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DPF Cleaning in Nottingham
A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a device fitted on the exhaust system of all new diesel-powered vehicles sold since 2009, it’s designed to remove soot and diesel particulate matter from exhaust gasses enabling them to pass increasingly difficult emissions legislation. Book at Lindleys Autocentres for DPF cleaning in Nottingham.
How does a DPF work?
A DPF works by trapping soot as it passes through the exhaust system to stop it from being released into the atmosphere. As with all filters, the Diesel particulate filter needs to be cleaned regularly, this is achieved through a process called regeneration. There are three ways a regeneration can take place, passive, active and forced.
Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Nottingham
Passive regeneration takes place automatically when the exhaust reaches a high enough temperature usually achieved on motorway type runs. However, many vehicles don’t often get this type of journey so this is when active regeneration takes place. Active regeneration takes place when soot levels in your DPF reach about 45%.
The ECU will make small adjustments to fuel injection timing to increase temperatures in the exhaust. This increase in exhaust temperature will start the regeneration process burning away the soot in the DPF. Forced regeneration is achieved using a specialist diagnostic tool and providing certain parameters are met you can initiate a static regeneration that usually takes about 30 minutes with the vehicle stationary.
DPF Cleaning Nottingham
At Lindleys Autocentres, we consider ourselves experts in DPF cleaning. Problem with your DPF? Choose from 6 branches in Nottingham at a time that’s suitable for you. Contact us here
What causes a DPF to fail?
It’s a common misconception that driver fault is the prime cause of DPF faults, most of the time there is an underlying fault that causes the DPF to start blocking and unable to regenerate.
These faults can be as simple as an engine management fault preventing an active regeneration from taking place, to a mechanical problem such as a split pressure pipe causing incorrect readings. Any garage attempting to repair any DPF faults should always start with an engine diagnostic.
What can I do to prevent my DPF from blocking?
There are four things you can do to help prevent any issues with your DPF. The first is making sure the car is well maintained and the correct specification of oil is used when servicing.
The second is to make sure you get any engine management lights checked out as soon as possible as these could prevent an active regeneration from taking place. The third is to try and assist your DPF by taking occasional motorway journeys to get your exhaust up to the required temperatures.
Finally, don’t change gear too soon, as tempting as it may be to try and save fuel, laboring the engine in the wrong gear is very bad for diesel engines.
Do I need to replace the DPF if it fails?
Despite what franchise dealerships may tell you, you do not need to replace your DPF if it fails.
There are multiple and far cheaper solutions available to you no matter how blocked your current DPF is.
how much does it cost to replace a DPF?
To replace a diesel particulate filter before attempting to clean it can easily cost in excess of £1500.
Can't I just remove the DPF? (DPF Delete)
Removing your DPF may seem like a tempting option when you consider how much it costs to replace and how easily they seem to fail. Aside from being bad for the environment, it is now also illegal and part of your MOT test.
As of February 2014, MOT testers must now check for the presence of a DPF filter and check for any evidence that it has been tampered with. You can book your MOT test here.