This Month’s Diesel Maintenance Tip: Keeping Your Filters in Top Shape

As winter approaches, several components of diesel maintenance require careful attention. From oil changes and cooling system inspections to verifying proper lubrication, fluid levels and electrical performance, November is the ideal time to ensure your vehicle is ready for cold conditions. However, overlooking something as routine as filter maintenance can quickly escalate into costly and complex problems.

Many experienced diesel mechanics will tell you that neglecting filter replacement causes several issues, including:

• Overheating
  The restriction of airflow forces the diesel truck engine to work harder than it should. The added heat can wreak havoc on everything from valves to pistons to your turbocharger.
• Poor Performance
  If you’re noticing a lack of power and acceleration, poor throttle response or increased fuel consumption, there’s a good chance your air filter could be the culprit.
• Black Smoke
  When the filter is clogged, it’s common for the fuel mixtures to become too rich, which means there is not enough air in the combustion chamber. The result is a plume of black smoke. You are at risk of fouling your sensors and clogging your diesel particulate filter. You will also coat your turbo components with soot.
• Engine Life
  The worst-case scenario is that your engine life will not meet your original expectation. This is a result of a combination of factors that occur when the filter is clogged, including contaminated oil, worn components and carbon buildup.

Why November Matters

Studies show that as the outside air temperatures decline, particulate emissions increase exponentially. For example, a 20-degree drop in temperature can double particulate emissions. And that’s an important statistic, because between September and November, the average low temperature in various parts of the Midwest will drop as much as 24 degrees.

Best Practices
The good news? All of this is completely avoidable. Follow these tips and you’ll be in good shape as the temperature plummets.

• Locate your filter box and remove your filter.
• Give the filter a thorough inspection – inside and out.
• Use a vacuum and a cloth to clean your filter. Clean with a soft-bristle brush if the contamination is significant.
• Some filters can be cleaned with water, but check your manufacturer’s notes.
• Assuming you have been able to use soap and water, rinse with low pressure, as you don’t want to damage the filter.
• Once dry, install the filter.

Depending on the diesel truck, there will be a recommended time for when to completely replace the filter rather than clean it. Light-duty trucks might require a replacement every 30,000 to 45,000 miles, whereas a heavy-duty truck might go 15,000 to 25,000 miles before needing a filter replacement.

Regardless of what kind of truck you’re driving, you can trust Gray Diesel & Equipment Services to keep your maintenance schedule on the right track. Let us take a look at your truck in November to ensure you’re ready for the winter weather.