Diesel Repair and Maintenance

If you recently purchased a diesel engine truck or SUV, you have a powerful vehicle to help you haul, tow, and get work done. Diesel engines pack a powerful punch, but they need routine maintenance and repairs to continue operating at their peak potential. Since diesel vehicles are more complex than ever, it’s important to team up with a knowledgeable mechanic for the job. Here’s what you need to know about diesel repair and maintenance.

Why is Routine Diesel Engine Service Necessary?

All vehicles, regardless of their engine type or what fuel they use, require routine maintenance. This is especially true if you push your diesel vehicle to its limit by expecting it to haul or carry heavy loads on a regular basis.

When you keep up with recommended diesel maintenance, you save time and hassle by preventing inconvenient breakdowns. This also gives you peace of mind, knowing your car or truck will continue operating safely when you need it most.

You also save money by reducing the need for expensive diesel repair. For instance, if you replace an aging part before it gives out completely, you can prevent damaging other engine components and avoid the associated repair costs.

What Does Diesel Maintenance Entail?

Check your owner’s manual to find out what diesel maintenance your car requires and when. If you can’t locate your manual, look up the make and model of your vehicle online to find maintenance charts from the manufacturer. Here are the top four tasks you should perform to keep your diesel car running smoothly:

• Monitor the coolant: A diesel engine’s cooling system is one of the most important parts to maintain. Keep an eye on coolant levels to make sure they’re not dropping. If you find that you must top off the coolant frequently, this could mean you have a leak. It’s also necessary to flush the system occasionally because, without this service, the coolant can become acidic. Over time, the high acid content can corrode the radiator and other cooling system components. A simple flush on a routine basis prevents this.
• Change the fuel filter: Aside from monitoring the cooling system, your diesel engine also needs to be kept clean. One vital part of this is maintaining clean fuel with routine fuel filter changes. In general, manufacturers recommend this step every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Most new diesel engines have a primary and secondary fuel filter. Both should be replaced at the same time for optimal effectiveness.
• Replace the engine air filter: The purpose of an engine air filter is to prevent dirt from entering the system. Protect your engine by making sure the air filter remains clean and unclogged. You might suspect the engine air filter needs attention if you see a sudden drop in gas mileage or reduced engine power. Plan to have the filter examined and cleaned or replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
• Change the oil: This maintenance task keeps your engine well lubricated for maximum power and performance. Typically, oil changes for diesel cars are needed every 5,000 miles or so. If you regularly use your diesel vehicle for strenuous tasks such as towing and hauling, you may want to decrease the interval between oil changes.

How Do Diesel Repair Costs Compare to Gasoline Vehicles?

Diesel engines tend to have fewer problems than gasoline engines because they don’t use spark plugs and they experience less wear and tear over time. As a result, diesel maintenance is simpler and required less frequently.

However, when diesel engines need a replacement part, the cost is typically higher. For example, diesel engine air filters are more robust than their gas engine counterparts because of the extra filtering requirements for diesel engines.

Due to these opposing factors, the average maintenance and repair costs of gasoline and diesel engines tend to even out. The exact amount you pay depends on your vehicle model and the way you drive.

Schedule Diesel Repair and Maintenance

Scott’s Fort Collins Auto offers diesel repair and maintenance services to our customers in Northern Colorado. We’re proud to service all makes and models of diesel vehicles, whether domestic or imported. Don’t risk a mishap by bringing your diesel car to a mechanic who is only accustomed to working on gasoline engines—choose Scott’s in Fort Collins or Loveland to keep your diesel engine humming.

To schedule diesel repair or maintenance with our ASE certified technicians, please stop by anytime between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday or until 1 pm on Saturday. If you prefer, you can also set up an appointment online or call us at (970) 682-4202 to let us know you’re coming.