Hi, my name is Angela, and as the wife of a mechanic, I was constantly tripping over car parts and complaining about the rows of project cars lining our garden. However, after a few years, I quit complaining and actually found joy in the art of auto repair. Inspired by that classic book, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", I decided to start working on cars with my husband. This blog is the culmination of everything I have learned and more. I hope you enjoy reading it and that my tips and ideas guide you toward a healthier car and a happier, safer driving experience.
The incomplete combustion of fuel in diesel truck engines is responsible for the production of soot as a waste product. Because soot is an air pollutant, diesel trucks are fitted with particulate filters whose main function is to trap soot from the engine, thereby preventing its absorption into the atmosphere.
In order for diesel particulate filters to perform the said function effectively, truck owners/operators need to understand what it takes to care for diesel particulate filters, thereby prolonging their lifespan. Here are two essential tips.
Fuel Injectors And Air Filters
Ensuring that the fuel injectors in a diesel truck are repaired and/or replaced as soon as they become defective will prolong the life of diesel particulate filters. Worn out fuel injectors are known to increase the fuel consumption of diesel trucks.
This increased consumption easily translates into the production of more soot, which forces the particulate filters to work harder so as to absorb most (if not all) of the soot produced.
Truck owners/operators should also pay close attention to the condition of the air filters in the truck engine. If dirt is left to accumulate on air filters, the amount of air getting into the engine will be significantly lower than what is required for fuel combustion. Inadequate air supply into the combustion chamber of the truck engine encourages the incomplete combustion of fuel. Such a situation is disastrous for the particulate filters.
Lube Oil Consumption
The rate at which a diesel truck engine uses up its lubricating oil can affect the condition and functioning of diesel particulate filters. This is because lubricating oils often contain compounds that end up being collected on the particulate filters. As such, diesel truck engines that use up lubricating oil at a faster rate than that specified by the engine manufacturer put a great degree of strain on diesel particulate filters.
Excessive consumption of lube oil is often an indication of an underlying engine problem which needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
Also, manufacturers of particulate filters often specify the type of lubricating oil, alternative diesel fuels and fuel additives to be used on truck engines fitted with their products. Truck drivers/operators should refrain from going against the provisions of the mentioned specifications.
In conclusion, truck owners/operators should have it in mind that they can find themselves being charged for air pollution if they choose to drive around with less-than-perfect diesel particulate filters.
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