How Do I Clean My DPF?

What Is A DPF?

A DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter is a device designed to remove diesel particulate substance or soot (black carbon) from the exhaust gases of a diesel engine.

The common benefits of regular DPF cleaning are:

• Improve fuel economy
• Improve overall engine performance
• Prevent DPF failure and replacement expenses

What Does A DPF Do?

Also known as a ‘soot trap’, the DPF catches the soot from the exhaust gases, effectively reducing the amount of emissions the car creates. Since 2009 it is the law for new diesel cars to be fitted with a DPF off the production line, to help stop the amount of harmful emissions being injected into our atmosphere. Removal of your DPF can result in a hefty fine, up to £1000 for a car and up to £2500 for a light goods vehicle.

How Do I Clean My DPF?

You have a few options when it comes to the cleaning of your DPF.

Regeneration.

Some say driving at speeds of over 40mph for 10 minutes using at least 2500 RPM and sticking in 3rd/4th gear can turn off your DPF light from your dash.
(We personally would not recommend this method)

Local DPF Cleaning Specialist.

Send it to a local specialist. However, you may have to dig deep, don’t expect it to be cheap.

We found a handy tool here: Find a DPF Specialist. 
Or you could choose a carbon clean: Find a Carbon Clean Specialist.
(Obviously, this is the more sensible choice)

DPF Cleaning Additives.

Relatively new to the market, these cleaning additives are now readily available online or at your local motor factors.
In fact, we (Milner Off Road) stock the TEC4 branded additives on our website. Tec4 are manufacturers of high-quality engine treatments and Fuel Saving products, you can find out more about them here.
TEC4 advise vehicles used regularly for urban cycle driving rarely achieve the conditions required for regeneration, resulting in the filter becoming blocked. TEC4’s DPF System Cleaner contains cerine additives which bond to the soot particles reducing the temperature at which they combust, this enables the DPF to passively regenerate during urban cycle driving.
Here at Milner’s, we stock the Complete DPF & Diesel System Cleaner, adding this product into your annual service is turning out to be a popular choice. Not only does it clean your DPF but it also cleans your fuel system. (Please also ensure you use the correct specification oil).

Prevention is better than cure! We would suggest getting some TEC4 before it is too late.

Is it Illegal to remove the DPF?

Removing your car’s diesel particulate filter (DPF) might be tempting because the damage caused by a clogged DPF can result in four-figure repair bills. To meet or exceed European-dictated emissions standards, DPFs have been fitted to most diesel cars for almost a decade and, because they need high temperatures to regenerate, low mileage stop-start motoring can cause them to block. Should a fascia warning lamp be ignored, expensive engine damage can occur.

If a vehicle is fitted with a DPF and is then removed, it is illegal to drive that vehicle on the road. “It is an offence under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations to use a vehicle that has been modified in such a way that it no longer complies with the air pollutant emissions standards it was designed to meet.” Removal of a DPF will almost invariably contravene these requirements, making the vehicle illegal for road use.

Will DPF Removal Result in MOT Failure?

If you have your DPF filter removed or has been removed before you bought the vehicle, it will fail its MOT. There have been cases where people have bought a used diesel vehicle with 12 month’s MOT and failed it’s next MOT because, unbeknown to the new owner, the DPF had been removed.

However, if your vehicle was never originally fitted with a DPF, it will be logged in the VIN code and the MOT inspector will not look for one.

Here is a quick video explaining the TEC4 products:

At only £17 + vat it isn’t going to break the bank, making it the perfect solution to your annual service.

If you have any questions about the information above, you can email us: sales@milneroffroad.com or telephone +44 (0)1629 734411.

PLEASE NOTE: MILNER OFF ROAD ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE YOU MAY CAUSE TO YOUR VEHICLE(S) BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE. IF YOU HAVE NOT PERFORMED THIS PROCEDURE ON YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE, WE HIGHLY ADVISE YOU TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC.

By Harriet Johnson