If you own a diesel pickup, you know that it is unique. Diesel engines cannot be treated the same as your standard gas-powered engine. As an example, your diesel pickup likely costs more than its gas engine equivalent, and it costs more to fill up too. However, you get better fuel mileage — up to 25 percent more miles per gallon on a well-maintained engine.
You invested a lot of money into your diesel pickup so that most likely means that you want to take care of it the best you can. These are five of the most important maintenance tips for diesel pickups.
- Keep the engine clean. A quick way to mess up your diesel pickup engine is to let it get dirty. So, keep to the regular maintenance schedule set in your owner’s manual to ensure your fuel, oil, and air are all clean. Regular maintenance plays a major part in prolonging the life of your engine and preventing serious problems- keeping you and your wallet happy.
- Watch your coolant. As with any vehicle, coolant is crucial to the health of your pickup’s engine. Make it a point to periodically check that the coolant is clean and at the proper levels. When left too long, the coolant can become overly acidic and other parts of the cooling system, such as the radiator, can corrode and wear down. To avoid expensive problems, always make sure that the coolant is in top condition.
- Change the fuel filters. Fuel filters protect your vehicle by keeping harmful particles and debris from entering the engine. The fuel filters will inevitably wear out at some point. So, it is best to make it a habit of changing them at regular intervals given in your owner’s manual. On average, they require a change at around every 10 to 15 thousand miles. This is a relatively easy and affordable way to keep the engine running optimally.
- Keep up to date with your oil changes. We always say, “oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle.” Regular oil changes are vital to the health and longevity of your engine. Your owner’s manual will have guidelines on how often you should be changing your oil. Typically, it needs to be done every 3,000-6,000 miles depending on driving conditions. The heavier towing you do, the sooner your oil will need to be changed.
- Keep the air filter clean. Inspect the air filter with every oil change. If it is dirty, change it. The air filter can be inspected without removing it. If it is time for a change, bring your pickup in to Gem State Diesel and we’ll help you out. If you are unsure, it is usually recommended that the oil filter be changed between every ten to fifteen thousand miles, depending on driving conditions. So, that is around every other oil change. It may seem like a small thing, but the air filter plays an important part in keeping the engine healthy and clean.
Your diesel pickup is a valuable investment. You depend on it for many things, and you need it to run properly. At Gem State Diesel and Turbo Repair, our technicians work hard to make sure your diesel pickup stays on the road. We offer affordable, fast, and professional service on every job, big or small. If you are near Meridian, Idaho, come see us today! Schedule your appointment online, or call us at 208-288-5555.