If you own a diesel pickup truck, you already know it’s a great vehicle offering power and strength. Whether you use it for work or recreation (or both!). But even the toughest truck needs to be looked after. Part of responsible truck ownership is developing the ability to tell when a truck is in trouble. Recognizing the signs of a truck in distress helps you save money and keep rolling down the highway. Here are five signs your diesel pickup truck needs immediate care.
Excessive Exhaust Smoke
Diesel trucks will always emit some amount of “smoke.” But when you see a lot of it, especially if it’s black, blue, or white, pouring out your pipes, it’s time to look under the hood and in the exhaust system.
- Black smoke: Indicates excessive fuel or a clogged air intake
- Blue smoke: A sign of oil leaking into the combustion chamber
- White smoke: Often caused by unburnt fuel due to injector problems or a faulty engine
Exhaust issues are a sure sign a truck is in trouble. Take care of it right away to prevent further damage.
Hard Starts and Difficulty Starting
Your diesel engine is under a lot of pressure. In fact, that’s how they run—through high combustion pressure. However, if your truck begins to struggle, stall, or otherwise fails to start smoothly, pop open the hood and investigate. It might be a case of worn-out glow plugs, a common occurrence with some models. Low compression is another culprit, as is a faulty fuel delivery system. Bring it into your mechanic and see what they have to say. Act quickly! Bad starts quickly wear out other parts of the system.
Decreased Performance and Power
Has your truck’s “get up and go” gone away? When a truck feels sluggish, has problems accelerating, or can’t get the job done when you need to tow or haul something heavy, several factors may be responsible. Clogged fuel injectors, a faulty turbocharger, and transmission problems are often the case. Have your truck inspected by your mechanic and see what they have to say. After repairing the issue, consider upgrading various parts of your diesel truck to improve performance going forward.
Weird Engine Noises
Listen up! Is your truck trying to tell you something? Diesel engines rarely whisper, but there are certain noises they shouldn’t make. Listen well for new and unfamiliar sounds, especially if they make you wince. Knocking, grinding, and hissing are the big three noises you never want to hear. Unfamiliar noises indicate internal issues, and the problem could be anything from a faulty fuel injector system to engine damage.
Not-So-Good Vibrations
If you feel unusually strong vibrations while driving, your truck’s suspension, driveshaft, or even tires may need attention. While not always a sign of engine trouble, vibrations affect handling and safety. Addressing this issue keeps your truck operating smoothly.
Knowing the most common signs your diesel pickup truck needs immediate care allows you to stay on top of your truck’s maintenance and seek professional help when you need it. Keep your investment running at its best and ensure years of smooth drives.