Diesel vehicles are not a niche in Middle Georgia. They are everywhere. The region’s agricultural backbone runs on diesel tractors, haulers, and utility trucks. The logistics corridor along Interstate 75 brings constant semi-truck traffic through Macon, and breakdowns on the interstate need fast response from mechanics who know diesel systems. Robins Air Force Base generates demand for diesel-powered military support vehicles and the personal diesel trucks that military families drive. Rural property owners across the eleven counties rely on diesel pickups for towing, land management, and hauling. The combination of all this diesel activity means Middle Georgia supports a meaningful concentration of diesel mechanics, from heavy-duty commercial truck shops to general repair operations that handle light-duty diesel pickups. The distinction matters. A shop that works on Cummins and Duramax pickups may not have the certifications or equipment for Class 8 commercial trucks, and a heavy-duty shop set up for semis may not want to work on a Ford F-250. Diesel diagnostics require specialized scan tools, and modern diesel emissions systems including DPF filters, DEF systems, and EGR valves add complexity that general gas-engine shops are not equipped to handle. Finding the right diesel mechanic starts with knowing what kind of vehicle you are bringing in. The five shops below are verified through their own business websites and currently active.
1. Hendricks Diesel Repair — Macon
Hendricks Diesel Repair has been serving Middle Georgia since 1981, making it the longest-running dedicated diesel shop in the region with over 40 years of continuous operation. They specialize exclusively in commercial diesel truck repair and do not handle gasoline vehicles, which means their entire operation, from diagnostic equipment to parts inventory to technician training, is focused on diesel. Services include oil changes, transmission repair, clutch replacement, brake service, aftertreatment system repair (DPF, DEF, SCR), radiator service, and computer diagnostics for heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Their location on Guy Paine Road in Macon provides access from both I-75 and I-16 for commercial trucks that cannot easily navigate residential streets or small shop parking lots. The facility is set up for large vehicles with adequate bay space and heavy-duty lifts. For fleet operators and owner-operators running commercial diesel trucks through Middle Georgia, Hendricks is the specialist with the deepest experience.
Services: Heavy-duty diesel engine repair, transmission repair, clutch replacement, brake service, aftertreatment system repair (DPF, DEF, SCR), radiator service, computer diagnostics, oil changes, preventive maintenance, roadside service (limited).
Address: 895 Guy Paine Rd, Macon, GA 31206
Phone: (478) 788-8460
Website: https://hendricksdiesel.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
2. Dub’s Big Rig Rehab — Macon
Dub’s Big Rig Rehab is owned and operated by Roy Pelt, who built the business eight years ago after acquiring certifications from Cummins, Eaton Fuller, Wabco, Bendix, Stemco, Meritor, and PPG through his work at LJL Truck Center and Gilberts Truck Center. The shop runs a team of eight diesel mechanics and offers both in-shop repair and 24/7 mobile roadside service within 100 miles of Macon. That mobile capability is critical for commercial operators because a semi-truck breakdown on I-75 at 2 AM requires a mechanic who can come to the vehicle, not a shop that opens at 8 AM. Dub’s handles engine diagnostics and repair, fuel system work, brake service, suspension, electrical systems, and body work for medium and heavy-duty trucks. Their Google reviews consistently earn five-star ratings for fast response times, fair pricing, and repairs done right the first time. For owner-operators and fleet managers who need a shop that understands the financial urgency of getting trucks back on the road, Dub’s operates with that mindset.
Services: Heavy-duty truck repair, diesel engine diagnostics and repair, fuel system repair, brake service, suspension repair, electrical diagnostics, body work, 24/7 mobile roadside service, battery service, tire service, DOT inspection preparation.
Address: Macon, GA (shop and mobile service)
Phone: (478) 250-4885
Website: https://dubsbigrigrehab.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM, 24/7 mobile service
3. Sheffield Automotive Repair — Macon
Sheffield Automotive Repair fills the gap between the heavy-duty commercial diesel shops and the general gas-engine shops that refuse diesel work. Owner Chuck Sheffield has operated the Macon shop since 1996, and the operation includes light and medium-duty diesel truck repair alongside their full gasoline vehicle service. This means they handle the Ford Power Stroke, Chevy Duramax, and Ram Cummins diesel pickups that make up the majority of personal diesel vehicles in the region. They also offer fleet maintenance contracts for businesses running mixed fleets of gas and diesel vehicles, which eliminates the need to split work between two shops. Sheffield’s diagnostic equipment covers both gas and diesel systems, and their technicians are trained across both platforms. For the diesel pickup owner who wants a local independent shop rather than a dealership, Sheffield provides the combination of diesel competence and general automotive capability.
Services: Light and medium diesel truck repair, diesel diagnostics, engine repair, transmission service, brake repair, electrical diagnostics, A/C service, fleet maintenance contracts, oil changes, general automotive repair.
Address: 4662 Forsyth Rd, Macon, GA 31210
Phone: (478) 474-8761
Website: https://www.sheffieldautomacon.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5:30PM
4. Macon Mobile Truck Repair — Macon
Macon Mobile Truck Repair provides 24-hour mobile diesel repair service throughout the Macon area and surrounding Middle Georgia. Their dispatchers and technicians are available around the clock, and they maintain a large parts supplier network to minimize wait times for common repair parts. The service covers diesel engine problems including fuel delivery issues like bad injectors or clogged fuel filters, leaking seals and gaskets, cooling system failures, starting and charging system malfunctions, air brake service, suspension repair, and trailer repair. The mobile-only model means no shop overhead, which translates to competitive pricing for roadside service. Their technician team is experienced with all major diesel engine brands and truck configurations. For trucking companies, fleet managers, and owner-operators who cannot afford to tow a disabled truck to a shop and wait in line, mobile repair at the breakdown location eliminates towing costs and reduces total downtime significantly.
Services: 24/7 mobile diesel repair, diesel engine diagnostics, fuel system repair (injectors, filters, pumps), cooling system repair, air brake service, suspension repair, trailer repair, starting and charging systems, electrical diagnostics, roadside assistance.
Address: Mobile service based in Macon, GA
Phone: (478) 500-4069
Website: https://www.mobiletruckrepairmacon.com
Hours: 24/7
5. Pro Automotive — Warner Robins
Pro Automotive in Warner Robins earns a spot on this list for their ability to handle diesel pickup trucks alongside their broader general repair operation. While they are not a dedicated diesel shop, their technician team services Duramax, Power Stroke, and Cummins-equipped pickups for the maintenance and moderate repair work that diesel pickup owners need most often. Oil changes with diesel-rated oil, fuel filter replacement, glow plug service, cooling system maintenance, and diagnostics are all within their capability. For the diesel pickup owner who lives in Warner Robins or Houston County and needs routine maintenance or diagnosis of a check engine light, Pro Automotive provides a local option without the drive to a Macon-based diesel specialist. Their status as a licensed Georgia State Inspection Station also makes them convenient for diesel trucks that need inspection. For complex internal engine work or heavy-duty commercial truck repair, they will refer to a specialist, but for the day-to-day needs of a diesel pickup, they deliver.
Services: Diesel pickup maintenance, oil changes (diesel-rated), fuel filter service, engine diagnostics, brake service, transmission service, A/C repair, Georgia state inspection, general auto repair.
Address: 1907 Watson Blvd, Warner Robins, GA 31093
Phone: (478) 923-5591
Website: https://www.proautomotivewr.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5:30PM
FAQ
What is the difference between a diesel mechanic and a regular mechanic?
Diesel engines operate on a fundamentally different combustion process than gasoline engines, using compression ignition rather than spark ignition. This means different fuel systems (high-pressure common rail injection), different emission controls (DPF, DEF, SCR, EGR), different engine management software, and different diagnostic tools. A diesel mechanic has training and equipment specific to these systems. Modern diesel trucks also have complex turbocharger systems that require specialized knowledge. A general mechanic may be able to change oil and replace brakes on a diesel truck, but diagnosing a fuel injection problem, regenerating a DPF filter, or troubleshooting a DEF system fault code requires diesel-specific expertise and scan tools. Always confirm that a shop has diesel experience and the correct diagnostic equipment before authorizing work on a diesel vehicle.
How much does diesel truck repair cost in Middle Georgia?
Costs depend on the vehicle class and the specific repair. For diesel pickups (Ford F-250/350, Chevy 2500/3500, Ram 2500/3500), a standard oil change with diesel-rated oil runs $80 to $150 due to larger oil capacity and the higher cost of diesel-rated oil. Fuel filter replacement runs $100 to $250. Glow plug replacement costs $200 to $500. Injector replacement is the big one at $300 to $600 per injector, and most diesel engines have six to eight injectors. Turbocharger replacement runs $1,500 to $3,500 including labor. DPF cleaning costs $300 to $600, while DPF replacement runs $2,000 to $4,000. For heavy-duty commercial trucks, prices scale upward significantly due to larger components and longer labor times. Mobile roadside service typically adds a dispatch fee of $100 to $300 depending on time of day and distance, but that fee is often offset by the avoided towing cost.
How often should I service my diesel truck in Middle Georgia?
Diesel trucks in Middle Georgia’s hot, dusty conditions should follow the severe-duty maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles using the correct diesel-rated oil (typically CK-4 or FA-4 rated). Fuel filter replacement every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, though dusty rural driving may shorten this interval. Coolant system inspection annually, with coolant replacement every 100,000 miles or per manufacturer specification. Air filter inspection every oil change, with replacement when visibly restricted. DEF fluid should be topped off regularly, and most trucks will alert the driver when levels are low. DPF regeneration happens automatically during highway driving, but trucks used primarily for short trips or stop-and-go driving may need forced regeneration at a shop every 100,000 to 200,000 miles. Transmission fluid service every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for trucks used for towing. Keep a maintenance log with dates, mileage, and service performed. Diesel engines that are properly maintained routinely exceed 300,000 miles.