For diesel drivers, a clogged Diesel Particulate Filter can affect a vehicle's performance – and if left unchecked, can lead to other mechanical issues.
Gloucester's award-winning, family-run garage, Next Wheels & Tyres is helping drivers understand their DPF, how to tell if it's not performing at its best, and what to do about it.
What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and how does it work?
All diesel vehicles since 2009 are fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which captures soot and particulate matter from the exhaust.
Vehicles can regenerate this filter automatically under the right driving conditions, by heating the filter sufficiently to burn off trapped soot and clear the system, but frequent short journeys and stop-start driving can interrupt the regeneration cycle, causing soot to accumulate and clog the filter, affecting the vehicle's performance.
How to tell if your Diesel Particulate Filter is blocked
The first sign is often a DPF or engine management warning light on the dashboard, or a noticeable loss of performance.
Other telltale signs are loss of power, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, excess smoke, or the vehicle going into limp mode.
While continuing to drive with a blocked DPF can lead to further, more serious mechanical problems, a blocked DPF doesn't always mean a costly replacement, as professional cleaning may be a viable option.
Some popular models which may benefit from DPF cleaning include BMW 320d and 520d, Vauxhall Grandland, Audi and Land Rover diesel models, as well as vans and commercial vehicles including the Ford Transit and Transit Custom, Mercedes Sprinter, Vauxhall Vivaro, and Volkswagen Crafter and Transporter – although there is no limitation on which diesel vehicles can be treated.
What is the difference between mobile and professional off-car DPF cleaning?
Mobile DPF cleaning can be a convenient option for busy drivers, but as the DPF remains fitted to the vehicle, it is reliant on chemical treatments or forced regeneration, making it difficult to achieve a comprehensive clean.
Next Wheels & Tyres Gloucester has invested around £25,000 in a state-of-the-art HydroFlow Ultra Cabinet Plus and Advanced Maxi Pro professional DPF cleaning equipment, new to Gloucester.
Its DPF cleaning service involves assessing the vehicle and its DPF condition first, and if cleaning is the appropriate course of action, removing the DPF from the vehicle for professional cleaning using the HydroFlow system, to physically flush the filter and remove accumulated soot and contaminants before refitting – with a typical clean taking around a few hours.
It also offers live data checks before and after the process to measure the difference DPF cleaning has made to the vehicle's performance, with a before and after print out for total peace of mind.
Next's marketing director, Azmat Baig, said: 'Mobile DPF cleaning can have its place, but we wanted to offer something different. By removing the DPF and putting it through dedicated HydroFlow cleaning equipment, we can concentrate on cleaning the filter itself and provide a much more comprehensive cleaning process.'
How much does professional Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning cost?
Next Wheels & Tyres specialist blocked DPF cleaning using its Advanced HydroFlow system is currently available for a special, limited time price – starting from £219, reduced from £300.
The package includes a full diagnostic assessment, to ensure DPF cleaning is appropriate and there aren't any underlying problems, followed by professional DPF cleaning, carbon cleaning, and before and after live data checks.
How effective is professional off-car Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning?
Though results vary per vehicle, some recent DPF cleaning jobs by Next Wheels & Tyres have resulted in a 91 per cent soot reduction on a BMW 320d and a Vauxhall Grandland, and a 93 per cent reduction on a Ford Transit Custom van.
How to book Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning at Next Wheels & Tyres
For more information, or to book a DPF clean at Next Wheels & Tyres in Gloucester, visit nextwheelstyres.com/dpf-carbon-cleaning-gloucester.
