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Many drivers nowadays prefer owning diesel vehicles rather than gasoline ones, due to many reasons, and based on data; diesel engines are 40% more efficient than gasoline engines, thanks to their high compression ratio, and fuel economy levels. According to that; diesel vehicles travel 30% more distance than gasoline vehicles per gallon of fuel, but this percentage is lower in trucks and SUVs.
Hence, any diesel-vehicle driver should be aware of the proper way and the main tips to inspect the diesel engine on a regular basis, in order to make the diesel engine run longer and avoid exposing it to unplanned breakdowns. Therefore; we’ve listed to you the most important tips to take into consideration while inspecting the engine.
What are the Essential Components of Diesel Engine?
We need to quickly go over some of the most essential components of the engine before we get into the techniques for maintaining a diesel engine. These components, which function together provide the drivers with a great and most powerful driving experience.
- Stable Parts: It is the external structure of the engine, consisting of the engine body and the cylinder head.
- Moving Parts: They are the parts responsible for transferring thermal energy from the combustion chamber and converting it into mechanical energy. It consists of the piston, the connecting rod, and the crankshaft.
- Operating mechanisms: They are the parts responsible for controlling movement and consist of timing gears, valves, injectors, and others.
- Service Systems: They are the parts responsible for supplying the engine with the materials necessary for its operation, as well as protecting it from the heat resulting from the combustion process.
Why is Diesel Engine Maintenance Important?
An improperly maintained diesel engine will end up having a shorter lifespan and lower fuel efficiency, depending on the type of road and weather conditions; engine parts may also corrode more quickly, which means more breakdowns and prolonged periods of inefficiency for the vehicle.
Furthermore, Checking the diesel engine is also critical to road safety. This may expose the driver and passengers to numerous risks such as collisions, breakdowns, and even accidents that occur suddenly.
Learn more details about the common problems in diesel engines by clicking here.
Top Tips to Inspect Diesel Engine
Now, we'll go over the most essential tips you should do frequently to check the diesel engine, lessening your direct and only reliance on auto repair and maintenance shops, as auto mechanics advise owners to check the engine on a regular basis so that the driver or owner of the vehicle won't be shocked by any possible of engine malfunctions.
On the other hand, the periodic inspection does not diminish the significance of visiting maintenance facilities occasionally. However, some factors call for the owner of the car to pay attention and concentrate specifically. The following steps will show you how to check the essential parts of the diesel engine:
Check Coolant
The coolant is an essential component of the cooling process because it contains liquid, a substance that reacts with water to protect the engine from extreme heat and cold (to avoid freezing).
The coolant must be replaced immediately if there are any signs of damage or reduced liquid levels, and not doing so could result in significant harm. Its fluid corrodes the radiator, the cylinder head, and other cooling system components when it turns acidic.
Keeping Diesel Filters Properly Cleaned
Two fuel filters are included in diesel engines, thus the driver must take care of them and thoroughly inspect them to prevent unexpected breakdowns while driving, such as halting the vehicle. It could cause serious crashes and accidents, therefore it is advised to change these two fuel filters every 16,000 to 24,000 kilometers.
Clean the Engine Regularly
The driver must take care of this step, regularly cleaning the diesel engine because if dirt and dust build up on it, this could result in damage to the engine and its internal components, which would then have an impact on the general performance and efficiency of the vehicle.
Watch Out for Unusual Sounds
Diesel vehicles typically produce louder noises than do petrol-powered vehicles, so if you hear unusual noises emanating from the engine compartment, you should examine the engine right away because it could later develop into a serious and deadly malfunction.
Watch Out of Basic Warning Signs
Basic warning indicators, such as gasoline contamination, oil oxidation, or a black exhaust issue, may show up in the instrument display within the car. Some of them suggest the need for emergency repairs.
Choose the Right Oil
The driver must use the recommended grade of diesel oil for the vehicle, as using an oil that is not listed in the car catalog poses serious risks, including the development of impurities and internal system failure, which results in a loss of efficiency and, ultimately, serious harm to the engine's lifespan. It should be mentioned that the oil is changed every 7 kilometers.
Inspect the Generator's & Radiator's Cleanliness
The driver must ensure that the generator, radiator, compressor and condenser are all completely intact. If there are any looseness, cracks or dust, they must be cleaned immediately.
Thereby, we have presented to you the most important and essential steps for regularly maintaining the diesel engine, along with the engine's most important components and the need of routine maintenance.
Learn more of these tips and other topics pertaining to how to maintain your car by visiting the Car Advice section, and Keep yourself updated on what’s happening in the automotive world and the latest news by using Motory website.
