DPF Replacement

A diesel particulate filter is a device that removes diesel matter from the exhaust that a diesel-powered vehicle produces. DPFs are usually made from cordierite, silicon carbide, ceramic fibres, metal fibres, or paper fibres.

The diesel particulate filter has been a standard part of diesel vehicles since 2009 when the Euro 5 emissions regulations went into effect. These regulations aim to lower the amount of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates found in the air.

Those emissions, known as the big three, are all cancer-causing. They're also known to affect the natural environment, so it's easy to see why diesel particulate filters needed to be created to help prevent their spread.

Because they're so effective at preventing diesel pollution, DPFs are legally required in many places including Perth.

Yes, a blocked DPF can damage your engine. This is because a blocked DPF prevents gases from venting normally. This can lead to loss of engine power, increased fuel consumption, and the possibility of mechanical malfunctions that can seriously damage your engine. If you begin having trouble starting your vehicle, notice a strange smell when the engine is running, or detect other abnormalities, you should take your car to your technician. The longer the DPF remains blocked, the more serious the issue can become. That's why it's important to have your DPF cleaned regularly by a professional. Your technician can help you determine how often you should be coming in, based on your vehicle type and driving habits.

To ensure that your DPF lasts for as long as possible, you should do the following.

• Put the right type of oil in your vehicle. This will help lessen the amount of diesel particulates your vehicle creates. If you aren't sure what type to buy, ask your technician or check the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Try to drive the vehicle above 40mph for at least fifteen minutes a week. This gives the DPF the time it needs to heat up and begin removing soot.
• Mix up your drives. Driving in slow traffic doesn't allow your DPF to heat up properly. If you regularly drive in heavy traffic try to do some long-distance, open road driving occasionally.
• Have your DPF inspected by your technician regularly.
• Take the vehicle in immediately if you notice any of the signs of a blocked DPF.

How long a DPF lasts depends on a variety of factors. Those include how often you clean the filter, how much drive time your vehicle gets, and what type of vehicle you drive. With that in mind, a general estimate is that the DPF will need to be replaced every 160,934.4 kilometres, or 100,000 miles. In many vehicles, a warning light will appear on your dash to let you know when your DPF needs cleaning or replacing. Check your owner's manual to see if this is the case for your vehicle.

Since 2009, new diesel vehicles have all been equipped with DPFs. In general, it's safe to assume that if you have a diesel vehicle built after 2009 you have a DPF. The device is also found in some older models, so having a pre-2009 doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have the filter.

One way to check if your vehicle is DPF compliant is to look for your manufacturer's sticker. It should have a helpline number you can call for detailed information about your particular model.

If you can’t find the number, you can bring your vehicle to Elite Tune and have it checked for a DPF.