DPF cleaning - how to care for a particulate filter?

As you know, DPF filters began to be installed on cars as a result of the establishment of exhaust gas toxicity standards. Particulate matter was the target of regulations introduced in 2001. These are particles of carbon or sulfates that are part of the exhaust gases. Their excessive secretion is unfavorable for the environment and may contribute to the formation of cancer. Therefore, for vehicles with a diesel engine, the particulate matter standard has been reduced from 0,025 g to 0,005 g per km. As a result of the introduction of new regulations, the cleaning of DPF filters has become a common service in almost all European countries.

DPF regeneration - dry and wet afterburning

The task of filters is to clean the exhaust gases from solid particles. Regeneration DPF (abbreviation DPF - English. particulate filter), or cleaning, this is the so-called "dry" afterburning, which is most often carried out at high temperatures. Temperatures can reach up to 700°C without the use of additional liquids. Some car manufacturing companies use a different method. Brands such as Citroën and Peugeot use catalytic fluid. This reduces the combustion temperature to 300°C. Variant of "wet" filters (FAP - fr. particulate filter) works well in urban environments.

What Causes a Clogged DPF?

The introduction of filters into use should have entailed a thorough analysis of their work. It was necessary to determine the causes of their clogging. Thanks to this, it was possible to find effective solutions for cleaning the DPF. The biggest problem for the DPF and FAP was, of course, urban conditions due to the high amount of exhaust gases. In urban areas, air quality is worse due to the large number of cars and factories emitting pollutants. 

Short city routes were also a problem. It is on them that dry filters cannot reach the appropriate temperature at which afterburning can take place. As a result, the filters become clogged with particles that cannot be burned. For this reason, it is necessary to clean the particulate filter, preferably at the lowest possible cost. You can choose between cleaning or replacing the filter. Remember, however, that in many cases the purchase of a new product, even in the case of a replacement, can cost you several thousand zł. It is worth considering such a decision and take advantage of the opinion of experienced car mechanics.

Particulate filter burnout - price

It is often believed among experts that even a fully functional particulate filter requires additional costs. The presence of a particulate filter in a car can adversely affect the amount of fuel burned. This phenomenon most often occurs when the filter is already heavily clogged. 

The most common symptoms of a clogged particulate filter are reduced vehicle performance and increased fuel consumption. It is possible that only then you will be interested in what DPF burning is and at what price such a service is provided. Costs will be higher if you decide to use higher quality oils that will be changed frequently. Thus, you can delay cleaning the DPF, but your wallet will suffer.

Burning DPF particles while driving

If you want to delay cleaning your DPF, there are many proven methods you can use. If you use your car mainly in urban areas, it is worth going out of town from time to time. A longer route will allow you to reach the required temperature. This will allow the filter to burn the particles that have settled on it. Their burning is also recommended by manufacturers. Component manufacturers recommend regular cleaning of the particulate filter. Most often, the service life of these elements is calculated taking into account longer routes, and not just short trips around the city.

Of course, you may be wondering how often you want to implement such a burn. It depends on what kind of filter you have and how you will use it. Mechanics usually advise doing this at least once a month. The general rule - after such a burnout, try not to exceed 1000 km. Remember that your driving style will not matter. Studies show that when accelerating hard at lower engine speeds, more unburned particles remain in the exhaust gases. You can also reduce their number with special preparations.

How to clean the DPF yourself?

Surely, like many other drivers, you often wonder how to clean the particulate filter yourself. Such services are offered in an increasing number of car services. Unfortunately, this will mean interference with the design of the filter and the risk of damage to it. If you are skeptical about this, you can choose to flush the DPF without disassembly. In this case, a complex operation to remove the filter is not required. 

You can do the chemical cleaning of the particulate filter yourself. All you have to do is buy the right drug. Pour the regeneration fluid into the cold filter. Properly applied product effectively burns dirt at idle. It is worth consulting about the purchase of the drug with an experienced mechanic.

Diesel particulate filters remove harmful substances from vehicle exhaust gases. Remember to take care of the proper maintenance of the DPF filter. Thanks to this, you will increase your driving efficiency and take care of the environment.