6 Essential Habits For Keeping Your Diesel Truck Running Like New

Diesel trucks are incredibly useful for transportation, hauling goods, and completing tough jobs.

However, they also require regular maintenance and care to keep them running smoothly and efficiently. Neglecting your diesel truck’s maintenance can result in costly repairs and decreased performance. That’s why developing essential maintenance habits is crucial for any truck owner.

This article discusses six essential habits that can help you keep your truck running like new. By following these habits, you can ensure that your vehicle operates efficiently, lasts longer, and provides reliable transportation for years. Let’s dive in and explore these essential habits in more detail.

1. Keep Up With Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures that your vehicle operates smoothly and prevents more severe issues. For example, the most common cause of engine failures in diesel trucks is a lack of proper maintenance. Therefore, following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and performing regular checks on your vehicle’s key components, such as the engine, transmission, and brakes, is essential.

According to an article published in Auto and Fleet Mechanic, diesel engines have an incredible lifespan and can run for 1,000,000-1,500,000 miles before requiring significant repairs. In addition, diesel engines can last for around 30 years or even more with proper maintenance. 

This remarkable longevity is one of the reasons why diesel trucks are a popular choice for commercial applications and heavy-duty hauling.

Regular maintenance includes:

• Changing the oil and oil filter
• Inspecting and replacing air and fuel filters
• Checking the brakes and brake pads
• Performing a general vehicle inspection

Ignoring any of these critical maintenance tasks can lead to costly repairs and decreased performance, reducing your vehicle’s lifespan.

In addition, regular maintenance can also save you money in the long run. For example, a well-maintained diesel truck can achieve better fuel efficiency, saving you money on fuel costs. For example, replacing a dirty air filter can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to 10%.

2. Invest in Upgrades

Upgrades can enhance your vehicle’s performance, increase lifespan, and provide a more comfortable driving experience. You can consider upgrading the air intake system, installing a performance chip, and upgrading the exhaust system.

For instance, if you’re looking for parts for 5th Gen Cummins, several online options can help you upgrade your truck’s performance. According to Diesel Power Products, the 5th Generation Ram Cummins, or “5th Gen,” was introduced in 2019 in the Ram Heavy Duty models after a prolonged period of no significant changes to the body style from 2010-2018, known as the “4th Gen Dodge Ram.”

While there were some notable modifications to the suspension and powertrain, the design remained relatively unchanged. However, some popular upgrades for 5th-Gen Cummins include cold air intakes, high-performance exhaust systems, upgraded fuel injectors, and performance chips. Upgrading these parts can enhance your vehicle’s horsepower, torque, and overall performance.

However, it is important to research and chooses reputable brands when investing in upgrades for your truck. Poor quality parts can lead to engine damage or decreased performance, ultimately costing you more in the long run. Additionally, follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and maintenance procedures to ensure proper performance and avoid potential issues.

3. Use High-Quality Fuel and Additives

Low-quality fuel or additives can cause damage to your engine, resulting in costly repairs and decreased fuel efficiency. Therefore, choosing reputable fuel and additives brands ensures your vehicle runs smoothly.

Diesel fuel contains sulfur, which can cause harm to the environment and decrease your vehicle’s performance. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations to reduce sulfur content in diesel fuel.

In 1993, the EPA started regulating the sulfur levels in diesel fuel. Over time, the regulations became more strict, and in 2006, the EPA began a phase-in process to lower the amount of sulfur in diesel fuel to 15 parts per million (ppm). This fuel is now commonly known as ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD).

Using ULSD fuel can improve engine performance and reduce harmful emissions. In addition to using ULSD fuel, consider using diesel fuel additives to improve fuel efficiency and engine performance and protect against wear and tear.

Diesel fuel additives can also improve fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent. Furthermore, additives can also help prevent the accumulation of deposits and maintain the cleanliness of fuel injectors, which can help extend your engine’s lifespan.

4. Monitor Your Diesel Truck’s Performance

By paying attention to how your truck is running, you can identify potential issues before they become major problems.

You can monitor several things to ensure your truck’s performance stays optimal. One of the most important is monitoring your truck’s fuel efficiency. If you notice a sudden decrease in fuel efficiency, it could indicate an issue with your engine or fuel system. It’s also important to monitor your truck’s exhaust emissions. 

If you notice increased smoke or unusual smells, it could indicate a problem with your emissions system.

Another thing to monitor is your truck’s oil level and quality. Check your oil level regularly and change your oil and oil filter at the recommended intervals. Dirty or low oil can cause significant damage to your engine over time.

You should also pay attention to how your truck handles and sounds while driving. If you notice any unusual vibrations, noises, or handling issues, it could be a sign of an issue with your truck’s suspension, brakes, or other parts.

5. Drive with Care

Diesel trucks are built to be tough and durable, but they still require careful driving to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

One way to drive carefully is to avoid aggressive driving habits such as hard acceleration and sudden braking. These actions can significantly stress your truck’s engine, transmission, and other parts, leading to premature wear and damage. Instead, try to accelerate and brake gradually, allowing your truck to shift smoothly and avoiding unnecessary stress on its components.

As per the US Department of Energy, engaging in aggressive driving behaviors such as frequent braking, rapid acceleration, and speeding can lead to significant fuel wastage. It can decrease around 15% to 30% in gas mileage at highway speeds and up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

Additionally, overloading your truck beyond its weight limit can cause excessive stress on your suspension and brakes, leading to costly repairs. By driving with care and staying within your truck’s weight limits, you can extend the life of your diesel truck and save money on maintenance and repair costs.

6. Clean Your Truck Regularly

A dirty truck can accumulate harmful dirt and debris that can cause rust, corrosion, and other damage to your truck’s body and components. Additionally, the buildup of dirt and grime can clog your air filters and reduce the efficiency of your engine. Regularly washing your truck can prevent damage and ensure that the vehicle continues like new.

Washing your truck at least once a month is recommended, but more frequent cleaning may be necessary depending on driving conditions and weather.

Keep Your Truck Running Like New

Maintaining your diesel truck properly is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Following these six essential habits can keep your vehicle in proper working condition for years. 

Regular maintenance, investing in upgrades, using high-quality fuel and additives, monitoring your truck’s performance, driving with care, and cleaning your truck regularly are all important steps to take in keeping your diesel truck in top shape.

Not only will these habits help prevent costly repairs and breakdowns, but they can also improve your truck’s fuel efficiency and overall performance. By making these habits a regular part of your maintenance routine, you can enjoy many years of reliable and efficient performance from your vehicle.