Auto Electrics: Keeping Your Car Powered

Posted on: 27 December 2016

As compared to petrol engine vehicles, diesel engine vehicles are generally considered to be more fuel efficient, more powerful and have a lower maintenance requirement. To continue enjoying reliable service from diesel-powered vehicles, however, proper maintenance is key. Here are a number of essential maintenance tips for diesel engine vehicles.

Oil and filter changes: Diesel contains sulphur. The oil filter system on a diesel engine performs the important function of trapping the sulphur residue formed when fuel does not combust completely. A good filter will remove the sulphur residue and any other abrasive particles from the engine oil. Failure to regularly change engine oil will cause the fuel injection system to become clogged, resulting in costly repairs. It is critical to change engine oil regularly and replace any clogged filter with a new one that meets or exceeds the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer.

Glow plugs: The ignition of a diesel engine is often based upon the ability of the engine to generate sufficient compressed heat for the fuel to burn. However, this is not usually possible, especially during winter weather. Therefore, glow plugs are normally used to heat up the combustion chamber so that the engine can reach temperatures required for ignition to take place. Routine inspection of the plugs ensures drivers do not experience difficulty starting their vehicles, especially in winter when the engine can easily get cold. Some other common symptoms of failing glow plugs include white smoke coming out of the exhaust, sound of piston misfiring, or a glow plug warning light comes on the dashboard when you start the vehicle.

The cooling system: Because of the higher amount of heat that gets produced by diesel engines compared to petrol engines, diesel cooling systems demand more maintenance attention. The more diesel engine technology progresses, the more the cooling system gets overburdened. Diesel engines should not be allowed to overheat. This subjects the engine to puts too much pressure, and if the cooling fluids and cooling system do not have sufficient capacity to cool the engine, unnecessary damage may occur.

Gaskets: The primary function of gaskets on the diesel engine is to ensure that no coolants or any other engine fluids leak out of the system. Gaskets require regular inspection because they work under high temperatures and other harsh conditions. The mounting bolts that keep the gaskets in place should be checked and re-torqued on a regular basis to prevent potentially costly leaks.

Talk with a mechanic to learn more about Deutz engines and other diesel engine maintenance tips.