Six Tips For People New To Diesel Engines

If you're looking at a diesel engine, you're probably impressed with their combination of power and fuel efficiency. Modern diesel engines are environmentally friendly and fairly low maintenance. Europeans have enjoyed diesel powered vehicles for years, which are finally starting to catch on in the United States. Considering all their benefits, it's quite possible that diesel engines will one day be more popular than gas engines. Since most U.S. drivers have limited experience with diesel engines, here are some tips for new diesel drivers.

1) Nearly all new diesel engines come equipped with a turbo-charger. Think of a turbo-charger as a jet engine - it forces outside air into the engine and increases efficiency and performance. Turbo-chargers are very powerful, so great care must be taken to make sure the air entering the turbo-charger is clean and clear of debris. Therefore, it's important that the air filter on your diesel is clean and changed often. Most manufacturers equip their vehicles with electronic sensors that will tell you to check or replace your air filter, and when this sensor tells you to change the air filter, do so immediately. If you ignore this warning, you could damage your engine.

2) The fuel filter in a diesel engine is very important, since diesel fuel isn't as clean and pure as gasoline. Your car has sensors which will tell you if your fuel filter is clogged, and you should take action quickly after this sensor goes off. Neglecting a clogged fuel filter can result in you being stranded on the road. Fuel filters need to be changed more often than gas fuel filters, so you should expect to replace your fuel filter earlier than normal.

3) You may be surprised to learn that diesel fuel contains water! A little bit of water won't damage your engine, but the vast majority of modern diesels are fitted with water/fuel separators regardless. Some vehicles may require you to manually remove the water from the diesel's fuel system. Your owner's manual will tell you how to do this, and how often to do it. If DIY is not your thing, many service facilities are willing to do this for you at little to no charge, and will dispose of the water/fuel solution in an environmentally friendly manner.

4) Diesel engines generally burn some of the engine's lubricating oil during normal function. This is why they've earned the nickname "oil burners", and why it's important to check your engine's oil level between oil changes. Let the engine cool for at least 30 minutes before checking the oil, and make sure the vehicle is level. Refer to your owner's manual to know when you need to add more oil, based on your dipstick reading.

5) Diesel engines don't like cold temperatures. At low temperatures, diesel engines tend to start harshly and warm-up very slowly. At extremely low temperatures (below -10 F) diesel engines may not function at all. Thus, it's very important to remember to use your diesel's block heater if outside temps ever dip below zero. The block heater is nothing more than an electrical plug on your car that uses your home's electricity to keep your engine warm, and it's as simple as plugging your car in at night. If you can afford the electricity, you can plug-in your block heater any time the outside temperature dips below freezing. This will protect your engine and make for quick and smooth start-ups, and it will help your engine warm-up quickly. Check your owner's manual for your block heater's location.

6) All new engines have a break-in period, and new diesel engines are no different. The break-in for a new diesel is usually from 500 to 1000 miles. Check your manual to find out what the average period is for your vehicle. During this break-in period, manufacturers will recommend that you do not drive at sustained speeds, such as on long trips on the highway, and do not haul or tow anything. Your engine will continue to improve in power and efficiency for 20,000 to 30,000 miles after the initial break-in period is over, since diesel engines reach their peak performance levels after lots of time and use. Most long-time diesel engine owners say their diesel began to truly perform only after a year or two of use.

Overall, it's very important for new diesel owners to familiarize themselves with their engine manual. Diesel owners need to pay close attention to air and fuel filter warnings, check engine oil between scheduled changes, purge water from the fuel system as needed, and use the block heater during colder temperatures. This may seem like a lot of work to perform on top of regular vehicle maintenance, but the reward will be power, fuel efficiency, and 200,000+ of great performance.

Article Source: http://www.search4allinfo.com

Author Jason Lancaster, an auto industry veteran, created AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You'll find accurate car buying tips and auto advice.

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