A DPF, or diesel particulate filter, is designed to filter the engine exhaust from a diesel truck. This exhaust can be very toxic and as such, regulations have been put in place to prevent vehicles from releasing the exhaust unfiltered.
A new or properly cleaned DPF will filter out engine soot which can be made up of metal pieces, nitrogen oxide, and other dangerous chemicals. The size of these particles can reach as small as 10 nm to 1 µm. With the DPF filter the harmful soot compounds in the exhaust gases can be brought down to 0.1% of unfiltered levels.
DPF filters are designed to be reused rather than just replaced during scheduled maintenance. They can usually be cleaned and reinstalled a number of times before they need to be replaced. When you should have your DPF filter changed or professionally cleaned will depend in large part on your truck and how it is used.
DPF filters are cleaned through “regeneration” during the normal operation of your truck. This process allows the built-up soot to be safely burnt off allowing the filter space to trap more soot. Regeneration isn’t 100% perfect though and eventually you will probably have to bring your truck in for a full DPF cleaning.
If your truck’s DPF warning light has begun flashing, and especially if your check engine light is on as well, you should consider bringing your truck to Continental Truck Service. Our experienced technicians can quickly check your DPF to see if it needs a cleaning or if there is any other damage.
