What are the symptoms of a dirty particulate filter?

The particulate filter limits the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere of your vehicle by trapping particles in the exhaust gases. They then form soot, which can build up until the filter becomes clogged. Symptoms of DPF clogging include a drop in engine power and the DPF warning light coming on.

🔍 Dirty DPF: what are the symptoms?

Le particulate filterAlso called DPF, is a pollution control system that traps pollutants in the exhaust to limit your vehicle's emissions. In 2011 it was manufactured compulsory on diesel engines new, but it is also found on some gasoline cars.

DPF works in two stages:

• La we need to set filtration.during which the filter collects contaminants before they enter the exhaust pipe and are released;
• La regenerationduring which the DPF rises to a temperature above 550 ° C to start the combustion of these particles, which, due to accumulation, form a layer of soot that can clog the DPF.

However, soot can build up and clog the DPF, even clogging up. In fact, the combustion temperature of the particles is only reached at a minimum speed of approximately 3000 rounds / min.

Short trips and / or city trips do not allow this speed to be reached and therefore trigger DPF regeneration. Consequently, the diesel particulate filter is more prone to clogging.

You will recognize a dirty DPF by the following symptoms:

• One loss of power motor;
• of Wedges engine, especially when starting;
• Le DPF indicator or engine warning light lights up;
• One overconsumption fuel;
• The engine switches to degraded regime and idling.

If your DPF is clogged, your engine will not perform well. When pulling away and accelerating, you will feel a lack of power. You will get the impression that the engine is choking and might even stall.

As a direct consequence of this drop in power, as you have to put more stress on the engine, you will also increase fuel consumption. Finally, the DPF or engine light will illuminate to indicate a DPF malfunction.

🚗 How to prevent clogging of your DPF?

Even if you mostly only drive around town or on short trips, clogging your DPF can be avoided. It's mainly about drive prophylactically to start the periodic regeneration of the particulate filter.

To do this, take the motorway from time to time and drive at engine speed.not less than 3000 rpm... This will achieve the temperature required for the combustion of the particles trapped in the particulate filter. There are also additives that can purify DPF.

👨‍🔧 DPF is dirty: what to do?

If your car shows symptoms of a dirty particulate filter, don't keep driving Thus. You run the risk of damaging not only the particulate filter, but also the engine. Urgent action required DPF cleaningotherwise, you will have to change it.

If your DPF is clogged and showing symptoms, it is too late to try to regenerate it on the highway: you risk damaging it. Go to the garage to do self-diagnosis, professional cleaning and, if necessary, replacement of the particulate filter.

Now you know the symptoms of a clogged DPF and know what to do if your DPF is clogged! To have it cleaned or replaced at the best price, go through our garage comparator and find a garage near you.