Tips, guides & troubleshooting
Straight talk on keeping diesel trucks running — from the crew at Modern Diesel.
May 11, 2026
Diesel Truck Blowing Black Smoke When Accelerating in Austin Texas? Here's What Could Be Causing It
Excessive black smoke when accelerating usually points to a diesel fuel or air system problem. Learn the common causes and why to fix it early.
Read article →April 9, 2026
Diesel Truck Won’t Start but Battery Is Good? Here’s What It Could Be in Austin Texas
If your diesel truck won’t start but the battery is good in Austin, the cause is likely in the fuel, glow plug, starter, injector, or electrical systems.
Read article →October 10, 2025
How to Diagnose and Repair Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Sensor Errors in Texas
How to diagnose and repair diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) sensor errors in Texas: read fault codes, check fluid, inspect wiring, and test or replace sensors.
Read article →July 28, 2025
Heavy-Duty Diesel Maintenance: What Every Truck Owner Should Know
Learn how to keep your heavy-duty diesel truck running strong with expert maintenance tips from Modern Diesel in Austin, TX.
Read article →June 26, 2025
Your Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Repair Guide – Straight from Austin, TX
What heavy-duty diesel engine repair involves, common failure points like injectors and turbochargers, and when to bring your truck in for service.
Read article →May 18, 2025
DPF Regeneration Demystified: Solutions for Diesel Truck Owners
A clear guide to DPF regeneration for diesel truck owners: passive, active, and forced regeneration, common problems, and maintenance tips to avoid a clogged filter.
Read article →March 27, 2025
Keeping Your Diesel Rolling Straight: Alignment and Repair Tips from Austin
Alignment tips for Austin diesel trucks: the warning signs of misalignment, front-end repairs, and how often to have your rig checked out.
Read article →February 19, 2025
Turbocharger Repair for Diesel Engines: What You Need to Know
Learn the common signs of diesel turbocharger failure, when to repair versus replace, the repair process, and maintenance tips to extend turbo life.
Read article →January 15, 2025
DPF Filter Maintenance: How to Spot Issues and Replace It Effectively
Learn what a diesel particulate filter does, how to spot a clogged DPF, ways to maintain it, and what the DPF replacement process involves.
Read article →December 6, 2024
The Science Behind Diesel Engines: Why They're Built for Durability
Why diesel engines are built for durability: compression ignition, heavier components, lower RPM operation, and maintenance tips to extend engine life.
Read article →November 4, 2024
Top Diesel Trucks for Towing in 2024: Guide to Power, Performance, and Practicality
A comparison of the best 2024 diesel trucks for towing — Ford F-350, Silverado 3500HD, RAM 3500, Sierra 3500HD, and Titan XD — with specs and features.
Read article →October 4, 2024
The Key to a Long-Lasting Diesel Engine: Why Diesel Fuel Quality Matters
Fuel quality can make or break a diesel engine. Learn about contaminants, additives, sulfur, proper storage, and how to protect your engine long term.
Read article →September 10, 2024
Keeping Diesel Fuel Clean: Best Practices for Preventing Contamination
Best practices for preventing diesel fuel contamination, including quality fuel, filtration, water separators, proper storage, and regular maintenance.
Read article →August 6, 2024
How to Choose the Right Diesel Fuel Additives
A friendly guide to diesel fuel additives: what they are, why they matter, and how to pick the right one for fuel efficiency, engine cleanliness, and protection.
Read article →April 8, 2024
Driving the Future: Diesel's Power in Commercial Transportation
How diesel engines power commercial transportation, from efficiency and economic impact to cleaner emissions technology and proper maintenance.
Read article →March 5, 2024
Boosting Performance & Efficiency: The Real Deal on Diesel Fuel Additives
What diesel fuel additives actually do — cetane boosters, anti-gel additives, detergents, and lubricants — and how to choose the right one for your truck.
Read article →December 8, 2023
Clearing the Air: Demystifying Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
Understand what a diesel particulate filter is, why it matters, how regeneration works, warning signs of a clogged DPF, and how to maintain it.
Read article →September 11, 2023
The Secrets Behind Diesel Engines' Remarkable Longevity: Unveiling the Diesel Durability
Why diesel engines last so long: stronger components, efficient compression ignition, lower RPMs, cooler operation, and fuel's natural lubrication.
Read article →August 3, 2023
Maximizing Every Drop: A Comprehensive Guide to Improving Diesel Fuel Efficiency
Practical ways to improve diesel fuel efficiency, from regular maintenance and tire pressure to driving habits, engine tuning, and reduced idle time.
Read article →May 23, 2023
The Future of Diesel and Signs Your Truck Might Need Transmission Repair: An Insight From Modern Diesel
How diesel engines are evolving with better efficiency and cleaner fuels, plus five signs a diesel truck's transmission may need repair.
Read article →April 21, 2023
Everything You Need to Know About EGR Coolers for Your Diesel Engine
Learn what an EGR cooler does, why it matters for lowering diesel engine emissions, common failure causes, and when to have yours checked out.
Read article →March 27, 2023
Time for a Checkup: Recognizing the Signs Your Diesel Truck Needs Transmission Repair
Warning signs a diesel truck needs transmission repair, from hard shifting and slipping gears to fluid leaks, strange noises, and burning smells.
Read article →February 13, 2023
Future Proofing our Services by staying on top of Developements at Modern Diesel
A look at Cummins' new hydrogen engine prototypes and the hurdles they face, from limited refueling infrastructure to higher costs versus diesel.
Read article →January 27, 2023
Revolutionizing the Diesel Industry: The New Hydrogen Engine from Aquarius Engines
Aquarius Engines has developed a hydrogen combustion engine that injects hydrogen into the air intake, promising lower emissions than traditional diesel.
Read article →December 21, 2022
Soot buildup in diesel engines is a common problem
How soot forms in diesel engines and how to prevent and remove buildup with quality fuel, additives, correct temperatures, and regular maintenance.
Read article →December 1, 2022
When To Schedule a Diesel Mechanic for Your Truck
How often to schedule diesel truck maintenance — about every five to six months — plus simple oil and tire checks to do between mechanic visits.
Read article →November 20, 2022
How to Make your Diesel Fuel Last Longer in Winter
Cold weather thins winter diesel blends and drags down mileage — practical tips to make your diesel fuel last longer through the winter months.
Read article →September 20, 2022
Qualities of a good fleet maintenance Provider
Key qualities to look for in a fleet maintenance provider, including professionalism, on-site preventative maintenance, and years of experience.
Read article →August 10, 2022
4 Reasons Why Changing your Diesel Truck Oil is Important
Four reasons regular oil changes matter for diesel trucks: preventing mechanical problems, extending engine life, smoother operation, and better mileage.
Read article →July 17, 2022
Soot Buildup in Diesel Engines
How soot overload on EGR valves, turbos, VGTs, and DOC filters causes diesel check engine problems, and how additives and quality oil help prevent it.
Read article →June 1, 2022
Cummins Paves the Way with Hydrogen Engine of The Future
Cummins unveiled a hydrogen-powered 15-litre engine on its new fuel-agnostic platform, aiming for 2027 production to cut heavy-truck emissions.
Read article →March 28, 2022
Diesel Truck: Best Hacks and Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Year-round safety tips for diesel truck drivers, with summer and winter maintenance advice for cooling systems, tires, fluids, and batteries.
Read article →March 6, 2022
Hybrid Engines? Let's talk about the future of Diesel.
Cummins has announced a fuel-agnostic internal combustion engine platform designed to run on diesel, natural gas, or hydrogen configurations.
Read article →February 23, 2022
7 Issues Indicating Your Diesel Truck Engine Needs Repair
Seven common warning signs that your diesel truck engine needs repair, from rising fuel consumption and knocking to smoke, hard starts, and overheating.
Read article →November 23, 2019
5 Diesel Truck Essentials to Drive With
Five essentials to check before driving your truck: a spare tire, fire extinguisher, sound windscreens, working dashboard gauges, and intact side mirrors.
Read article →