3 Tips For Caring For A Vehicle With A Diesel Engine
Posted on: 3 January 2017
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People choose to purchase vehicles with a diesel engine for a number of reasons, such as increased fuel efficiency over gas-powered engines, engine reliability with an extended lifespan, and lower carbon emissions. While a vehicle with a diesel engine has many benefits, it also requires some maintenance and care that is a little different than that of a gas-powered engine. Use the following tips to care for your vehicle with a diesel engine:
Pay Careful Attention to the Temperature Gauge
When you have a diesel engine, one of the most important things you can do to help keep it in good repair is to get in the habit of carefully watching your temperature gauge. A diesel engine runs at a much higher pressure than a gas engine, and more heat is produced. Thus, if the engine gets too hot, it can sustain a lot of damage. Unlike a gas engine, you typically can't just turn off a diesel engine and let it cool down after overheating since there is a good chance that it will be damaged beyond repair. So make sure you watch the temperature gauge carefully to ensure that overheating does not happen.
Maintain the Cooling System
Since a diesel engine can produce much more heat than a gas engine, it is imperative to keep the cooling system in excellent shape to help prevent the engine from overheating. Have your cooling system maintained exactly according to schedule by a certified diesel mechanic to protect your engine.
Vehicles with a diesel engine also typically have an early warning indicator that will illuminate and make noise if the engine begins to get too hot. When you have your vehicle's cooling system serviced, it is also a good idea to have the early warning indicator tested so you know that it is working properly.
Choose the Right Oil Filter
Vehicles with a diesel engine require an oil filter that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations. When diesel fuel is not completely burned off, sulfur residue and carbon can form, which is harmful to the engine. A high-quality oil filter can help ensure that harmful and corrosive components stay out of the oil.
In addition to choosing a quality oil filter each time you get an oil change service, it is also a good idea to choose synthetic oil for your vehicle. While synthetic oil tends to be more expensive than standard motor oil, synthetic oil tends to break down more slowly and protect the engine longer.