An essential part of the exhaust system, the Diesel particle Filter (DPF) is made to collect and eliminate hazardous particle emissions from diesel engines. Since 2009, all diesel-powered cars in the UK have been required to have a DPF installed. Violating the requirements can result in steep penalties and the repossession of the vehicle.
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Nonetheless, a lot of drivers continue to have DPF issues, which can result in expensive repairs or engine failure. How to prevent issues caused by a blocked diesel particulate filter is covered in this article.
How Is DPF Operational?
Let’s first examine how the DPF filter functions before delving into how to prevent DPF issues. The DPF filter collects and holds soot and other particulate matter that is produced by diesel engines.
The collected soot will eventually block the filter, at which point the engine management system will start a regeneration cycle to burn off the trapped particulate matter. However, the DPF may become clogged and create several issues if the regeneration process is not completely finished.
How Can DPF Issues Be Prevented?
Regrettably, DPF issues can arise, resulting in costly fixes and lost productivity. Thankfully, there are a few easy actions you can do to help prevent DPF issues from occurring in the first place:
Go at highway speeds.
Driving on the highway for lengthy periods of time is one of the best strategies to prevent DPF issues. The engine of the automobile will warm up more when traveling on a freeway or dual carriageway, which is required for the DPF to regenerate properly.
A clogged DPF may result from the engine not reaching the necessary temperature for regeneration if you just drive in the city or take short journeys.
Check the Oil Level Frequently
Because the engine management system might not start regeneration if the oil level is low, low engine oil levels might result in DPF issues. As a result, it’s imperative to often check the oil level, particularly while traveling long distances.
Make Use of the Proper Engine Oil
Inappropriate engine oil usage might also result in DPF issues. It’s imperative to use low-ash oil made for diesel engines with DPFs, and the engine oil should adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. More soot produced by high-ash engine oil has the potential to clog the DPF.
Don’t Turn the Engine Off While It’s Regenerating
It’s crucial to let regeneration finish if the engine management system starts it. The DPF may become clogged if the engine is turned off during regeneration because the soot won’t burn off entirely. When stopping the car for regeneration, it’s preferable to let the engine run at idle until the job is finished.
Observe the Warning Lights
The majority of contemporary diesel cars come equipped with a warning light that flashes when the DPF has an issue. If the light illuminates, it is imperative that the problem be resolved right away. Ignoring the warning light might result in more serious issues, such damage to the engine.
Make Use of Premium Diesel Fuel
Because low-quality diesel fuel may include greater amounts of sulfur and other impurities that might generate more soot, using it can lead to DPF issues. As a result, it’s crucial to use premium diesel fuel that complies with the requirements of the car manufacturer.
Maintain the Vehicle Frequently
Maintenance is necessary for the DPF to function properly and to avert issues. The mechanic will inspect the DPF during service and carry out any required maintenance, including cleaning or replacing it.
In summary
Although solving PDF difficulties can be expensive and time-consuming, most problems can be avoided by using these guidelines. To avoid more serious concerns, it’s also essential to keep an eye on warning lights and take quick action to resolve any problems that arise.
One excellent method to prevent soot, ash, and other debris from building up in diesel particle filters is to use DPF clean services. Drivers can guarantee that their cars are in good shape and that their engines are operating at their best by routinely cleaning the DPF. In summary, maintaining your car’s DPF will let you drive without incident and save money on repairs.
Superior DPF cleaning is offered by DPF Fixer Ltd. To ensure your car works at its best, we analyze and clean your DPF using the newest technologies. Additionally, our team of professionals can offer advice on how to prolong the life of your filter and avoid DPF problems. To arrange an appointment or to find out more about our services, get in touch with us right now!