A Diesel Particulate Filter plays a critical role in reducing emissions from diesel vehicles. Over time, these filters collect soot and ash, which can clog the system and trigger warning lights or reduce performance. When this happens, cleaning the DPF becomes essential. But not all cleaning methods offer the same results. Here’s a breakdown of the main DPF cleaning techniques available and what each one involves.
Many diesel vehicles are equipped with systems designed to clean the DPF automatically through a process called regeneration. Passive regeneration happens when the exhaust temperature is naturally high enough to burn off soot. This often occurs during long motorway journeys and requires no driver intervention.
Active regeneration is triggered by the vehicle’s ECU when the filter reaches a certain level of blockage. The system adjusts fuel injection and exhaust conditions to raise the temperature and burn off the soot. However, this process can fail if the vehicle is only used for short trips, leading to partial blockage and warning lights.
When passive and active regeneration fail, forced regeneration is carried out using diagnostic equipment at a garage. The process involves raising the exhaust temperature to burn off the soot manually. It’s an effective method but it doesn’t always deal with ash or deeper blockages in the filter. Forced regeneration is usually a stopgap before a deeper clean is required.
On-car DPF cleaning involves connecting specialist cleaning equipment to the DPF while it’s still fitted to the vehicle. A cleaning fluid is injected and flushed through the system to break down soot deposits but it does not clear any ash deposits. The engine is then run to complete the process. It’s less labour-intensive than off-car cleaning and can be a cost-effective option if the filter isn’t severely blocked, although not always successful.
For heavily blocked filters or ash accumulation, off-car cleaning offers the most thorough results. The DPF is removed and cleaned using high-pressure water, air or a combination of both, often alongside heat or chemical treatments. Once the cleaning is complete, flow tests confirm the filter is operating correctly before it’s refitted. This method is highly effective and can restore a DPF to near-original performance.
The right cleaning method depends on the severity of the blockage and the condition of your DPF. A mildly clogged filter may respond well to on-car cleaning, while a completely blocked filter or one showing repeated issues might require off-car cleaning or even replacement. A professional inspection will help determine the best course of action.
There’s no fixed schedule for DPF cleaning but warning signs include:
Addressing these signs early can prevent further damage and help avoid unnecessary replacement costs.
Whether you’re managing a personal vehicle or a commercial fleet, understanding your DPF cleaning options is key to avoiding downtime and expensive repairs. Not every method is suitable for every situation, so it’s worth getting expert advice before deciding. At DPF Clean Team, we offer professional DPF cleaning services tailored to your vehicle’s condition. From thorough off-car cleaning to quick diagnostics, our team ensures your filter is restored efficiently and tested before it goes back on the road. If you’re unsure which method your DPF needs, get in touch with our specialists for honest, practical guidance.