Diesel engines require a specific type of oil that is designed to handle the high operating temperature and intense pressure. Deciding which oil to use is only the first step, mistakes could mean you could end up with some costly and time-consuming diesel engine repairs. A good rule of thumb is to always take your vehicle to an experienced diesel mechanic at your local Repco Authorised Service centre to get the job done right. This will help protect your diesel engine and prevent costly repairs down the line.
What are the consequences of using the wrong oil in my diesel?
Using the wrong oil in your diesel engine can have a significant impact on its performance and reliability. It can lead to decreased fuel economy, increased emissions, and shortened engine life. Without the proper protection, the internal components of your engine can become damaged, leading to expensive repairs or even a complete engine replacement. This is why it's so important to use the correct type of oil for your diesel engine.
When it's time for a diesel oil change, it's always best to visit a Repco Authorised Car Service center. They will be able to advise you on which type of oil is best for your engine and make sure that it is changed correctly. They'll also be able to check for any other problems with your engine, ensuring that it runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
The Different Types of Oils
When it comes to the best oil for your diesel engine, there are two primary types to consider: synthetic oils and mineral oils. Synthetic oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against wear and tear, as well as extreme temperatures. These synthetic oils also tend to last longer than mineral oils.
What are some other things I should know about changing the oil in my diesel?
Here are four important tips to remember :
Do not replace synthetic oil with cheaper mineral oil in your diesel. If a vehicle manufacturer specifies that only synthetic oil must be used, there is usually a very good reason for it. For instance, on some VAG group vehicles (VW, Audi, etc.) the high-pressure injection pump is driven by the engine via a sort of camshaft that requires a very high level of lubrication not to fail. No mineral oil formulation, no matter how advanced can provide the required level of protection, which means that using mineral oil where synthetic is required invariably leads to major failures on these VAG group vehicles.
Don't mix oil brands or oil formulations It's important that the right oil is used in your diesel and that you don't mix brands or formulations. This means that you should never swap between or mix mineral oil and synthetic oil blends. If you mix brands or formulations the components will be degraded and the performance of your engine could suffer.
Do not over fill the engine. One of the dangers of over filling a diesel engine with oil is that the additional oil may come into contact with the spinning crankshaft, which will whip the oil either into foam, or sometimes, into a fine mist. Now, since the purpose of the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system is to ventilate the crankcase by extracting the gases that form as a result of normal engine operation, some of the oil mist or foam will also be extracted and fed into the air intake system to be combusted along with the regular air/fuel mixture. While this might not affect combustion overly much, the additional hydrocarbon load will almost certainly have very serious negative effects on both the catalytic converter and the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), both of which are required to be in perfect working order to control exhaust emissions effectively.
Do not exceed oil change intervals. Diesel engines require more frequent oil changes than petrol engines due to the oil degrading faster, so it is not recommended that you extend the intervals. If you want to keep your diesel engine running at its peak, you should make sure to get regular oil changes. Failure to do so can reduce the efficiency of your vehicle and lead to problems with your engine over time.