How to take care of the DPF filter?

Due to the tightening of emission requirements, diesel car manufacturers have been forced to use special particulate filters (DPF) in their vehicles. Their task is to reduce soot emissions. as a result of incomplete combustion of diesel fuel. Many diesel car users do not even know that they have such a filter in their car until problems begin with it, which can be very costly.

The DPF is located in the exhaust system. It is designed in such a way that it passes exhaust gases while retaining soot particles. Unfortunately, after some time of using the car, the accumulation of trapped particulate matter is so great that the DPF filter becomes clogged and therefore the exhaust gases become more difficult. This state of affairs is the most common symptom. an increase in the oil level as well as a decrease in engine power.

It may also happen that the vehicle will frequently enter check engine mode. There are high costs involved in replacing the particulate filter. (in some car models up to PLN 10). Fortunately, taking proper care of your DPF will extend the life of this element.

Nissan DPF filter

Correct diesel operation with DPF

Following a few rules related to the operation of a vehicle equipped with a particulate filter can significantly reduce the contamination of the particulate filter. First of all, it is necessary to ensure the operation of the corresponding systems of the car, for the operation of which it is intended. DPF self-cleaning.

During this process, the car's computer changes the operation of the injection system, as a result of which the temperature of the exhaust gases rises, additional doses of fuel are taken and, as a result, the soot in the filter burns out. Unfortunately, for this system to work, you must constantly drive on the road. in 15 minutes at a speed of more than 50 km / hbecause the conditions for this are not always available in urban traffic. Unfortunately, the driver is not informed when this type of filter regeneration is performed. Only when it is excessively dirty does an alarm appear on the dashboard.

The rapid accumulation of soot in the particulate filter can be reduced by avoid very short distances (up to 200 meters). It is better to overcome such areas on foot.

Don't overdo it with the throttle at low revs. It is also worth regularly checking the tightness of the turbine and injectors (if engine oil enters the cylinder chamber, as a result of its combustion, connections are formed that clog the filter) and clean the exhaust gas recirculation valve. It is also best to refuel with quality diesel fuel from trusted, well-known suppliers.

Cleaning agents for DPF filters

When a DPF becomes clogged, it does not immediately mean that it needs to be replaced. Then it's worth using special preparations and kits for cleaning particulate filters... Most often, this operation consists in applying liquid to the surface of the filter (in many cases through the hole after the previously unscrewed temperature sensor). For example, you can use a rinse aid. LIQUI MOLY Pro-Line DPFwhich is easiest to apply with a special Cleaning gun DPF LIQUI MOLY... Exposure to liquids is most effective when pre-cleaning the filter, for example with LIQUI MOLY Pro-Line DPF Cleanerdissolves dirt.

This operation is illustrated in the video (in English):

Thanks to various types of DPF preparations and additives, it is also possible to reduce the formation of soot and therefore extend the life of the particulate filterespecially when the car mostly travels short distances. You can use for this, for example, LIQUI MOLY filter protection additive.

Suitable engine oil

In the case of diesel cars equipped with a DPF filter, manufacturers recommend changing the oil more often than in other cars (usually every 10-12 thousand kilometers). During automatic filter regeneration, fuel enters the engine oil, which reduces its lubricating and protective properties.

It should be used in vehicles with a particulate filter. Low SAPS engine oils, i.e. characterized by a low content of phosphorus, sulfur and potassium. Oils such as, for example, are excellent for such vehicles. CASTROL EDGE TITANIUM FST 5W30 C3 Or Elf Evolution Full-Tech MSX 5W30.

Proper care of the DPF can effectively reduce contamination and thus avoid costly replacement. By the way, the car does not lose its characteristics, which also affects the comfort of its use.

Photo Pixabay, Nissan, Castrol