There’s a lot of talk about ‘DPF fitted diesel’. A DPF is an exhaust filter fitted to most late-model diesel cars.
It is used to eliminate harmful gases such as hydrocarbons and lubricants from fuels and lubricants and water as well as Sulphates, which bind to soot to create harmful particles in diesel exhaust fumes.
These harmful gases may be the result of a variety of contributing factors: improper or inadequate maintenance, poor quality fuel, and bad driving habits that lead to poor combustion. The DPF filter is able to capture the particles and later cleaned or regenerated them using high-temperature fires.
It’s the moment that the regeneration process doesn’t occur, and the filter becomes blocked, that issues can arise. The diesel particulate filter has been portrayed as a sophisticated and expensive component that needs to be replaced which I have found to be not true.
The need for replacement is less likely if the problem is properly managed and treated properly.
When a DPF fault becomes present in the computer of the engine, it DOES not necessarily mean that it means that the DPF is blocked.
What are the symptoms of a blocked DPF?
The following symptoms may be observed in the event that your DPF becomes blocked or needs maintenance.
- Surging/poor performance.
- Excessive fuel consumption.
- Smoking excessively blue, black, or white
- Displayed Engine or DPF Lights for emissions
- Difficulty starting the engine.
- The engine runs rough.
- Regeneration attempts that have not been successful
What are regenerations?
The computer-integrated algorithms of the vehicle perform periodic regenerations (burns), which raise the temperature of the exhaust to ‘burn away’ any soot or particles. If a component is unable to function properly It could cause a surge in the number of regenerations or end them all together until the problem is fixed. Regenerations result in blowing large quantities of black smoke from the exhaust. This isn’t harmful. Only smoke that blows continuously could indicate a problem.
How do I prevent DPF failure/blockage be prevented?
- Make sure that your mechanic is aware of how to work with diesels.
- Avoid inexact oils and services that are not available.
- Avoid driving through an accident-prone zone (dash warning light).
- Avoid poor quality diesel fuel.
- Modify your car with caution.
I dealt with DPF driving habits already – reduce idle time and increase the rpm when under load (dropping down one gear), particularly in traffic that is crawling. Discuss with your mechanic any changes that you observe in your vehicle’s driveability like louder whistles, hissing sounds, or jerking sounds. These unusual changes in driveability may result in your DPF not renewing.
Even if your mechanic recommends that you do them, don’t use ‘on-vehicle intake/induction cleanings’. They could damage DPF’s as well as other major components. Diesel Help Australia can help to explain the reasons not to employ this method. DPF faults are not always the result of components failing. A well-maintained DPF can last for more than 200,000 miles before it is removed for correct cleaning or replacement.
What is the cost to clean or replace the DPF?
First, a disclaimer: DPF filter repairs must be done by a qualified mechanic who has the right tools to reset or refit the DPF. Once the initial fault has been confirmed, the DPF should be removed and cleaned with a recommended cleaner or be cleaned by a DPF cleaning service. A reputable DPF cleaning company must have at least five years of cleaning experience.
They can also tell whether the DPF is actually damaged in-house. A mechanic will check the DPF on your car to determine if it’s blocked. They are unable to confirm whether the DPF has collapsed or melted internally, causing the blockage. Average clean cost for an automobile for a person is $600.
Many vehicles are equipped with DPFs. Manufacturers often alter their designs, which makes it hard to know which DPF brand is the best one for a specific car.
The DPF is considered to be the most tightly regulated part of motor vehicles. They don’t reveal the identity of the DPF manufacturer
