DPF FAQ

Here are answers to some common questions about DPF cleaning.

If you have any other questions, or just want to speak to somebody, please phone us on 0161 710 2069

What Is A DPF, And How Does It Get Blocked?

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) has been fitted in all vehicles since 2013, and collects the harmful exhaust particles that are produced as a by-product of burning diesel fuel. These particles collect in the filter as soot. Diesel vehicles periodically purge these particles by automatically burning them off.
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a filter; the filter itself consists of a ceramic or metal honeycomb structure coated with precious metals like platinum or palladium. These metals facilitate the oxidation of the trapped soot, resulting in a reduction of harmful emissions from diesel cars but because they only have a finite capacity, this trapped soot periodically has to be emptied or 'burned off'' to regenerate the DPF. Get Your DPF Cleaning Quote

How do i know if my DPF needs cleaning?

Most people notice decreased performance, and a warning light on the dashboard.

You may notice reduced fuel economy or loss of power, reduced acceleration, rough idling, lower speed etc. You may notice an unpleasant smell from your engine and/or dirty / black exhaust fumes.
If your vehicle continues to run with a blocked DPF, you will experience problems starting it - it might go into 'Limp Home' or 'Restricted Performance' mode. Get Your DPF Cleaning Quote

Why does my DPF become blocked?

Over time, the trapped soot and particulate matter can build up in the filter, which can reduce its effectiveness. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

• Short trips: If you frequently take short trips in your diesel vehicle, the DPF may not have enough time to heat up and regenerate, which can lead to a build-up of soot.
• Low-quality fuel: Using low-quality fuel can increase the amount of soot produced by the engine, which can lead to a build up in the DPF.
• Faulty engine components, such as the fuel injectors or turbocharger, can lead to increased soot production. This is because these components help to control the combustion process, and when they are not working properly, more soot is produced. This, in turn, can cause the DPF to become clogged, leading to decreased engine efficiency and fuel economy. To ensure optimal vehicle performance and prevent further damage, it's crucial to regularly clean the DPF. In fact, failing to do so can result in various issues, such as reduced engine efficiency and fuel economy, as well as a clogged DPF - it is advisable to clean the DPF every 80,000-100,000 miles or as per the manufacturer's recommendation to prevent costly repairs and maintain performance.

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Will A Blocked DPF Ruin My Engine?

Yes. Running a vehicle with a blocked DPF typically leads to higher engine temperatures, reduced efficiency of the exhaust system, gas build up and oil carbonization in the turbo system. All of these factors lead to serious damage to your engine.
As the government website states: ...can lead to a build up of soot which can affect performance and ultimately lead to expensive repair costs. [www.gov.uk]
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Will a removed DPF lead to a MOT fail?

Yes. Your vehicle will fail it's next MOT if the DPF is removed. It might well fail if the your DPF is blocked leading to illegal levels of emissions.
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Isn't A Diesel Particulate Filter Self-Cleaning?

Your vehicle's electronic system should detect when your DPF becomes blocked, and purge the particulate build-up automatically - a pocess known as regeneration. The soot that collects in the filter is burnt as your diagnostic system artificially raises the temperature of the exhaust system, and transforms the built up soot into ash. Some of this ash, along with some residue of soot, remains in the filter, and collects over time, leading to the filter becoming blocked. All diesel vehicles will experience a blocked DPF at some point. Get Your DPF Cleaning Quote

Can't I just remove my DPF?

No, since 2014, it has been illegal to remove your DPF, and your vehicle will fail it's MOT if a DPF filter has been removed. It is an offence ... to use a vehicle which has been modified [so] that it no longer complies with the air pollutant emissions standards it was designed to meet. Removal of a DPF will almost invariably contravene these requirements, making the vehicle illegal for road use. [www.gov.uk] Get Your DPF Cleaning Quote

Can I Use A Shop-Bought DPF Cleaning Liquid?

Shop-bought DPF cleaning liquids are useful if your vehicle won't drive due to a blocked DPF. They are only a temporary fix though - useful if you need to travel a short distance (to our garage, for example) but they will not clean your DPF properly, only temporarily. To resolve a blocked DPF, you need a professional deep clean - we can clean your DPF to like new within 24hrs. Get Your DPF Cleaning Quote

How much does A Deep DPF Clean Cost?

Please view our pricing page for full details of how much it costs to thoroughly clean your DPF.

What Type Of Driving Can Lead To A Blocked DPF?

Lots of short, low speed journeys, will make it more likely that your DPF becomes blocked quickly. Your vehicle's automatic 'regeneration' process kicks in on long journeys and at higher speeds, so many short, slower journeys tend to block the DPF, without the periodic clean offered by automatic 'regeneration.' It is worth pointing out that even if you regularly travel longer distances on motorways, your DPF will become clogged at some point. Get Your DPF Cleaning Quote

What are my options?

Do nothing - your engine will sustain expensive damage.

Remove your DPF - this is illegal.

Use a shop-bought liquid - this is a temporary fix

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