Avoid the Surprise: Preventative DPF Maintenance Can Save Thousands

Most truck owners and operators know the role that routine maintenance plays in keeping their truck or fleet running and the revenues rolling in. This doesn’t stop at servicing the vehicle’s engine and transmission, or checking the filters, tires, and brakes.

When it comes to DPF maintenance, the values and benefits of routine care and cleaning can often be overlooked. Its need for care or repair can come as a costly surprise.

In fact, some only learn about the DPF once the warning light flashes or performance lags. This is when proactive attention can help avoid reactive service.

Commonly referred to as the DPF, this device helps remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust of a diesel engine in commercial vehicles and trucks.

Regularly inspecting and cleaning the DPF drives home numerous time- and cost-saving benefits. Including improved engine performance and enhanced fuel economy. It also can help avoid wear on other parts and components, including the turbo, sensors, and the engine itself.

If ignored, a neglected DPF can cause thousands of dollars in long-term damage, meaning days off the road and money lost. That time in the shop can be costly. For example, replacing a damaged selective catalytic reduction system can cost $4,000 or more. And the potential damage inflicted on the engine can cost far more.

Ascendance technicians are trained to perform the computer and visual inspections and cleaning. Signs of excessive soot accumulation or restricted airflow may indicate the need for DPF cleaning. However, inspections can only go so far, and technicians can only see some of the soot load. Additionally, the truck’s electronic control module doesn’t store a record of the last service. DPF maintenance history should be located in the owner’s records or with the service provider. So, it’s important to stay atop the routine maintenance schedule. Manufacturers recommend DPF cleaning ranging between 100,000 to 300,000 miles or 3,000 to 6,000 operating hours.

Depending on the vehicle model and engine, a DPF inspection and cleaning should take four to five hours and cost about $400. Need additional preventative care for your vehicle? Ascendance has you covered. A DPF cleaning can be performed at the same time as other preventative maintenance, increasing your uptime.

If you suspect your truck might be due for a DPF inspection or cleaning, reach out to your local Ascendance Truck Centers branch. Our technicians use the industry-leading FSX Complete DPF Cleaning System Package with all the equipment needed to service diesel particulate filters. At Ascendance, we go that extra mile, boosting your uptime through free pickup and delivery of your truck and/or DPF’s at no charge. Contact your local Ascendance branch for availability. Save thousands through being proactive instead of reactive. Schedule your next DPF cleaning at an Ascendance branch near you.