Two Diesel Car Trends To Know

Over the past few decades, diesel engine technology has undergone significant transformation driven by a combination of regulatory pressures, environmental concerns, and market demands. Historically celebrated for their fuel efficiency and robust performance, diesel engines have faced mounting criticism due to their nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. This has paved the way for a series of technological advancements aiming to reduce their environmental footprint, enhance efficiency, and integrate them into the broader landscape of alternative propulsion methods. From innovations in emission control systems to hybridization and the exploration of bio-based fuels, the trajectory of diesel engines reflects a persistent industry effort to align with global sustainability goals while meeting the evolving needs of consumers and businesses.

The growing popularity for Komatsu engines 

Komatsu is a well known and well-respected company. Their story began in 1921 and they are based in Japan; however, their products are purchased on a worldwide basis. They sell an extensive array of equipment; their products are associated with the industries of construction, military, and mining. They sell everything from forklifts and mini excavators, to wheeled harvesters and excimer lasers, to temperature control equipment and press systems. It is little surprise that they are the second biggest manufacturer of mining and construction equipment on a global basis. However, they are really making some moves forward when it comes to diesel engines. 

Considering the product base that Komatsu have, it is very likely that you will come to the point whereby you may need to purchase some spare or replacement parts. You would think this would be simple, right? You simply go online, type in “Komatsu parts”, and go for the first website you find? Unfortunately, it is not as simple as that. The internet is filled to the brim with products that are not genuine and are simply deceiving. 

When dealing with complex products you need to be a lot savvier than usual. After all, if you were to buy a Komatsu part for your car that was not compatible then you can end up damaging your vehicle. This can result in an extremely costly and timely process. You will need to source out professionals to fix the problem. This can also be damaging to your business if the equipment is something you use frequently. You may have to put some of your commitments on hold until the repair has taken place. 

So, what do you do when you need to buy some Komatsu parts for your car? You need to use your intelligence and be savvy when it comes to the internet. Don’t be fooled by a cheap deal. There are so many companies who will try and offer you a hydraulic kit or a crankshaft for extremely cheap prices. In fact, these prices seem far too good to be true, and that is because they are. The chances are you will receive a part that is far from being compatible with your Komatsu machinery. 

It is important that you go for a company that dedicates a large proportion of their work to Komatsu. They should be a leading supplier of the company’s products and they should know a lot about Komatsu as well. Make sure that the company is credible. Seek to discover how many years they have been in the industry and whether they have a good reputation or not. This should be relatively easier to decipher considering the fast pace of the internet nowadays. Plus, they should understand the issue you’re experiencing, whether it is a cracked engine block or simply an old part that needs updating.

The final thing you should bear in mind is the fact that there is nothing wrong with using a company’s own branded parts. You simply need to make sure that they have been designed with the type of your machinery in mind, in other words; you need to be sure they are compatible. Also, if you ever order off road diesel delivery, make sure it is from a trusted source. It will ensure your Komatsu engine is operating to the level that it should be.

The rise of AdBlue

If you have been to a petrol station lately, you may have noticed large surface tanks that are labelled ‘AdBlue.’ You may have wondered what AdBlue is, and whether you need to be concerned about it. If you own a Diesel vehicle, you may be required to use AdBlue, and it’s likely that more Diesel cars will use this in the future, so it is good to know what it is. Read on to discover everything you should know.

What is AdBlue?

The car industry and governments all over the world are working hard to ensure emissions regulations are as stringent as they should be. Car manufacturers need to be more responsible than ever before, and this is how AdBlue came about. AdBlue is one of the newest techniques for cleaning up diesel emissions. It is known as selective catalytic reduction or SCR for short. 

SCR involves a solution of urea in water that is utilised to treat exhaust gases and get rid of dangerous pollutants. This includes the harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other nitrogen oxides (NOx). AdBlue is the name given to the fluid that is used. The fluid is stored within a tank inside the vehicle, and it is fed into part of the exhaust, unlike diesel or petrol, which is injected into the engine. The NOx exhaust gases are then converted into harmless water and nitrogen due to a chemical reaction. 

Does your car use AdBlue?

When you buy a used or new diesel vehicle, the salesperson at the dealership should go over the car’s features and explain whether it uses AdBlue. Some cars will have a black or blue screw cap for AdBlue, which you will find next to the black filler cap for diesel. In other vehicles, the cap is found in the engine compartment or the boot. Take a look at your car’s handbook if you are unsure, as this should explain the requirements of your vehicle’s system.

At present, you won’t find AdBlue in the vast majority of diesel vehicles. As AdBlue and SCR technology is relatively new, you are more likely to find it in expensive, big diesel models. Why aren’t they found in small runabouts? Quite simply, the system is both too expensive and too large to squeeze into a small car.

Topping up AdBlue

If you need to top up the AdBlue in your vehicle, you will get a warning screen on the dashboard, just as you would if your windscreen washer fluid or fuel were low. How often you need to top up AdBlue depends on the tank that holds the solution. This will vary based on the make and model of the vehicle. 

Hopefully, you now have a better idea regarding what AdBlue is and the positive impact it is having on our environment. It is likely that this is something we will see more and more of as the years go on.