Choosing a diesel-fueled vehicle over a gas engine offers a ton of benefits, such as lower emissions, higher fuel efficiency, and inexpensive maintenance. Did you know that drivers of diesel vehicles also don’t have to worry about maintenance checks as often as owners of gas vehicles?
If you keep these important tips for diesel engine maintenance in mind, you can keep your beloved vehicle running better for longer.
Video Overview
Clean Engine
Cleaning your engine can give your vehicle a longer lifespan. Furthermore, removing dirt and debris that collects on your engine will provide you with better gas mileage. And if you live in areas with harsh winters, salt can increase the likelihood of rust and corrosion.
Filters
You should always check the various filters on your vehicle to ensure they haven’t become clogged or otherwise damaged. Filthy filters will make the engine work harder, causing your car or truck to use more fuel:
- Air filter: You’ll find the air filter in a cold air collector box under the hood. This filter needs replacing every 12,000 miles or whenever you notice the engine performance suffering.
- Fuel filter: A Diesel engine have two fuel filters. You need to replace most of them at around 10,000 to 15,000 miles. If you notice your vehicle doesn’t have quite the same power, though, you should replace them.
- Exhaust filter: Don’t forget about the exhaust filter! Once clogged, it can also reduce performance.
Owners can often overlook their exhaust systems, but they’re integral parts of your vehicle.
Radiator
Diesel engines tend to run hotter than gas-powered cars. Therefore, it’s imperative to keep an eye on your radiator to ensure it doesn’t overheat. Overheated engines can lead to massive complications, such as engine failure. Be sure to check your radiator frequently to ensure it has enough coolant to avoid any mishaps.
Even though service is less frequent for a diesel engine for cars and trucks, you still need to ensure your vehicle stays in good shape with these important tips for diesel engine maintenance. Otherwise, you could have costly repairs in the future.
