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🔧 HOT TIPS #01: How to Service Your Diesel Filters for Maximum 4×4 Performance – NEW
- Posted June 2, 2025
- in Maintenance & How-To
HOT TIPS: how to service your diesel filters for peak 4x4 performance
Whether you’re hitting the tracks, towing, or just clocking up daily kilometres, keeping your diesel engine protected is crucial. At the core of that protection is your filter setup — pre-filter, post-filter, and the ProVent catch can. These components defend your engine against contaminants like water, fine particles, and oil vapour that can reduce performance or cause damage over time.
This guide explains how each of these filters works, when to service them, and what products to use to ensure your 4×4 stays in top condition no matter where the road (or lack of it) takes you.
PRE-FILTERS
WHAT IS IT?
A pre-filter is installed before your vehicle’s factory fuel filter. It’s designed to remove water and coarse contaminants from your diesel before it gets a chance to do damage.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Even tiny amounts of water in diesel fuel can lead to rust, injector damage, and poor engine performance. A pre-filter protects your engine from the inside out.
WHEN TO SERVICE:
Drain water every 5,000–10,000 km (or when your water sensor activates).
Replace the filter every 40,000 km (or sooner in harsh conditions).
đź’ˇPRO TIP: If you’re planning a long off-road trip, carry a spare pre-filter element — it could save you from a breakdown in the bush.
Post-FILTERS
WHAT IS IT?
A post-filter is fitted after your factory filter to provide ultra-fine filtration down to 5 microns, catching any remaining particles before they hit your injectors.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Modern common-rail diesel injectors are extremely sensitive to contamination. Even the smallest particle can affect performance or lead to expensive damage.
WHEN TO SERVICE:
Replace the post-filter element every 40,000 km.
💡PRO TIP: If you’ve noticed a drop in power or increased fuel consumption, a clogged post-filter could be the cause.
Provent catch cans
WHAT IS IT?
The ProVent Catch Can system filters oil vapour and blow-by gases from the crankcase before they re-enter your intake. It keeps your EGR, turbo and intake system clean — improving efficiency and reducing emissions.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Over time, unfiltered blow-by gases create carbon build-up inside your engine, which can restrict airflow, lower performance, and increase servicing costs.
WHEN TO SERVICE:
Drain oil every 5,000 km.
Replace the filter every 40,000 km (depending on usage).
đź’ˇPRO TIP: If your ProVent system is draining a lot of oil quickly, it could be a sign your filter is saturated and needs replacing sooner.
how to replace your provent element
filter maintenance = performance + piece of mind
By servicing your filters regularly, you’ll:
- Prevent costly injector or turbo damage
- Maintain power and fuel efficiency
- Extend the life of your diesel engine