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Whether you bought your heavy-duty vehicle for work or personal use, it's an investment. As such, you want to make sure you get as much out of it as you can, making regular maintenance essential.
One of the most expensive things to replace in a diesel vehicle is the engine. So many drivers look for ways to prolong their diesel engines lifespan. The good news is that there are several ways you can extend the working life of your diesel engine and keep your heavy-duty truck or vehicle on the road for longer.
As the leading provider of mobile diesel repair service in the Bay Area, All Bay Diesel can help ensure your truck is road-ready. Here are six maintenance tips for keeping your diesel engine in good condition.
Diesel vehicles can do a lot that other cars and trucks can't, but the main downside of driving these heavy-duty machines is that they can be pretty expensive. But remember that your truck is an investment, and the better you take care of it, the longer it will last.
A great way to prolong the life of diesel gasoline engines is by only using high-quality fuel. Some drivers often fail to realize that cheap fuel can actually damage the engine over time, which not only leads to expensive repairs but premature replacements.
Low-quality fuel can also make your diesel gas engine a lot less efficient, which means less power and more fuel consumption. To avoid these problems and make sure that your diesel engine lasts as long as possible, opt for higher-quality fuel.
It's not always enough to just select the diesel option at the local gas station, either. Get your fuel from a reputable source that properly refines their diesel fuel. Doing so can do wonders for your engine and vehicle in the long run.
When your truck has a dirty air filter, it forces the engine to work hard, consuming more fuel for the same performance levels. To prevent the air filter from clogging, you should replace it every 12,000 miles or so. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to replace your vehicle's air filter.
You can typically find the air filter under the hood and inside the cold air collector box, which is near the front of the engine compartment. For the best results and safest process, let a professional handle the air filter cleaning and replacement.
When driving a heavy-duty vehicle, it can be easy to load it up to max capacity. However, overloading your vehicle can do more harm than good.
Constantly overloading your diesel vehicle doesn't just shorten the diesel engine lifespan; it can cause other problems, too.
For example, putting too-heavy loads on your vehicle can cause the tires to wear out sooner while impacting the braking system. In worst-case scenarios, overly heavy loads can cause your vehicle to roll over in a crash.
So how can you determine a safe load weight for your vehicle?
The best way to make sure you aren't overloading your truck is by weighing your vehicle before loading it. Knowing how much your vehicle weighs will give you a better idea of how much additional weight it can carry. This can also help you plan out the load placement, ensuring that you distribute the weight properly and secure the load for maximum safety.
One of the best ways to prolong the life of any combustion engine is by keeping it clean. When your drive your vehicle, dirt, dust, and other debris make their way into your truck and into the engine. While a little dirt won't seriously diminish engine performance, failing to keep your engine clean can gradually reduce its lifespan.
Keeping your engine clean also makes it easier to spot leaks when they occur, and catching them as soon as possible is crucial for keeping your truck running.
The coolant is responsible for preventing your engine from overheating. That said, making sure your diesel vehicle has sufficient coolant is essential for prolonging the life of your engine.
However, you need to do more than make sure you have enough coolant in your truck. You also need to flush it out every 60,000 miles. Replacing the coolant regularly is another key part of diesel engine maintenance that can do wonders for extending the lifespan of your vehicle.
If you notice any orange or green liquid coming out of the engine, you likely need to flush it out and replace it.
With so many things to do to keep your diesel vehicle on the road, it can feel overwhelming to keep track of everything you need to do. That's why it helps to establish a maintenance schedule.
Maintenance frequency depends on the type of vehicle you have, so check your manual or manufacturer's recommendations for how often you need to change the oil, replace air filters, and flush out coolant. In addition to this, set up regular maintenance appointments with an experienced mechanic so they can routinely check for things like leaks. Ideally, you should let a mechanic thoroughly inspect your vehicle once a year to ensure optimum performance and safety.
Driving a heavy-duty truck or vehicle can be fun, but it's also a responsibility. You need to properly care for your diesel vehicle to make sure that it runs for as long as possible while keeping you safe on the road.
If you need help prolonging your diesel engine lifespan, we can help. From diesel exhaust fluid to piston cooling, we're experts in all things diesel. We can inspect your heavy-duty vehicle, make repairs, replace parts when needed, and show you the best maintenance practices.
Ready to get started? Call All Bay Diesel in Berkeley, CA, at (925) 522-1780 to schedule a service appointment or learn more about our services.