For diesel workhorses, cleaning out the DPF filter regularly helps keep the truck running clean, but a dirty DPF could severely impact performance.

A diesel particulate filter is an important, and required, part for any diesel vehicles. Here's what it does and how you can keep it clean, too.

Since 2007, all diesel vehicles in the U.S. have been required by law to have a DPF filter. It can clog up, but there are ways around that.

For diesel workhorses, cleaning out the DPF filter regularly helps keep the truck running clean, but a dirty DPF could severely impact performance.