Particulate filter ash loading prediction method and vehicle using the same

A particulate filter ash loading prediction method, including the steps of: determining a service age for the particulate filter (20); calculating an ash accumulation rate in the particulate filter (20); determining a maximum service age for the particulate filter (20) dependent upon the ash accumulation rate; and comparing the service age to the maximum service age, if the service age exceeds the maximum service age then indicating that at least one of service and replacement of the particulate filter (20) is needed due to ash loading.