Diesel Maintenance Checklist
Diesel vehicles operate quite differently from their gasoline-powered counterparts, and with that comes a few diesel-specific maintenance services that are important for owners to know. You bought a diesel for the versatility and dependability, and keeping your diesel engine and systems maintained is a large part of ensuring your diesel vehicle continues getting you where you need to go.
In this article, we’ll go over what makes diesels different, why their maintenance schedules differ from gasoline vehicles, and what steps you should take to keep your diesel powertrain operating at its best.
What Makes Diesels Different?
While they both perform the same function, diesel and traditional gasoline-powered engines have some major differences that set them apart.
For one, diesel engines rely on heat and compression for ignition rather than from the electrical arc of a spark plug. Instead of spark plugs, diesels employ glow plugs to heat up the combustion chamber to an adequate temperature prior to ignition, specifically in cold weather conditions.
Diesels also differ quite a bit in the emissions department, as diesel engines are required by law to include a diesel exhaust fluid system to remove harmful nitrogen oxides from the fumes. Diesel particulate filters also sit along the exhaust system and are used to catch soot and particulates that would otherwise be emitted into the surrounding air.
Diesel Maintenance Checklist
When owning a diesel vehicle, it’s important to know the unique service items that they require. Here’s a non-comprehensive checklist of maintenance services that will keep your diesel powertrain running like it should.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
As we discussed above, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is required in modern diesel vehicles to remove harmful exhaust compounds. This system relies on a mixture of urea and water, known as diesel exhaust fluid or DEF to convert nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
Unlike the catalytic converters in gasoline vehicles, the DEF in the SCR system will be used up over time and require a refill. Fortunately, DEF refills are one of the easiest services to take care of yourself as it just takes you refilling the system from the port next to the fuel filler.
Oil & Filter Changes
Like any other internal combustion vehicle, diesels will require consistent motor oil and oil filter replacements to keep the system free of contaminants and the critical components of your engine lubricated.
In general, it’s best to have your oil and filter swapped out between 5,000-7,500 miles depending on the type of oil you are running. Diesel vehicles generally need oil services a bit more often than gasoline vehicles, so it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your oil no matter when it was last replaced.
Fuel System Maintenance
The fuel filters of diesel vehicles are essential for keeping the combustion chamber free from contaminants that could disrupt combustion and cause internal damage. Over time, these filters will accumulate debris and can become clogged. Replacing your fuel filter is crucial for ensuring your engine is receiving both clean fuel and the proper fuel pressure.
Diesel Particulate Filter Replacement
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) acts as the final barrier between the exhaust system and the surrounding air. Gradually this filter will build-up soot and contaminants, eventually preventing the proper flow of exhaust in the system
While generally only something that needs to be addressed between every 100,000-150,000 miles, it’s important to keep an eye on your DPF and ensure that it’s not causing blockages in your exhaust system.
Battery Care
Due to the demand of their initial startup, diesel engines require a strong battery to get the vehicle running. For this reason it’s important to check on your battery occasionally and ensure it has the proper charge to start your vehicle on time and every time.
Light Diesel Maintenance & Repair Services in Carlsbad
If you’re in need of maintenance or repair on your diesel vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced team at Carlsbad Auto Service in Carlsbad, CA. Our diesel technicians have extensive training and factory-level tools to ensure your diesel vehicle is receiving the proper care it needs. Give us a call or schedule online today to secure your appointment with Carlsbad’s premier light diesel repair facility!