However, from time to time, and due to a variety of reasons, they can break down. As specialists at Nika Service point out, a breakdown of a truck or tractor unit causes double the loss: not only does the owner have to cover repair costs, but idle vehicles also result in lost income.

That’s why, if your truck starts “acting strangely” – unusual noises appear, fuel or oil consumption increases – it’s important to visit a service center as soon as possible. Clearly, at the very least, the engine requires diagnostics, and possibly – repair.

Engine failure, just like a human illness – the earlier it’s detected, the faster and cheaper it can be fixed.

The most common engine faults in all types of heavy-duty commercial vehicles include:

Difficulty starting

Increased smoke emissions

Higher fuel consumption

Unusual engine noises

Oil leaking from the engine

Coolant loss

Oil consumption exceeds allowed limits

Loss of power

Engine runs unevenly

Error messages on the dashboard

Time for oil change and general maintenance

There are many possible causes of these issues: natural engine wear, improper usage, unqualified maintenance, or poorly performed previous repairs.

The quality of fuel and lubricants used also significantly affects the engine’s reliability.

Computerized diagnostics of diesel engines allow for a multi-level analysis of engine performance, but it covers only about 60% of the full inspection. The rest must be assessed by a human specialist – which is why the technician’s qualifications are extremely important.

During diagnostics, systems are gradually checked – including engine control systems, fuel delivery, cylinder filling, and RPM analysis. Experienced professionals recommend not delaying diagnostics, even if there are no obvious signs of failure. Performing engine diagnostics every six months can help avoid costly repairs. Moreover, repair costs can often be optimized, depending on the parts used.

The best time to carry out diagnostics is when preparing the vehicle for a change in seasons.