KINGMAN DIESEL REPAIR BLOG
The Rise in Aftertreatment Repairs and How Acting Early Can Save You Money
In recent years, the number of aftertreatment repairs on diesel trucks and trailers has noticeably increased. As emission standards have become more stringent, vehicles rely heavily on complex aftertreatment systems to reduce harmful emissions. These systems include components such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dosing units. While crucial for meeting environmental regulations, these components also require regular maintenance and timely repairs to ensure they function properly.
Why Aftertreatment Repairs Are Increasing
Tighter Emission Regulations: Modern diesel engines use advanced aftertreatment technology to meet EPA and state emission requirements. This added complexity means more parts that can wear out or fail.
More Electronic Monitoring: Vehicles are now equipped with sophisticated sensors that detect aftertreatment issues earlier, leading to increased reporting of faults.
Wear and Tear from Usage: Heavy-duty operation in tough environments accelerates the degradation of aftertreatment components, especially if maintenance isn’t kept up.
Fuel Quality and Usage: Using low-quality or improper fuel can cause buildup and damage within aftertreatment systems.
How Delaying Repairs Raises Costs
Waiting until aftertreatment problems worsen can cause extensive damage to other engine parts, leading to higher repair bills. For example:
A clogged DPF that is not addressed promptly can cause excessive backpressure, resulting in decreased engine performance and potentially damaging the turbocharger or exhaust valves.
Neglecting DEF system faults may cause the SCR catalyst to fail, which is costly to replace.
Persistent aftertreatment codes can trigger vehicle downtime, resulting in loss of income or delivery delays.
Tips to Keep Aftertreatment Repair Costs Down
Address Issues Immediately: If your dashboard signals or diagnostic tools detect an aftertreatment fault, have it inspected and repaired right away.
Regular Preventive Maintenance: Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including DPF cleaning and DEF system checks.
Monitor Fluid Levels and Quality: Keep DEF fluid at proper levels and use the correct type to prevent system failures.
Use Proper Fuel: Avoid off-spec diesel fuels that can accelerate soot buildup in filters.
Professional Diagnostics: Have expert technicians run thorough diagnostics to accurately pinpoint issues before they escalate.
Conclusion
The complexity and importance of aftertreatment system maintenance cannot be overstated. With aftertreatment repairs on the rise, the best way to avoid costly repairs and extended downtime is to act at the earliest sign of trouble. At Kingman Diesel Repair, we specialize in diesel, truck, and trailer aftertreatment system service and repair. Contact us promptly if you notice any warning signs — addressing problems early saves money and keeps your vehicle running smoothly.