If you have a diesel-fuel car, it may require certain care and maintenance. Proper care of your car will ensure it has a long lifetime. Here are five tips on caring for your diesel-fuel car.
1. Get more oil changes
Diesel-fuel cars may require more oil changes and air filters than standard cars. If your car has a diesel engine, you may find yourself needing an oil change twice as often as with a regular car, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Consult your car's handbook to find out more information on oil-change and air filter–change frequency.
2. Monitor your coolant
Diesel fuel engines generate more heat than regular engines. As a result, your coolant levels may drop faster. Keep an eye on the coolant level and take your car in for an appointment with a mechanic when the level drops. The mechanic will refill the coolant tank and also check for any problems that may cause your car to use more coolant than normal.
3. Drain your water separator
Diesel-fuel cars have water separators that remove and collect water from the fuel. The water separators need to be emptied periodically to keep water from overflowing and contaminating the fuel. To empty your car's water separator, locate the separator under the hood near the starter. It's usually located on the left side of the engine. To empty the separator, turn the drain valve, or petcock, and let the water run out.
4. Add diesel treatment
Whenever you fill up your gas tank, add a bottle of diesel treatment. Diesel treatment removes impurities and contaminants that can affect the performance of your engine. It also removes any impurities that can damage the engine or the fuel system. It's especially a good idea to add the treatment if you're purchasing fuel from an unfamiliar gas station and are unsure of the amount of impurities present.
5. Keep an eye on your gaskets
Diesel-fuel engines can be more likely to get gasket leaks due to the higher compression and temperatures. You need to keep an eye on the gaskets so you can take your car in for a repair when they start to leak. The symptoms of a leaky or bad gasket include
- Coolant leaking
- White smoke coming from the exhaust pipe
- Coolant-level dropping and engine overheating
- Oil in coolant or vice versa
- Engine running rough or backfiring
These are ways you can care for and maintain your diesel car. Contact a professional such as Nelson Petroleum for more information about diesel fuel and maintaining a diesel-fuel car.
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