Due to its finite capacity, the filter must undergo a process known as 'regeneration' which aims to burn off the trapped particles and, subsequently, render them less damaging to the environment upon release.

In an effort to minimise the hazardous exhaust fumes generated by diesel vehicles, all diesel cars manufactured since 2009 are fitted with a DPF. This is manufacturers' way of conforming to increasingly stringent emission regulations, as well as providing a method for producing more ecologically sound diesel cars.

When it comes to the task of getting rid of toxic particles, two main methods are at our disposal. We refer to these processes as ‘regeneration’ and they come in two forms: Passive regeneration and Active regeneration.

Passive regeneration is suitable for drivers of cars who take regular and long journeys on motorways. This method sees the car’s own system of regeneration begin through regular, everyday driving and extended journeys, with speeds exceeding 80k/h helping the exhaust temperatures rise sufficiently, burning off excess soot from the filter.

Active regeneration For those drivers whose cars aren’t used on a regular basis, manufacturers have come up with another option. This allows the system to be set up to facilitate regeneration in an easier way, taking the strain off the driver.

For those who rarely take their cars out for long drives on the highway, automobile makers needed to devise an alternate approach for eliminating the accumulated particles from the DPF. Thus, the system of active regeneration was implemented wherein when the soot in the DPF gets to a certain extent, the automatic procedure of additional fuel injection is triggered from the car’s ECU. This method of DPF cleansing commonly initiates when the soot level reaches about 45%.

Subsequently, the temperature of the exhaust will experience an augmentation due to the post combustion fuel infusion. Even when the vehicle is not travelling at high speeds, the hotness of the exhaust would be sufficient to incinerate the existing particles in the DPF.

If you see your DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) light come on, it’s an immediate indication that your filter has become clogged and must be unblocked. To activate the regeneration process, the easiest solution is to take your car for a prolonged ride at an optimal speed range of 80-100 km/h for thirty minutes to an hour. Open roads, such as motorways, are best in this situation as they help keep the vehicle running continuously and ensure the temperature of the exhaust system is consistently high. Upon completion of the regeneration process, you should notice that the DPF light will turn off, signifying that the filter has been effectively cleared out.

If you experience a blocked Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and the associated warning light stays on, it is a serious issue that you should not take lightly. Repairing or replacing a DPF is not an inexpensive endeavour, so you should get in touch with a professional who is experienced with DPFs and your vehicle. There are a variety of approaches you can take to deal with a blocked DPF, and one cost-effective alternative is to have it cleaned. Cleaning out the built-up soot from a blocked DPF can improve the efficiency of your car and its environmental impact. It is an affordable way to improve your vehicle’s performance.

Auto Stop Gold Coast are professionals in DPF cleaning and we have a comprehensive service for DPF cleaning in both Brisbane and Gold Coast. Contact us for any DPF issues you may have, we’re here to help.