Commercial trucks log many miles over the years, which adds up to a lot of wear and tear that might shorten their service lives. According to CNBC, the average age of vehicles on the road was 12.2 years in 2022, an increase from 10.5 years in 2010. Diesel truck repairs are inevitable to keep yours on the road, but here are five tips to keep your truck running longer while minimizing the potential for problems.

1. Use High-Quality Fuel

No matter what type of vehicle it is, high-quality fuel delivers the best results. Fuel that is of low quality creates more exhaust and leaves more contaminants in the internal combustion chamber. Using high-quality fuel will reduce contamination inside the cylinders, which otherwise might trigger the need for diesel truck repairs to restore your motor’s compression. Clean fuel delivers the best power and efficiency without harming the motor.

2. Put the Motor in Neutral When Stopping

Most modern diesel engines have turbochargers to help improve power and fuel efficiency. Turbochargers run very hot and are prone to damage when ignored. When you are coming to a final stop, it’s best to put the motor in neutral while slowing to a complete stop. Doing so helps preserve the turbochargers and keep them in good condition.

3. Let the Engine Cool Completely

A diesel engine creates its spark via compression to enable internal combustion instead of spark plugs. When you turn off your engine, you should let it cool fully before restarting it. Unlike a gasoline engine, a diesel engine needs to cool down after running long hours to enable it to last as long as possible while minimizing your need for diesel truck repairs.

4. Don’t Overly Rev the Motor

You’ll get a longer service life from your diesel motor when you maintain a moderate number of RPMs while driving. Revving the motor too high causes vibration that might damage the motor. The vibration also could damage the gearbox, which could require costly repairs and downtime for your rig. Keeping a close eye on the tachometer will help keep the motor in its ideal operating range without causing vibration or excess fuel consumption.

5. Seek Repairs When Needed

The last thing you want to do for your truck is wait on repairs. The sooner you undergo diesel truck repairs, the lower the chance your vehicle has of suffering significant damage. Small issues, when left untreated, can often become larger, more serious problems.

When your best efforts to keep your rig running aren’t enough to prevent a breakdown, you can call us for mobile road service and repairs. We offer same-day repairs and free estimates. Contact us today at EVB Service Center, Inc to schedule your diesel truck repairs with us.