There are a lot of reasons why people might choose vehicles or equipment that are powered by diesel engines rather than standard gasoline engines, including better overall fuel efficiency, better environmental standards due to lower emissions and less frequent maintenance checks. However, despite these benefits, that does not mean that diesel engines are entirely maintenance-free, or that you can get away with just doing nothing with them and expecting them to provide the same level of reliability and performance.

With this in mind, here are some tips from an auto repair shop in Corpus Christi, TX that you should follow for proper maintenance of your diesel engines to keep them running smoothly for many years to come.

Keep the engine clean

A dirty engine will result in a shorter lifespan for the engine and/or its components, and will also likely result in reduced fuel efficiency. Proper cleaning is actually pretty simple, but a lot of people do not make the effort to accomplish it. Your owner’s manual will likely have some cleaning instructions to follow, but generally you can assume you’ll be safe using an old toothbrush and a moist sponge to cover most of the area, as well as a special degreaser to get rid of any built-up goo.

Of course, you should only attempt to clean your engine while it’s cool, and you should always wear protective safety apparel during the cleaning process. Make sure you know which parts of the engine are and are not waterproof before you begin.

Check and replace filters

Both your fuel and air filters deserve some periodic attention. While you’re under the hood, you can check out the air filter, which will likely be inside a rectangular box near the front of the engine compartment. As a filter gets dirty, it can choke the engine, which results in it using more fuel to deliver the same power. Clean filters mean better engine performance and efficiency and less of a chance of needing repairs.

Diesel engines have two fuel filters, unlike standard gas engines, which have just one. Diesel engines have a primary fuel filter located between the gas tank and the engine, and a secondary fuel filter between the fuel injectors and the transfer pump. Fuel often absorbs water from concentration, because diesel is less refined than standard gas, which makes the two filters necessary. A buildup of water particles in your fuel could result in engine stalling, decreased performance or major issues with your injectors, so make sure you stay on top of fuel filter replacement.

Keep an eye on the radiator

Your radiator works by transferring heat from the engine to the air, which keeps the car cool. Diesel engines tend to run hotter than their standard gas counterparts, which means radiators are prone to overheating. This could result in warped or otherwise damaged engine components. Therefore, make sure you keep an eye on the condition of the radiator and make it a focal point of your inspections at every maintenance appointment.

For more information about maintaining diesel engines, contact Coastal Diesel Injection or visit our auto repair shop in Corpus Christi, TX today.