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Car Servicing – Diesel Fuel Filter Service

October 18th, 2017

There are a surprising number of small, inexpensive parts that can lead to expensive engine damage when they fail. It doesn’t seem right.

Fortunately a lot of those things can be taken care of in routine maintenance. They may not be easy to remember because it is a long list, but your local Oil Changers team can help you know what’s scheduled to be taken care of.

Some of us really don’t look forward to going in for an oil change and then getting a list of the other things that the manufacturer recommends.

But automotive maintenance is all about prevention and addressing small problems before they get big. Let’s take the diesel fuel filter for example.

You may not know this but the median age for private vehicles on our roads is over 14 years. As vehicles get older they can accumulate small amounts of dirt in their fuel tanks. If that dirt gets into the engine it can cause thousands of dollars of damage. So somewhere between that dirty fuel tank and the price of a great vacation is the diesel fuel filter.  Generally its an inexpensive part that doesn’t cost too much to replace and your vehicle will run better too.

A clogged diesel fuel filter can’t let enough fuel through. You might notice at first that your vehicle is running fine around town but struggles or sputters on the open road or when you accelerate. Enough fuel can’t get through to meet the demands of higher speed. If it gets bad enough, your engine might just shut off or not start at all, which could be dangerous.

The diesel fuel filter is important to have serviced on time following the manufacturers recommended interval. Diesel can build up “diesel bug” if moisture is present in the fuel system and can lead to a blocked fuel filter. With some of the newer Common Rail diesel engines pushing fuel into the engine at over 30,000 PSI, any moisture in your diesel may lead to expensive repairs, potentially damaging the fuel pump or the fuel injectors.

How often should you change your diesel filter? Check your owner’s manual. Your  Oil Changers service technician  may be able to tell you as well. It’s can vary from any where from every 20,000kms to 60,000 kms or so but can vary greatly between different vehicles.

It’s good to know that your service center has your back. When you’re motivated to maintain your vehicle’s performance and to reduce operating costs, you’ll think of Oil Changers as your ally- and maybe even your memory.

Oil Changers
www.oilchangers.co.nz