Top 5 Ways to Properly Maintain Your Diesel Engine

If you own a diesel engine, it’s important to pay attention to how it differs from gasoline engines. But as with gasoline engines, regular maintenance is key.

While both types of engines convert the chemical energy to mechanical energy or movement, thereby powering your vehicle, the process is different. The main difference is the ignition process. Diesel engines do this purely by compressing the fuel, while gasoline engines rely on a spark, initiating the combustion.

Another thing to remember is that cold climates are harsh on engines. Treating your engines with care will prolong their life.

Here are five things to pay attention to when caring for your diesel engine:

1. Avoid Diesel Fuel Gelling

After a long winter, its possible that your filters become clogged, restricting the flow, and disabling your engine. Fuel gelling occurs during lower temperatures.

Using a diesel fuel additive such as STA-BIL Diesel All-Season helps to lessen the risk of fuel gelling. This is important to have on hand, as you can never predict what the weather may do to your diesel engine. If, for example, you own a boat, you can have full confidence that it will run smoothly when needed if this product is on hand.

2. Regular Oil and Filter Maintenance/changes

Anyone with a diesel engine knows how critical regular maintenance is. The more you use your car or boat, the more upkeep you’ll have to do. Thankfully, there are many products on the market that can help with any problem or issue you need to solve. Depending on usage and conditions, make sure to follow the recommended oil change interval, get it serviced if possible, and ensure a long-lasting engine.

3. Keep the air clean and check the filters

As the air enters the cylinder, it must be filtered. You don’t want to have contaminated air wrecking your engine. Most engines nowadays are turbocharged, so when pushed to peak performance its more crucial than ever before to keep the engine oil and air cleaner.

Always check the manufacturing specified intervals and ensure that the filters are also changed. Proper care will lead to a longer life of your engine.

4. Use a Water separator

If you own a boat, you may know from experience that the engines fail due to sucking up water. When fuel is contaminated with water, due to poor maintenance or poor cleaning schedules, it leads to problems.

Check the fuel tank, drain and wash it regularly to avoid this problem. Even with thorough maintenance, it is hard to prevent water from contaminating the fuel in your tank. Use a prefilter or additive to avoid the risk of stalling or engine failure.

5. Proper Lubrication

If you love your engine, make sure you give it clean fuel, let it breathe clean air, and keep it free from contaminants and dirt. A diesel fuel additive will help with lubrication and is always necessary.

Products such as fogging oil help to prevent corrosion and wear on your engine. It protects the cylinder’s walls, pistons, and rings to prevent damage during start-up after prolonged engine storage, especially during winter.

Investing in your diesel engine and caring for it properly should be your number one concern. Value this investment you have made by selecting only products specifically designed for diesel engines.