The drive of a brand new car feels smooth, reactive and soundless, which is why so many people love getting their hands on a new set of keys. However, you do not need to spend thousands of pounds improving the quality of your ride, as thorough cleaning of the exhaust on diesel vehicles could be the answer you’re looking for.
What is DPF cleaning?
DPF cleaningstands for Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning, which means it gets rid of soot and debris that builds up in the exhaust pipe.Â
By removing this, the vehicle is better able to achieve optimal exhaust flow, which, for the driver, means improving fuel efficiency, saving money on diesel, and making the engine perform better.
The problem of DPF blockages
Though many motorists might not have thought about or even heard of DPF before, it is important to fully understand the problems it can cause if the vehicle is not regularly maintained and the debris removed.
DPFs are installed on diesel motors in order to capture the soot released from the car, so it does not release as many emissions into the air. By trapping the particulates, this makes the car more environmentally friendly, but problems arise if the filter becomes blocked.
The soot can be burned off if the exhaust gases are heated to 500 degrees in a process called DPF regeneration. However, if the car fails to do this, it can lead to a blockage.Â
If this happens, it can actually increase exhaust emissions, as the combustion of gas is inefficient. Therefore, the car needs more fuel to get going. It can also cause damage to the engine, shortening its lifespan and costing the driver a lot of money in repairs.
How to avoid DPF blockages
Diesel cars are designed to be driven over long journeys, so short trips or low speeds means DPF regeneration is not able to occur.
What’s more, some oils, performance modifications, low-quality fuels, and running the car on a low fuel level can also cause the filter to become blocked.
Drivers should know if their DPF is not running efficiently, as they should last for 100,000 miles. So if motorists get a warning sign prior to this, it could be that their driving style and car maintenance is not allowing DPF regeneration to occur.
Looking after the DPF
Therefore, it is essential motorists look after their DPF properly, particularly as they have been part of the MOT test on diesel cars since 2014. Having a blocked one or removing it could cost the owner significantly.
In fact, they could be forced to pay between £1,000 and £2,500 if they take their DPF out, as well as potentially invalidate their vehicle insurance.
Getting it thoroughly cleaned if the filter appears to not be working efficiently is, therefore, essential, and will help to increase its lifespan. It also makes the vehicle more efficient, the engine run better and for longer, and helps to save on fuel costs.