Diesel vehicles are designed for longevity, durability, power and performance, but these vehicles require routine maintenance to keep them working effectively. Without regular service, diesel vehicles will be more susceptible to premature wear, tear and damage. So, when should a diesel vehicle be serviced in Flagstaff, AZ? Keep reading to find out more.
How often should a diesel vehicle be worked on in Flagstaff, AZ?
There are lots of different maintenance services that are necessary to keep a diesel vehicle running, and these services aren’t all necessary on the same schedule. In general, diesel truck service is required every six months or every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. With that in mind, however, it’s important to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations.
In addition to reading recommendations in your manual, it’s important to look out for signs that it’s time for maintenance. When should a diesel vehicle be serviced in Flagstaff, AZ? Here are a few of the most reliable indicators to look for:
- Changes in performance: If you’ve noticed changes in the way your diesel truck is performing, it’s likely there’s something wrong that requires maintenance. Poor performance while accelerating, especially uphill, is a sign that your engine needs some maintenance to get it working effectively again. Ignoring changes in performance can result in more wear and tear on your diesel engine and leave you with costlier repairs to deal with down the road.
- Smoke: It’s common for some smoke to come out of the exhaust of diesel trucks from time to time, but this shouldn’t be a regular occurrence. Look for blue, black and white smoke coming out of your exhaust. This smoke might be caused by a blocked fuel filter, a damaged injector or a faulty injector pump. If you see smoke coming from your exhaust on a regular basis, it’s time to contact a mechanic for maintenance services.
- Difficulty starting: If it’s difficult to start your engine, it’s possible your diesel truck has a problem with fuel delivery or low compression. You should expect your diesel engine to crank for about three to five seconds before starting. If your engine often takes longer than five seconds to turn over, it’s time for a maintenance appointment with a professional diesel mechanic.
- Knocking: Diesel engine knocking is a common issue, especially in older engines. Occasional knocking is nothing to be concerned about, but more frequent knocking can be a sign of fuel contamination or damaged fuel injectors. As soon as you notice unusual or frequent knocking sounds, reach out to a mechanic for an inspection and service appointment.
Schedule diesel maintenance service
At Maclin Truck & Trailer, we know how important routine diesel maintenance services are, and we are committed to providing the highest quality services possible. We specialize in roadside repair and maintenance, and we are always here to provide quality services to our customers, no matter when or where they need them. If you need to have your diesel vehicle serviced in Flagstaff, AZ call us today to find out more about our services and request an appointment with one of our experienced mechanics.