What Goes into a Diesel Vehicle Tune-Up
Getting the Most out of Diesel Power Products through Proper Maintenance and Upkeep
Because diesel engines are fundamentally very different from gasoline engines, so is the repair and maintenance that goes into them. While many of the principles are still largely the same, or at least similar, it’s important that you take your diesel vehicle to a qualified diesel mechanic for your regular vehicle tune-up. An expert that is familiar with how your engine runs and knows their way around the latest diesel power products will help you get the best performance out of your car or truck at every regular tune-up. This is especially important if you use your vehicle for heavy-duty jobs like plowing, hauling, or towing, since a vehicle that runs efficiently and has a long lifespan is a valuable asset to your business.
When performing a diesel vehicle tune-up, it’s incredibly important for a mechanic to thoroughly inspect the transmission. Life in Canada is already subjecting your transmission to a serious beating through the winter and freeze-thaw cycles, and if you happen to use your truck for any of those serious tasks we mentioned before, then the effect is compounded. A diesel mechanic will always keep this in mind, and make sure your fluid levels are where they should be.
Oil is another thing that differs in a diesel tune-up—for all the exceptional performance of diesel power products, they go through oil like a teenage boy through your kitchen cabinets! The oil becomes dirtier quicker when compared to a gasoline engine, and dirty oil can gum up the engine and cause unwanted friction. In addition, special attention must be paid to water separators and fuel filters during tune-ups.
While it’s important to entrust your vehicle’s care to someone who understands the differences between diesel and gasoline, it’s just as important that they also understand the similarities! This includes checking your tires for wear and pressure (did you know that your tire pressure can change by as much as one PSI each month?), changing dirty air filters, replacing worn-down brake pads (and thereby reducing your risk of accident, not to mention reducing damage to your vehicle), inspecting your battery, and more. And of course, a thorough visual inspection, running down a checklist of important elements such as belts, bearings, lights, and of course the diesel engine itself, should be carried out by someone who has a familiarity with the unique issues your vehicle can present.
The best diesel power products need care and maintenance to keep running their best for years to come. Have your future vehicle tune-ups performed by a diesel specialist, and you’ll be sure to get many years of reliable service out of your car or truck.
