Diesel, Pickups, 4x4's, 4x2's and SUV's

Overall, maintaining an SUV’s engine and other working parts tends to be more expensive due to the larger sizes, equipment, and complexity of the vehicles. Keep a higher budget in mind for repair and  services.

Follow your regular maintenance schedule. It’s a good idea to choose a repair shop and stick to it so they know your car better. 

• Since SUVs are built for off-roading, it’s important to make sure the suspension is in good condition as this prevents you from bouncing around as much. 
• The tires also need special attention. Keep them pumped up to the proper tire pressure level and get them rotated too.
• As with all vehicles, changing the engine oil and oil filter regularly is important for a smooth running engine. 
• Check the transmission fluid.  Top it off as needed.

Some essential diesel engine maintenance tips are:

• Coolant Flush
  Ensure your engine’s cooling system is working properly as overheating can eventually lead to engine failure. Get your radiator fluid changed every 60,000 to 80,000 km. Also, get your radiator and cooling system checked by a technician if you detect antifreeze leak, smell or steam coming from your engine.

• Engine Air Filters
  The quality of air flowing through your combustion chamber is controlled by the air filter. It’s better to regularly check the air filters for cleaning or maintenance. You should replace air filters as per recommended schedule. Cleaning air filters is not an easy task. Here are some signs that your air filter needs maintenance:
• Reduced engine power
• Noises coming out of your engine
• Fuel leaks
• Trouble with starting the engine
• Flames from the exhaust 

• Engine Cleaning
  Cleaning your engine regularly helps increase fuel efficiency. Accumulation of dust and dirt on your engine can impact its performance. 

• Gasket Inspection
  Regularly check your gasket for leaks as unmaintained gasket can lead to engine failure. Inspect your gasket for symptoms such as overheating engine, loss of coolant or appearance of frothy oil.

• Glow Plugs Inspection
  If you notice smoke coming out of your vehicle or have trouble starting your vehicle, you have failing glow plugs. If you find any faulty glow plugs, it better to replace all of them rather than the faulty one.

• Oil Filter and Changes
  Incomplete fuel combustion can lead to sulphur and carbon residue. An improper filter won’t be able to trap the debris leading to additional engine damage. Replacing your diesel oil depends on how often you drive your vehicle. It's recommended to change the oil every 10,000 km. You might need to change it more frequently, if you are using your vehicle for jobs such as towing. It’s important to get a regular oil change to make sure your engine runs efficiently. Maintain proper change intervals for your filters and oil as mentioned in your vehicle’s manual.

Our experienced technicians at Federal offer diesel engine repair services and vehicle inspections. Contact us today for reliable diesel engine  services.

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve helps lower your vehicle’s emissions, and make your car more efficient. As gasses exit the engine, the EGR valve recirculates them into the intake manifold, where the engine is able to burn them again. In essence, the EGR valve helps the vehicle recycle gasses that they didn’t use. 

A dirty EGR valve often won’t work at all, and will need to be cleaned in order for this system to resume working.

At Federal, when we remove and clean your EGR valve, the vacuum line connected to it is also inspected.

• If the EGR valve isn’t working it may not be because it’s dirty; it may be that it’s broken.
• When the EGR valve is cleaned, the gasket is inspected and replaced if needed.

Symptoms that you need to inspect your EGR Valve:

• Hard brake pedal
• Check engine light is on
• Car runs rough