Maintaining your Isuzu is pretty easy, given how reliable the engine is and how well it has been built. That said, there are some tried and trusted ways of keeping your Isuzu engine healthy to ensure it runs optimally and stays that way for the long term.

The following are some general guidelines for maintaining your Isuzu in excellent condition. Your Isuzu owner’s manual contains specifics and extensive preventative maintenance advice. The particular oil, fuel, and coolant types for your engine model can be found in your owner’s manual.

Service intervals

Following your car’s maintenance schedule and performing the necessary routine checks, modifications, and repairs can guarantee that your vehicle runs smoothly.

We recommend servicing your Isuzu every 15 000 kilometres or 12 months, whichever comes first, and servicing Isuzu trucks every 20,000 kilometres or 12 months.

Fuel and filters

Make sure that the fuel you use is perfectly clean with no impurities. Using premium diesel and synthetic engine oil would favour long term reliable performance.

A fuel filter removes dirt and other pollutants from your diesel before it is fed into the engine, preventing particles from clogging up or damaging the engine. A new filter enables clean fuel to enter the fuel pump and engine, which means less build-up inside the engine, and it will run more efficiently.

A fuel filter must be replaced on a regular basis to keep your engine in good working order. The filter will clog and become less effective with time. As a result, it is advised that you check your fuel filter at least once a year during standard maintenance. This varies depending on the vehicle’s driving conditions and frequency of use. A diesel filter should be replaced roughly every 5 years, or every 30,000 – 40,000 km.

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Tip: It’s best not to let the fuel in your tank get low because the fuel at the bottom of the tank includes sediments. These sediments can cause problems for your engine and fuel pump.

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Oil and filters

When it comes to engine maintenance, oil and filter changes are critical. Dirt, dust, and debris from both the surroundings and the engine can impair your engine’s performance. Engine oil keeps all the moving parts lubricated and reduces wear and tear. It also traps dust, dirt, and sediments, keeping them out of places where they shouldn’t be. You should check your oil levels every couple of weeks and before any long journey and top up if necessary. A drop in oil level can cause your engine to wear out faster.

An Isuzu, like most other cars, should have its oil changed at least once a year or every 5,000 kilometres. The Isuzu oil life monitoring (OLM) system alerts you when it is time to replace your oil. The system uses an algorithm that considers driving habits as well as driving variables like temperature and terrain.

Using the proper oil is critical to avoiding a variety of issues such as gear shifting difficulty and overheating, which can cause your engine’s components to warp and wear out. For servicing, we use Fuchs synthetic oil. Fuchs is a major lubricant manufacturer, and we have discovered that synthetic oil can better preserve your engine in the long term.

It is important to use the right engine oil. Engine oil is classified based on its viscosity, or how thick or thin it is. You’ll see a code like 5W-40 on the engine oil container. The first figure, 5, indicates your engine’s ability to circulate cold air; the ‘W’ stands for winter or cold. The second digit represents the flow of oil at greater engine temperatures. Oil grade and change intervals are subject to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Be sure to consult your Owner’s Instruction Manual.

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Tip: Check your oil level before starting the engine or 5 to 10 minutes after shutting down to ensure that all the oil is in the oil pan for an accurate measurement.

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Air Filters

It is recommended that you change the engine air filter every 19,000 to 24,000 km. However, the frequency depends on your driving conditions. If you take long trips on dusty dirt roads, you will need to replace your air filter more frequently than if you were to stick to tarred highways. A clogged air filter can contribute to restricted air flow which can cause your fuel to not burn completely, increasing your vehicle’s emissions and lowering your mileage.

Coolants

Antifreeze, or engine coolant, is a solution mixed with water to keep the boiling and freezing point of engine fluids at a consistent level. It keeps the radiator from freezing in extreme cold and overheating in extreme heat. It also contains ingredients that provide protection from rust and corrosion and does not harm rubber hoses and plastics. Isuzu recommends a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol-based coolant and distilled water. You should use a low silicate or no silicate coolant. A methyl alcohol-based coolant is not recommended.

Recommended checks every time you get fuel:

• Radiator or surge tank coolant and water level
• Windscreen washer bottle fluid level
• Tyre pressure
• Engine oil level

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Drop us a line if you need some advice on what is best for your vehicle.