If you have questions about diesel oil, you’ve come to the right place! Jiffy Lube® pioneered the fast lube industry. The answers to these five questions are designed to enhance your Diesel Oil IQ.
Q1: WHAT IS DIESEL OIL?
A: Diesel motor oil is formulated specifically for diesel engines. Today diesel engines are commonly found in many types of vehicles, including cars and light trucks. The oil required for these engines typically have:
Specific viscosity (or flow rate)
More/different additives than oils developed for gasoline engines
For oil specifications for your diesel vehicle, we recommend you refer to your owner’s manual. If you can’t find your vehicle owner’s manual, or if it gives you a choice of options, consult a trained Jiffy Lube technician.
Q2: WHAT DOES DIESEL OIL DO?
A: Think of diesel oil as your motor’s lifeblood, circulating through the engine to:
Lubricate the moving parts and reduce wear
Help reduce friction and overheating
Pick up debris and particles so they can be filtered out
Because oil is vital to a smooth running engine, it’s essential that the right one be used in every diesel oil change. The API (American Petroleum Institute) introduced a rating system that will help identify the correct oil for your vehicle. If the two-digit code begins with:
C — Formulated for compression ignition, or diesel-fueled, engine.
S — Created for spark ignition, or gasoline-fueled, engine. It is not recommended that this oil be used in diesel engines.
Check your owner’s manual for information regarding the right diesel motor oil for your make and model. Or visit Jiffy Lube, where technicians can access the specific recommendations for your vehicle. This can help protect both your engine and your wallet! You may damage your engine and perhaps void your new-vehicle warranty if manufacturer recommendations are not followed.
Q3: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY DIESEL OIL CHANGED?
A: For your specific vehicle, refer to your owner’s manual. Or ask a Jiffy Lube technician, who can provide vehicle manufacturer recommendations regarding intervals for an oil change for diesel vehicles.
Q4: SHOULD I CHANGE THE WEIGHT OF MY DIESEL OIL WITH THE SEASONS?
A: A quality diesel motor oil will perform reliably in all temperatures, all year around. That’s why most Jiffy Lube locations use Shell Rotella products, which meet or exceed manufacturer recommendations. You can confidently use the same type of Shell Rotella diesel oil from season to season with the exception of extreme temperatures where you will need an oil designed for extreme operating temperatures. Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 provides protection in extreme operating temperatures. As always, be sure to follow your vehicle manufacturer recommendations.
Q5: WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I BRING MY DIESEL VEHICLE TO JIFFY LUBE FOR AN OIL CHANGE?
A: The Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change is a comprehensive preventative maintenance check for your entire vehicle.
First a Jiffy Lube technician — trained in diesel oil change services — will drain the existing oil and dispose of it safely. Then the old oil will be replaced with new diesel oil that meets the manufacturer recommendations for type and viscosity.
Diesel motor oils often have more and different additives than gasoline motor oils because diesel engines tend to be stronger and more powerful and, therefore, they can be dirtier. That’s why a Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change always includes a new oil filter. It doesn’t make sense to have fresh new oil flowing through a dirty filter.
Expect to be asked about your driving style. This will help the Jiffy Lube technician tailor the maintenance check to your specific vehicle. For example:
Do you often carry heavy items in the bed of your truck, the trunk or the roof rack? Do you typically tow a trailer or camper? That extra weight could make your engine work harder, requiring more acceleration to reach and maintain a steady speed.
What about quick trips? Short journeys don’t allow the engine to warm up completely and that may cause accelerated diesel oil deterioration. This may allow sludge to form, reducing lubrication and could possibly contribute to engine damage.
The more the technician knows about your habits behind the wheel, the more effective the diagnosis and preventive maintenance program you will receive.
Diesel motor oil isn’t the only fluid that gets attention. A Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change also includes transmission, power steering, differential/transfer case and washer fluid checks. Wiper blades and exterior lights will be checked, too. The interior of your vehicle will even be vacuumed (fancy)! When you leave Jiffy Lube after a diesel oil change, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident about your ride.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU JUST COMPLETED DIESEL OIL CHANGE 101!
Diesel Oil Change 101 wasn’t so hard, was it? Did you notice how often, “Check your vehicle owner’s manual” and “Ask a Jiffy Lube technician” were the right answers? Remember those words of wisdom when it comes to vehicle maintenance. You can think of Jiffy Lube as your automotive preventive maintenance resource, ready to help you keep your diesel powered car, van, truck or SUV running smooth and safe.
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