Do I Really Have To Replace My DPF?

There’s a lot of talk about ‘DPF fitted diesel’. A DPF (exhaust filter) is an option that is fitted to the majority of diesel cars.

It is used to eliminate harmful gases like hydrocarbons and lubricants out of the fuel and lubricants, as well as water or Sulphates, which bind to soot to form harmful particles from exhaust fumes from diesel engines.

The dangerous gasses can result from several factors including poor or incorrect maintenance, low-quality fuel, poor driving habits, and poor combustion. These particles are captured by the DPF filter and can be later cleaned or recycled through high-temperature combustion.

It is when the regeneration process doesn’t occur, and the filter becomes blocked, that issues may arise. Diesel particulate filters are often described as costly, complicated components that require to be replaced. This isn’t true.

It is possible to avoid replacement if it is properly monitored, diagnosed, and maintained. A DPF error in the engine’s computer doesn’t necessarily indicate that the DPF has been blocked.

What are the symptoms of a blocked DPF

The following symptoms may be observed when your DPF is blocked or requires maintenance.

  • Surging/poor performance.
  • Excessive fuel consumption.
  • Excessive smoking – black, blue, or white.
  • Display of the engine or DPF emission light.
  • It is difficult to start the engine.
  • The engine is running rough.
  • Unfeasible attempts to regenerate

What are regenerations?

The vehicle’s computer-embedded algorithms run regular renewals (burns). This procedure increases the temperature of the exhaust and ‘burns out’ the particles and soot inside the DPF. If a component fails to function properly, It could cause an increase in the number of regenerations or even cease entirely until the issue is fixed. The exhaust can create an excessive amount of black smoke during regeneration. It is safe. If smoke is constantly blowing is it a sign that the root of the issue needs immediate attention.

What are you able to do to minimize the chance of DPF failure/blockage

  • Ensure your mechanic is experienced and knowledgeable on diesel engines.
  • Beware of oil misplaced or not used.
  • Avoid driving with a fault in your car (dash warning light).
  • Do not use diesel that is of poor quality. Modify your vehicle with care DPF habits of driving – I reduce idling and increase rpm under load (dropping down a speed), especially in crawling.
  • Help your mechanic understand changes with your vehicle like more raucous whistles, hissing sounds, or a jerking feeling while driving. This could result in the DPF not being replenished.
  • Avoid using ‘on vehicle intake/induction cleans regardless of whether your mechanic suggests these. They can damage DPFs and other critical components.

Component failures contributing to DPF problems don’t always cause the DPF to require replacement. Maintained DPF can travel up to 200 000 km before it needs to be removed for cleaning or replacement. In most cases just getting new dpf parts and replacing them will be enough.

What’s the price for cleaning or replacing a DPF?

A disclaimer first: DPF repairs must be done by a qualified mechanic who has the right tools to reset or refit the DPF. Once the original fault has been found once the fault has been identified, the DPF must be taken off.

The best DPF cleaning companies must have at least five years of cleaning success. They can also assess whether the DPF may be damaged internally. To determine if the DPF is blocked, a mechanic can inspect the vehicle. They cannot confirm whether the DPF has been melted or collapsed internally, causing the blockage.

The average cost of cleaning a passenger car is $600 A variety of vehicles can be equipped with DPF’s. Manufacturers alter their designs often, so it can be difficult to tell the DPF is installed on a particular vehicle. Because the DPF is the most tightly controlled component in motor vehicles, it will not disclose who the DPF manufacturer might be.