Diesel-powered vehicles may not have the same sales numbers as regular gasoline vehicles, but the research on them has increased in recent years. Among the many things we know now, diesel vehicles are more efficient and not nearly as dirty as we once thought.
So if you’re one of the few proud diesel vehicle owners in the world today, you may be wondering how to take proper care of your vehicle. Diesel engine maintenance is a little different than maintenance for conventional cars and trucks.
Here are five of the most important tips when caring for your diesel vehicle.
1. Change Oil Frequently
For proper diesel maintenance, you need to make sure you change your oil frequently. In general, change your oil every 5,000 miles, but you may need to change it sooner if you’re doing any sort of heavy towing.
Use high-quality oil as well, and monitor your levels closely between changes.
You should also make sure to keep your oil warm, which you can do with a heated dipstick. In fact, temperature plays a big role in diesel engine maintenance.
2. Mind the Break-in Period
Breaking in a diesel engine is important for oil consumption, fuel economy, and overall power.
This tends to happen within the first 1,000 miles of owning the vehicle, so make sure during that period that you drive moderately. Keep off of highways to avoid sustained speeds and do not tow loaded trailers.
3. Keep Engine Warm
Diesel engines don’t mix with extreme cold weather as well as other engines do.
Most typical winter weather temperatures won’t be a problem, but if you’re dealing with sub-freezing temperatures, then be careful. Try your best to keep your vehicle stored in a warm area, such as a garage or other enclosure.
4. Keep Fuel Tank Full
To avoid diesel engine runaway and other issues, you want to keep your fuel tank as full as possible and as often as possible. You may want to keep fuel tanks on hand for this reason. www.ablesales.com.au recommends that you use quality sources for the diesel.
This also includes monitoring your fuel filters and changing them when necessary (usually every other oil change).
5. Clean the Particulate Filter
One of the reasons that diesel-fueled engines aren’t as “dirty” as they once were is because of increased standards placed on them. For example, diesel particulate filters are there to reduce harmful emissions, but they have a tendency to get dirty.
This is more than likely to happen if you drive on city roads more often than highways or areas where you can reach increased speeds more often. The harder you push your engine the more likely it is to clean itself.
Diesel Engine Maintenance Made Simple
Diesel engines are powerful and – in some cases – a required aspect of certain occupations. Many people often wonder if diesel engine maintenance is more involved than typical gasoline-powered engine maintenance.
While not as different in some ways, diesel engines do require a little more care and love than typical vehicles. Hopefully, based on these tips, you’ll be better equipped to care for your diesel vehicle.
