If you drive a diesel, chances are you’ve heard of the DPF – but many drivers don’t think about it until a warning light appears on the dashboard.
A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) plays an important role in reducing harmful emissions by trapping soot from your engine. Over time, that soot builds up and needs to be burned away through a process called regeneration. If the regeneration doesn’t happen properly, the filter can become blocked, leading to a range of problems.
What are the signs of a blocked DPF?
A blocked DPF doesn’t usually happen overnight. Your car will often give you a few warning signs first, including:
- Loss of power or sluggish acceleration
- Poor fuel economy
- DPF or engine management warning lights
- The vehicle going into limp mode
- Cooling fans running more often than normal
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth getting your vehicle checked sooner rather than later.
Why do DPFs become blocked?
One of the most common causes is frequent short journeys. Diesel engines need to reach the right temperature for the DPF to regenerate naturally. If you’re mainly driving around town or making short trips, the regeneration cycle may never complete, allowing soot to build up over time.
However, a blocked DPF can also be a symptom of another issue. Faulty sensors, injector problems or EGR faults can all prevent the system from working as it should, which is why proper diagnosis is so important before any cleaning takes place.
Can a blocked DPF be cleaned?
In many cases, yes.
At Somerset Automotive, we begin by diagnosing the fault to make sure there isn’t an underlying problem causing the blockage. If professional cleaning is the right solution, we use specialist equipment designed specifically for DPFs to remove built-up soot and ash from the filter before carrying out the necessary checks and resetting related fault codes.
Professional cleaning can often restore the DPF’s performance without the need for a costly replacement, saving drivers hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Don’t ignore the warning signs
Driving with a blocked DPF doesn’t just affect performance. It can increase exhaust back pressure, put additional strain on the turbocharger and engine, and potentially lead to much more expensive repairs if left untreated.
The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the better the chance of resolving it before further damage occurs.
DPF Cleaning in Somerset
At Somerset Automotive, DPF cleaning is one of our specialist services and something very few independent garages in Somerset currently offer. Whether your DPF warning light has come on, your vehicle has lost power, or you simply want peace of mind, our experienced technicians can assess the problem and advise on the best course of action.
If you’re experiencing DPF issues, get in touch with our team in Washford or Williton. We’ll carry out a full diagnostic inspection and give you honest advice on whether professional cleaning is the right solution for your vehicle.
