Maintenance Tips for Diesel Newbies
Did you just buy a diesel vehicle? Well, there is a lot that goes into maintaining and keeping it in tip-top shape. Therefore, you need to be well informed before and after buying it. Otherwise, things might not work out for the better of time.
Consequently, you should be armed with the contacts of some of the best and qualified diesel mechanic in your locality. This way you get to enjoy a well-serviced vehicle for a fair and well-deserved price.
Nonetheless, even with a reputable mechanic at standby. You should still be on the know-how when it comes to maintaining a diesel vehicle.
Here are some six tips to help you get by if you are a diesel newbie.
1) Diesel Fuel Filters Need Frequent Change:
The fuel filter of a diesel engine is very important, as diesel fuel is likely to be contaminated than its gasoline counterpart. Therefore, you need to make replacements more often, even before the scheduled change time.
Nonetheless, your engine sensors can also notify you when to make the change, by telling you when the filters are clogged.
2) Air filters Need to Be Always Clean:
Diesel engines often use more air than gasoline engines. Therefore, its air filters should be clean at all times. This way the diesel engine gets as much clean air as possible.
If you are lucky, enough you can get a diesel engine with already installed electric sensors to notify you when it is time to replace or even check the air filters.
However, if your vehicle does not come with any electric sensors, you can always install a plastic indicator on the side housing of the air filter. The indicator¢s color is likely to change when the air filter is too dirty for proper functionality.
In addition, you should take note that in case your air filter becomes clogged. It can be sucked into the turbocharger, and this will not be good for you. So take good care of it, in terms of keeping it clean.
3) Check Oil Level between Oil Changes:
You should always check oil level when you are making the oil changes. This is because your engine will burn it, during use. Therefore, it is important to maintain an adequate level.
You can check the oil level, by letting your diesel engine cool down for at least 30-minutes. Then level your vehicle before popping the hood and checking the dipstick. In case, the oil needs to be refilled, check the manual for servicing.
4) Warm Up Your Engine during Cold Weather:
Diesel engines and cold never mix well and when temperatures are below zero degrees, it can be hard to start a vehicle. However, they usually come fitted with a block heater. Therefore, to ensure a smooth start, always plug in your block heater to keep it warm when it is freezing.
5) Monitor Your Cooling System:
You should always prevent your diesel engine from overheating, as it will be damaged beyond repair. This you can achieve by keeping an eye on its cooling system from monitoring its coolant levels, ensuring the coolant filters are clean at all times and making the replacements when needed.
Moreover, if you have been working your diesel engine very hard, you can let it idle for 1-2 minutes before shutting it off.
6) Try to Keep the Fuel Tank Full:
You should strive to keep your fuel tank full to avoid moisture build-up, especially if you do not drive your machine that often.
Nonetheless, you do not need to do this at all times as diesel engines often come fitted with breather vents and filters that are great at preventing any build-up of moisture.
Conclusion:
Conclusively, take your time to be well informed about diesel vehicles before even opting to buy one. This way you are ready for any kind of maintenance. Research is always good, so make use of this article and others in its line for proper maintenance of your diesel vehicle.