Despite the recent turmoils in the automotive industry, the age of diesel-driven automobiles is not over yet. Diesel engines are getting better in terms of efficiency, CO2 reduction, and power supply. So, it’s no wonder that most of the vehicles on the road today are using this type of fuel.
But no matter the advantages, diesel-powered cars also require specific regular maintenance. Here we have outlined 9 tips for proper exploitation of the diesel engine, that will ensure the car’s long and trouble-free life.
1. Fuel and drier filters must be regularly checked for defects and replaced, if needed. Diesel engines’ components are very sensitive to moisture and tiny particles, blocking the systems’ inlets and outlets. Because of its sophisticated engineering, the engine’s elements, such as valves and nozzles, can easily get clogged with waste particles.
2. Opting for high-quality fuel is a must, especially for those who want to extend the vehicle’s life and improve its performance. Low-quality fuel includes high amounts of sulfur, which could ruin the engine’s system, cause issues in the particle filter and shorten the durability and quality of the engine oil.
3. Smart drivers always drive at a reasonable speed. Apart from a safety standpoint, high speed means high RPMs and high RPMs put an extra load on the engine, thus making it wear out sooner than expected.
4. It is not a coincidence, that in most driver’s manuals, vehicle manufacturers point out the fuel the car must use. This is important for automobiles, driven in extreme weather conditions, like low temperatures, because of the significant amount of paraffin in the fuel composition. So, for example, if winter temperatures drop below -35 °C, then one must opt for an arctic diesel.
5. While fuel additives are not a must, their usage is not such a bad idea. Some additives help the car perform better, while compensating the side effects of poor-quality fuel, or significantly improve the vehicle's overall behavior on the road. It’s important, thought, for diesel additives to be chosen in compliance to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
6. Diesel vehicles are equipped with a particulate filter. Due to the harsh working conditions, this filter tends to clog with waste particles quite often. That’s why, to let it clean itself, the car must be driven on the highways (at high RPMs) at least once a month. This enables its system to clean itself as much as possible from the waste particles.
7. Turbocharged diesel engines should not be switched off immediately after the vehicle has stopped. The turbo must be allowed to run for another 2 to 4 minutes, for the turbine to cool down.
8. Motor oil, one of the most important components of the engine’s system, plays a major role in the proper maintenance of the diesel. Therefore its high quality is of great importance. Almost all vehicle manufacturers state the oil that suits the car the best.
9. After the start of the engine, the vehicle must start ambling. This action, though frustrating for some drivers, helps avoid the turbine’s sliding bearings’ malfunctions (if any occurs).
