Dashboard Lights indicating DPF problem - Essential to get your vehicle to a garage




A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is designed to capture and remove soot from the exhaust of your diesel vehicle.  It became mandatory to fit DPFs to diesel vehicles back in 2009, as part of legislation to lower carbon emissions.


Over time your car's DPF can become clogged due to build up of soot.  When this happens you may need to book in for a DPF clean or flush.  This involves an inspection of the filter by a trained technician or DPF specialist who can identify the cause of blockages and flush the filter clean.


DPF cleaning (also known as flushing) is a relatively straightforward job if it's part of regular maintenance of your vehicle.  Sluggish performance and dashboard lights often the first indicators of a build up or blockage in the DPF.  It's best to have your vehicle checked out if either of these indicators arise to establish the cause of the problem.  However, if the DPF is blocked, its not a problem to our trained technicians.


METHODS OF CLEANING

There are an number of ways a DPF can be cleaned.


ACTIVE REGENERATION

Where extra fuel is injected to increase the temperature of the exhaust, having the effect of burning off excess soot.


PASSIVE REGENERATION

This is where the exhaust temperature reaches the level required to burn off extra soot in the filter.  This can happen just on a long motorway journey where the vehicle travels at speed for a long distance. 


Both Active and Passive Regeneration happen automatically, without the intervention of a technician or a DPF specialist.


FORCED REGENERATION

If neither Active or Passive Regeneration methods work then the blocked DPF will need to be professionally cleaned at a garage.  This process can be a standalone job or part of the regular servicing and maintenance work. 


We offer a same day service here at Border Engines, working on all types of vehicles.  Just contact us for further information.