How Truck Drivers Can Increase DPF Regeneration Intervals

Truck drivers can take several steps to reduce the frequency at which they have to stop and allow their trucks to regenerate the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system once a warning light comes on alerting them to that need. This article discusses some of those helpful measures to ensure your truck remains roadworthy.

Reduce Idling Times

One way to prolong the interval between regeneration sessions is by keeping truck idling to a minimum. Idling the truck generates emissions which cannot be processed by the DPF system since the engine isn't working at high enough levels to provide the heat needed to burn those emissions. Reducing idling times therefore reduces the likelihood that there will be a backlog of emissions to be dealt with during a regeneration session.

Report Fluid Reductions

Truck drivers are always encouraged to check the level of various fluids, such as engine oil and coolant, as frequently as they can. The drivers can then top up those fluids each time they find that they are lower than they should be. However, it is important to ask your drivers to notify the maintenance crew each time they find low fluid levels. This is because reduced engine oil and other fluids may signify that those liquids are finding their way into the combustion chamber of the engine if an external leak cannot be found. The concentration of contaminants going to the DPF is likely to be higher as a result of the incomplete combustion of those vehicle fluids. That additional load ends up making it necessary to stop the vehicle so that a regeneration can occur. Reporting fluid level drops helps to fix the internal leak so that fewer pollutants end up in the emissions treatment system.

Plan Routes Better

Stop and go traffic conditions also increase the load of pollutants which has to be treated by the DPF system. Highway speeds allow pollutants to be dealt with while the truck is travelling. Stop and go traffic makes it hard for the system to handle that load of emissions effectively. Consequently, a warning light will come on and compel the driver to stop for a regeneration session. Drivers should do everything in their power to select travel routes and times which minimise the duration spent in slow moving traffic so that regeneration warning lights don't come on frequently.

Work with mechanical repairs professionals to develop simple guides which drivers can follow to do what they can to preserve the DPF system.