Winter can be hard on your diesel truck, but with a few preventative maintenance tips, you can ensure that your truck is ready to take on the cold weather. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to make sure that your diesel truck is in tip-top shape during the winter months.
Change Oil Regularly
It’s important to change oil regularly during the winter months. When temperatures dip below freezing, oil tends to thicken and become less effective at lubricating engine parts. This can lead to increased wear and tear on engine components as well as decreased fuel efficiency. To avoid these issues, make sure you are changing oil according to manufacturer specifications or even more frequently if necessary. In some cases diesel engine manufacturers will recommend the use of a lighter weight oil in the cold winter months and even a full synthetic oil such as Rotella T6 may be most appropriate for daytime temperatures of around freezing. Always be sure to verify you are using the proper oil by following the recommendations by the manufacturer in your owner's manual. An oil grade of 5W-30 is often used in cold temperatures. This rating indicates the oil's viscosity at different temperatures and provides easier starting and improved protection against wear during cold starts when compared to thicker grades such as 10W-40. However, the lighter weight may cause more fuel dilution than heavier oils designed for summer conditions. Taking care to follow these key steps can help to ensure that your diesel engine is running at maximum efficiency and with minimal wear and tear.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
One of the most important things you can do for your diesel truck during the winter months is keeping your tires properly inflated. Cold air contracts, so when temperatures drop, so does tire pressure. This makes it harder for your vehicle to grip the road, which can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency as well as an increase in wear and tear on tires and other parts of the vehicle. Make sure you check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated according to manufacturer specifications.
Keep Battery Charged
The cold weather also affects batteries negatively by draining their charge more quickly than usual. Make sure that you keep an eye on your battery level and charge it if necessary throughout the winter months. You should also consider investing in a jump starter kit or portable battery charger just in case you ever find yourself stranded due to a dead battery.
Conclusion
No one likes dealing with car trouble in the middle of winter, so make sure that you take steps now to maintain your diesel truck during these colder months! With proper tire inflation, regular oil changes, and charged batteries, you can rest assured knowing that your truck is ready for whatever comes its way this winter season. If you have any questions about maintaining your diesel truck during the winter months, don’t hesitate to contact our Bullet Proof Diesel Service Shop today! We’re here to help - no matter what time of year it is!
