What is a DPF and what does it do?
In Layman’s terms, a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is a soot trap located in the exhaust that catches harmful soot particles to stop them entering the atmosphere. These soot particles build up over time so the DPF is designed to clean itself during a process called regeneration.
If the DPF is blocked then the vehicle is either unable to self clean itself (caused by a system/conditions problem) or the DPF is able to self clean but it can’t do it quickly enough due to excess soot entering it (this would indicate a mechanical issue upstream of the DPF).
To summarise…
A DPF is a self cleaning filter that should take care of itself.
What is a DPF warning light?
Does a DPF warning light mean that my DPF is blocked? A DPF warning light does not necessarily mean that you have a problem. It is usually an indicator that you need to take the car for a long steady drive at around 60MPH for over 20 minutes to allow the DPF to regenerate (self cleaning process). If the light goes out after 20 mins then the vehicle is able to carry out a regeneration. If symptoms persist then you should seek specialist advice.
What is a DPF Assessment?
Our industry leading DPF Assessment is the most critical part of our job and allows us to find the cause of your DPF problems. By carrying out proven testing procedures we can identify any underlying issues without any guesswork. By addressing the root cause of the problem, we can then repair the vehicle successfully and provide a first time fix. When we have repaired the vehicle we will then monitor the vehicle on an extended road test to verify that the vehicle can now take care of itself and regenerate (self cleaning process) successfully.
How do I book a DPF Assessment?
Our industry leading DPF Assessment costs only £90 inc vat but what should you expect?
You will be dealing with a professional that has not only had extensive training but also a genuine person that is passionate about fixing your vehicle first time.
They will carry out a series of tests and measurements (not just a simple plug in code read) to find the reason for your DPF problem and then explain to you exactly what has went wrong and what needs done to fix it.
You are under no obligation for us to carry out the repair and we are happy to liaise with your regular garage.
What is a DPF Clean and why do I need one?
DPF cleaning is a process that we carry out in-situ using chemicals to clear excessively blocked DPF’s. This procedure should only be carried out AFTER the root cause of the DPF blockage has been repaired otherwise the DPF would quickly block up again. Imagine that you have a flooded kitchen and you start to mop the floor without first turning the the tap off that is causing the sink to overflow…. We have successfully cleaned/repaired over 10,000 DPF’s without having the to replace the costly DPF.
Should I use additives for DPF Cleaning?
In tank DPF additives can be very good but also very bad if not used correctly.
Most additives are designed as a preventative measure to help keep your DPF clean and this is usually achieved by increasing the temperature in the filter.
When additives are overdosed it can cause thermal damage in the DPF so it is really important to use the correct dosage.
