5 Tips to Help Your Diesel Engine Live Longer
Are you worried that your diesel engine won't last as long as you need it to?
There are many great ways to help your engine have a long life. Taking care of your diesel engine does not take too much effort, but it does require some attention. We've come up with 5 great tips to help keep your engine running smoothly for years to come. Read on to learn more!
It's also helpful to be able to identify some of the most common diesel engine problems. We put a list of these problems together for you!
Is your diesel engine just not performing the way you want it to? Our ASE certified techs can help you find the diesel engine parts you need!
1. Change oil when recommended
Diesel engines are completely different than gasoline engines, however you should maintain them in a similar way. Regular oil changes are very important. Change your oil as often as your owners manual says. Oftentimes, oil should be changed every 3000-5000 miles. Having clean oil in your diesel engine will prevent buildup and will help it run longer.
You should also be sure to change your oil at the recommended times after you break in your diesel engine. Learn more in our blog, Oil Change Intervals After Diesel Engine Break-in.
2. Monitor your gaskets
Since diesel engines are often exposed to extreme working conditions, its a good idea to keep track of your gaskets and coolant hoses. Check that there are no leaks and that all bolts are properly torqued each time you perform regular maintenance.
Need another reason to perform regular maintenance inspections? They can actually increase profits. Read our blog on preventive maintenance inspections to find out more!
3. Regularly replace air filters
Air filters need to be changed often. Once they become dirty, the air filter will not provide any benefit. Clean air filters prevent filth from getting into your engine. Preventing dirt buildup promotes a better maintained vehicle that will last much longer.
4. Avoid idling your truck
Oftentimes, you need your diesel engine to work hard. Luckily, they're made to rev up and be constantly working. Since they are designed this way, when your truck isnt working hard, it's important to realize you are actually slightly hurting it. The only exception is when you're starting your diesel truck it's important to give the engine time to warm up.
5. Be sure to follow your service schedule
Following the service schedule will keep your diesel engine up and running. This helps avoid any serious damage occurring to your engine as it gets older. Following your service schedule will also help you catch a serious issue before it becomes a huge problem. The closer you follow your service schedule the less likely it is that you will have problems with your vehicle.
These are 5 great tips that will enhance the life of your diesel truck engine. Remember to check your engine periodically in order to keep it running smoothly. Diesel engines are made to work hard, but only if they are properly maintained. If your engine requires some maintenance, be sure to get quality products from HHP to keep your truck running smooth!
Looking for rebuild kits, cylinder heads, or other diesel parts for your engine? Give our ASE certified techs a call at 844-304-7688, or request a quote online! From diagnosis to delivery, we're Highway & Heavy Parts.
Originally Posted July 8, 2015; Edited August 8, 2019