Summer is fast approaching, and the intense heat of the season can be hard on diesel engines. Therefore, it’s important you take some proactive steps to keep your diesel cool even when the air temperature is at its hottest.

Here are just a few examples of steps you can take for better maintenance of your diesel truck in Corpus Christi, TX.

Pay attention to the battery

It’s in your best interest to avoid having to replace the battery. Batteries for any kind of vehicle can be expensive, but this is especially the case for diesel-powered trucks. Battery acid can begin to evaporate in the extreme heat of the midsummer, so it’s a good idea for you to check the fluid levels in your battery at the start of the season.

Unless you have a sealed battery, this isn’t too difficult to accomplish. Put on your safety equipment, then carefully remove the caps and check the fluid levels. You can then top off low chambers with distilled water as needed. This is the kind of maintenance task you should perform at least once a month on older batteries—it will help you extend their lives as long as possible.

You should also use this opportunity to check the terminals for corrosion. Corrosion can result in battery drain, as it can be a conductor. It could also create interference with the terminal or post.

If you’re able to keep your battery and charging system in good condition, this will help you avoid breakdowns and make it more likely your vehicle will make it through the summer without incident.

Flush your coolant

The cooling system is important to monitor throughout the year, but especially during the hottest parts of the summer. The hotter the temperature gets, the more the cooling system will have to work to keep the engine temperature within a reasonable range. The antifreeze mixture will regularly flow through and around the engine block and heads, soaking up heat as it passes through.

With as much work as your coolant will have to do during the summer, it can be a good idea to get it flushed and refilled with a brand-new antifreeze mixture. This will eliminate corrosion and debris that built up in the system, and also make sure you have fresh coolant ready to go for a new summer season.

Change your oil

The changing of the seasons is always a good time to evaluate the level and condition of your oil. If you know you’re going to be due for an oil change soon, it makes sense for you to get this done before the summer so you can keep your engine happy and healthy. There are a lot of moving parts in the engine that need proper lubrication to function at peak efficiency.

These are just a few examples of some of the simple diesel engine maintenance steps you can take in Corpus Christi, TX to keep your engine in good condition throughout the summer. Coastal Diesel Injection specializes in services for diesel vehicles. For more information, contact our diesel engine repair shop today.