Iron Buffalo

5 Common Diesel Engine Mistakes That Can Cost You Big

Heavy-duty trucks are the workhorses of the road, but even the most robust diesel engines can falter due to operator error or neglect. Avoiding these common pitfalls can save you thousands in repair costs and downtime. Let’s dive into the five most frequent diesel engine mistakes and how to prevent them.

1. Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Skipping routine preventive maintenance is like playing Russian roulette with your engine. Diesel engines are precision machines that rely on clean fluids, proper lubrication, and timely filter changes.

  • Oil Changes: Neglected oil changes can lead to sludge buildup, reducing engine efficiency and causing overheating. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
  • Air and Fuel Filters: Dirty filters can restrict airflow or introduce contaminants into the combustion chamber, resulting in poor fuel efficiency and engine damage.

Pro Tip: Keep a maintenance schedule and use high-quality oils and filters to avoid expensive repairs.

2. Overlooking Cooling System Care

The cooling system in your truck isn’t just there for comfort—it’s a lifeline for your engine. A failing system can cause overheating, which leads to warped components or catastrophic engine failure.

  • Radiator Blockages: Accumulated debris can prevent proper heat dissipation.
  • Coolant Neglect: Using the wrong coolant mix or skipping replacements can result in corrosion and decreased efficiency.

Quick Fix: Regularly inspect your radiator and hoses, and ensure the coolant is topped off and compatible with your engine.

3. Using the Wrong Fuel

Diesel engines are designed for a specific type of fuel, and using an incompatible one can wreak havoc on your system.

  • Low-Quality Diesel: Contaminants in substandard diesel can clog injectors and damage fuel pumps.
  • Winterization: Forgetting to winterize your fuel in colder climates can lead to gelling, which stops your truck in its tracks.

Pro Tip: Opt for diesel from reputable sources, and add anti-gel additives during winter months to ensure smooth operation.

4. Poor Driving Habits

How you drive has a direct impact on your engine’s longevity. Aggressive driving and neglecting warm-up and cooldown procedures can significantly increase wear and tear.

  • Skipping Warm-Ups: Diesel engines need time to reach optimal operating temperatures, especially in cold weather.
  • Ignoring Exhaust Aftertreatment: Over-revving without letting the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regenerate can result in clogs that reduce performance.

Solution: Practice steady driving and allow your engine to idle for a few minutes after long hauls to protect the turbocharger.

5. Neglecting Warning Signs

Those warning lights on your dashboard are there for a reason -  ignoring them can lead to severe problems.

  • Check Engine Light: This could indicate anything from a minor sensor issue to a failing EGR system.
  • Unusual Noises: Knocking or hissing sounds are early signs of problems in components like the cylinders or gaskets.

Pro Tip: Invest in a diagnostic tool or consult a professional as soon as a warning light appears.

Final Thoughts

Your diesel engine is a marvel of engineering, but it requires consistent care and responsible usage to keep running smoothly. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only save money but also extend the life of your engine. When in doubt, consult the experts to ensure your truck remains roadworthy and efficient. At Iron Buffalo in Denver, we’re here to provide expert diesel engine care—contact us today!

Iron Buffalo

Semi Truck Repair & Diesel Services in Denver, CO & Kalispell, MT

At Iron Buffalo, we provide expert semi truck and equipment repair, fleet maintenance, and specialty diesel services to keep your vehicles performing at their best.From semi-truck repair and hydraulic cylinder services to DOT inspections, mobile truck repair, and truck-mounted crane maintenance, our certified technicians deliver reliable solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need routine preventive maintenance or complex engine diagnostics, our Denver, CO, and Kalispell, MT locations are equipped to handle the job. Contact us to schedule service and keep your semi trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment running strong.

Light, Medium, and Heavy Duty Vehicles & Fleets

Emissions Testing & CARB Clean Truck Check

Trailers, Commercial & Industrial Equipment

Loaders, Truck-Mounted Cranes & Conveyers

Iron Buffalo

Services

Our Services

At Iron Buffalo, we provide expert heavy-duty truck and equipment repair, fleet maintenance, and specialty diesel services to keep your vehicles performing at their best.From semi-truck repair and hydraulic cylinder services to DOT inspections, mobile truck repair, and truck-mounted crane maintenance, our certified technicians deliver reliable solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need routine preventive maintenance or complex engine diagnostics, our Denver, CO, and Kalispell, MT locations are equipped to handle the job. Contact us to schedule service and keep your trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment running strong.

Customer testimonials

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"I highly recommend this shop. I had luke a technician there do some work on my truck after a ford dealership took 6 days and failed to acknowledge my warranty on 3 leaking oil spots on my truck.Once the dealership screwed me over I took my truck here. Luke was very impressive, fast and communicative. He provided me photos. He kept me updated on everything he did. I still have a warranty through ford but apparently it’s useless. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to them considering how they treated me. Luke is a solid technician who is very skilled. I can’t recommend him enough. Thank you."
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Tristen
"Our truck broke down just as we were getting into Denver.  It was a major repair and they accomplished it quickly and we were back in our truck. Everyone there was very professional and nice to work with. The unhappy news of a major repair was actually a good experience. Definitely recommend Iron Buffalo."
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Kelly
"I’m glad I went to this shop. I was so worried it would be another back door mechanic wanting to swindle me. It was anything but. Shannon was super kind and went way out of his way getting me in right away. And Steve was a professional from start to finish in assisting with the work being done. I’m really appreciative and would 100% use this shop again."
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Kristin
"Steven Riddle is the best service writer if ever dealt with. He is very knowledgeable, I called with starting issues. With in 1hour try had my truck towed in. That day they had it diagnosed then next day they found the parts. Great job, I will be using in the future. Thanks a lot."
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Mike
"Kanisha was great, I had been trying to get my small hydraulic cylinder repaired for quite some time and she was the first person that said "YES" she was honest about needing to look first.  She was willing to listen and explained the process.  When I came in she was polite and professional. She communicated like she said she would and got it taken car of!  I'll recommend Kanisha and Iron Buffalo!"
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Lance
"I'm very happy with the service I received from Iron Buffalo Holdings I highly recommend this shop. I got an Inspection & a DYNO done on my Semi Truck.  Canesha was prompt and courteous."
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Miko
"Had a break down with the ol’ Pete they picked up and were available l. They aren’t the cheapest but heck you get what you pay for. If you want your rig or RV fixed so you can head one down the road these guys are nice and they can almost always get done in a day if you need it."
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Bryan
Iron Buffalo

Light, Medium & Heavy-Duty Truck Repair Services in Denver, CO & Kalispell, MT

Trusted Diesel Repair & Fleet Services - Keeping You on the Road & Job Site