Tips for keeping your 6.6 DuraMax In Tip Top Shape

The 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel in the GMC Sierra Heavy Duty lineup of trucks is one of the most respected and appreciated motors on the market. Truck buyers all over the country will happily tell you how much they love their Duramax diesel truck and how it’s helped them. Whether you are towing for fun or as a profession, having a diesel engine like the 6.6-liter Duramax can help you succeed. 

Proper Maintenance Is Key

Like any motor, the Duramax relies on proper maintenance and upkeep to help make sure it lasts a long, long time. There are loads of stories about Duramax Sierra trucks lasting hundreds of thousands of miles without any significant issues. It’s easy to say this is because GMC is professional grade and stop right there, but it goes beyond the catchy slogan. The engineers at GMC take great pride in designing and building the 6.6-liter turbo-diesel to be something that can be relied on. 

An Overlooked Item To Replace

The fuel filter is an often overlooked item on every car, diesel or gas. The recommendation here is to change it every 15,000 miles to ensure that your fuel pump isn’t working harder than necessary to filter out impurities from going into your engine and permanently damaging it. Every 7,500 miles, an oil and oil filter change should be done with a high-quality 15w-40 or 5w-40 diesel oil, depending on the climate where you live. You shouldn’t wait any longer than 10,000 miles between oil change intervals. When changing your oil, you should also check on your engine air filter. It should be changed, if not every oil change, about every six oil changes. It should be changed sooner if you live in an area with lots of sand and dirt. 

The Cooling System

Another item that can be forgotten is your cooling system. Coolant keeps your engine from overheating. You should check your coolant expansion tank every time you change your oil to ensure there is enough in the system, and it should not look dirty. The coolant should be changed about every 3-5 years. The trick is never to let your coolant run low, or you can seriously damage your Duramax and incur a massive bill from a service shop to fix it. If you notice during oil changes that your coolant is at the minimum mark every time, that could mean you have a leak somewhere or that your water pump possibly needs to be replaced. While this isn’t exactly a common problem on a brand-new truck, it is something to still keep an eye on. 

Pay Attention To Your Serpentine Belt

A new serpentine belt should be fitted at least every five years, or sooner if you hear squeaking coming from the engine as you start your truck or start to drive away. That can signify premature wear and potential imminent failure. 

Engineered To Be Reliable

The 6.6-liter Duramax is a popular and reliable engine. It is engineered to last a very long time and withstand loads of stress over the course of ownership. The physical demands that owners put their Duramax engines through prove that it’s a great motor to tow and haul with. 

At Penz GMC of Rochester, we value our customers. You can find new GMC inventory, including the GMC Sierra 1500 and the all-new Canyon, plus an unmatched collection of used car, truck, van, SUV and crossover inventory at our dealership near you. Are you interested in leasing or financing your next vehicle? The Finance Department at Penz GMC of Rochester can help you find the right lease offer or finance solution that fits your budget. We cultivate relationships with many banks, lenders, and other financial organizations to provide great options for purchasing your new vehicle. In addition to the comprehensive factory warranty that comes with your new vehicle, we offer extended warranty and protection programs to safeguard your investment. Get the best deals and specials available to you on a GMC. Our knowledgeable sales staff wants to help you find the perfect fit in a new GMC or used car. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Penz family and help you find your new car or used vehicle. Your support and customer service doesn’t stop after you sign your deal. The expert Service Department at Penz GMC of Rochester is always ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you might need to keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our Express Service Lane will quickly get you back on the road when you need basic maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation. Would you like to make your new car all your own with personalized upgrades? Our well-stocked Parts Department has all of the GMC authentic accessories you need for the best customization of your vehicle. Make your car, truck, or SUV uniquely yours to fit perfectly in your lifestyle. We are eager to help you on your car buying and vehicle ownership journey. Visit us today at Penz GMC of Rochester!