DPF Cleaning In Nottingham
A blocked diesel particulate filter can sap your engine’s power and bring on warning lights. Left too long, it may need replacing at considerable cost. We help diesel drivers across Nottingham with DPF problems at our garage in Stapleford, and cleaning the filter early gives you the best chance of saving it.
What A DPF Does
A diesel particulate filter traps soot from the exhaust so it doesn’t escape into the air. Most diesel cars built since 2009 have one, as manufacturers fitted them to meet tighter emissions standards.
The filter clears itself by burning off the soot it collects, a process called regeneration. If that doesn’t happen often enough, the filter gradually fills up, restricting the exhaust and choking the engine.
Once it’s blocked, a DPF can force the car into reduced power mode, and if the problem is ignored, the filter may need replacing at a cost far greater than cleaning.
Warning Signs Of A Blocked DPF
- The DPF warning light on the dashboard comes on, showing that the filter is becoming blocked.
- The car feels flat or drops into a reduced power mode that limits speed and revs.
- The engine management light appears, triggered by a blocked filter or a faulty sensor.
- Fuel consumption rises, as the engine works harder to push exhaust gases through the filter.
- The cooling fan keeps running after you switch off, which can mean a regeneration was interrupted.
- There’s a strong, acrid smell from the exhaust, which can indicate the filter is overloaded with soot.
DPF Cleaning Process
- We read the fault codes and live data, including the soot loading and pressure sensor readings.
- We check for faults that may have caused the blockage, such as sensor, EGR valve or injector problems.
- We choose the most suitable cleaning method for how blocked the filter is.
- Where needed, we use diagnostic equipment to run a controlled regeneration and burn off the remaining soot.
- We recheck the soot levels and sensor readings to confirm the filter is working properly.
- We give you advice on how your driving can help stop the filter blocking again.
How A DPF Clears Itself
Inside the filter is a honeycomb structure that traps soot as the exhaust gases pass through. To stay clear, it relies on high temperatures to burn that soot away.
Passive Regeneration
Passive regeneration happens naturally when the exhaust gets hot enough during sustained driving at higher speeds, such as on a motorway or dual carriageway. It’s the reason drivers who regularly make longer journeys tend to have few DPF problems.
Active Regeneration
When soot builds up, the engine control unit raises the exhaust temperature by adjusting the fuel injection. This takes several minutes of steady driving to complete, so it can fail if the journey ends too soon.
Forced Regeneration
A forced regeneration is started with diagnostic equipment whilst the car is stationary. It’s used when the filter is too blocked for the car to clear on its own.
Soot & Ash
Soot can be burned away during regeneration, but ash from engine oil additives can’t. Over many miles, ash slowly fills the filter until it eventually needs cleaning or replacing.
Why DPFs Become Blocked
Short journeys are the most common cause, as the exhaust never gets hot enough for regeneration to happen. Faulty pressure sensors, sticking EGR valves, leaking injectors and the wrong engine oil can also cause soot to build up quickly.
That’s why we look for the underlying cause as well as cleaning the filter. Without fixing it, the filter is likely to block again soon afterwards.
DPF Cleaning Costs
How badly the filter is blocked makes the biggest difference, as a lightly clogged DPF needs less work than one heavily loaded with soot and ash. In severe cases, the filter may be beyond cleaning and need replacing, which costs considerably more.
Underlying faults affect the price too, as sensors, EGR valves or injectors may need attention. On some cars, the filter is also harder to reach, which adds to the labour time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it legal to remove a DPF?
No. Removing the DPF from a car that was built with one is illegal and will result in an MOT failure. You could also be fined up to £1,000, and your insurance may be invalidated.
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Do DPF cleaning additives work?
Fuel additives can help with mild soot build up by lowering the temperature needed for regeneration. They won’t clear a heavily blocked filter, remove ash or fix the fault that caused the blockage in the first place.
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Can I keep driving with the DPF light on?
Your handbook will usually recommend a period of steady driving at higher speed to help the filter regenerate. If the light stays on, or other warning lights appear, have the car checked quickly to avoid a more serious blockage.
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Why is my diesel’s oil level rising?
During regeneration, extra fuel is injected, and some of it can slip past the piston rings into the engine oil. Repeatedly interrupted regenerations can dilute the oil and raise its level. This reduces lubrication, so it needs checking promptly.
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How long does a DPF last?
A well looked after DPF can last a very high mileage, often the life of the car. Regular longer journeys, timely servicing with the correct oil and prompt repairs to related faults all help it go the distance.
Book A DPF Check
If the DPF light has come on or your diesel is losing power, booking early gives you the best chance of saving the original filter.
Call us on 07546 162 088 or book online to arrange a diagnostic check.