There are a lot of articles online about DPF (diesel particulate filter) cleaning that provide misleading information. Unfortunately many people new to the trucking industry take these articles to heart and assume they are correct.
The reality is that DPF cleaning for trucks in Texas or across the country is really a very low-cost way to maintain their filters. With routine maintenance, the need to replace the filter, which is the costly option, can be minimized and only a simple cleaning process is all that is needed.
As a trucker, knowing when the DPF cleaning and planning accordingly is always the best option. In general and for trucks that are a 2007 model or newer it will be important to plan for cleaning at least every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. This will vary based on the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific filter installed. For those in Canada or Mexico, it will be about every 400,000 km for truckers using the metric system or about every 6000 hours of engine use.
Ignoring the Warnings
Most trucks will provide indicator lights that tell you when DPF cleaning is required. This typically starts with a flashing indicator, then a solid indicator and then a red indicator light. Failure to heed these warnings can result in the need to completely replace the filter or, in worse case scenario, other costly components.
Too many times truckers try to push the system beyond the limits. This can be a disaster and cause increased downtime and add to the expense of replacing the filter. If possible, and if the advanced early warning has been missed, stopping to complete an active regeneration will be a good option. Driving beyond the flashing indicators can lead to a system failure and truck that is shut down on the side of the road.
Downtime Issues
When cleaned on a schedule most trucks will only experience an hour to an hour and a half of downtime for the process. This includes removing the DPF, placing it in the cleaning machine and running the process. Replacing the filter is also included and typically just takes a few minutes.
By planning for the time to have the DPF cleaned, you can avoid additional downtime and the expense of replacing the filter. It will also help to keep fuel use rates low and boost fuel efficiency, which will help to save money over the long run.
