After many many miles (100k) the ash resulting from the burnt carbon may require physical, off the car cleaning.

I am hopeful that this cleaning is the best option and comfortable in knowing that my original dpf is a genuine part and will fit properly. Our 3.0 Bmw X3 Diesel E83 recently started giving problems and the cause was the dreaded Dpf. I tried three different makes of additive in the fuel tank but to no avail. I also attempted a manual regen. but again to no avail. I therefore had several choices.I was put off buying a diesel car for most of the last 10 years as your average mechanic (inc. many main-dealer ones) didn’t have much of a clue about EGR/DPF issues. Their solutions invariably revolved around expensive component replacement or it being ‘time to trade your car in’. Many mechanics, and I, understand how these systems work now as they’ve been around for a good few years, and earlier this year I traded in my (4 month old) petrol MX5 for a diesel Dacia Duster (circumstances dictated the need for a 4 seater). Short journeys – The engine is not so efficient during warm up, and does not get hot enough to burn off deposits You may get a strange smell coming from the engine bay or underneath of the car. Common smells are a foul, eggy like smell and you also get a burning smell which can be alarming to say the least!

If, however, you can pinpoint the issue, a specialised engine cleaner will have insanely good results. Here are the common warning signs:

What is a particulate filter?

My Dpf filter warning light comes off and I blast off down the dual carriageway for 20 mins at 3000 rpm …..that has worked until this week when dpf , glow plug and engine management lights all came on and went into limp mode.

In 2016 I bought a Vauxhall Zafira diesel automatic, with a DPF filter fitted as standard. As I was driving the car from Southampton to Bristol the engine glow plug light began flashing. Different cars will illuminate different warning lights as you can see in the image below.My Zafira was in excellent condition and may have been previously owned by a very careful driver that rarely revved the engine. With active regeneration, the engine control unit injects more fuel into the engine to raise the exhaust gas temperature, thereby burning off soot from the particulate filter or DPF.

A passive regeneration occurs when the vehicle exhaust system has reached a particular temperature after a sustained period of driving at specific speeds. Generally, this occurs when driving on a motorway at speeds of around 50-70mph for more than 30 minutes. DPF cleaners are suitable for most diesel or biodiesel engines and they may require regular usage to keep the DPF clean. However, if you find that they aren’t as effective as you would expect, go on a “spirited” drive whilst keeping the RPM’s high. You could also drive on the motorway and keep the car in a lower gear whilst travelling at 60 to 70 MPH. This type of driving along with using the cleaner should help to keep it clean as long as there isn’t a fault with the DPF.

Yes, I do work in the additive industry for Wynn’s, a global additives company established in 1939 – Must be doing something right? Reply There are various ways of maintaining the particulate filter’s efficiency and the system’s smooth operation. Preventive maintenance is always the best. Once I understood how these emissions controls worked, it’s not that hard to see how problems are encountered and how straightforward (& cheap) the fixes can be. I’m loving the torquey diesel drive again and have no qualms about running this car up to at least 150k+ miles. Reply