehicle’s coolant does not run low. When it does, your engine can overheat, causing damage to your radiator, water pump, and heater core. It is even more vital to prevent overheating in a diesel engine, so do not let your coolant drop below acceptable levels.
8) Don’t Forget Other Maintenance
Diesel engines require their own maintenance, but that is not to the exclusion of the many other aspects of keeping a vehicle in working order. Don’t forget your other routine maintenance steps, including:
- Inspecting and making necessary suspension repairs
- Ensuring your brake pads are regularly and rotating rotors
- Making sure brake lines are properly maintained
- Checking and replacing the serpentine belt
- Rotating and replacing tires
- Ensuring transmission is working properly
- Checking and replacing your power steering fluid
- Topping off all other fluids
- Windshield wiper blade replacement
- Body repairs
Your truck will work well for you if you take care of it.
9) How to Maintain Your Fleet
From our diesel engine and fleet page:
“If you have a number of diesel trucks or just a fleet of any kind, Jody’s Automotive can help you keep all of your work vehicles going. A Corporate Fleet Account will allow those authorized from your business to bring in company-owned vehicles for service by our ASE Certified Technicians and charge the service to your company fleet account.”
Keep your diesel engine running smoothly. Bring your truck or fleet to Jody’s Automotive for regular maintenance. We can keep your diesel running smoothly, so you have your pickup when you need it.