Diesel pickup truck on a lift in the North Texas Truck Stop service bay

Straight answers on keeping your diesel running

A used diesel pickup will run a long time if it is looked after. That is true of a Cummins, a Duramax and a Power Stroke alike, and it is one of the things we talk to customers about most often.

If you have questions about keeping a diesel truck in good shape, or you want to know what we can help with, call us at (877) 355-5008. We will tell you straight what we handle and where we would point you instead.


What diesel maintenance usually involves

General guidance below. Always follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, and check with us about what we're able to take care of for you.

Oil and filters

Diesel engines hold more oil than a gas engine and are harder on it. Staying on top of oil and filter intervals is the single most useful habit for a high-mileage Cummins, Duramax or Power Stroke.

Fuel system

Modern diesel fuel systems run at very high pressure and do not tolerate contaminated fuel or a neglected fuel filter. Clean fuel and on-schedule filter changes protect the expensive parts.

Air and emissions

Air filters, intake plumbing and the emissions equipment on later trucks all affect how the engine runs. Warning lights in this area are worth looking at sooner rather than later.

Cooling system

Diesels that tow generate real heat. Coolant condition, hoses and the radiator matter more on a work truck than on a commuter car, especially through a North Texas summer.

Brakes, tires and suspension

Heavy-duty pickups are hard on brakes, tires and suspension components, and harder still if the truck spends its life loaded or hooked to a trailer. Worth checking regularly.

Towing and hauling setup

Hitch hardware, wiring, brake controllers and fluid condition all deserve a look before a big trip. If you are not sure what your truck is set up for, ask us and we will look at it with you.


Talk to us about your truck

Call (877) 355-5008 or use the scheduling form and tell us what your truck is doing. We will let you know what we can help with and what makes more sense elsewhere, no guessing on our part or yours. You can also contact us with any other questions about your truck.