Diesel drivers are always asking how they can improve the longevity of their vehicles.
While it seems as though there should be a complex solution only diesel mechanics are aware of, that simply is not the case. There are several steps a diesel engine owner can take to add miles and years to the life of their engine. The key to longevity is maintenance—and every diesel owner is capable of that.
Read these four tips for improving the longevity of diesel engines to add life to your diesel engine.
- Change your oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles. Some believe 10,000 miles is a good mileage to get your oil changed, but it’s better to err on the side of caution. Even with synthetic motor oil, it’s still a good idea to change it every 5,000 – 6,000 miles along with the filter.
- Change your fuel filter during every other oil change. The fuel filter is your engine’s first line of defense against dirt and debris making its way into the fuel system. Today’s fuel lines are under higher pressure than ever, and that means tighter tolerances. Introducing dirt and debris into the fuel system will cause premature wear of injection pumps and injectors, which will lead to other issues.
- Stay away from performance products. Chips, FASS fuel pumps, and performance injectors are attractive for the performance market. These items certainly have their place in the industry, but if you’re trying to keep your diesel alive, forego the temptation to upgrade components. The engineers at Ford, GM, Cummins, Chrysler, CAT, Detroit, etc., have tested and tweaked the original equipment to a fine performance.
This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any “smart” improvements to a diesel engine; just that the original design and equipment are sound. Don’t fall into the marketing trap of performance or take the advice of a random stranger on the internet.
- Don’t let problems linger. When you see the check engine light on, get the truck diagnosed as soon as possible. If you hear a noise, get it checked out. Hear an exhaust noise? Diesel engines can wear out exhaust bellows with their high pressure.
Let’s say, for example, you change your oil regularly, and the oil light goes on. You could take your vehicle to an expert. He will, most likely, tell you what the problem is, replace the necessary parts, and the engine is back on the road to a long life. If you ignore the oil light problem, you run the risk of running the engine without the engine having the proper lubricant (oil), and it could ruin the engine.
We hope these four tips for improving the longevity of diesel engines will help you get the most out of your diesel engine. Proper maintenance is the secret. So, keep those eyes and ears open for issues.