06/07/2026
Summer heat and heavy loads will expose every maintenance shortcut from the past 12 months.
Before the busy season starts, here are five systems worth having a diesel specialist look at:
1. Cooling system — coolant level, hose condition, and thermostat operation. Diesel engines run hot. In +30 degrees with a load, a cooling system that is marginal in spring becomes a problem by July.
2. Fuel system — filter condition and lift pump pressure. Fuel quality in summer can vary. Contaminated or degraded fuel is a common cause of power loss under load.
3. Turbocharger — boost lag or smoke at idle often signals early wear. Catching it before summer means catching it before a field or a haul.
4. Brake system — brake fade under sustained load is directly affected by pad and line condition. This matters on loaded trailers and downgrades.
5. Battery and electrical — heat accelerates battery degradation. A battery that started reliably in March may not get the job done in August.
If any of this is overdue, call before the season gets busy.
Fast Farm Garage, Okotoks. Call 403-938-6556. Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
