Avoid unexpected engine derates and shutdowns. Learn how to monitor your emissions system to predict faults, ensuring you can complete your route safely and on time.
Emissions faults can bring your trip to a halt. A predictive system warns you in advance, so you can plan a service stop instead of facing a derate.
An Emissions Fault Forecast uses real-time data from your vehicle's telematics and emissions systems to predict when a fault, like a clogged DPF or a failing DEF injector, is likely to occur. This gives you and your dispatcher the time to plan a service visit before the fault leads to an engine derate or shutdown.
You are the first line of defense against these issues. Knowing what to look for on your dashboard and how that data is used can help you stay compliant and avoid being stranded. This system works by monitoring key metrics from your vehicle’s on-board computers, which are part of a larger telematics alerts system. By understanding how these signals are used, you can provide valuable feedback to your maintenance team to help prevent a major issue.
| Problem | Cause | How Prediction Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Derate / Shutdown | Clogged DPF, low DEF, failed sensor | Warns before a derate is triggered |
| DPF Clogging | Short trips, cold idle, failed regeneration | Flags DPF pressure before it gets critical |
| DEF System Issues | Contamination, crystallization, or low levels | Alerts on DEF quality and usage rates |
| Failed Emissions Test | Sensor faults or component failure | Forecasts a potential test failure in advance |
Your vehicle's dash is the first place you'll see a warning. A predictive system connects these dash lights to a larger database for a more accurate forecast.
Your proactive behavior behind the wheel is a critical part of a successful emissions fault forecast program. By working with the system, you can help prevent unexpected problems.
A predictive system provides your maintenance team with the data they need to act, but your feedback and attention to your vehicle's behavior are priceless. Knowing how your AI anomaly detection system works helps you understand the alerts you receive. Providing accurate pre-trip and post-trip inspection feedback about warning lights or unusual performance is crucial. By working together with your maintenance team and the predictive system, you ensure a safe and reliable vehicle.
Reduction in emergency roadside services due to derates
Increase in successful DPF regenerations
Decrease in time spent on unplanned emissions repairs
Proactive control over your vehicle's performance
The system can warn you before a dash light appears, but it's still crucial to report any warning lights you see. This provides the system with valuable data for future predictions.
If the system or a dash light indicates a DPF regeneration is needed, perform it as soon as possible and in a safe location. This prevents a derate and keeps your vehicle healthy.
If you notice your vehicle is running unusually hot or seems sluggish, even without a dash light, report it immediately. Your observations are critical for the predictive system.
Understanding what to avoid will help you get the most out of your emissions fault forecast system and keep you on the road.
Even if you're close to a delivery, ignoring a DPF light can lead to a costly engine derate or shutdown. Always prioritize the warning.
Always use a reliable, sealed source for DEF. Contaminated fluid can cause a system failure, and the predictive system will flag it as a fault.
Some systems will guide you to a good location for a regeneration. Following these alerts will help you avoid being stuck in a bad spot.
A predictive system is designed to catch subtle issues you might miss. It can detect minor increases in exhaust backpressure that indicate a filter is starting to clog, giving you a head start.
By working with an emissions fault forecast system, you're not just preventing a breakdown—you're making your job easier, safer, and more reliable.
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| Old Way: Mid-route, a DPF light comes on. You ignore it to make a delivery. | The vehicle derates. You are stranded on the side of the road and face a late delivery and a tow bill. |
| New Way: Your predictive app alerts you a DPF fault is likely to occur in 200 miles. | You finish your route and schedule a service visit. The issue is fixed during a planned stop, and you never face a derate. |
Key questions for drivers about staying on the road with predictive maintenance.
A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a filter in your exhaust system that traps soot from your engine. It's a critical component for emissions compliance. When it gets full, it needs to be "regenerated" (cleaned out). If you don't perform a regen, the engine will derate to protect itself and the emissions system, leaving you with limited power.
A predictive system is designed to provide an early warning. It analyzes subtle changes in performance that occur before a fault code is officially logged. This gives you and your team a head start to schedule a service visit, preventing an unplanned, inconvenient, and potentially dangerous breakdown on the road.
DEF stands for Diesel Exhaust Fluid. It's a key part of your vehicle's emissions system that turns harmful pollutants into harmless nitrogen and water. If your DEF tank is empty, or if the fluid is contaminated, the engine will derate or shut down completely to force you to address the issue. The predictive system will alert you to low levels or quality issues well in advance.
The emissions fault forecast is specifically for your vehicle's emissions system. However, many predictive maintenance platforms are holistic and can monitor other systems as well. For example, a similar system can be used to monitor your hydraulic system, providing alerts for low fluid pressure or high temperatures to prevent a hydraulic failure.
Complement your emissions program with these essential resources.
Create models to forecast when a component is likely to fail.
View ModelsA guide to setting up and training your AI for predictive maintenance.
Learn MoreAutomate maintenance workflows based on real-time asset conditions.
View GuideComprehensive maintenance strategies for complete fleet care
Stop worrying about unexpected derates and shutdowns. By understanding and working with an emissions fault forecast system, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly, complete your routes on time, and make your job safer and more predictable.
Avoid being stranded with a derated engine
Address issues on your schedule, not an emergency
Know your vehicle is always in top condition