How long should a DPF last? A DPF can last up to around 100,000 miles if maintained properly. After the car has exceeded that mileage, you could be looking at paying a large amount of money for a replacement - so always properly check MoT and service records when buying a used car.
A diesel particulate filter on a poorly serviced car may fail sooner than a well maintained one, generally, they should last for at least 100,000 miles.
Active regeneration will be initiated every 300 miles or so depending on how you use your car and will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. But it's a problem if your journey's too short and the regeneration doesn't finish.
Active regeneration takes around 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and normally happens every 300 miles or so depending on how you drive and how often you use your car.
Over time, the DPF wears out. Regeneration cycles are absolutely essential as they intended to burn off the collected fine particles. Without them, the DPF would clog very quickly.
For on-highway vehicles, the DPF should be pulled off for its first cleaning after 150,000 to 200,000 miles, and then every 100,000 miles after that for preventive maintenance cleaning, Anderson notes.
You should consult the handbook for your vehicle for more specific guidance on how you should drive to initiate regeneration of the DPF and clear the warning light. Nevertheless, a general rule of thumb to follow is that you should run the engine at least 40 mph and at least 2500 rpm.
DPF BENEFITS
Better fuel economy: Fuel economy is a big winner after deleting the DPF. Not only will a vehicle conserve the fuel that is utilized by the filter for regenerative purposes, but a cleaner running engine is also an engine that runs more efficiently.
So what's the answer? Your DPF regenerates because of excessive exhaust soot overwhelming the DPF. Exhaust soot is the product of incomplete combustion, the soot is actually partially burned fuel. Soot creates back pressure and the regeneration is triggered and your headaches begin.
There are several ways to clean your DPF filter, you can either clear it yourself by burning the soot away or have it cleaned professionally by a garage. If the blockage persists, you will likely need to replace your DPF filter, which can be costly.
Alter your driving habits
Do your research and find out how many miles you need to drive, and at what speed, to initiate the regeneration process and allow it sufficient time to complete. This will prevent any build-up of soot and particulates in the filter and extends the life-expectancy of your DPF.
Replacing a DPF can easily cost $4000 to $8000, and sometimes more, it's a big cost… particularly when a vehicle is out of warranty!
If the DPF is hardened with ash and soot to the point that it cannot be cleaned it needs to be replaced. But this isn't the only reason that diesel particulate filters need to be replaced. DPFs may also be damaged from high heat, also known as a thermal event. Once the DPF is cracked it should be immediately replaced.
Is it illegal to remove a diesel particulate filter? Yes, it is illegal. Owners face fines if caught and removing a DPF can also invalidate your car insurance policy.
No, it's illegal to remove or delete your EGR. Your vehicle has been designed by the manufacturer to operate with an EGR system. It is illegal and will also void the manufacturer's warranty on your vehicle and Australian consumer law protections.
Perhaps the most critical disadvantage of removing DPF is the increase in soot and particulate matter volume in the air. Besides, you will be more likely to be fined for removing DPF based on the regulations that governments pass for climate control.
A maintained DPF is capable of 200,000 + kms before removal for correct cleaning or replacement.
Technically yes, but we would not recommend it. If you ignore the DPF light and continue driving, the build-up of soot will soon reach a point whereby your car has to enter 'limp-home' mode in order to prevent any damage to the engine.
The active regeneration of the particulate filter occurs when the soot level in the DPF is around 40-45 % of its capacity. When the soot reaches this percentage, afterburner fuel is injected to increase the exhaust temperature.
One final consideration, it takes time for a DPF to block, sometimes years. Once blocked though, turbo failure can occur very quickly.
The easiest and most effective way to de-clog and maintain your DPF filter is to use a combustion catalyst called FTC Decarbonizer. This DPF cleaner has been used successfully in many 4WDs, trucks and bus engines where carbon and soot related problems have started destroying engines.