Diesel engines run dirty. That is an axiom as old as the machine itself. Still, these engines perform best when you invest money and energy in making their operating conditions as clean as possible. Using the right parts and performing regular maintenance on your semi-truck engine are key to attaining this goal. Follow these steps to keep your tractor-trailer rig chugging happily for many miles.

Diesel Fuel Systems

Optimize the Fuel Delivery

Fuel is an essential food for engines. As with food choice for a healthy diet, you need clean fuel for peak motor performance. Installing an industry-standard fass diesel fuel systems is an important way to increase fuel-ignition efficiency and maintain a cleaner fuel system. Fuel air separation systems remove water, dirt, vapors, and excess fuel so that only essential ignition elements enter the combustion chamber. As a consequence of your engine’s using the appropriate separation system, it will show improved gas mileage, require less maintenance and give a longer life.

Change the Oil Regularly

Oil is the lifeblood of the diesel engine. Worse than dirty fuel, which negatively affects operations, gunky oil will cause breakdowns and eventual engine destruction. Necessary for lubricating moving parts, old oil loses viscosity and contains metal shavings, factors that will lead to scouring and wear of cylinder linings, rings, and bearings.

How often you change the oil depends on the usual circumstances under which you operate our rig: Excess idling, excess heat, dusty air and other extreme conditions mean you will need to increase the number of changes beyond scheduled intervals.

Change the Filters

When changing oil, do not forget to replace the oil filter as well. Filters hold a substantial amount of dirty oil, which will be mixed with the new oil to circulate throughout the system. Additionally, the filter loses cleaning performance as it gets saturated over time.

Consider those dusty drives. The engine’s air filter performs the critical function of removing the particles from inducted air before it mixes with fuel for combustion. You can visually tell how dirty it is, but more often than not, you will benefit from changing the air filter as often as you change the oil.

Check the Radiator

Finally, have your radiator, its fluid and thermostat tested according to manufacturer guidelines. The test will determine if the fluid and system still perform necessary functions: cooling engines in summer, preventing parts freezing in winter and lubricating all year long.

Your tractor-trailer rig is like a second home. You work long hours and may sleep nights in it. Just as with a house, treating your diesel with care will ensure it remains a steadfast staple for many years.