Six Things to Know If You're New to Diesel Engines | Auto Finance

By JasonLancaster
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Diesel engine fans will rapture on about the impressive combination of power and fuel efficiency that modern diesel engines carry. Environmentally friendly and fairly low maintenance, diesel engines have been popular for years in Europe, and that popularity is finally beginning to grow in the United States as well. With all their benefits, diesel engines may very well become more popular than gas engines! Here are some tips to consider if you, like most U.S. drivers, are fairly inexperienced with diesel engines.

1) Most new diesel engines come with a turbo-charger, which sucks outside air into the engine, increasing efficiency and performance. Turbo-chargers are very powerful pieces of machinery, and require clean air that is empty of debris. Thus, it's vital that you clean and change the air filter on your engine frequently. The majority of diesel engine vehicles are equipped with electronic sensors which will tell you when you need to check or replace your filter. Always change your filter as soon as the sensor tells you to! Delaying or ignoring this alert altogether can result in a damaged engine.

2) Diesel fuel isn't as clean and pure as gasoline, so the fuel filter in a diesel engine is very important. Again, your car has sensors that will warn you if the fuel filter becomes clogged, and you should react to these warnings quickly. If you fail to change a clogged diesel fuel filter, it could leave you stranded on the side of the road. Also, keep in mind that diesel fuel filters need to be changed a little more often than gas fuel filters, so don't be surprised if you have to replace your diesel's fuel filter ahead of schedule. That's perfectly normal.

3) You already know that diesel fuel is less pure than gasoline, but you might not have known that it also contains water. Small amounts of water won't damage your engine, however, almost all modern diesels have water/fuel separators anyways. Some models may require manual purging of water from the diesel's fuel system. If you're doing this yourself, your owner's manual will tell you how to do this, and how often you should perform this action. Otherwise, there are many service facilities who will do this for little to no charge, and will dispose of the water/fuel mixture in an environmentally safe way.

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 and coldness don't get along. Low temperatures will cause your diesel engine to start harshly and warm up slowly. Extremely low temperatures of -10F or lower may cause your diesel engine to not function at all. Always remember to use your diesel's block heater whenever the temperature hits below zero. The block heater is a simple electrical plug on your car which keeps your engine warm, using your home's electrical source. All you have to do is plug your car in at night. You can also plug it in whenever the temperatures drop below freezing, if you can afford the electricity. Using your block heater will protect your engine, and will ensure smooth start-ups and quick warm-ups. Your owner's manual will help you locate the block heater on your vehicle.

6) While all new engines have a short break-in period, new diesel engines usually have a break-in period that lasts 500 or 1000 miles. (Check your manual to find out.) Usually, the manufacturer recommends that you avoid driving at sustained speeds (i.e. long trips on the highway) during this period. Additionally, most manufacturers suggest that you not tow or haul anything during this period. Once the initial break-in period is over, it's not uncommon for your diesel to continue to improve in power and efficiency for the first 20k or 30k miles. Unlike gas motors, which often stop improving in power and efficiency after 3k to 5k miles, diesels need lots of time and use to reach their peak efficiency and performance. In fact, most long-time diesel owners will tell you that their engine didn't really start to truly perform until a year or two after they bought it.

It is imperative that new or first-time diesel owners read their engine manual thoroughly. Diesel owners need to perform normal vehicle maintenance, as well as monitor air and fuel filter sensors, check engine oil between changes, remove water from fuel system when needed, and plug in the block heater when the temperatures drop below zero. This extra care will result in an engine with power, fuel economy, and 200,000+ miles of service.

About the Author

Author Jason Lancaster, a car business veteran, created AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You'll find accurate car buying tips and car advice.

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