If you just purchased your first diesel engine, there are a few things you can do to protect your engine and extend its usable life. The sooner you start implementing these tricks and habits, the more life you'll get out of your new diesel vehicle.
#1 Always Get Your Oil Changes On Time
It is vitally important that you change your engine oil on time. If your vehicle's oil is supposed to be changed every 5,000 miles, make sure that around 4,750 miles you schedule an oil change. You should not wait an extra couple of thousand miles past the recommend mileage to change your oil.
When you wait to change your oil, you are allowing oil that is old and degraded to continue to filter through your engine. This can cause damage to your engine over the long term. The more often you wait to get your oil changed, the faster you will wear down your engine.
#2 Use Oil Filters That Exceed Expectations
Next, when you get your oil changed, you need to have your oil filter changed as well. When you get your filter changed, make sure that your new filter always either meets or exceeds the OEM recommendation set by your vehicle manufacturer. Do not use a filter that does not meet the OEM recommendations. Using a lower grade filter will only hurt your engine and cost you more in the long run.
#3 Get Your Water Separator Drained
On diesel engines, one of the unique engine parts on your vehicle is a water separator. The water separator removes any water that is your fuel. Water can wear down your engine. If you have a water separator, you need to have the water drained from it occasionally. If your vehicle does not have a water separator, you can have one installed. This can extend the life of your diesel engine by protecting it from damage by water.
#4 Have Gaskets Inspected Regularly
Finally, make sure that you have the gaskets on your vehicle checked on a regular basis. Your gaskets are under a lot of pressure, and can wear out quickly. If you find that you have a leaky gasket, you should change all of your gaskets. Generally, if one of your gaskets is leaking, your other gaskets will probably soon follow, which is why it is best to change them all at once when you detect an issue with one of them.
If you implement the four tricks above, you should be able to get all the miles and years out of your new diesel vehicle that you want. Contact diesel mechanics if you have questions that aren't addressed here.
Share5 July 2016
When I started focusing more on car maintenance, it was astounding to see just how many things needed to be repaired on my car. I felt as if I was whittling away thousands of dollars worth of repairs, and it was really frustrating. However, I just focused on one thing at a time, and before I knew it, my car problems started to melt away. Within a few months, my car was functioning perfectly, and I wasn't worried about it starting each and every day. This blog is all about choosing better auto service and knowing which problems to address first.