Even though most drivers see their vehicles as assets, especially those who have recently purchased a new car, the truth is that all vehicles are liabilities; they require ongoing care and constantly decrease in value.
Although, when a vehicle is not well-looked after over the years, its value will plummet a lot sooner. For this reason, maintenance and general vehicle care are pretty important. Not only can neglecting maintenance lead to eventual hefty repair costs, but it could also put your life in jeopardy, as a problematic vehicle could have a failing brake system or other dangerous faults that increase your risk on the roads as a driver.
So, if you own a diesel engine vehicle, we have compiled a few tips to help you keep your car in top condition.
Change The Oil Routinely
Every six months or 10,000 miles, you should change your vehicle’s engine oil. Without enough lubrication, the engine can quickly become damaged, as metal parts will grind against one another.
Oil changes are vital for petrol and diesel vehicles. Additionally, you should also check your oil levels often. Frequent checking is the best way to spot a leak early on before further damage is done to your vehicle.
Use Diesel Stiction Eliminator Fluid
After every third or fourth oil change, you should add about 16oz of diesel stiction eliminator fluid for every 30 or 40 gallons of diesel. This particular fuel will enhance efficiency for modern diesel vehicle engines and help keep the engine in top condition.
Check The Coolant
It is undeniably vital to check the coolant levels in your diesel engine; this fluid prevents the engine from overheating. And because coolant tends to become more acidic gradually, it can rot the rest of the cooling system if changes are neglected.
While you should keep coolant levels topped up when necessary, you must also be sure to flush out all the fluid and replace it every 60,000 miles.
Enhance Performance With Diesel Tuning
Diesel engine tuning can do a lot for the performance of your vehicle. Even though this is a part of maintenance that some diesel vehicles opt-out of, it does enhance performance and should be done by a specialist every six months, or 10,000 miles, whichever should come first.
Prioritizing engine tuning when necessary will ensure you get the best out of your diesel vehicle in terms of power, fuel consumption, and speed.
Take Care Of The Exhaust System
The exhaust system of your vehicle is an essential component of the engine. And to care for this system, you must regularly clean out the diesel particulate filter.
However, if you notice regeneration, which is the occurrence of particles heating up, combusting, and then turning into carbon dioxide and ash, you will need to book your vehicle in with a specialist to have the exhaust system inspected as there may be a problem.
Change The Air Filter
You will need to change the air filter every 10,000 to 25,000 miles as a vital replacement for any diesel engine service. That said, you should still know the signs of an air filter that needs to be replaced. And these include engine misfiring, odd engine sounds, a fuel smell, black exhaust smoke, and reduced performance.
Look After The Engine’s Radiator
The radiator is another vital part of your car’s engine; it keeps it cool by sending the coolant fluid through the engine, receiving heat along the way before cooling down again when it travels back into the radiator. The liquid is cooled back down with the help of the air traveling in from the front grill.
Because diesel engines run much hotter than gas, the radiator is tasked with an immense challenge as it handles hotter temperatures. As a result, they are a bit more prone to overheating. Unfortunately, this issue can result in warped components and eventual engine failure if neglected long enough.
Fortunately, caring for your radiator is as simple as replacing antifreeze and cleaning out the fluid system every 50,000 miles.
However, if you happen to notice green or orange fluids leaking from beneath your car, you should book your vehicle in to have the radiator checked as soon as possible.
Have The Fuel Filters Replaced
The fuel filters on your diesel vehicle should be changed during every routine maintenance service. That said, newer-model diesel engines often have two filters. So, be sure that both are replaced during a service.
If the fuel filters are not replaced, the engine’s performance will be negatively impacted, and your car won’t run as well.
Some signs that your fuel filters need to be changed include experiencing difficulty starting, reduced speed, shaky handling, and rough idling. If you notice any of the above, you need to replace your fuel filters as soon as possible.
Clean The Engine
Whether you own a diesel or gas vehicle, cleaning your vehicle’s engine is an essential part of car care. If the engine is clean, you will spot problems such as leaks and others a lot easier.
And because your engine picks up a lot of dirt, debris, grease, and oil while in use, you should clean the engine every time you clean the rest of the vehicle. Cosmetic care is just as critical as engine maintenance when it comes to upholding a car’s value.
The best way to prioritize appropriate car care and maintenance for your diesel vehicle is to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance service plan. However, by knowing which signs to look for and having your car sent in for an inspection, you will also be avoiding potentially costly repairs. When it comes to vehicles, neglected problems often fester into more concerning and dangerous issues over time.
Moreover, car care and maintenance are also vital for your safety and that of others on the roads; you won’t want to be involved in an accident after experiencing vehicle malfunctions while driving. As a result, replacing your tires and prioritizing the overall condition of your vehicle should always be a priority.
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