The First Things To Do After Buying A Used Diesel Truck
Can’t afford that brand-new, top-of-the-line diesel truck? We know how tempting it can be, and how hard it is to say no. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find something great out there that’s new to you. When you find that perfect vehicle that’s just within your budget, driving it home can feel like you just won the lottery.
But as with any lottery winning, you have to be careful that you don’t get more trouble than you anticipated. It’s no different with a used diesel vehicle – you don’t know if the engine looks good on the inside, if the parts are clean, or if the fluids are topped up. So why take the chance on breaking down before you even get a chance to really enjoy your new ride? Assuming you already know what to look for when buying a diesel truck... here are the top 4 things to do AFTER you buy a used diesel truck, to make sure you stay on the road and moving fast. 1. Get an oil change.
Sure, the seller swears he got it done just last week, and he did point to a messy pile of random papers that may contain a receipt. But anyone can reset an oil change light on the dashboard with a bit of know-how, and you don’t know if the oil is some dollar-store cheap stuff! Nothing beats being absolutely sure, and seeing the quality of work done for yourself. Diesel engines see some very extreme temperatures and pressures, and if the oil inside the engine is old and contaminated – well, that’s a great way to ruin an otherwise perfect engine. Changing the oil is simple and relatively cheap, compared to replacing a whole set of injectors, pipes, sensors, and bearings – or even worse.
2. Replace the truck's fuel filter.
If you didn’t read our last blog on why the quality of diesel fuel is important, well, you should know that it really is. Diesel engine tolerances are very precise, so fuel that has contaminants or other low-grade particulates in it can ruin your whole system and set you back thousands of dollars. An easy way to avoid this? Change the fuel filter when you get a used truck. It doesn’t matter if the one already installed is the best brand on earth – you simply have to be sure that it’s brand new and can do its job effectively. It’s a good habit to change these with every second oil change, to keep your engine running smoothly.
3. Replace the truck's air filter.
While this one is easier to inspect (and thus easier to tell if it absolutely needs replacing), it’s not something you want to keep putting off replacing. A clean and efficient air filter makes sure that the air going into your turbo charger isn’t dusty, dirty, or full of other particles, which means that the power coming out of that turbo charger is consistent, safe, and strong. Your truck – and your future wallet – will thank you.
4. Replace the transmission fluid and filters.
It’s important to do both, and not just one or the other. Many places will flush out the fluid, but not the filters – creating a potential situation where the new fluid can become contaminated again immediately, and ruining all the work they just did. Many people don’t know that diesel engines are different than gasoline ones, because they were built to work, especially towing heavy loads. The transmissions are under constant stress most of the time, and keeping your fluids and filters clean throughout the transmission system can be the difference between going home at the end of the day, and waiting on the roadside for a tow truck. In a used vehicle, you never know what the previous owners did – so it’s always best to get the work done right away, and that way you can be sure it was done properly and recently.
5. Perform an engine coolant flush.
Often overlooked, engine coolant has an extremely hard job within the engine, and beyond that, it has a shelf and usage life expectancy. It keeps your hardworking diesel truck cool, and within a certain operating range; contaminated or low quality coolant can (and most likely will) cause catastrophic repair bills. Despite this, most people don’t change it! A bonus to doing a flush is that during the process, you can also do a test for hydrocarbons and other contaminations that indicate other potential problems with the engine, such as (in a worst-case scenario) hydrocarbons from blown head gaskets or water pump failures. There’s plenty to say about this, but we can sum it up like this: you need good fluids and a good thermostat to work hand-in-hand to keep the engine running at the proper operating temperature.
That’s it! These four hints will help you keep your diesel vehicle running smoothly and prevent runaway repair costs from blindsiding you out of nowhere. If you want more helpful ideas on how to execute strong preventative maintenance on your vehicle, simply give Schultz Diesel Sports a call or send a message to find out more. We’re known as diesel experts in Calgary, so you can rest assured that you’ll get the best advice that there is to give!
27 Comments
12/7/2020 09:37:56 pm
This is very true. After buying used diesel truck we faced get an oil change, replace the truck's fuel filter, replace the truck's air filter etc. Sometimes it can be happened.
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2/11/2021 04:08:02 am
I appreciated it when you shared that it is important to change the fuel filter when you just purchased a used truck. My uncle just mentioned the other day that he is thinking of buying a truck since his old one is no longer working well and his friend did mention that he is letting go of one of his trucks at a reasonable price. I will advise him to look for a reliable place to get the fuel filter changed once he acquires the vehicle.
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2/22/2021 06:23:17 am
I'm planning on getting a used diesel truck, but I want to make sure that it lasts me a long time. It makes sense that I would want to have it's oil changed. I'll be sure to get a professional to help me out with this so that I can ensure that it works out right.
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Warismurder
3/10/2021 08:45:36 am
Thank you to all who have the honor, courage, dignity, and moral strength to forego military enlistment. Collateral damage is murder and it shames us all. Shame on you soldiers, and your politicians!
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Mark Weiner
3/11/2021 03:47:37 pm
Yeah, you could do all of these things....I'd rather see a printed receipt from the service records ... because if its a Mercedes Benz Sprinter all of this stuff you mentioned will cost you $1,000.....you didn't mention anything about the water separator filter .... maybe you just assumed everyone knows about this when you said "filters".....
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Cal Sherman
3/11/2021 10:43:37 pm
You should have gone into more detail about using and topping off with the correct coolant as most are using a permanent type in their vehicles, some have coolant filters and older ones required an additive. Explaining the need for the additive or using the coolant already mixed in is vital for aluminum parts and more importantly preventing the cavitation that happens inside a desiels cooling system around each cylinder causing pitting and then pin holes into the cylinder.
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Fuels filters, as you said are critical things that must be kept up to date. Skipping that can take off the lifespan of your new truck. I had a buddy who didn't keep the best maintenance schedule with his truck and it kicked the bucket far sooner than it should have.
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4/9/2021 03:45:30 pm
I had no clue that the tolerance in a diesel engine is precise so it needs higher quality diesel fuel. Thank you for sharing this because I need to check out every truck I look at. I want to get one that has a good filter so that it will run best with better quality diesel.
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5/28/2021 01:06:47 pm
You made an interesting point when you explained that it is a good idea to perform an engine coolant flush when you purchase a used diesel truck. It seems like it would be a good idea to find a diesel mechanic. A diesel mechanic would be able to handle all forms of maintenance for you.
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7/9/2021 12:23:29 pm
It was really helpful when you explained that engine coolant helps keep a diesel truck cool during operation. If you are wanting to install a new performance engine in a diesel truck, would you need to get a new kind of coolant? You would want to make sure that you have a coolant that can handle a performance engine.
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3/7/2022 03:54:49 pm
I agree with you that it is smart to get the transmission fluid and filters replaced properly after buying a used diesel vehicle. I'd imagine that it would also be very beneficial to invest in a new diesel engine for your vehicle. That way, you can be sure that your car will be running efficiently for years to come.
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7/23/2022 01:17:25 am
Really, an informative blog post you have shared here about An Insta Worthy Home. This info is useful for me. Keep share posts like this.Thanks for shearing this article.
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9/13/2022 12:06:53 pm
My older cousin wants to buy a truck to carry his work's materials and tools, but his budget's a little tight now, so he's interested in used trucks. It's great that you explained what to consider when buying a pre-used truck and before using it, so I'll make sure my cousin gets your tips now. Thanks for the information on replacing your truck's air filter to prevent costly repairs in the future.
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10/6/2023 12:05:44 am
Your advice on checking the maintenance records is spot on. It's crucial to know the history of the vehicle to anticipate any potential issues down the road. I also appreciate your emphasis on getting a thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic. This step can save a lot of headaches and money in the long run.
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12/28/2023 09:43:34 am
Thank you for informing me that a clean and efficient air filter gives your truck safe power. My friend needs parts for his diesel truck. I should advise him to look for diesel truck parts for sale that offer competitive pricing.
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Chris
1/15/2024 10:52:22 am
I noiticed you are referring to the mileage in miles and not Kms. Good luck trying to find a used diesel truck with that low of mileage most are in the 300 + kms. Last time I checked Calgary was in Canada.
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6/28/2024 03:29:57 am
This blog offers essential guidance for new owners of used diesel trucks, outlining crucial first steps to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Practical advice like this is invaluable for anyone entering the diesel truck community. Well done!
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9/25/2024 03:20:28 am
Great insights on what to do after purchasing a used diesel truck! Your tips on inspection and maintenance are invaluable for new owners. It's crucial to ensure everything is in top shape. Thanks for sharing such helpful information!
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11/11/2024 07:55:41 am
Great article! It's essential to take those first steps after purchasing a used diesel truck, and you covered them perfectly. From checking the fluids to inspecting the exhaust system, this advice will definitely help new owners get the most out of their truck. Very practical and informative!
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11/11/2024 08:15:23 am
Thanks for sharing! Your tips on checking fluid levels, inspecting the exhaust system, and prioritizing maintenance are spot on. These simple yet essential tasks will help ensure the truck runs smoothly for years to come!
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12/18/2024 01:30:55 am
Great tips! Checking the maintenance history and performing a thorough inspection are definitely crucial steps. Thanks for sharing this helpful guide for new diesel truck owners!
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12/28/2024 07:01:59 am
This blog post provides excellent and practical advice for anyone buying a used diesel truck. The tips, from changing the oil and fuel filter to replacing the air and transmission filters, ensure that your new vehicle runs smoothly and reliably. It’s easy to overlook these tasks, but the author does a great job emphasizing their importance to avoid costly repairs down the road. I especially appreciated the reminder about performing an engine coolant flush. Great read for any diesel truck owner! Keep up the good work!
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1/1/2025 08:17:12 am
Great article! After buying a used diesel truck, it’s essential to check the engine and transmission, change the oil, inspect the exhaust system, and ensure the brakes are in top condition. Don’t forget to verify the truck’s maintenance history for a smoother, longer-lasting experience!
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Thanks for sharing! The tips on checking the truck’s history, inspecting the engine, and changing the fluids are spot-on. It’s so important to ensure everything’s in good condition before hitting the road. Your advice will definitely help new diesel truck owners.
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