Are You Offering Diesel Services?

Are you offering preventive maintenance (PM) services for diesel vehicles? With oil change intervals for gas vehicles increasing, adding diesel PM to your service offering can be a great way to increase your daily car count.

Servicing diesels is very similar to the services required for gas engine vehicles. The major differences will be how the vehicle is used, it’s mileage and the driving conditions. A PM inspection process tailored to diesel vehicles is essential to making sure that all key items are serviced when the diesel vehicle is in your bay.

As with gas vehicles, diesels need to have their oil changed on a routine basis. Most diesel vehicle manufacturers, like Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, and Dodge/Ram, recommend changing your diesel oil every 7,500 miles. Make sure the diesel oil you are using meets the specifications required by the vehicle manufacturer.

Air filters need to be evaluated at each oil change but may only need to be replaced around 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or at least once a year. Make sure to inspect the air filter at each oil change.  A clogged or dirty air filter can reduce air flow into the engine and significantly affect the vehicle’s overall performance.

Diesel engine vehicles require a fuel filter in optimum condition for the vehicle to operate effectively. A clogged or dirty fuel filter can result in decreased performance and ultimately, costly engine repairs. As with an air filter, it’s important to inspect the fuel filter at each oil change. Look for visible contaminants such as dirt or water. These are both signs that the fuel filter must be replaced. Typically, diesel fuel filters should be replaced every 10,000 to 25,000 miles, but this can vary depending on driving conditions and the type of filter used. Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, and Dodge/Ram diesel fuel filter change recommendations begin around 15,000 miles but can vary by model.

In addition to the three major diesel PM services, oil change, air filter replacement and fuel filter service, it’s always important to inspect or test other wearable type items such as wiper blades, tire wear and pressure, battery, and lighting. It may also be helpful to create an inspection process tailored to diesel vehicles. This will help your technicians and will show the public your complete approach to servicing diesels.

Whether you are currently or will be adding diesel PM services, the key to increasing your diesel car count is getting the message out to consumers. A good first step is by advertising diesel service on your social media pages. Communicating that you offer diesel services to your existing customers by email or direct mail are both excellent ways to build traffic as well. You may also want to have a facility sign that simply reads, “Diesel Service” or “Diesels Serviced Here.”