Decided to buy a diesel car instead of its petrol-fueled equivalent? Diesels cost more to buy than petrol cars, but they are also cheaper to run. They burn fuel more efficiently than comparable petrol models, hence they are cheaper to keep filled up. If you want to keep your diesel car running at its best and to extend its lifespan, you will need to give the vehicle adequate maintenance and the care it deserves. Here are some useful tips on what to do to maintain and increase the longevity of your ride.

Follow the Vehicle Manufacturer-Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Vehicle manufacturers know what should be done and at what time to ensure your car keeps running at its best all the time. Keeping up with the vehicle manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule is vital to preventing car problems. Performing engine oil and oil filter changes, transmission fluid changes, wheel alignment and balancing and other items included in the vehicle manufacturer's maintenance checklist is essential to optimise vehicle safety and performance.

You should always take your car to a professional car servicing shop for routine servicing at the appropriate time. Don't wait until you start noticing signs of car trouble to take action. By this time, simple repair issues may have exacerbated into major problems. 

Avoid Travelling Short Distances

If you will be travelling long distances, you will enjoy reliable, cost-effective service from your diesel car. However, diesel cars aren't equally as efficient for short journeys. This is because diesel particulate filters and mufflers don't like short trips. Shorter trips can make moisture accumulate in the fuel injection system more quickly. Combining short errands is a clever way to cover a higher mileage per trip.   

Don't Let Your Fuel Tank to Dry Up Completely

Avoid driving when your fuel tank is almost empty because this can cause the particulates that settle at the bottom of the tank over time to be pulled into your fuel injection system. The presence of the particulates in your fuel injection system will hurt the performance of your engine and trigger engine-related problems. 

Don't Rev Your Engine on a Cold Start

Getting your car off to a good start, especially in the morning or when it is cold, is essential to keeping it alive and well for an extended period. Only drive off after you see that the engine oil has reached its operating temperature.

Buying a diesel car is a great decision, but it comes with the responsibility of taking care of your new acquisition. Use the above tips to get the most out of your asset and don't hesitate to consult your mechanic for more information. To learn more, contact your local Bosch authorised diesel dealers.