Because one of the leading maintenance problems truck drivers have these days is diesel engine trouble, it’s highly suggested they perform some regular preventive maintenance checks. Preventative maintenance is one of the absolute best ways any truck driver can keep their heavy duty truck running smoothly, and for many years to come. Although most diesel engines are now computerized, which means you may not have much of a choice but to take it in to a professional diesel engine repair shop, there are still some things that you can do in order to make sure that your engine is always a operating at its best.
Since the majority of truck drivers have a basic understanding of how diesel engines work, it’s highly suggested that you perform these regularly scheduled maintenance checks at least once every six months in order to keep your truck running smoothly. And remember, when regular attention is given to making sure that a diesel engine is performing the best it can, it’s going to save you a lot of money in the long run.
How to Keep Your Diesel Engine Running Smoothly
The following are some of the best ways that you can keep your diesel engine running exactly as it’s supposed to.
- Buy the best diesel fuel.BUYING
diesel fuel directly from the fuel network is highly recommended because they’ve already performed the necessary research in order to find out which of the many truck stops offers the best diesel fuel options. - Oil filters and fuel filters. Diesel engines need to be kept fully lubricated in order for them to work properly, which makes checking and changing the oil and fuel filters necessary. If the oil and/or fuel filters become clogged on a diesel engine, it will not only reduce the gas mileage, it will also cause the engine to perform poorly.
- Clean the radiator. If the radiator is not completely clean, it can cause the engine to overheat. thus, it’s recommended to clean the outside of the radiator every 3 to 6 months in order to remove any road debris, etc.
- Clean all electrical connections. Cleaning all electrical cables is going to allow for a better and proper electrical connection, which is going to allow electrical connections to be at their strongest.
- Check the gauges. Checking all of a trucks gauges is a great way for you to see if there are any possible issues that need to be addressed, i.e. oil pressure falling, fuel issues, overheating, electrical issues.
- Check the tires. Checking the tires for uneven wear and tear could point toward a need for repairing the alignment of the axle.
- Check the fan belts. A simple way to avoid engine repair is to make sure that the fan belts are all set to the proper tension.
