EXPECT HIGH-QUALITY DIESEL MECHANIC REPAIRS
Here at Gateway Auto Clinic in Kettering, our diesel mechanics have the experience and the diagnostic tools to get your repairs done right the first time. We let you know what to expect from the beginning, so there are no surprises or unnecessary repairs added to your bill. Diesel engines are driven because they are efficient and durable, setting the standard in powering our work needs and off-road expectations as well.
Diesel engine maintenance is becoming increasingly more complex with more electronic systems to control their operation but by making sure your maintenance is done correctly based on your driving pattern and the suggested diesel schedule set by the manufacturer we have your back. Our team of expert diesel mechanics at Gateway Auto Clinic has the right equipment and can handle any type of repairs on your light-duty diesel with a smile. Simply put, we love diesel trucks!
Our diesel techs handle heavy duty repairs like replacing a Ford Power Stroke diesel engine or rebuilding a transfer case on a Chevy Duramax to easy maintenance like replacing the engine and frame-mounted fuel filter.
If you drive a Ford Power Stroke, Chevy Duramax, or Dodge Cummins light-duty diesel truck then we know Gateway Auto Clinic is the right diesel shop for your needs. Not just because we have every wrench or tool needed for the job or because we have the latest diagnostic equipment. Not even because our diesel techs probably know more about diesel engines than most shops out there. When it comes right down to it, the real reason is that we love what we do and we believe in providing the BEST service to our Kettering drivers.
VEHICLES WE SERVICE:
DODGE Ram Cummins Diesel Series Trucks: RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, Chassis Cab
CHEVY or GMC Duramax Diesel Trucks and Vans: Chevy 1500, 2500, 3500
FORD Power Stroke Trucks: Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, Work Vans, Box Trucks, Fleet Vehicles.
Diesel Maintenance, Key to Fewer Repairs
Your light-duty diesel engine is very different from a gas engine starting with the way it gains power using compression in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel versus a spark like a gas engine. The real key to keeping that diesel engine in top shape is filters and with regularly scheduled maintenance and fluids - specifically diesel engine oil, exhaust treatment fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, rear differential fluid. On 4×4’s, you also have transfer case fluid and front differential fluid. It is more than you need on a gas engine but the durability and power you get with diesel are worth it and the routine maintenance will save you thousands of dollars in repairs easily. Here at Gateway Auto Clinic our diesel techs also realize that light-duty trucks are not all alike, thus keeping them at peak performance requires flexibility.
Some of our drivers are typical and can stay within the standard "suggested" maintenance and others are a bit harder on their vehicles based on the jobs they use them for or the way they "play" in them maybe while off-roading using the 4x4 features. Either way, we can schedule their maintenance around those needs and make sure repairs are done when it is convenient and avoided where possible! Here at Gateway Auto Clinic, we call that reliable service!
SUGGESTED DIESEL MAINTENANCE
Based on Chevy Duramax, Dodge Cummins, and Ford Power Stroke the light-duty maintenance for your diesel engine is listed below.
7,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter,
• Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
15,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth | Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450/F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
22,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
30,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth | Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
37,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as req.
45,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth | Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
52,500 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
60,000 MILES
• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter
• Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth | Rotate Tires
• Inspect engine air filter minder, replace filter as required
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
• Change the manual transmission fluid
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Lubricate 4x4 hub needle bearings
• Lubricate 4x2 wheel bearings
• Replace wheel bearing grease seal
• Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450 / F-550)
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
MOST COMMON DIESEL REPAIRS Our diesel mechanics have found that the most common issues and repairs have been the following:
• Diesel Air intake system repair and replacing parts
• Diesel Charging system repair
• Diesel Glow plug repair and replacement
• Diesel Turbo repair, rebuilding, replacement
• Diesel High-pressure pump repair, rebuilding, replacement
• Diesel Hydro boost system repair, replacement
• Diesel EGR system repair
WARNING SIGNS Call us immediately at Gateway Auto Clinic before this becomes a major problem with your diesel truck.
• Engine runs poorly when it is cold outside or it's too hot potentially overheating
• White, black, or blue smoke is coming from your exhaust
• Leaking coolant or excessive coolant loss - any big change
• The engine is running poorly when it is cold or it is hard to start. ANY Loss of performance.
• Sudden change in fuel mileage performance.
• Any time a light comes on in your panel i.e. check engine light.
• Hard knocking or odd noise you are not used to in your engine.
Thank you for choosing our team here at Gateway Auto Clinic in Kettering, it is an honor to work with you in adding years to your diesel truck's life on the road.
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