New Year Diesel Truck Resolution: 5 Ways to Save on Diesel in 2014

New year's resolutions take a certain amount of willpower, but they also cost money. Whether you're finding ways to pay for that new gym membership, saving up to take the vacation you've promised yourself or just looking for ways to economize, your diesel truck can be a money-saver in 2014 with these tips from Boise area Gem State Diesel maintenance specialist and master mechanic Gage Burlingame.

Set a Maintenance Schedule in Advance

"Maintenance is important to getting good performance from any engine, but diesel maintenance is even more vital," says Burlingame. "Diesel engine parts are machined to very tight tolerances, yet they're expected to do harder work under hotter conditions. That means they need regular check-ups with a diesel engine repair shop." New diesel technology such as improved common rail injectors and better filtration systems improve fuel economy in newer engines, he says, but those gains can disappear if you spend more in repair costs or lost fuel efficiency.

Keep Filters Clean

Manufacturers must meet or exceed higher emission cleanliness standards than in any previous generation of diesel technology. "GMC/Chevy Duramax, Ford Powerstroke and Dodge Cummins engines made since 2007 have diesel particulate filters in the exhaust system. These filters need regular maintenance just as your air intake and oil filtration systems do. Some agricultural diesel engines also have a DPF, but all commercial diesel repair shops should be able to handle changing or cleaning DPFs in any major engine type." Dirty filters reduce engine efficiency, leaving the engine starved for air or choked with particulate matter in the oil system, problems that could lead to costly repairs in the future.

Download a Fuel-Finder App

"Competition for your fuel dollar is fierce," says Burlingame, "and prices at different stations can vary by a few dollars per tank. Smartphones have dozens of fuel-finder apps that map out the lowest prices for you and let you plan where to refuel before you find yourself stuck overpaying at the pump." For anyone who doesn't have a phone, a quick search for the lowest diesel prices will produce results. "If you don't have your phone handy, shop online from home or work before you drive around town. It doesn't make sense to use extra fuel searching for a good price, so do your homework."

Be Careful of Fuel Additives

Many products on store shelves promise to improve fuel efficiency, but the diesel maintenance expert cautions drivers to read carefully. "In theory, fuel additives do for your engine what vitamins do for your body," Burlingame says, "but like vitamins, you may not get any benefit out of additives unless you're already missing something – and you can even use too much." While most fuel additives won't harm your engine, they also don't improve efficiency in most engines. "Additives that clean your fuel injection system can give you improved performance if the system is dirty, but that's not the case with most engines. If you aren't sure about an additive, check with a diesel engine repair shop before putting anything but fuel in the tank."

Keep Your Cool in Traffic

"The single biggest money-safer you'll find is peace of mind," Burlingame says. "When you're a relaxed driver, you don't brake or accelerate too quickly, and that translates into better fuel economy." Lose the jackrabbit starts and stops, advises the diesel expert, and wring more mileage from every drop of diesel.

To know more about diesel truck repair and maintenance services, click on Gem State Diesel link or visit http://www.gemstatediesel.com/complete-diesel-repair/

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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