In automobiles, diesel engines generally provide more torque and are much more efficient than their petrol cousins. However, they still require regular maintenance to keep running at their peak. 

Here are some useful car maintenance tips for your diesel engine.

Change Dirty Engine Oil 

Your diesel engine comprises many internal components that require lubrication to keep running smoothly. Over time, the oil becomes laden with dirt from small metallic components that wear off pieces of the engine. 

Performing engine oil changes helps replenish a clean supply of oil, which is essential to achieve optimal engine performance and prolong the lifespan of the engine. Always follow the recommended oil change intervals for your engine. Waiting too long before you change your engine oil is a sure way to cause an engine breakdown. 

Also, make sure you use quality engine oil so your engine can deliver reliable performance all the time.

Drive Within the Optimal Rev Range

Most cars have a tachometer to show engine RPM (revolutions per minute), which is a measure of how fast a vehicle runs. Car engine RPM increases as your vehicle speed increases. However, engine power doesn't necessarily peak when the engine's RPM is at its highest.

When driving your diesel car, it's important not to rev the engine beyond the tachometer range. Doing this will hurt the vehicle's fuel economy and can cause damage to the engine.

Clean or Replace the Diesel Filter

The diesel that your car runs on isn't completely clean. It may contain sediment and other particulate matter that shouldn't enter your engine. The fuel filter in your car helps block debris from getting into your engine so that the engine can feed on a supply of clean fuel.

You may need to clean or change your fuel filter, depending on the type of filter you're using. Generally, paper or nylon filters are single-use products that will require replacement, while metallic filters can be cleaned and reused.

Change the Air Filter

Car diesel engines produce power by burning a mixture of air and diesel. Because the air may be dirt-laden, an air filter is required to prevent dust and other airborne dirt particles from entering the internal combustion chamber where the combustion process takes place.

Like the fuel filter, the air filter will become clogged with dirt over time, thus inhibiting sufficient airflow to the engine. Removing and replacing dirty air filters helps achieve optimal air supply to the engine, thus maximising engine performance. 

The best way to keep your car's diesel engine in good working shape is to keep pace with maintenance. An authorised diesel dealer can help meet all of your diesel engine's maintenance needs.

To learn more, contact a dealer like a Bosch-authorised diesel dealer.