Even though diesel vehicles have many advantages, this type of engine requires some vital maintenance. Failing to properly maintain your diesel vehicle could result in catastrophic damage within a matter of months.
Regularly Flush The Coolant
Diesel engines can run very hot, and that is just one of the many reasons why it is so important to keep a very close eye on your coolant level. When the coolant is low or doesn’t have the right mixture of chemicals, it could cause a tremendous amount of damage very quickly. Every vehicle is slightly different, but most manufacturers suggest that owners check the coolant levels at least once a month and before any long road trip.
Change The Fuel Filter
It is an unfortunate fact that diesel fuel can contain quite a few contaminants, but a high-quality fuel filter will prevent those particles from getting into the engine. If the fuel filter becomes clogged or damaged, then you could end up damaging the common rail injector or any other number of parts. Much like some of these other tasks, your maintenance schedule is going to depend on how often you drive. In most cases, diesel vehicle owners should change their fuel filters once every 10,000 or 15,000 miles.
Oil Changes
If you are using your vehicle to do any towing, then you might have to change the oil as often as once every 3,000 or 4,000 miles. That being said, oil changes usually only need to be carried out every 5,000 miles if you are just driving around the city or on the freeway. In addition to protecting your engine, oil changes will also give the mechanic the opportunity to look over the rest of your vehicle. Many oil change companies even offer free comprehensive inspections during their oil changes.
Keep the Engine and Body Clean
There are a few different reasons why cleaning your vehicle is so important. When the vehicle is properly cleaned, it will greatly increase the lifespan of the body and trim. Keeping the vehicle clean will also give you the ability to catch leaks right away. Luckily, cleaning the engine typically requires nothing more than a few rags and a power washing tool.
While you’re touching up the engine, make sure to inspect the various parts and pieces to make sure they’re all in good working order. An important part you need to check every 20,000 miles or so is the common rail injector. This part injects fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine at high pressure. However, it can be contaminated by water in fuel or poorly filtered particles. Additionally, deposits can build up. Contamination and deposits will both cause issues in the engine’s function. You may notice odd sounds—like knocks or pings—coming from the engine. Alternatively, you may notice fuel leaks, stalling, misfiring, and increased emissions. If there are issues with the part, you may need to replace it.
Quite a bit of maintenance can be done at home with a few basic tools, but major repairs should always be left to professional mechanics. Even relatively minor mistakes could severely damage your vehicle or make it unsafe to drive.
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