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Car service in Woolgoolga
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Read moreIs Your Diesel about to Choke?
If you drive a diesel vehicle, and especially if you use it for short trips, it’s important that you keep up the right maintenance. A neglected diesel will eventually become a fuel guzzler, or have ‘flat spots’ when accelerating, maybe a rough idle and potentially all of the above.
Why diesels?
It’s usually because it’s having trouble breathing. Almost all diesel vehicles on the road these days have an EGR system to reduce emissions. The EGR recirculates a portion of the exhaust gases back through the engine’s air intake which helps lower the vehicles greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, modern diesel engines are fitted with ventilation valves which have the side effect of allowing tiny droplets of engine oil to be ‘inhaled’ by the engine. Together the oil and exhaust gases cause a sticky build up of black carbon deposits which harden over time. This progressively blocks air intake and messes up the air-fuel ratio so the engine no longer runs efficiently.
Making multiple short trips a day especially in the 60km/h zones will contribute to and exacerbates the problem (think - kids, school, sport, groceries, repeat; or tradies if all your jobs are within a short drive). It’s a good idea to give your diesel engine a little extra care so it can breathe easier.
Special care recommendations for diesel vehicles
Here are two additional services to consider for your diesel, usually the earlier they are instigated the better. They are not part of the scheduled log book servicing so you’ll need to have a chat to your local mechanic about which option is best for your car and when you should do it.
- Install an “oil catch can”
These are not just for performance vehicles, installing one is the best investment you can make for your diesel. The catch can traps and separates oil so that it doesn’t re-enter through the air intake. - Carbon Clean
A Carbon clean service can be done to remove deposits but the longer the carbon is left to build up, the more extensive the process is to remove it. Start early, and plan for regular carbon clean services as prevention is better and a lot cheaper than cure. Pictures explain it better than words, take a look at the before and after;
Pictures explain it better than words, take a look at the before and after;
A little bit of well-deserved extra attention will help keep your diesel running smoothly and save you money in the long run.
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