If you’ve noticed your diesel truck or fleet vehicle isn’t running like it used to, you’re not alone. Power loss, poor acceleration, and sluggish performance are common issues for diesel engines — and one of the biggest culprits is soot and carbon buildup in the after-treatment system (ATS).

But what exactly is the after-treatment system, and how can cleaning it restore your engine’s power? Let’s break it down.

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What is an After-Treatment System (ATS)?

Your diesel engine’s after-treatment system includes components such as:

• EGR valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
• EGR cooler
• Turbocharger
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

These parts work together to reduce harmful emissions and meet environmental standards. However, over time, soot and carbon deposits build up inside them — restricting airflow, reducing efficiency, and triggering warning lights.

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Why Does Soot Buildup Cause Power Loss?

When soot clogs the EGR valve, cooler, turbo, or DPF:

• The engine’s airflow is restricted
• Turbo boost pressure decreases
• Fuel efficiency drops
• Check engine lights and frequent regen cycles may occur

In other words, a clogged after-treatment system makes your engine work harder while delivering less performance.

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How ATS Cleaning Restores Engine Power

Rather than replacing expensive parts, professional ATS cleaning clears soot and carbon buildup from all critical components at once. At South Atlantic Diesel, we use specialized TerraClean products and tools to safely remove deposits from your EGR valve, EGR cooler, turbo, and DPF.

By restoring airflow and removing restrictions, ATS cleaning helps:

• Bring back lost horsepower
• Improve acceleration and throttle response
• Reduce regeneration cycles
• Lower emissions
• Avoid costly downtime and repairs

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How Do I Know If My Diesel Needs ATS Cleaning?

If your diesel truck or fleet vehicle shows any of the following symptoms, it may be time for ATS cleaning:

• Loss of power or sluggish acceleration
• More frequent DPF regeneration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Check engine or emissions lights
• High idle times or stop-and-go driving

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Why Fleet Vehicles Need Preventive ATS Maintenance

Fleets such as school buses, trash trucks, city vehicles, and utility trucks often experience long idle times and stop-start driving — the exact conditions that lead to faster soot buildup. Regular ATS cleaning keeps these fleets running reliably and reduces the risk of unexpected repairs.

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Restore Power and Keep Your Fleet Running Strong

Don’t let soot and carbon rob your engine of the power it was built to deliver. Contact South Atlantic Diesel today to schedule your after-treatment system cleaning and keep your diesel fleet running clean, strong, and compliant.

Contact us today!