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The Ultimate Guide to Diesel Truck Preventative Maintenance

Diesel trucks are known for their rugged reliability, but they can quickly bash that reputation if you don’t adhere to a diesel truck maintenance schedule. Whether your truck is for personal use or is part of a fleet, you need to follow diesel truck maintenance best practices so your truck will maintain that reputation. Mevert Automotive & Tire Center in Steeleville, IL put together this diesel truck preventative maintenance guide to help you stay on top of preventive maintenance for diesel trucks.

Diesel Truck Preventative Maintenance Guide

To increase the longevity and reliability of your diesel truck, whether it is your personal pickup or a big rig, you must keep up with diesel maintenance, including:

Picture of truck in shop doing preventative maintenance | Mevert Automotive and Tire Center

Oil Changes

Diesel truck manufacturers usually publish two maintenance schedules – one for regular driving habits and one for severe driving habits. Always change the oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most publish both maintenance schedules in the owner’s manual, but you can also call Mevert Automotive & Tire Center in Steeleville, IL or check online for the schedules.

Engine Air Filter Replacement

Check the engine air filter at least once per month. Replace it when it starts to get dirty to make sure your truck’s engine has proper air intake. If the air filter is too dirty or clogged, many diesel trucks won’t start. If they do, they’ll run poorly.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Replace the cabin air filter as recommended by the manufacturer. If you smell a musty smell in the truck, replace the cabin air filter as soon as possible, even if it’s not time to replace it yet. It can pick up mold from the moisture from the evaporator and heater core.

Fuel Filter Replacement

Diesel fuel has contaminants in it, and it creates more condensation than gas. Be sure to replace the fuel filter as recommended by the manufacturer.

Cooling System

Check the coolant at least once per month. Flush and replace the coolant every three to five years, depending on your driving habits.

Transmission Maintenance

Flush the transmission fluid and replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer or as dictated by your driving habits. Trucks with automatic transmissions that do a lot of towing should flush the transmission fluid every two to three years.

Fluids

Always check all fluids at least once per month. Don’t forget the windshield washer fluid. Depending on your driving habits, you should flush the power steering fluid and brake fluid every three to five years.

Batteries

Inspect the battery terminals monthly and clean them as necessary. Make sure they are tight and that the cables are not corroded. Once the battery reaches the warranty date, regularly check the voltage, especially during the winter.

Tires and Alignments

Rotate tires at each oil change, but no more than every 7,500 miles of normal driving. Check the tire balance every year unless you feel a vibration at higher speeds – usually between 50 and 75 mph. Balance the tires immediately if you feel the vibration.

Always check your truck’s alignment at least once per year – twice if you put tons of miles on your truck every year.

Differential Service

Lubricate the differential as recommended by the manufacturer. Change the fluid as recommended.

Lubrication

When you come in for an oil change, we lubricate the suspension components, grease fittings, and drivetrain parts.

Inspections

In addition to truck maintenance, at Mevert Automotive & Tire Center in Steeleville, IL, we inspect the following each time you bring your vehicle in for service and repairs:

  • Exhaust system
  • Turbocharger
  • Brakes
  • Suspension and steering
  • Glow plugs
  • Emissions, as required
  • Belts and hoses
  • Undercarriage

Fleets

We understand it’s a big inconvenience to bring fleet vehicles in for maintenance. However, with the excessive miles your employees put on these vehicles, it’s even more important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules.

We work with you to create a schedule that minimizes downtime as much as possible. If you have a fleet of vehicles and need to work out a fleet maintenance schedule, contact us, and we will help ensure all your fleet vehicles get the attention they deserve.

Contact Mevert Automotive & Tire Center

Keeping up with maintenance is the best way you can increase the reliability and longevity of your vehicle. Contact Mevert Automotive & Tire Center at (618) 965-9609 for an appointment. We are conveniently located at 1014 West Broadway, Steeleville, IL 62288.