Engine and after-treatment maintenance are an essential part of the ownership experience. It’s the process of keeping your vehicle’s engine, exhaust system, and pollution control equipment in good working order.
However, it’s a complicated task that requires regular attention to prevent problems. Failure to do so might cause you to pay more for repairs. But if done right, this process can keep you safe on the road while extending the time between scheduled service visits.
To learn more about maintaining your vehicle correctly, you can visit a reputable diesel supply store like DPF Parts Direct for helpful tips and advice. Here are five ways to save money on the engine and aftertreatment maintenance:
- Keep An Eye On The Cooling System
Since a diesel engine operates at higher temperatures, maintaining the system adequately is necessary. Meanwhile, it’s best to use a thermometer to check the coolant level and ensure you’re not overfilling it. If your cooling system isn’t functioning well anymore, you may consider having your vehicle checked to avoid engine problems.
The same goes for the air conditioning system. Regular maintenance should be done every month. If you see any coolant leaks, get them fixed as soon as possible because this could lead to overheating and damage your engine.
- Clean The Air Intake
Another thing to remember is to clean your air intake and ensure it’s free of dirt and debris. If you don’t, it can cause problems with combustion efficiency, affecting its lifespan. It’s essential to keep your air intake clean to avoid engine damage caused by clogged filters.
You can consider using an air filter cleaner when cleaning your air intake. Many types are available, but most contain chemicals that can harm your engine. Nevertheless, the best way to remove debris from the filter is to use a brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner.
Alternatively, you can use compressed air or Shopvac to eliminate any remaining dirt or dust particles that may be stuck there. Ensure you’re cleaning all sides of the filter so no foreign objects will be left behind, which may cause further damage to your vehicle.
- Get Rid Of Excess Fuel
Overloading your vehicle with fuel can cause poor gas mileage and poor acceleration. This could lead to an accident or, worse, a crash, resulting in serious injuries or even death. An excellent way to reduce fuel consumption is to get rid of excess fuel after fueling up at the gas station.
It makes no difference if the tank is nearly empty or filled. It’s best to leave enough room so you only have what’s needed for your next tank refill. This will help eliminate unnecessary wear and tear on your engine. Also, it can prevent the engine from increasing its fuel consumption due to excess air entering the system.
4. Check Radiator Fluid Level
Ensure you check the radiator fluid level every time you fill up your car’s radiator with coolant. You can add more coolant if necessary and fill it to its maximum level. It’s essential to always look at your radiator’s fluid level so you can check your coolant system.
If your radiator springs a leak, the coolant could spread to the engine and other sections of the vehicle. So, ensure you check all areas where leaks or problems may occur.
5. Get A Good Quality Oil Filter
A good quality oil filter is essential to save on diesel engines and after-treatment maintenance. Most machines are designed to run with a certain amount of oil in the system. However, once that amount is reached, the engine tends to consume more oil. If you don’t change your oil regularly and properly, your motor will burn up faster.
A good quality oil filter will keep your engine running smoothly for extended periods. To ensure that you’re getting a good quality oil filter, it helps to ask your mechanic what kind of oil filter they use on their vehicle and whether or not it’s high-quality.
On the other hand, it’s best to choose a reputable brand for your filters. You can search online and look for brands with years of experience in this industry. This step will ensure that these brands are competent in vehicle maintenance.
Key Takeaway
The expense of maintaining a car can be damaging to an owner’s wallet, but there are some steps that car owners can take to minimize the cost. Fortunately, there are ways in which people can save money on the engine and after-treatment maintenance with the following tips mentioned. These tips will help keep your vehicle in tip-top shape for years.
