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Diesel truck ownership, in most cases, is best defined as a rewarding experience that’s filled with decades of reliability, millions of miles, and cherished memories when proper care is taken. 

Regardless of whether you’re driving a Dodge Ram, a Ford F-150, or a Chevy Silverado, taking care of your truck in every way possible is an effort that’s bound to get all the right results. From the transmission lines that keep everything running to the suspension that ensures a smooth driving experience, the number of components that need to be taken care of is plenty. 

While each component is no stranger to its fair share of maintenance needs and has importance, there’s one that you’re probably not taking care of properly: 

The engine.

Why it’s vital to take care of your diesel engine, and how you’re doing the opposite

Despite the fact that they’re seen as “bulletproof” by many automotive enthusiasts, the truth about diesel engines is that it’s still possible to end up killing them inadvertently.

Unlike other parts, the engine in any model easily proves to be one of the most vulnerable because of the many factors that affect it and all the ways one can harm it. Beyond vulnerability, what makes it so important to take extra care when protecting your diesel engine is that getting a replacement costs as much as buying a new car at the dealership.

Fortunately, avoiding the possibility of accidentally ruining your diesel engine can be avoided as long as you watch out for these costly mistakes and avoid them: 

Engine-killing mistake #1: Not letting the engine itself warm up

As opposed to other types of engines, diesel engines are especially reliant on the practice of properly warming up because they can only run smoothly when the bearings are thoroughly lubricated.

You see, when you jump right to revving the living life out of your diesel truck’s engine as soon as you start it, you leave it prone to premature breakages that will lead to leaks, gasket failures, and warped heads. If you’re new to the idea of warming up, then there’s no need to worry because you can easily tell when your engine is at the right temperature by checking the oil and coolant temperature gauges!

Engine-killing mistake #2: Not changing your filters on a regular basis

Just like warming, regular filter changes are another essential practice that unlocks any diesel engine’s potential for longevity and prevents it from prematurely breaking down.

They may not seem like much at first, but the fuel and air filters on your truck play a crucial role because they prevent other forms of damage in interlinked components. When you take the time to replace your filters on a regular basis, you get to prevent all sorts of costly engine-killing problems such as:

• Restricted or sub-optimal air and fuel flows
• Contaminated injection systems, which are a result of filter failure
• Compromised fuel economy
• Boost leaks
• Turbocharger, value, and piston damage 

Engine-killing mistake #3: Not changing engine oil on a regular basis

Among all the different fluids that your truck relies on, none are more vital than engine oil, which means that not following recommended procedures and overlooking the need for changing will cut its lifespan short. 

In between recommended changing periods, the oil in a diesel engine can pick up a lot of nasty particles and substances that can severely damage an engine. Instead of waiting for your engine to suddenly seize up out of nowhere after going for thousands of miles past its due change, you can give it a new lease on life by sticking to the manufacturer’s replacement recommendations!

Conclusion

When it comes to getting the most out of your diesel truck’s engine and making sure it lasts as long as possible for many happy years, the best way to do so is by avoiding common engine-killing mistakes. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to ensure the longevity of your diesel engine and prevent it from succumbing to avoidable and costly problems!

At US Diesel Parts, we offer both OEM and aftermarket parts for Ford Powerstroke, Chevy Duramax, and Dodge Cummins trucks. Give us a call and check out our online shop today to learn more about how we can help you improve your truck’s performance!