There are many factors that can cause incredible damage to your vehicle, and we always want to try and mitigate the effects as much as possible. During the summer months, the hot temperatures can contribute to overheating engines, evaporated fluids, and swollen metals that can cause grinding and other significant problems. If you’re operating trucks or other heavy equipment during the summer months, read on. Here are some helpful ways to protect your diesel engine from extreme heat that can make operations go a bit more smoothly.
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Check Your Coolant
Ensuring that you have a functional cooling system is one of the most important vehicle maintenance tips that you should know. You can use a hydrometer to check your coolant quality and flush the system if necessary. Most coolant contains glycol, which helps protect your engine from extreme temperatures better than water. Having new, fresh coolant can keep your engine parts from overheating and keep your engine running smoothly.
Get an Oil Change
Different people have their own rules for when they should get an oil change, whether they go every six months or after driving a certain number of miles. There are several reasons why regular oil changes are important. This simple procedure can help keep your engine from overheating. Faulty lubrication can lead to grinding parts, creating more friction than normal. This can cause overheating that the heat of warm temperatures can only exacerbate.
Remove Dust
Removing dust, dirt, and other debris is one of the best ways to protect your diesel engine from extreme heat. We recommend using the hotter days as an opportunity to clean out or even replace your air filter if there’s too much obstructing it. Replacement filters cost less than a new turbocharger or engine repairs, so keeping dust out of these important features can help keep your engine cooler.
While diesel engines are more durable when it comes to heat than traditional gasoline engines, they can still overheat and cause problems. Taking the time to perform some simple maintenance and ensure that your air intake and cooling systems are working properly can save you lots of time, money, and hassle on those hotter days.