5 Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips You Must Try

Did you know diesel vehicles can go 20% to 35% farther on a gallon of fuel than their gasoline counterparts? This is one of many reasons why we love diesel.

Diesel vehicles are made to last but proper diesel engine maintenance will make sure yours keeps running for a long time.

The Importance of Diesel Engine Maintenance

Why is it so important? Maintaining your engine will keep your vehicle running longer.

Here are our 5 tips on diesel engine maintenance for your car or truck:

1. Clean Engine

Keeping your diesel engine free of dirt and debris is important for your vehicle. When dirt collects on engine components, it can lower its lifespan and decrease fuel efficiency.

Here are some simple steps to clean your engine:

Use a brush to remove dirt under the hood and in the grill.
Some components need protection while cleaning. Make sure you cover the alternator, power steering filler, air intake, and sensors with a plastic bag.
Use an engine degreaser from the bottom up and let it sit.
Use a brush made of synthetic materials and scrub down the engine.
Rinse with a low-pressure spray.
Allow your engine to air-dry.

2. Check the Radiator

Coolant (or antifreeze) cools the engine by absorbing heat and bringing it back to the radiator which then dissipates into the air.

Regular maintenance is a good way to prevent overheating in your engine. Radiator fluid should be changed every 40,000 to 60,000 miles but it might need changing sooner if you notice any of these:

Orange or green leaks
Syrup-like smell coming from the engine
Steam from under the hood

3. Change Filters

Air filter: Air filters prevent harmful debris from entering your engine and a dirty filter can decrease your engine’s performance and even cause damage.

You can use a portable air filter cleaner to clean out your diesel engine air filter when you’re out on the road.

Fuel filter: Fuel filters remove particles that could damage the fuel injection pump. Diesel fuel is not as refined as gasoline and more particles can clog a fuel filter.

Most diesel fuel filters have a water separator that must be drained regularly. If water isn’t drained, it could cause the growth of fungus and bacteria that would damage the fuel system.

4. Oil Change

Oil and oil filter change frequency depends on your engine and how often you are driving your vehicle. Oil changes are so important to the well-being of your engine. Here are some reasons why we love engine oil:

Lubricates your engine
Cools components
Improves gas mileage
Increases the lifespan of your vehicle

Refer to your engine’s manufacturer guidelines if you need help. Make sure you are using the right oil, too!

5. Lubrication

Keeping your engine’s components properly lubricated with something like fogging oil will prevent corrosion. Cylinder walls, pistons, and rings should be coated in lubricant during engine storage for proper protection.