Detailed Explanation Of Trailer Filter Classification, Each Type Has Its Own Function

To be honest, many trailer owners have a misunderstanding when replacing filters - they think that as long as a filter can be installed, it can be used, completely ignoring the type. In fact, trailer filters are not "one-size-fits-all" universal parts. According to the different filtering media, installation positions and functions, they can be divided into several types, each with its own "specific job" to meet the needs of different trailer systems.

Blindly replacing filters will not only fail to achieve the filtering effect, but also may damage related components, which is not worth the loss. Today, combining my experience in trailer maintenance, I will disassemble the main types of trailer filters and explain them in plain language to help you quickly distinguish and use them correctly, avoiding detours.

 

These 4 types of filters are the "basic guarantee" for the normal operation of the trailer. Whether it is short-distance transportation or long-distance operation, none of them can be missing. Each corresponds to different filtering needs with clear division of labor.

 

1. Air Filter: The "First Dust-Proof Barrier" of the Engine

The function of the air filter is very simple: to filter the air entering the engine's intake system. As we all know, there is a lot of dust and sand in the air, especially when working in dusty environments such as mines and construction sites. If these impurities enter the engine combustion chamber, they will directly wear the precision components such as pistons and cylinders, affect the intake efficiency, and lead to reduced engine power and increased fuel consumption.

It is equivalent to the engine's "mask" and must be kept clean at all times. According to the conventional requirements in the industry, the air filter of a heavy-duty diesel trailer should be cleaned every 6 months and replaced every 30,000 kilometers. Under working conditions with more dust, the replacement cycle should be appropriately shortened.

 

2. Fuel Filter: The "Scavenger" Protecting the Fuel System

It is inevitable that there are impurities, moisture and colloid in the diesel used by the trailer. If these substances enter the fuel injector and fuel pump, they are likely to cause blockage, and moisture will also corrode the fuel system components. Especially after the implementation of the National VI emission standard, the requirements for fuel cleanliness are higher, and the filtration accuracy of the fuel filter has been upgraded to 5 microns.

Here, I want to remind you that there are two types of fuel filters - primary filter and secondary filter, which cannot be confused. The primary filter mainly filters large particles of impurities in diesel, equivalent to a "coarse sieve"; the secondary filter is responsible for fine filtration, equivalent to a "fine sieve". The two are used together to filter the diesel thoroughly, better protect the high-pressure common rail system, and some high-end models also have a built-in water separation function, which is more practical.

 

3. Oil Filter: The "Blood Purifier" of the Engine

Engine oil is the "blood" of the engine, and the oil filter is the key to purifying this "blood". It is connected in series in the engine oil circulation system and can filter out metal debris, carbon deposits and other impurities in the engine oil, keeping the engine oil clean. It can not only extend the service life of the engine oil, but also reduce the wear of various moving parts inside the engine, avoiding component jamming and damage.

Many car owners do not know when to replace the oil filter. In fact, it is very simple - replace it synchronously with the engine oil. Under normal circumstances, it should be replaced every 10,000 kilometers or one year. During the first maintenance of a new car, the cycle can be appropriately shortened to better protect the new engine and avoid impurity accumulation.

 

4. Hydraulic Filter: The "Precision Guardian" of the Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system of the trailer, such as the hydraulic winch and lifting device, is driven by hydraulic oil, and the hydraulic filter is the core of protecting this system. It can filter impurities in the hydraulic oil, preventing these impurities from wearing precision components such as hydraulic pumps and hydraulic valves, otherwise, the hydraulic system is prone to leakage, jamming, or even failure, affecting the normal operation of the trailer.

Because the hydraulic system works under high pressure, the requirements for the hydraulic filter are relatively high. Some products adopt a multi-layer gradient filtration structure, which has higher filtration efficiency and can hold more impurities. During maintenance, remember to replace it synchronously with the hydraulic oil to ensure the stable operation of the hydraulic system.

 

 

In addition to the 4 core filters mentioned above, there are also special filters used in some special scenarios. Although they are not necessary for all trailers, they must not be used incorrectly when needed.

For example, the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) filter is mainly used to filter impurities in DEF. If impurities enter the exhaust gas treatment system, it will cause system failure, affect exhaust emissions, and even make the trailer unable to drive normally; there is also the cab air filter, which mainly filters the air entering the cab, reducing dust and odors and improving riding comfort. Especially for owners who often drive long distances, it is recommended to replace it regularly.

 

 

 

Different types of filters have different sizes, interfaces and filtration precisions. When replacing, you must strictly match your trailer model and the corresponding system requirements. Do not take shortcuts or be greedy for cheap and randomly use one that can be installed. Mixing filters will not only fail to achieve the filtering effect, but also may damage related system components. At that time, the maintenance cost will be higher, which is not worth the loss.