DPF Cleaning – How to avoid a blocked DPF

What is a DPF and what does it do

A diesel particulate filter, or DPF, is a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. The DPF does this by trapping the particulates in the filter material. But, how do you avoid a blocked DPF?

Cleaning a DPF is an important part of maintaining your vehicle and preventing it from becoming blocked. In this article we will look at how to clean a DPF, the common causes of blocked DPFs, and how to prevent your DPF from becoming blocked. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about diesel particulate filters.

How to clean a DPF

DPF’s, or diesel particulate filters, are an important emission control device found on modern diesel vehicles. Over time, DPFs can become clogged with soot and ash, which can reduce engine performance and cause the DPF warning light to come on. One way to clean a DPF is to drive the vehicle at highway speeds for at least 30 minutes, which will help to burn off the accumulated soot and ash. Another way to clean a DPF is to use a DPF cleaning solution, which can be found at most auto parts stores. Simply add the cleaning solution to your fuel tank and then drive the vehicle as usual. The solution will help to break down the soot and ash, making it easier for the DPF to trap and remove them from the exhaust stream.

Common causes of blocked DPFs

One of the most common causes of a blocked DPF the start / stop driving in city and urban areas. This is because the engine needs to operate at a higher RPM in order to reach the point where the exhaust gases are hot enough to perform a regeneration. As a result, when you’re puttering along at 60 Km/h, the DPF can’t do its job properly and the soot builds up. Another common cause of a blocked DPF is short-tripping. This is when you make a lot of short journeys, such as running errands around town. The problem with this is that the engine never gets hot enough to burn off all of the soot, so it just builds up in the filter and on internal engine components.

How to prevent a blocked DPF

If you want to avoid a blocked DPF, make sure to drive at highway speeds for at least 30 minutes once every week or two, and try to avoid making too many short trips.

FAQs about DPFs

How often should I have my DPF serviced?

You should have your DPF serviced every 30000 km or so. However, if you do a lot of stop /start driving, you may need to service it more frequently.
What are the signs that my DPF needs to be serviced?

If you notice any changes in your car’s performance, such as reduced fuel economy or increased exhaust emissions (black smoke), it’s time to have your DPF serviced. Remember, soot build up is a gradual thing so it won’t be a sudden loss of power. Since it’s a gradual thing that kind of sneak up on you, sometimes it can take a while before you realise there is a problem.

It’s only after a DPF regeneration has been done and the original power and acceleration has been restored that customers realise how sluggish the car had become.

What happens if I don’t service my DPF?

If you don’t service your DPF, it will eventually become clogged and will potentially need to be replaced. This can be a very expensive exercise, which is why we have invested in state of the art technology to clean out a blocked DPF and restore it to original condition. (Link to DPF Cleaning page)

What are some tips for maintaining my DPF?

There are a few things you can do to help extend the life of your DPF. First, make sure you’re using a good quality engine oil. Second, avoid idling for long periods of time. And third, make sure the car gets a good 30 minute highway run every week. By following these tips, you can help keep your DPF in top shape.

At Garden City Tyre and Mechanical, we can now offer DPF cleaning with WYNN’s MultiSERVE technology. This is an automatic regeneration system that uses high-frequency sound waves to clean the DPF filter. The sound waves together with specially formulated cleaning agents, break down the soot and other particles in the DPF filter, making it easy for the regeneration device to remove them.

If you have any questions about DPF cleaning, or if you need to book your car in for a DPF regeneration, please don’t hesitate to contact us