How Often Should a Diesel Car be Serviced?

When it comes to most diesel vehicles, the suggested service period is about every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Though, this service interval can differ quite significantly depending on the make and model of your car, as well as how much you drive. Driving short distances on a regular basis can cause oil in diesel cars to collect gunk. It can be tricky to determine when to bring your car in for servicing. 

So how often should a diesel car be serviced?  Here are five key signs that a service is due to your diesel car.

1. Hard Starting.  Difficult time starting can be a sign of low compression or a fuel delivery problem. It is normal for diesel engines to crank a little when you start them, with the usual crank time being 3 to 5 seconds. Though, if crank times are unusually long or the engine is extremely difficult to start, have your diesel vehicle checked out as soon as potential.
2. Blowing Smoke.    Watch out for smoke coming out of the exhaust with an unpleasant odor.  There are three colors of smoke that you want to look out for; black, blue and white. These emissions can signal a faulty injector, injector pump, blocked air filter, or some other issue with the engine or sub-system. 
3. Lack of Performance.  This could indicate low fuel pressure, dirty fuel filters, or a more serious problem. If your diesel vehicle is notably lacking power, it is best to bring it in to be tested on a dynamometer to determine the actual power at the wheels and compare it with what it should be.
4. Knocking.  Knocking can be a sign of the engine’s age, with no significant issues. But at its worst, it can indicate fuel contamination and faulty diesel injector which affects compression balance and reduces performance.
5. Rough Running.  This is quite common and can signify a defective glow plug or compromised fuel injection system, causing hard starting and rough running until the engine gets up to operating temperature.

Tip to Remember:  The best way to ensure your diesel cars are in optimal shape is to have regular checkups and services. 

Are you Looking for quality diesel repairs?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about car diagnostics and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.