Diesel engines are well known for being heavy-duty and durable. According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, diesel engines are commonly found in medium and heavy trucks compared to passenger cars in the US. For example, over 70% of trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating higher than 10,000 that were purchased in the United States in 2013 were diesel-powered, which was an increase from 69% in 2009. That said, diesel engines are not invincible, and if you have a diesel-powered car, you might find the engine requires repairs from time to time. Here are the steps to take when your diesel engine needs repairs.
Troubleshoot the Issue
Whenever you encounter a problem with your diesel engine, there’s standard advice you can apply to diagnose your engine. For starters, you can start by checking the engine oil level. Pull the dipstick to ensure there’s enough oil. Otherwise, if there’s not enough oil, your vehicle might not start. In that case, getting the issue fixed might be as simple as topping up the oil.
In another instance, the oil level might be overfull, which is a good indicator of a high-pressure leak. If the engine oil level seems fine, you can perform further diagnosis, depending on your skill level and knowledge of the diesel engine. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to seek repairs immediately from a professional. You can also check your owner’s manual to see if you can get any helpful insights concerning proper repair procedures and when to schedule routine maintenance.
Your diesel engine is what keeps your vehicle moving, but, as mentioned, it can still become faulty. Common repairs that are often diagnosed include oxidized oil, lack of power, oil leakages, exhaust gas recirculation valves, and more. Some components of your diesel engine, like the injection pump, glow plugs, and fuel injectors, may need fixing or replacement to get your engine functioning smoothly. You may not know that this is the issue, but you can watch out for symptoms, such as a diesel engine running at lower RPMs or difficulty in starting your engine.
Search Around for Diesel Mechanics
The next step is to search around for a reputable diesel mechanic that can work on your engine. This is something you should do as soon as possible because professional repair helps increase the life of your diesel engine system, and it’s good for the overall maintenance of your car. A good diesel mechanic can save you from expensive repairs and keep your diesel vehicle running smoothly. When searching for a trustworthy mechanic, a good starting point is to do your research, which you can do online in the comfort of your own home. You can find many mechanics near you and check Google reviews to identify the ones that have a good track record.
Besides the internet, another good starting point is asking your friends and family for recommendations. The people close to you are usually reliable and are more likely to point you in the right direction because they have your best interests at heart. Once you have narrowed down your options, the next step is heading out to discuss your engine. Be sure to ask your mechanic as many questions as possible, such as how many years of experience they have working on diesel engines and whether they have the right training and certification to work on them. Another sign that you have found an experienced mechanic is when they quickly diagnose the problem and suggest the best fix to prevent bigger issues down the line.
Get as Many Quotes as Possible
Diesel engine repairs can get pretty expensive if your vehicle’s engine has developed a serious problem. Fortunately, there’s a way to reduce the costs, and that involves shopping around to get as many estimates as possible. You can then compare the estimates to see which mechanic has the most competitive pricing. That said, price should not be the only determiner when choosing a mechanic. You should avoid estimates that are below the average as this could mean the mechanic uses old or substandard parts. At the same time, you should also avoid estimates that seem to be ridiculously high. Generally, reviewing as many estimates as possible can be a huge eye-opener as it helps you understand the best price to pay to get your engine repaired.
These are the steps you can take to get your diesel engine repaired. Contact Associated Fuel Systems today to get your engine replacement parts from the only certified Stellar Products Dealer in Atlanta and all of Georgia.
