Changing your oil and fluids is one of the best ways to proactively maintain your truck. This is where preventive maintenance starts!
Diesel engines have dedicated coolant systems designed to absorb and dissipate their radiant heat. Although the coolant within these systems lasts for quite a while, they need to be changed once every 30 to 60 thousand miles. If coolant isn’t changed on a regular basis it will break down and may even leave sludge behind. This debris may clog up some of your critical cooling components like your radiator and water pump.
Although it’s not technically coolant, your engine may also use oil to absorb and remove radiant heat using what’s called an oil cooler. Oil coolers are essentially small radiators and are typically used alongside a radiator-based system rather than on their own.
Your transmission allows for your engine’s power to be optimized, whereas your transfer case allows you to enter different drive modes. Both components need lubricant to eradicate friction, and that lubricant needs to be changed out once every 30 to 60 thousand miles. Failure to do so may lead to shifting problems, overheating issues, and expensive damage.
Diesel engines need to have their engine oil changed once every 20 thousand miles. This is the average for most heavy and medium-duty trucks, whereas lighter-duty diesel trucks and large gassers need their oil changed once every 3 to 6 thousand miles. Failure to change your engine’s oil on time could lead to overheating issues, decreased fuel efficiency, and premature component wear.
Although oil and fluid changes are an important part of preventive maintenance, it’s not where the story ends. We have tons of other preventive maintenance services, like after-treatment filter cleaning and routine inspections. Call today to learn more.