Vehicles that use diesel are known to have excellent fuel mileage, better fuel economy, increased durability, fewer emissions and more torque. However, over time, it might become substandard, lowering your vehicle's performance. Therefore, you need to consider getting professional help to change or tune up the engine when necessary. But how can you tell it is time to take your car to an expert? Here are three signs you need diesel engine services.
1. Loss of RPM and Power
If your vehicle's revolutions per minute (RPM) and power have lowered, your diesel may have been contaminated by water, and you need diesel services. Water can find its way to your oil in numerous ways. If diesel contains some water, it will separate and sink to the bottom due to the engine's process. However, if it rises above the diesel's take-off pipe, it will contaminate it.
Also, water droplets can suspend in the diesel and contaminate it. Besides, dissolved water in diesel can be distributed molecule by molecule throughout the oil. Water contamination is a significant problem as it can cause microbial growth, corrosion, fuel filter clogging, damaged injectors and acid build-up. Therefore, you should take your vehicle to an expert to pump out the diesel to remove water or change it.
The expert will also teach you how to prevent this contamination. Other warning signs that can notify you of water contamination are rough starting or erratic idling, production of white smoke and a lag in acceleration.
2. Dark Oil
Generally, the colour of the oil varies from green to orange-brown and translucent. However, it can collect debris from the engine, making it dirty and darker. Therefore, it is essential to inspect your vehicle's oil every month to respond quickly. You can do this by drawing the dipstick, wiping it, and putting it back. If the oil is darker, you need diesel services.
Dirty oil can result in clogged filters, injector deposits, and reduced engine performance. Hence, you should get diesel services immediately you notice your oil colour change.
3. More Mileage
If you have travelled more miles in a month, you should consider getting diesel services sooner than expected. Most cars require you to change oil change after 5,000 km, which can be completed in about three months. However, if you have driven a lot, you might have reached this mileage.
If your car experiences any of the discussed signs, work with a reliable automotive shop for quality services. A diesel service can provide more information.