Introduction
One of the most crucial parts of a modern diesel car is the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). It helps your car meet emission regulations and maintain cleaner air by capturing and storing dangerous soot particles from exhaust gases.
A poorly maintained DPF, on the other hand, can clog and require costly repairs or even a complete replacement, which, depending on the vehicle, can cost anywhere from ₹50,000 to over ₹1 lakh. The good news? You can prolong the life of your DPF and prevent expensive replacements by taking the proper care of it.
1. Understand How Your DPF Works
Through a process known as regeneration, your DPF holds onto soot until it can be burned off. Two primary categories exist:
- When you drive more quickly and the exhaust temperature reaches the necessary level, passive regeneration occurs naturally.
- When the computer in a vehicle injects more fuel to increase the exhaust temperature and burn off soot, this is known as active regeneration.
If you mostly drive short distances or in stop-and-go traffic, clogs could be the result of incomplete DPF regeneration.
- Drive Longer, at Higher Speeds
One of the simplest ways to keep your DPF healthy is to drive your car once a week for 20 to 30 minutes at constant speeds (above 60 to 70 km/h).
This promotes complete regeneration and prevents soot from building up inside the filter.
3. Use High-Quality Diesel Fuel
Higher levels of impurities in low-quality diesel lead to more soot being produced.
- Refuel at trustworthy stations at all times.
- Take into account fuel additives that lower carbon accumulation and increase combustion efficiency.
