The maintenance of the car covers many elements beyond the common oil change and filter. Many other parts wear out over the life of the car, and proper maintenance often prevents costly breakdowns to a great extent.
When it comes to engine types, how is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance? We will analyze the differences between the maintenance required by a car with a diesel engine and a car with a gasoline engine.
Engine maintenance
The engine overhaul is the most common maintenance that is usually done on cars every certain period of kilometers. In both cases, the oil and the different filters are changed, but the main differences focus on the constant change of the fuel filter in the case of Diesel , while in Gasoline engines this filter is secondary.
How is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance? Diesel engines require more frequent fuel filter changes due to their high-pressure direct injection systems and injection pumps, which are elements of extremely high mechanical precision and come with a very high cost of repair or replacement.
In diesel, their periodic replacement is very important, as the injection circuit must avoid impurities that could damage the system. Ensuring the fuel filter is changed regularly is vital for the longevity and correct operation of the engine.
Continuing with Diesel engines, each check should involve examining the glow plugs, which preheat the fuel to help the engine start correctly. How is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance?
Diesel engines typically require more attention to components like glow plugs, which are crucial for starting, while gasoline engines focus on tasks like checking the spark plugs. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, require periodically checking the thickness between the spark plug electrodes to ensure the correct spark gap and, therefore, proper engine operation. If they don’t meet the correct specifications, the entire set must be replaced.
Also, check that the spark plugs are not encrusted with oil residues or charcoal. Regarding the types of oil used, the most modern Diesel engines are equipped with Anti-Particulate Filters, so the oil must be specific for this type of system and have the approval of the vehicle manufacturer.
On the other hand, we have the engine belts, both the Accessories and the Distribution belts. In the case of accessory belts, maintenance does not differ depending on the type of motor. It is usually replaced together with the timing belt or in case of disassembly for an intervention. In any case, if it shows abnormal wear or cracks it must also be replaced.
In the case of timing belts, things already differ much more. In the older Diesel engines, their replacement had to be done between 90,000 and 120,000 km, while today thanks to Common Rail technologies their life is extended until after 200,000 km, even being changed every 240,000 km. In the case of gasoline engines, its replacement is still recommended between 120,000 km and 150,000 km, depending on the manufacturer. In the event that the distribution was controlled by a metal chain, there are no maintenance differences between different types of engines.
In the case of anti-pollution systems, the maintenance of a Diesel is far superior to that of a Gasoline. As we previously explained, Diesel engines equipped with Particulate Filters eventually end up blocking said filters, which is why some manufacturers require a special additive that, when injected together with the fuel, “burns” these residues and thus cleans the Anti-Particulate Filters. This additive liquid must be refilled every certain time, depending on whether the use of the vehicle is mostly urban or mixed.
So, how is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance? Diesel engines require more attention to anti-pollution systems, including the use of additives for cleaning, while gasoline engines typically don’t have such complex systems.
Another aspect of diesel engine maintenance is cleaning the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valves or the recirculation of exhaust gases. This system derives part of the exhaust gases from the engine back to the intake to be re-burned and eliminate a small part of the solid particles.
However, because of this process, the valves eventually fill up with carbon, clogging and causing erratic operation. When considering how diesel engine maintenance is different from gasoline engine maintenance, cleaning the EGR every 100,000km (or less if it works on an urban cycle) is highly recommended.
For their part, gasoline engines do not require special attention in anti-pollution systems, although due to the nature of the exhaust gases and their reaction with the condensation of ambient humidity that occurs in the exhaust, they can corrode and break.
Transmission maintenance
After seeing the differences in the engine, we will move on to the transmission. The clutches of cars with Diesel engines tend to tire less and last longer, since the very high torque offered by these engines means that we have to change gear less often, and use less of the clutch.
How is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance? In diesel engines, maintenance tends to focus more on the fuel system and air intake, while gasoline engines prioritize spark plugs and ignition systems. And, above all, when starting from a standstill, we do not need to rev the engine so much to get the car moving.
Due to the opposite effects, the clutches of a gasoline engine tend to last fewer kilometers. In contrast, Diesel cars and their clutch systems have other maintenance. The so-called dual-mass engine flywheels. They tend to break much earlier in a Diesel than in gasoline, since, as we mentioned, the bulky engine torque of a diesel makes this element of the transmission work much more intensely.
Maintenance of the braking system
Finally, the braking system also requires different maintenance depending on the type of engine the car uses. Since Diesel engines weigh more, cars with these engines tend to be a few kilos above those of Gasoline, so the braking force must be higher and therefore, the wear of discs and pads, in the long run, is higher in a Diesel than a Gasoline.
These are the common differences in maintaining your diesel engine vs gasoline engine. Do well to take note of these and when in doubt, call a diesel engine technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance?
Diesel engine maintenance differs from gasoline engine maintenance primarily in fuel filter changes, glow plugs, and anti-pollution systems. Diesel engines require more frequent fuel filter changes due to their high-pressure direct injection systems, while gasoline engines have a less demanding fuel filter schedule. Additionally, diesel engines need regular glow plug checks and maintenance, which is not necessary for gasoline engines. The diesel anti-pollution systems also require special additives to clean particulate filters, unlike gasoline engines.
Why do diesel engines require more frequent fuel filter changes than gasoline engines?
How is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance in terms of fuel filters? Diesel engines feature high-pressure direct injection systems that are sensitive to impurities. Regular fuel filter changes in diesel engines are critical to prevent damage to the costly and precise fuel system components. Gasoline engines typically have a less complex fuel system and do not require such frequent maintenance of fuel filters.
How is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance when it comes to glow plugs and spark plugs?
In diesel engines, glow plugs are essential for heating the fuel and ensuring smooth engine start-up. Diesel engines require more attention to the glow plugs compared to gasoline engines, where the focus is primarily on spark plugs. Spark plugs in gasoline engines need periodic checks for correct gap thickness and should be replaced if damaged or worn out, whereas diesel glow plugs need more frequent servicing, especially in colder climates.
How is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance regarding oil and particulate filters?
How is diesel engine maintenance different from gasoline engine maintenance when it comes to oil? Diesel engines are equipped with Anti-Particulate Filters (DPF) to reduce emissions. These require special oils to prevent clogging and damage to the system, and oil changes need to be aligned with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Gasoline engines do not have particulate filters, and the oil maintenance is less specialized.
What are the key differences in timing belt replacement between diesel and gasoline engines?
Diesel engine maintenance requires timing belt replacement every 90,000-120,000 km in older models, while modern diesel engines can extend this to 200,000-240,000 km. In comparison, gasoline engines typically replace timing belts between 120,000 and 150,000 km. If a metal chain system is used in either engine type, no significant differences in maintenance exist.
