Even though heavy-duty cars backed by gasoline-powered engines have been dominating the market for a while now, they are beginning to face stiff competition from trucks powered by the more fuel-efficient diesel engine. RAM dealers around Deming, NM note that drivers can save as much as 20 percent in miles per gallon when they choose a diesel-powered truck, not to mention the perk of not having to maintain their car as much as they would with their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Still, you need to keep an eye out for your truck’s diesel engine or face the prospect of costly repairs. A FIAT dealer near Silver City, NM reveals some essential maintenance tips to make your diesel-powered truck last longer.
Refrain from “doing it yourself”
As a rule, you shouldn’t try and do the maintenance yourself, especially if the owner’s manual explicitly advises you to seek the help of a professional. A lot of modern diesel-powered engines are made more complex since they need to pass certain industry-set emission standards. For this reason, you need to approach a trusted diesel mechanic or technician to avoid inadvertently killing your engine.
Never forget to change your filters regularly
With gasoline-powered engines, not changing filters can negatively affect your car’s performance. However, with diesel-fueled vehicles, a dirty filter can clog your entire system, which inevitably results in expensive repairs.
The reason for this is the chemical makeup of diesel. Diesel has a high percentage of sulfur in its composition. When burnt, it leaves deposits or residues of sulfur and carbon dioxide on your engine. Though religiously changing your filters seem costly, forgetting to change them can easily drain your savings. Check your car’s owner manual if you’re unsure with your maintenance schedule.
Don’t forget to change engine oil frequently
As previously mentioned, diesel tends to generate more soot due to its acidic combustion as you drive. The high temperature causes engine deposits, which turns hard as your engine begins to cool down. Because the oil fails to lubricate properly, the engine begins to run at a much higher temperature and pressure, which ultimately leads to a mechanical breakdown. Avoid this worse-case scenario by changing your oil frequently.
Ideally, an oil change must be done every 7,500-mile mark. However, if you are using your truck regularly, it’s better to have an oil change every 3,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.
Don’t ignore your early warning system
Clogged oil filters and low supply of coolant often result to overheated engines. If you get a notice from your early warning system, you must stop in a secure location and check it as soon as possible. An overheated diesel engine won’t simply shut off – it will wreak all kinds of havoc in your vehicle’s system first, which lead to high-cost damages that only an expert can repair.
While diesel-engine vehicles are well-known for their sturdiness and reliability, skimping on its regular maintenance is not advised or recommended. If you want more helpful tips on how to take care of your diesel engine, check out Viva CDJRF.
