How to clean a Diesel Particulate Filter while driving ?

Every year, British people drive an average of 13 000 kilometers. It is relatively short. A large portion of them — perhaps you — have been using the vehicle only for urban usage. In fact, nothing is wrong with that. However; if your car runs on diesel and it has a Diesel Particulate Filter, then the risk of clogging is real. Fortunately, there is an easy way to clean a DPF ! One solution: drive and increase the gears of your car a little. Please find our instructions here below.

How does a DPF work ?

A Diesel particulate filter operates in two steps. Primarily, it will filter fine particles and collect them. These will clump together forming a thick layer around the filter which can eventually clog it. Secondly, the regeneration step will burn this layer of fine particles to destroy them. Therefore, the DPF will again be able to collect fine particles and initiate new recycling cycles. However, for regeneration to take place, the vehicle must be warm to reach nearly 1112°F within the particle filter. Without this, regeneration cycles will be unable to get into action and clogging is unavoidable.

How to clean a DPF while driving ?

To properly clean the Diesel Particulate Filter while driving, you will need to ride. The highway represents an ideal ground for this exercise, but simple roads will do the business. Maintain an engine speed of at least 3,000 rpm. Indeed, the engine’s level of heating is indirectly linked to the heating of the DPF too. If your car has an automatic transmission, shift your gears in a manual mode by moving the gear shift gently. No need to use the speed limiter, it is with no seeming value added. Ride like this for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will initiate a regeneration cycle, and your DPF will be cleaned. This operation should be repeated regularly, ideally once every two weeks. Whether it is a BMW DPF or a Peugeot DPF, the operation is exactly the same.

Do you want to know if your Catalytic Converter is Bad ? Do you want to know if your DPF is clogged ?

Please consider the following;

To make your diesel particulate filter last as long as possible, it is, therefore, necessary to carry out these regeneration cycles regularly. However, this method will not create miracles. If the DPF is irremediably damaged, it has to be replaced. If in doubt, ask an accredited dealership or a car center. They will be capable to test whether or not this anti-pollution device is damaged. In addition, initiating a regeneration cycle before taking the technical inspection remains an effective way to ensure good results before the anti-pollution test. You might think of that the next time.

Image sources:
Karolina Osinska / Author: duallogic / License ID: 9BKJGDFATV - elements.envato.com