The Diesel Particulate Filter

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is designed to filter out and burn off exhaust particles, helping to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 80% whilst significantly reducing your carbon footprint. 

When the DPF reaches a certain percentage, a process called “regeneration” will need to be carried out. Regeneration is a cleaning process carried on the diesel particulate filter; there are two types of regeneration: Active and Passive.

Passive regeneration takes place on high-speed journeys, such as motorway runs when the exhaust temperature is high.

The vehicles ECU will initiate the “Active” regeneration when the diesel particulate filter reaches a certain percentage. It is important that you take the following steps when you receive the relevant warning light (see your vehicles owners manual) on the console or notice some hesitation whilst driving.

Diesel Particulate Filter warning lights

So, if you see the relative warning light (see your vehicles owners manual) or notice some hesitation whilst driving then takes the following steps:

•When it is both safe and legal to do so

•Drive the vehicle at around 40 mph 

•At around 2000 revs 

•For about 25 minutes

Until the diesel particulate filter has been fully regenerated, the warning light may go out quicker than expected; we still advise that you take these steps for the full amount of the time.

Ignoring the warning signs could lead to a blocked diesel particulate filter, which will then require a forced regeneration at our Autoworld Service Centre. If you don’t completely regenerate the diesel particulate filter then any excess fuel, which is used to burn off the particles, could mix with the engine oils and may lead to a full oil change.

Do not worry though, by taking these simple steps when required you will keep your diesel particulate filter clean and enjoy all the economical benefits that a diesel engine can offer.

If you are in doubt please refer to your owners manual for further information or call us for support and guidance on 01246 386675 or visit our website www.autoworld.co.uk