There’s a lot of confusion about the issue of diesel fitted with DPF. A DPF (exhaust filter) is an option that is fitted to the majority of diesel vehicles. It is used for removing harmful gases, such as hydrocarbons, from fuel or lubricants and water and sulfurates that attach to soot and form harmful particles.

These harmful gases may be the result of a variety of contributing factors, including improper or inadequate servicing, low-quality fuel, or poor driving habits which result in poor combustion.

The filter also called the DPF filter, is designed to trap these particles. It can then be rejuvenated by intense heat burning at high temperatures. If this process is unsuccessful and the filter becomes clogged up, problems can be the result.

It has been said that the diesel particulate filtrate filter is a complicated and costly component that needs to be replaced. However, I have discovered that this is not accurate. If you are properly maintained and monitored the possibility of replacement is reduced.

When a DPF fault becomes present in the computer of the engine If a DPF fault is detected, it DOES NOT necessarily mean it means that the DPF is blocked.

What are the signs of a blocked DPF

Symptoms you may notice symptoms that indicate that you notice that a DPF is getting blocked and/or requires maintenance (not necessarily ready to go to the scrap heap) could be any of these:

• Surging/poor performance.
• Excessive fuel consumption.
• Smoking excessively blue, black, or white.
• Engine and/or DPF emissions lights are shown.
• Difficulty starting the engine.
• Engine running rough
• Regeneration attempts have not been successful.

What is the term “regeneration?

The vehicle’s embedded computer algorithms perform periodic renewals (burns). This is a process in which the system raises the temperature of the exhaust, and then ‘burns off’ any particles that are accumulated within the filter.

A component that isn’t functioning properly can lead to an increase in regenerations, or stop them completely until the issue is fixed. Regenerations cause the emission of excessive black smoke from the exhaust. It’s safe. It’s a sign that something is wrong and that smoke blows constantly.

What can you do to minimize the risk of DPF blockage or failure?

Make sure that the mechanic you hire is knowledgeable and experienced in diesel engines. Avoid incorrect oils and missing services. Avoid driving when you have a problem with your car (dash alert lights). Avoid diesel with poor quality fuel. Modify your vehicle cautiously I deal DPF driving habits – reduce idle time, increase rpm at times of load (dropping down a gear), especially in crawling traffic.

Discuss with your mechanic any changes that you observe in the performance of your vehicle like more raucous whistles, hissing noises, or jerking sensations. These unusual changes in driveability could cause your DPF not to renew. Do not use ‘on-car intake or induction cleanings’ even if your mechanic recommends them. They could cause serious damage to DPF’s as well as other parts.

Maintained DPFs are capable of covering 200,000+ km before being removed to be replaced or cleaned.

What is the cost to pay for a DPF to be replaced or cleaned?

A warning first: DPF repair MUST be done by a qualified mechanic with the right tools to reset and replace DPF. After the first fault has been confirmed, the DPF should be removed and cleaned with a recommended cleaner or be cleaned by a DPF cleaning service. The top DPF cleaning companies must have at least five years of cleaning success.

They also can determine whether the DPF may be damaged internally. A mechanic will examine the DPF on your car to determine if it’s blocked. It is impossible to discern if the DPF has become melted or collapsed internally, thus causing the blockage. The average cost of cleaning a passenger car is $600.

Many vehicles are equipped with DPFs. Manufacturers frequently alter their designs, which makes it hard to know which DPF brand is best for a specific car.
The DPF is considered to be the most strictly controlled component of motor vehicles. They do not disclose the name of the DPF manufacturer.