The most common diesel vehicles we encountered when I grew up were trucks and buses, with a few 4WD vehicles also sporting diesel engines.

They were used in these vehicles because of cheaper running costs and the tremendous amount of power they produce at low revs.

Over recent years, they have also been included in passenger vehicle options, with many people changing from traditional petrol-powered vehicles to Diesel-powered versions.

At Future Auto Service Centres, our technicians are thoroughly trained in diesel servicing, upgrading, and repairs to ensure we can provide our clients with the best service and advice for their diesel vehicles, tailored to their usage and specific requirements.

 Servicing my diesel vehicle.

At Future Auto Service Centres, we recommend a minimum service period of every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever occurs first.

A critical part of any car servicing is the changing of filters and engine oil, which keeps the engine free of contaminants, thereby maximising your engine's lifespan and providing value for money on your investment.

So what is the best service interval for your Diesel?

This depends on many factors, one of which is the type of driving it usually does.

Whilst manufacturers set a recommended service interval, it is often based on the vehicle performing the optimum type of driving, allowing the correct set of conditions to occur regarding the condition of the engine oil and also the ability for Diesel Particulate Filter burn-offs or regeneration to happen naturally.

In reality, many vehicles do not regularly meet these conditions and arrive at our workshops due to issues caused by how the car is used.

For example

Driving short distances on a regular basis has been known to cause the oil in diesel cars to accumulate gunk or other contaminants. Hence, more frequent oil changes are required compared to a vehicle predominantly used for highway driving.

Also vehicles fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter require what is known as a "Burn Off or Regeneration" to clear the filter periodically, this is usually achieved under regular Highway driving conditions, when this fails to occur the filter becomes blocked and can eventually lead to complete engine failure because of the blockage. To get the best value from your diesel vehicle, having it regularly serviced by trained technicians is extremely important.

Discuss with our counter staff the recommended service intervals for your vehicle, taking into account its usage and history.

So why choose Future Auto to look after your Diesel?

Many of our business owners and their staff own excellent diesel vehicles, they drive them, repair them and most importantly, know how to get the best performance and economy from them.

This gives them a great perspective on what works best for particular makes and models.

With this experience, they are well-positioned to provide you with advice on what is available for your vehicle and how to optimise its performance.

If you are considering buying a diesel, have a talk with our staff before purchasing to ensure you have a clear picture of what a diesel requires and if a diesel is the best choice for you.

If you already own a diesel, this article is excellent reading based on our experience.

Signs you may be experiencing known diesel issues

Are you having difficulty starting your engine?

If your engine is difficult or slow to start, it can be an indicator of a fuel delivery issue or low compression.

If it takes longer than this to start, it may be a sign that there is an issue with the vehicle, and you should book it into your service centre to have it investigated.

Is your vehicle running roughshod?

While it is true some diesels (particularly older ones) do run rough, it can indicate a defective glow plug or contaminated fuel. Faulty glow plugs usually cause difficulty starting and a rough idle until the engine reaches operating temperature.

Is it blowing excessive Smoke from the exhaust?

Diesels are known for blowing three colours of Smoke from the exhaust

Black, Blue and White are usually associated with an unpleasant smell

These signs indicate possible issues with the injector pump, the injectors, the air filter or other problems with the engine itself and its systems.

If the Smoke continues to billow for any extended period, contact your Future Auto Service Centre for advice on what is required.

Ignoring these signs can cause extensive damage to your vehicle.

Is your engine making a knocking sound?

Engine knocking can be a normal indicator of a diesel engine's age; however, it can also indicate serious problems ranging from fuel contamination and faulty injectors that affect compression, reducing the engine's performance, to major mechanical failures.

Inconsistent noises or a knocking sound coming from the engine should be checked by qualified technicians, who will advise you on how to proceed.

Is the vehicle difficult to start or feeling sluggish on acceleration?

This is often caused by low fuel pressure, blocked or dirty fuel filters and more serious issues relating to the engine and its operating systems.

If your diesel vehicle lacks power, you should book a service at your Future Auto Service Centre to identify the issue before it becomes a significant problem.

A properly operating diesel engine should deliver lots of power, particularly at low revs.

 In summary

• If you are considering purchasing a diesel, consult with your local Future Auto Service Centre to determine if it is the best vehicle choice for you.
• Never ignore dash warning lights; the fault won't just go away
• When you are having diesel issues, have them assessed by trained technicians
• If you own a diesel vehicle, be diligent with its servicing.

Those who keep their diesel vehicles in excellent condition enjoy the many benefits of owning a diesel; however, those who choose to ignore the maintenance required for diesel vehicles need to have very deep pockets.