Exhaust from a diesel engine can be harmful to the environment and human health. So, to make the exhaust cleaner, manufacturers started adding an aftertreatment system to their trucks in 2007. This includes a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

The purpose of exhaust aftertreatment technology is to prevent harmful diesel particulates and gases from escaping into the environment. Because the exhaust from these engines creates pollution, new emissions standards were set, and the DOC and DPF are two of the tools used to meet those standards.

The DOC and DPF are filters that work together. First, the exhaust is sent to the DOC, where it is chemically altered. Then, the exhaust gases move through the DPF, which is able to trap and hold any soot and ash that remain.

In addition to inspecting your aftertreatment system on a regular basis to look for problems like leaks, it’s generally a good idea to clean your DPF filter annually.

However, if you start to notice problems like an increase in the frequency of your truck’s regeneration cycles or a decline in your engine’s performance, those are signs that your filter might be in need of a thorough cleaning.