Tech & Auto
Essential Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
By ALVIN REYES
Diesel engines are renowned for their remarkable low-end torque, longevity, and fuel economy; however, they require proper maintenance to get the most out of them.
These five tips can help owners keep their engines lasting longer. The first is to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or every three months for workhorse engines.
Change the filters regularly. You should replace the oil filter at every oil change, and clean or replace the air filter at least once a year, or every 15,000 miles.
Allow the engine to idle for at least a minute, or longer in icy weather, before putting it in gear when you start it so the oil can lubricate the internal components.
Diesel engines also require more frequent coolant changes than gasoline, with most requiring a coolant drain every two years or 30,000 miles.
Dirty or clogged fuel filters could affect fuel injector performance, so you should periodically inspect and change them every 10,000 to 25,000 miles.