I use the exhaust break all the time even when i am not towing. It helps keep the vanes in the turbo from sticking from the soot. The only time I dont turn it on is when there is snow/ice on the ground. I try not to let mine idle very long except when I have the remote start turned on. Which will only let it idle for 15 minutes two times. I change my oil/Filter and fuel filters when my Eric says its time to change them. Like was said try and run the cleanest fuel you can.