Diesel engines last a long time when they’re looked after. Most of the expensive failures we see started as something small that got missed. Regular maintenance is how you catch those early.
Oil changes
An oil change replaces the old engine oil and the oil filter. Fresh oil keeps the engine clean, cool and protected.
Signs it’s due: the oil-life reminder is on, the engine sounds rougher than usual, or fuel economy has slipped.
What we do: we use oil that meets your engine’s specification, whether it’s a Powerstroke, Cummins, Duramax or another make, and a quality filter. While the truck is in, we check fluid levels, belts and hoses so small problems get caught early.
Tune-ups
Diesels don’t have spark plugs, so a diesel tune-up is about the parts that affect how the engine breathes, fuels and runs.
Signs it’s due: hesitation when you accelerate, a rough or shaky idle, lower fuel economy, more smoke than normal, or new noises.
What we do: inspect and replace fuel filters (critical on a diesel), check and clean or replace air filters, inspect belts and hoses, check valve lash where it applies, and run a full computer diagnostic scan to find anything underneath.
Brakes
Brakes are the most important safety system on a heavy truck, especially when it’s loaded or towing.
Signs you need them looked at: a spongy or low pedal, squealing, grinding or clicking, longer stopping distances, or the truck pulling to one side when you brake. Don’t wait on these.
What we do: inspect the whole system: pads or shoes, rotors or drums, calipers, lines, hoses and fluid. Then we replace worn pads or shoes, resurface or replace rotors and drums, repair or replace calipers, flush the fluid, and fix leaks or damaged lines as needed. We use quality brake parts.
Exhaust, DPF and DEF
The exhaust carries engine gases away from the cab, keeps noise down and, on modern diesels, cleans up emissions through the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that uses DEF.
Signs of trouble: the exhaust is louder or has a new rattle or hiss, you can smell exhaust in the cab, or there’s more black smoke than usual.
What we do: inspect pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters, DPF and SCR components for leaks, cracks and corrosion. We repair or replace damaged parts, clean and regenerate DPFs, and repair DEF systems so the truck stays quiet and emissions-compliant.
Steering and suspension
Steering lets you place the truck where you want it. Suspension keeps the tires on the road and the ride under control.
Signs of trouble: a rougher ride than usual, wandering or pulling to one side, or clunks and pops over bumps or when you turn the wheel. Left alone, these lead to uneven tire wear and unpredictable handling.
What we do: inspect shocks, struts, springs, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms and power steering parts. We replace worn components, diagnose and repair power steering problems, and do wheel alignments.
Air conditioning
Signs of trouble: warm or lukewarm air, cooling that comes and goes, or a musty smell from the vents.
What we do: find the cause first, whether it’s a refrigerant leak, a failing compressor, a condenser problem or the blower motor. Then we repair the leak or replace the part, recharge the system and clean it so it blows cold again.