Because of their efficiency and durability, diesel engines have become the standard in powering our nation’s passenger vehicles, pickups, and other work trucks and buses. Diesel service technicians who service and repair these engines are using more complex diagnostic equipment as diesel engine maintenance is becoming increasingly more complex with engines and other components using more electronic systems to control their operation.
At Skip's Auto Repair in Frederick, our team of expert mechanics are qualified and ready to work on diesel trucks. Our diesel mechanics handle a variety of repairs on the Ford, Chevy, Dodge & GM trucks that come into our shop. Bypass expensive dealerships by bringing your diesel car, truck, or SUV to us next time it needs maintenance or repair. Diesel repair is becoming increasingly complex and requires a certain skill set by a diesel technician who knows what they’re doing, and at Skip's Auto Repair we have who you’re looking for. Call or come by Skip's Auto Repair anytime!
When do you need to schedule maintenance for your diesel engine and what is needed each time? For your convenience, we've added the preferred maintenance listing:
7,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
15,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
• Rotate tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
• Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450/F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
22,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
30,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
• Rotate tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
• Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
37,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
45,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
• Rotate tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
• Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
52,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
60,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
• Rotate tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
• Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
• Change the manual transmission fluid
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Lubricate 4x4 hub needle bearings
• Lubricate 4x2 wheel bearings
• Replace wheel bearing grease seal
• Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
MOST COMMON DIESEL REPAIRS Our diesel mechanics have found that the most common issues and repairs have been the following:
• Diesel Air intake system repair and replacing parts
• Diesel Charging system repair
• Diesel Glow plug repair and replacement
• Diesel Turbo repair, rebuilding, replacement
• Diesel High-pressure pump repair, rebuilding, replacement
• Diesel Hydro boost system repair, replacement
• Diesel EGR system repair
WARNING SIGNS If these things happen, you need to call the shop as there is a problem with your diesel truck. Preferably as soon as you notice it so we can remedy it before it becomes a serious issue.
• Engine runs poorly when it is cold outside or it's too hot potentially overheating
• White, black or blue smoke is coming from your exhaust - problem
• Leaking coolant or excessive coolant loss - any big change
• The engine is running poorly when it is cold or it is hard to start. Loss of performance of any kind.
• Sudden change in fuel mileage performance.
• Any time a light comes on in your panel i.e. check engine light.
• Hard knocking or odd noise you are not used to in your engine.
Talk to our diesel technicians today at Skip's Auto Repair in Frederick about scheduling your diesel engine maintenance or repairs today and before you decide to replace your diesel vehicles if you have engine issues. We look forward to working with you to keep your diesel vehicles on the road. Drive further and longer with your diesel truck and get the most from your truck by proactive maintenance and repairs!
