Driving a diesel truck has a lot of benefits. Diesel engines bring a lot of power, which gives you greater towing capability and higher performance. Diesel also gives you greater efficiency. Cars with diesel engines are 20-40% more efficient than their conventional gasoline counterparts.
Knowing how to drive a diesel truck and care for it properly will help you get more out of it. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you reduce unnecessary wear and tear. It will also save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
1. Forgetting to Change Fluids
This is common with all types of vehicles, but maintaining the fluids in your diesel is especially important when you are new to driving a diesel truck. Tips like this can save you a lot of trouble. Diesel engines these days are finely-tuned machines, and it takes regular care to keep them that way. Get your oil changed at least every 5,000 miles. If you put your truck through more stress than most, you’ll also need to change the oil more often.
2. Not Changing the Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is incredibly important in a diesel engine. Your fuel injectors convert the gas you put in your tank into a fine mist. The mist is sprayed into the combustion chambers where the pistons ignite it. The fuel that enters your injection system needs to be free of debris in order to avoid clogging and reduced performance. Make sure to change your fuel filter every 10,000 miles or so.
3. Ignoring Warning Signs
When something starts to go wrong with your diesel engine, it will often start to run differently or give you some other warning sign. Getting to know your engine is a key part of learning how to drive a diesel truck. If you notice lower or inconsistent RPMs or trouble starting, it could be a sign that your fuel injection system is clogged. If it feels like your engine is running differently, don’t ignore it. Take it to a diesel mechanic for a look. Finding an issue early could save you a lot of money and trouble later.
4. Pushing Your Diesel to Its Limit
Diesel trucks typically have towing ratings to give you an idea of how much your vehicle can pull. It’s not a good idea to push your diesel truck to its towing limit. Doing so on a regular basis can wear your engine out sooner than you’d like. If you tow regularly, make sure your load doesn’t approach your truck’s limit.
5. Driving a Cold Diesel Engine
One thing new owners need to know when learning how to drive a diesel truck is that the engine needs to warm up before driving. It’s important that the engine, all of its components, and the fuel get warmed up before you hit the road. Driving a cold engine can cause parts to warp and wear down, which will require more replacement and repair.
Take good care of your diesel truck, and it will take good care of you. You will get more miles and performance from your diesel if you take the time for these simple maintenance and care tips.
