Why Should You Keep a Close Eye on Your Diesel Particulate Filter?
If you drive a diesel truck, then it will be fitted with a particulate filter in accordance with strict environmental laws. If you have only recently swapped over to this type of vehicle, then you may not be too familiar with this component, how it may work and what you should do if it doesn't. How can you get yourself up to speed with this part?
Types of Filter
There are many different types of diesel particulate filter (DPF), and some of them are more effective than others. In all cases, however, this component is placed within the exhaust system and is designed to capture soot and ash particles as they come out of the engine. These particles will become trapped within the filter and will not be allowed to escape to the outside air, but over time, the filter will become clogged, and there is a mechanism to deal with this in place.
Automatic Regeneration
Your truck may be fitted with an electronic sensor that will monitor the condition of the filter and will take action when it becomes clogged. It will activate a heating mechanism that will literally burn these particles at a very high temperature in a process known as regeneration. Some models are not fitted with an automatic sensor like this but may rely on engine speed to create the required heat instead. The regeneration process, in this case, will only be activated when the vehicle is being driven at a certain speed and typically along a motorway. This can be problematic for those who only drive their trucks around a city centre as part of a delivery service, for example, as the engine may never reach the required speed to enable regeneration to take place.
Repercussions
If your filter becomes clogged in this situation or if the automatic function fails for some reason, then you will notice issues with performance. The engine will feel sluggish, you may use more fuel and you may certainly fail an emissions test.
Repair Options
A mechanic will have several options when it comes to repair. They could remove the filter and place it into a chemical bath, where it is subject to ultrasonic cleaning. They could put it into a kiln where it would be heated up to a very high temperature in order to replicate the regeneration process. Alternatively, they could flush the filter through with specialist fluid, and this process is designed to be more precise.
Taking Action
Don't delay if you suspect problems with your DPF, but take the vehicle into a truck repair service now.
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