A method for protecting an exhaust aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine from deterioration by selectively diverting exhaust gasses from the engine away from a component of the exhaust aftertreatment system includes assessing a status of an operating condition associated with a physical condition of the component of the internal combustion engine. The status of the operating condition is compared with a threshold value that corresponds with deterioration of the physical condition of the component. A valve upstream of the component is moved to a first position to open a bypass fluid path directing exhaust gasses around the component when the status of the operating condition meets the threshold value to reduce deterioration of the component. The valve is moved to a second position to close the bypass fluid path thereby directing exhaust gasses to the component when the status of the operating condition does not meet the threshold.