When it comes to routine maintenance on your trucks, eventually you’ll need DPF cleaning. This is an important part of any good maintenance plan in Texas, and it’s something you should not neglect or try to bypass. Let’s take a look at a DPF filter and discover why it’s important to keep it clean.
Defining DPF
A diesel particulate filter is part of your engine’s emission control system. This filter traps particles including hydrocarbons and occasionally burns them off. The deposits would normally discharge with the engine exhaust, but the filter changes them to carbon dioxide before sending them out of the exhaust system.
Clogging Filters
Three factors affect DPF cleaning requirements. They are as follows:
- Fuel – the lower quality fuel you use, the more particles are formed.
- Engine oil – cheap engine oil can affect filter performance over time.
- Driving – if you do a lot of “stop and go” driving in Texas, your filter may clog sooner than with over the road driving.
These three factors cause your engine to generate more particles and hydrocarbons during the fuel burning process. In fact, when you create more particles than the filter can handle, it gradually builds up and leads to clogging.
Why You Need DPF Cleaning in Texas
A clogged filter can affect engine performance. In fact, your truck may seem sluggish, and eventually, you’ll see a “check engine” light. It can even cause the motor to go into limp mode. If you wait too long, the filter may not function even if it’s cleaned and you could be looking at a replacement, which is expensive. The best strategy for maintenance is to have the filter professionally cleaned according to the engine manufacturer’s specifications (by a trained technician). This ensures that your truck will perform well and give you the best service and fuel economy.
