Diesel engines operate differently from gas engines. From a lack of spark plugs to unique emissions systems, they have a different setup. These engines are considered to be robust and enduring. However, this doesn’t mean that they require less maintenance than their gas counterparts. On the other hand, diesel trucks usually require more specialized maintenance to keep them running more reliably and efficiently.
If you have one or more diesel trucks, it is important to know about their maintenance needs.
1. Carefully Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Diesel trucks also need to follow manufacturer recommendations for preventive maintenance schedules, including oil changes. So, make sure to follow the service schedule recommended in your truck’s owner’s manual. This can help you potentially reduce your maintenance costs.
2. Regularly Change Oil & Oil Filter
Similar to gasoline engines, diesel engines also require regular oil and filter changes to keep the moving parts protected. However, these trucks have different oil changing intervals. Current diesel engines can continue operating up to 10,000 miles before requiring an oil change.
If your truck doesn’t operate in ideal conditions, it may have a shorter oil change interval. These conditions can include:
- Short driving distances
- Extreme weather conditions
- Stop and start driving
- Towing and hauling
- Dusty and dirty environment
Older diesel trucks also require more frequent oil changes.
3. Regularly Change Fuel Filter
An important factor that differentiates diesel engines from gasoline engines is the exceptionally high pressure inside the former. The injection pressure inside these engines can range from 20,000 psi to 40,000 psi. Since the internal engine components operate at very high pressure, it is important to filter the diesel fuel. The fuel filter ensures that the injectors and injection pump are not exposed to contaminants.
As part of your diesel truck’s maintenance, it is important to replace these fuel filters every 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles. While these fuel filters can continue working up to 100,000 miles, it is important to replace them much earlier to prevent contaminants from entering the system.
4. Regularly Replace the Air Filters
The diesel engine requires a vast supply of clean air to operate at its optimal levels. The air filter has a critical role to play in removing all contaminants from the air supply before it can enter the engine.
It is recommended to change the engine air filter between 10,000 miles and 15,000 miles. The replacement interval will depend on the conditions your truck operates in. For example, if your truck operates mostly in dusty conditions, such as on dirt roads or construction sites, the air filter will need more frequent replacement because it will keep getting dirty quickly.
5. Drive Your Diesel Truck Regularly
This may come as a surprise, but diesel trucks must be operated regularly to keep them in good working condition. It is not recommended to leave a diesel truck undriven for more than a month.
However, this is least likely to occur since most businesses require their trucks to operate almost every day. There are, however, others who own a diesel truck for its hauling capacity. They are likely to use it only when there is a need to transport a big load. Whatever the scale of your operations, it is recommended to drive your truck at least once a month. It should be a long enough trip to warm up the engine and help the fuel filter and other parts stay in good condition.
So, these are some of the things you need to know about diesel truck maintenance. A diesel engine operates much differently from a gasoline engine. So, your truck will have different types and levels of maintenance needs. It is recommended to schedule your maintenance with an experienced and qualified diesel mechanic.
