Diesel Particulate Filter

What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) For almost 10 years, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) has been fitted to all diesel cars.

The (DPF) forms part of the exhaust system and is designed to reduce the amount of harmful soot particles being expelled into the atmosphere.

It does this by trapping the soot particles within the (DPF), but as with all filters it will need to be cleaned periodically. This cleaning process is called regeneration.

Regeneration is when the(DPF) is heated up to a very high temperature, approximately 600*c and the soot particles are burnt off leaving just a small amount of ash which is then expelled into the atmosphere, leaving the (DPF) clean and ready to trap more harmfull soot.

A (DPF) regeneration can only be carried out properly under certain conditions, i.e. Driving at a constant 2000 revs for approximately 15-20 minutes. This is sometimes only achievable on certain roads such as dual carriageways or motorways.

If your journeys are mostly urban stop start at slow speeds, then the regeneration process is unlikely to be completed and your (DPF) will become blocked.

This is likely to put a warning light on your vehicles dashboard, which if ignored could cause serious damage to the engine.

Removal of the (DPF) is no longer an option as it is now illegal and your car will no longer pass an MOT.

Forced regeneration and cleaning of the (DPF) may be an option, but if you have ignored the warning light then you may be too late and your (DPF) may need to be replaced.

Remember, if your car is under manufacturers warranty the (DPF) is not covered as it is classed as a serviceable item, i.e. A filter!

The sensible thing to do is not to wait for any warning lights to come on, but to have a (DPF) service carried out on your car. This could prolong the service life of your (DPF) and potentially prevent harmfull damage to your engine, saving you £100s of pounds.

Don’t get caught out, contact Chapmans Auto Centre Coventry to arrange your (DPF) service now, or complete the short form below and we will get in touch:

Diesel Particulate Problems (DPF)

A blocked or clogged DPF can cause many problems including poor fuel economy, hesitant throttle response and loss of power. In the worst case a blocked DPF can prevent the engine from starting.

Symptoms

• Low fuel consumption
• Reduced throttle response
• Poor starting
• Failed starting
• Loss of power