Diesel Engine Maintenance Checklist
Here are a few tasks to add to your checklist that should become second nature:
- Get regular oil changes.
- Check your coolant levels often.
- Keep the engine clean.
- Replace fuel and air filters regularly.
Diesel Engines Need Love Too
People who drive diesel engine vehicles, whether it is a car or truck, are often happy to share all of the reasons why they love their cars. There are many reasons to fall in love with a diesel engine vehicle such as lower emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and maintenance is needed less frequently than gasoline powered engines. However, requiring maintenance less often does not mean you should slack on following a factory recommended maintenance schedule. If you want to keep your beloved vehicle running for decades, following these diesel engine tips will keep you on the road for many miles to come.
Related: High Mileage Car Maintenance
Related: Top 5 Ways To Improve Your Gas Mileage
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What’s the Difference Between Gasoline and Diesel Fuels?
The concepts are the same: both engines use internal combustion to convert fuel into energy in order to move the car along. Where things really change is when the combustion occurs. In traditional gas engines, fuel combines with air which is compressed by pistons and is ignited by the sparks created by the spark plugs. On the other hand, in a diesel engine, the air is compressed first which makes it very hot, so when the fuel is injected, it ignites the hot air. Because of this difference, diesel engines do not require spark plugs to help the ignition process. Since you don’t have to depend on these spark plugs, or the electrical system requirements needed to make the plugs work, this is one less repair you’ll need to address in the future.
What Happens if You Add Gasoline to a Diesel Engine?
If you have added gasoline to a vehicle that requires diesel fuel, do not start the engine. Starting the engine at this point could likely result in severe, irreversible damage. Your vehicle should be towed to your local AAMCO Colorado location right away to avoid this fiasco. Adding diesel to a gas engine is equally harmful to not only the engine, but the fuel system entirely. The fuel pump, fuel filters, lines, and other components will be permanently damaged.
Tips for Maintaining Your Diesel Engine…
While it is true a diesel engine doesn’t follow the same type of maintenance schedule as a traditional, gas-powered engine, there are a few tasks to add to your checklist that should become second nature.
- Get regular oil changes. Oil is a critical component in keeping engines healthy and working properly for extended periods of time. Determining if your vehicle needs an oil change is simple. Check that the oil level is at appropriate levels, watch for buildup of sludge, particularly under the cap, and watch for changes in viscosity.
- Check your coolant levels often. Diesel engines are high heat engines and heavily rely on the cooling system to maintain performance. Radiators are subject to significantly higher temperatures in these engines which can lead to overheating. This can cause serious damage and warp or damage critical engine components leaving you with a failing engine.
- Keep the engine clean. Avoid letting dirt, grime, and debris build up under the hood. It may seem like a no-brainer, but these particulates can impact the engine’s ability to perform at optimal level. This is especially true for drives who find themselves on dirt roads, loose gravel, or driving through rough terrains.
- Replace fuel and air filters regularly. Diesel engines use 2 fuel filters that should be replaced regularly. If you are a heavy driver, you may need to have these replaced more frequently than others. On the other hand, the air filter can be visually inspected and replaced as needed. In tandem, these filters help keep your engine happy and clean.
Let the Experts at AAMCO Colorado Address Your Diesel Engine Needs
We know you love your car and don’t trust it to anyone, but we’ve got the experience to help you understand how your diesel vehicle works, and the best ways to ensure it will be around for years to come. If you’ve got a problem, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment today and let us show you the total car care experience.
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