Auto Diesel Engines: Car Maintenance Tips

Auto diesel engines have been around for a long time. That longevity proves just how reliable they are. Below are a few helpful car maintenance tips, plus information on oil change intervals and which filters diesel engines require periodic replacement.

Diesel Car Maintenance Tips

As a diesel car enthusiast, I know how important it is to perform routine car maintenance. I recommend reading your owner’s manual to get familiar with your car’s service requirements. For people who like working on their own vehicle in their garage on the weekends, use this easy list to get started. It’s also okay if you prefer to bring your diesel car to a trusted diesel service center for the car maintenance items referenced below. Either way, your diesel car will thank you for it.

Oil Change

Schedule a diesel engine oil change service every 5,000 miles or 6 months. However, if you drive in heavy traffic or frequently drive short distances, you may need to schedule an oil change service more often. Turbocharged cars need clean oil to lubricate and reduce wear properly. Remember, dirty, contaminated oil from an overdue oil change is most often the cause of turbo failure.

Filters

Diesel engines have a reputation for running ‘dirty’. The fact is, they produce a lot of soot and other particulate matter that coat the engine and exhaust system. As diesel car lovers, we can easily help combat our dirty reality. Stick to the factory-recommended time & mileage intervals for filter maintenance & replacement.

Remember, your specific driving style, climate, and road conditions may fall outside of those generalized recommendations. Consult your service technician to help guide you toward a service schedule that fits your needs. Here is a list of filters that diesel engines need to stay clean to aid in performance and efficiency:

• Fuel Filters: Most diesel engines have 2 fuel filters. Be sure to replace them both at the same time.
• Oil Filters: The oil filter in your diesel car requires replacement with every oil change.
• Air Filters: Clean air filters improve your diesel engine’s performance.
• Water Filter (or Water Separator): If your diesel car has a water separator, be sure to empty it when necessary.
• DPF Filter: A Diesel Particulate Filter is an exhaust component that traps and stores soot and ash. The DPF filter prevents harmful exhaust emissions and reduces black-colored smoke. Diesel engine manufacturers started equipping diesel vehicles with a DPF in 2007 to meet EPA emission standards. These particulates usually burn off, regenerating the filter. If the filter is clogged or the regeneration process is faulty, schedule a service appointment to replace it.

Glow Plugs, Intake Heaters & Grid Heaters

It may sound like magic, but diesel engines operate without spark plugs. Diesel fuel combusts without a spark. The diesel engine creates a lot of pressure. The pressure generates heat in the combustion chamber and causes the diesel fuel to go BOOM. Of course, getting the right amount of heat may take a while if it’s cold outside. So, car manufacturers developed various solutions: glow plugs, intake heaters, and grid heaters. 

Your car will only have one type, but which type depends on your vehicle’s make and model. Each of these little heating elements works a little differently. Still, their purpose is to heat the air in the combustion chamber so the diesel fuel can ignite.

Your vehicle may have a dashboard light that indicates ‘wait to start’ before turning the key all the way. This light will turn off when the heating element has heated enough air to start the car. You can crank the key at that point, and your diesel engine should start and run smoothly. It’s worth noting that these heating components occasionally fail and require maintenance or replacement.

Battery Care

Just like with gasoline-powered cars, the car battery in your diesel-powered vehicle needs regular attention. Depending on your specific vehicle, the battery may be oversized, or you may have 2 batteries hiding under the hood. The maintenance basically includes: 

• Clean the battery connections to remove any corrosion.
• Be sure the cable connections are tight.
• If your battery is held down with a strap or in a box, make sure it is secured so it doesn’t shift.
• Use a battery warmer in cold weather to prolong its life.
• Service your battery by recharging it, or refill the low cells with distilled water (if applicable).
• Be aware that diesel engines require a LOT of power to start, so if your batteries are 3 or more years old, consider replacing them.

Coolant

Coolant is a fluid that you create by diluting antifreeze with water. Coolant prevents corrosion and lubricates components in the engine compartment. It also protects the radiator and engine block from overheating or freezing. Coolant can become acidic and compromise the vehicle’s cooling system if not properly maintained. Coolant testing, refills, and flushes are part of routine car maintenance.

Diesel Car Benefits

Even though electric vehicles seem like the new rage these days, our trusty diesel cars are still running circles around those new kids on the block. Let’s look at a few benefits of owning a diesel car.

Reliability & Longevity

Nothing comes close to the long history of reliability in diesel engines. Diesel engines routinely run longer than gas engines because they use stronger parts and operate on a different design. With regular maintenance, they work hard and run forever. I hear stories about diesel cars still running on the original engine at 500,000 miles and more! Did you see the one about Mercedes cars that passed one million miles? Crazy, right?

Fuel Economy

Diesel engines can be 20-35% more efficient (on average) than comparable gasoline engines. This efficiency is due to diesel fuel’s higher energy density compared to gasoline and the higher ratio of compression combustion to spark plug combustion. Diesel vs. electric vehicles are close when comparing mpg, but diesels really shine when it comes to sheer miles. Diesel cars are still the best bang for your buck for long-distance driving.

Diesel Engines & Car Maintenance

At All A’s Auto Repair, you can expect outstanding service from our certified technicians at a fair price. We’re your local family-owned independent service center and dealer alternative. From oil changes and replacement filters to car maintenance and repairs, we offer complete auto services for foreign and domestic vehicles. 

Make An Appointment in Midland, MI

When your car needs service, schedule an appointment with All A’s Automotive & Transmission Repair today! Don’t forget to ask us about our 24-month / 24,000-mile nationwide warranty. 

1300 S Poseyville Rd, 
Midland, MI 48640 
Phone: (989)631-4672