There is no doubt about it. If you plan on using your truck for heavy-duty jobs like towing or hauling, a diesel engine is a must-have. They are renowned for being able to go the extra mile all while using less fuel and putting out more torque than a comparable gas-powered engine.
Although diesel trucks are generally more durable, it doesn’t mean that that they are maintenance-free. Something as simple as replacing the fuel filter on time and periodically checking the oil could mean the difference between keeping your truck on the road or parked in the repair shop.
We have put together a guide of the top 10 tips to help keep your diesel truck running in tip-top. Some are pretty common, and some might be brand new for you. No matter if you are a truck enthusiast or just use your rig for work, BumperStock is committed to keeping your truck running right. (tip: read our Truck Bumpers' Guide to learn more about bumpers)
Change the oil
This should go without saying, but changing the oil on time will 100% make a difference in how long your diesel truck lasts. We assume that you are using your truck as it was designed like hauling tools and equipment from job site to job site. Keep in mind that simply taking a trip down the backwoods will put a bigger strain on a vehicle.
Changing the oil every 5000 miles (or as per the manufacturer's recommendation) will help your truck give you many more days, even years of reliable use. For some, their trucks are their main source of income as they are used to do the grunt work that other vehicles just can't do. Don’t neglect your truck as it will come back to bite back tenfold later down the road.
Replace the Fuel Filter Regularly
In gas-powered gas, changing the fuel filter is not a regular service item. Diesel fuel filters however have a higher chance of getting debris and water or moisture in the system. For those who use their trucks hard, a regular fuel filter change is a key factor of preventative maintenance.
Diesel fuel injectors are much more sensible and handle way more pressure when compared to a gas-powered engine, so keeping the fuel system clean and free of moisture is necessary if you want to keep on rollin’ coal when you pass Prius’s on the highway.
Use Good Quality Fuel
Diesel fuel is chemically quite different from gasoline. Believe it or not, different gas stations have different quality fuel and that is not good for an engine. Find a gas station that has high-quality diesel and stick with them. While it may be cheaper at one place, you may end up paying more in the long run.
Poor quality diesel can have fewer cleaning agents and can retain moisture, which can spell disaster for your trusty workhorse. There have been several reports on the internet of owners who thought they could save a buck by going with “off-brand” fuel. Don’t be that guy.
Periodically Flush The Coolant
Believe it or not, monitoring the coolant levels and quality of your diesel truck is one of the best things one can do. Why? As the coolant cycles through the engine, it will become more acidic. This means that your truck’s cooling hoses and radiator will be put at a higher risk of failure.
What can you do to prevent this? First off, make sure it is the right type of coolant. Your local auto parts store will have all kinds of different coolants in several “cool” colors. But just because you like a certain color doesn’t mean it will work for your diesel engine. Also, test the acidity of the coolant periodically to make sure it has not degraded. If you don’t have a tester, any mechanics shop will have one on hand.
Check/Replace The Air Filter
Your truck needs to breathe right. A clean air filter will not only affect the performance of a diesel engine, but also its lifespan. How you use your diesel truck will affect the overall life of the engine. Something as simple as changing the oil filter on time will keep your baby on the road that much longer.
Naturally, if you go off-roading or are on dusty job sites often, your air filter will need to be replaced more often. Luckily, several manufacturers sell quality cold air intake kits that come with washable air filters. This way, you can spend your money on an aftermarket bumper from BumperStock.com rather than replacing those cheap paper filters several times a year!
Keep The Exhaust System Clean
It doesn’t matter if you have a 2021 F350 with AdBlue or a straight-piped 1st gen 3500 Cummins, keeping the exhaust system clean is very important. Nowadays, most vehicles spend their lives in bumper-to-bumper traffic and that can be very bad for a diesel’s exhaust.
Even if you live out in the country, keeping your exhaust system (including the DPF) clean can be an issue, especially if you “baby” your truck. Next time you are out on the highway, let her loose. Give it all it's got. It will help get rid of any soot and particulates that build up over time. Newer diesel trucks have a “regen” feature built-in feature that allows the engine to run at a much higher RPM. This is done for a set amount of time to help burn off any sediment.
Get A Tune
New or old, all diesel trucks can benefit from a quality tune. How does more horsepower, increased MPG’s, and better throttle response sound? If any of the reasons mentioned below sound like a good idea, getting a tune may for you!
The truth is that most diesel trucks are tuned from the factory for reliability and emissions. But as any good diesel tuner will tell you: “there is always room for improvement”. Several companies have made a solid reputation by providing diesel trucks with added horsepower and torque all while improving reliability and fuel economy.
When it comes to cranking up the power on your diesel engine, we recommend you go with a well-known, dedicated tuning shop that has extensive knowledge in the field. The last thing you want is to have your truck’s engine blow up after a few miles because that other guy can do it for less.
Upgrade/Replace Worn Out Parts
Even something as simple as replacing a leaking seal or damaged hose could help your truck stay on the road much longer than those who neglect their vehicles. If it ain't broke, don’t fix it. But why not make it better? From mechanical upgrades to something as simple as putting on a new aftermarket bumper, we can help keep your diesel truck in top running condition.
BumperStock.com has a variety of parts for the most popular trucks in the USA. From lightbars to bumpers, and winches, we got something to make your truck look as good as it looks. Have a look at what we have to offer today!
Don’t Put Unnecessary Stress On The engine
Diesel engines are made to work hard. But there if they are not properly maintained, don’t expect them to last forever. When compared to gasoline engines, there is no doubt that diesel is much better for pulling and eating up the miles on those long road trips.
You'll see plenty of videos online from people who put their truck through literally anything, but once the camera turns off, those trucks won't last. Treat an engine right, and you'll be sure to get years of dependable service from it.
Allow Your Engine To Properly Warm-Up
This statement is true for any vehicle but is critical for diesel-powered trucks. Engines need time to properly warm-up and get all the fluid cycling through them before driving off. The winter months can be especially hard on diesel trucks. The further north you go, the longer you should allow the truck to warm up before heading out.
Something as simple as letting your truck properly warm up will extend the life of your diesel engine and turbocharger. On top of that, getting in a nice, warm truck is always a bonus. You don’t want to be the guy with his gloves still on that is scraping their windshield from the inside.
Final Words
No matter why you got a diesel pickup, the tips listed above are guaranteed to make your trusty coal roller last just that much longer. BumperStock.com is committed to making your truck look better and stay on the road for many years to come.
We are one of the most trusted names when it comes to aftermarket truck bumpers. If you’ve read this entire post, it means you are a true enthusiast and care about your ride. Why not improve the way it looks and performs on and off-road? Go ahead, see what’s made us a name to be reckoned with today Our rock bottom prices and extensive stock is sure to have something for your diesel truck!