Diesel cars are a bit in the doldrums in the face of public opinion, but they remain the most popular option for those who put a lot of miles in their vehicle. Since their user volume is so high, it’s interesting to know how to avoid their most costly breakdowns.
To cite the most dangerous ones, we can point out three: the anti-particle filter (FAP), the EGR valve and the turbo. Although to keep them in shape each one needs certain peculiarities, in general terms there is a guide that works for all of them.
A highly recommended habit to maintain the good health of a diesel car is to drive it in a balanced way that combines more demanding sections with the usual use that these vehicles are usually given, which tends to be driving quiet at low revs.
If it is only driven in this last way, problems such as the turbocharger clogging or an excessive accumulation of particles in the FAP that remain unburned occur, which means that its regeneration period cannot be carried out.
That is why it is highly recommended to leave the city and drive on the open road and/or highways and dual carriageways. Of course, you must not do it in the highest gear, since in that case the engine will not be “forced”.
The key is to circulate for a more or less long period (of about 15 minutes at least) at a speed of between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. This will cause the systems to operate at a higher temperature which will help clean and regenerate them.
It is convenient to do it regularly to avoid problems and it is that the three elements mentioned, if they do not work as they should, negatively affect the performance of the car and in extreme cases can cause very serious faults, such as motor feedback, which can end with him in a matter of minutes.
