If you haul or tow heavy loads, you need confidence that the engine will supply the power you need. However, failing to perform diesel engine maintenance tasks can negatively impact your truck’s capacity to do its job. For the best diesel service near you, make an appointment with Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist For Diesel Service Near Me
Although diesel engines are heavy duty, they still require routine maintenance to keep them running optimally. About every 6 months, you should visit a diesel truck mechanic to inspect and, if necessary, replace these components:
1. Oil And Filter Change
Combustion engines have many moving parts requiring lubrication. Routinely changing the oil and filter reduces friction and minimizes wear and tear. A diesel engine requires this maintenance about every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, regularly carrying or towing heavy loads and frequently driving in stop-and-go traffic will shorten this timeframe.
2. Coolant
Diesel engines are highly susceptible to a type of corrosion known as cavitation. Due to engine design, fluctuating pressure in the coolant forms bubbles. As these bubbles collapse, they can cause impacts with a force of up to 60,000 PSI.
Normally, fresh coolant contains additives that coat the metal to protect it from these impacts. However, as the coolant ages, these additives wear out. Experts recommend changing the coolant every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
3. Air Filter
Combustion engines, like diesels, require fuel and air to mix for ignition. Without the proper ratio, your vehicle uses more fuel as it struggles to produce power. A clogged engine filter restricts the flow of air and allows damaging dirt to enter the engine. The recommended time interval for changing the air filter is 15,000 miles.
4. Fuel Injectors
Clogged or failing fuel injectors can cause hard starting, decreased fuel efficiency, and loss of power. If you’re experiencing a problem, a diesel truck mechanic can perform diagnostic tests to determine the function of the injectors. These procedures can uncover issues with fuel delivery and combustion.
5. Clean Carbon Deposits
Due to its chemical composition and the impurities in the fuel, diesel produces more carbon deposits than gasoline. These deposits can interfere with performance and efficiency. Excessive buildup can also damage these critical parts:
- Turbocharger
- EGR valve
- Fuel injectors
- Piston crowns
- Intake manifold
6. Brake Parts
Your vehicle’s brakes help stop your truck safely. Undoubtedly, the health of your brakes becomes even more important when hauling and towing heavy-duty loads. Extra weight directly impacts how long it takes to slow down and come to a stop. Many diesel repair shops near you recommend inspecting brakes at least once a year.
7. Belts And Hoses
Just like a gas engine, diesels have belts to transmit power to different systems and hoses to transport fluids. Over time, these components deteriorate with exposure to the elements. During your servicing, a diesel truck mechanic will inspect all hoses and belts, replacing them if necessary.
Important Characteristics When Searching Through Diesel Repair Shops Near You
Diesel engines are heavy duty and durable, but require proper maintenance to ensure their longevity. Moreover, today’s diesels use modern technology to keep all systems running efficiently. When experiencing problems requiring a diesel truck repair near you, look for these key characteristics in the auto repair shop:
- Skilled and experienced technicians
- Modern diagnostic equipment and tools
- Comprehensive services
- Transparency in pricing
- Excellent customer service
- Solid reputation
FAQs About Diesel Engine Maintenance
For the longevity of your truck, it’s crucial to find a reputable shop offering diesel service near me. At Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we care about your diesel pickup as much as you do. Below, we answer a few questions about diesel engines.
How Much Do Diesel Mechanics Charge?
Usually, servicing and repair costs depend on the training and experience of the technician as well as shop overhead. Additionally, diesel engines need heavy duty, specialized parts to withstand the extreme stress caused by combustion.
At Xpress Lube, we’ll inspect your vehicle and give you an estimate before we begin any work.
Do Fuel Additives Help Maintain A Diesel Engine?
Due to their engine designs, diesel powered vehicles face fuel issues uncommon in gasoline vehicles. For example, changes in environmental standards have forced refineries to strip away some compounds that provide lubrication. Another problem with diesel fuel is that it contains paraffin wax that can gel during colder months.
Using high-quality fuel additives can prevent premature engine wear and fuel gelling. Some products also contain powerful detergents to reduce carbon deposits.
Why Does My Fuel Filter Keep Clogging?
By its nature, diesel fuel attracts and contains more contaminants than gas. Hence, manufacturers equip diesel engines with 2 fuel filters. Some signs that you have clogged filters include:
- Hard starting
- Rough idling
- Misfiring
- Reduced power
Often, the cause of fuel filters clogging before their recommended replacement interval is contaminated fuel. Water, dirt, and microbial growth can all wreak havoc on your diesel engine. Moreover, microbial damage can happen extremely fast as fungi and bacteria reproduce very quickly.
Ultimately, you need a specialized diesel truck mechanic when faced with microbe-contaminated fuel. Ridding your engine of microbes is a complex repair that may require a biocide application and part replacement.
Trust Your Pickup Truck To The Diesel Specialists
Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville provides excellent diesel service near me. Call us at 336-904-6319 to make an appointment to get your truck serviced.
