Three Things You Could Learn By Watching A Diesel Mechanic At Work

If you have just recently purchased a commercial or passenger vehicle that has a diesel engine, and you find that the vehicle needs some work, you are probably going to take the vehicle to a diesel mechanic. Having little knowledge about diesel engines yourself, you may be curious as to what the mechanic might do to fix and maintain your vehicle. If you ask the mechanic, you may be able to watch what he does and ask questions about this special type of engine. Here are three things you could easily learn about your vehicle's diesel engine by watching a diesel mechanic at work.

Diesel Engines Require More Frequent Oil Changes Unless You Use a Special Upgraded Oil

As your diesel vehicle receives an inspection and maintenance, one of the first things the mechanic might do is switch out your oil and your filter. The lower the type of oil, the more frequently you will need to perform oil changes. Your mechanic can show you the differences in performance among Types 1, 2, and 3 diesel engine lubricants. While you may pay more up front for a Type 3 oil substitution and oil change, it means that you will be in the mechanic's shop less frequently because the higher type oil protects and lubricates your diesel engine better.

Diesel Exhaust Systems Require Regular Emissions Testing

Now that you own a diesel exhaust vehicle, you will be required to have a diesel mechanic check it regularly for emissions levels. This is the case regardless of whether or not you live in a state that already requires emissions testing for standard gasoline vehicles. The nature of the toxic levels of nitrous oxides and particulates in the exhaust, as your mechanic will explain, are such that if they build up instead of effectively burning up your vehicle would not pass emissions tests. It would then have to undergo a major diagnostic exam to find out what components of your vehicle are not working properly (e.g., the catalytic converter).

Your Vehicle's Clutch Requires Daily Maintenance

Most diesel vehicles are driven with a clutch and stick shift to further conserve energy produced by the diesel fuel. As you watch your diesel mechanic at work, he or she will show you how to perform daily maintenance on the clutch to keep it functional and safe, including proper lubrication of the shift collar and how to adjust the clutch when needed. The clutch collar check and lube is recommended as a daily maintenance item, even before you jump in the vehicle to operate it, and definitely if the vehicle has not been used for several days to several months, as is the case with some construction and commercial vehicles.

For more information, talk to a mechanic like those at Bethel Automotive.


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