Is It Cheaper To Service A Diesel-Powered Vehicle?

While servicing a diesel engine is more costly, there are important benefits to consider. Properly maintained, a diesel engine can outlast its petrol counterpart and tow heavy loads with ease, all while consuming less fuel and reducing the likelihood of failures.

Diesel-powered vehicles, particularly the popular dual-cab utilities, excel in towing and are frequently equipped as 4WDs. This feature provides a notable advantage when exploring off-road destinations like K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) or Moreton Island.

However, 4WDs come with additional maintenance needs. They have extra components, such as differentials and transfer cases, that require regular oil changes, regardless of whether you take them off-road. It's important to remember that "sealed for life" refers only to the duration of the warranty, not the vehicle's lifetime.

Reducing The Cost

Let's focus on the engine and fuel system.

Diesel engines require regular fuel filter replacements. As a diesel owner myself, I recommend replacing the fuel filter every 15,000 km, despite the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) longer replacement intervals. OEMs assume we always fill up with high-quality diesel, but frequent filter changes help prevent premature engine failure.

I also steer clear of so-called "magic solutions" like induction cleaning for diesel fuel. With diesel passenger car sales peaking, many are pushing quick-fix to upsell products without fully understanding diesel combustion engines.

Carbon and oil sludge build-up is normal in diesel engines. Excessive accumulation can be minimised by driving correctly. Removing and cleaning the intake manifold, EGR, and cooler every 60,000 to 80,000 km ensures thorough cleanliness. This labour-intensive process prevents damage, unlike induction cleaning during each service, which only partially removes carbon and disrupts air flow in cylinders, causing further issues.

Induction cleaning isn't even preventative maintenance. The white smoke during the process is unburnt diesel fuel, leading to a chemical reaction at lower temperatures that forms a corrosive film on critical engine components.

Hundreds of diesel technicians have embraced this advice, leading to positive outcomes for their customers by lowering long-term service costs.

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