Why Diesel Vehicles Require Additional Maintenance
Posted on: 22 May 2018
Although hybrid and electric technology is rapidly becoming more commonplace on Australian roads, consumers still have the most choice when it comes to selecting either a petrol or diesel vehicle for their next ride. If you've just switched over from petrol, then you may not be aware of certain important tasks that you need to perform if you're going to enjoy uninterrupted diesel motoring. What should you be aware of?
Filters
The way that a diesel engine produces its power is completely different to its petrol counterpart. As this power is generated, a lot of sulphur and carbon residue can build up, and you need to ensure that you pick a good-quality brand of oil filter for best effect. It's generally not a good idea to cut corners anywhere when it comes to maintenance, but this is definitely an area where you need to focus.
This filter (as well as the one that manages your air intake) must be serviced according to the recommendations set down by the manufacturer. Be careful when you drain any fluid out as this filter is changed, and make sure that the fluid is at air temperature first before you proceed.
Dealing With Impurities
Diesel fuel can contain a lot of imperfections and impurities that will sit within your fuel tank. Every now and again they can find their way through to your engine if you don't take special precautions, so you might consider adding products to the tank that are meant to keep those impurities at bay. This will help you achieve better efficiency at the pump, too.
Specialty Plugs
Although it's not a major problem in the Australian market, diesel vehicles can sometimes benefit from having a special type of "glow" plug fitted to warm them in cooler weather. This is definitely not something you will have been used to with a petrol vehicle, but these plugs do need to be inspected periodically to make sure that they are working properly.
Checking Adjustments
Some engineers advocate that you should pay particular attention to the engine gaskets and make sure that the mounting bolts are always set to the correct torque fittings. This is due to the higher-than-average operating temperatures associated with certain diesel engines.
Regular Inspection
If it's been some time since your vehicle has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic, make sure that you schedule that as soon as possible to avoid the development of any longer-term problems. Contact a car servicing centre for additional information.
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