Who would have thought that one of the most complex devices in our car is a small, hidden component called the DPF? And yet - the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is crucial for the health of our vehicle and our environment. But how do you burn off a DPF while driving? Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems.
What is a DPF and why is it important?
The DPF, or diesel particulate filter, is a component of the exhaust system designed to reduce harmful emissions. Without this small device, our cars would release more pollutants into the atmosphere. As you can see, the DPF is much more than just another car “gadget”.
Not sure whether your car has a diesel particulate filter? Find out how to check - DPF - how to check whether your car has one?
How to burn off a DPF while driving - step by step
Now let’s get down to business. How do you burn off a DPF while driving? Here are a few steps that will help you with this task.
Choose the right route
A DPF requires regular burn-off, which is best carried out during sustained driving at higher speeds. Short trips around the city are not very good for the DPF.
Monitor the signals from your car
A warning light indicating the need for DPF regeneration often appears on the dashboard.
Drive your car at the right speed
To burn off the DPF, you should maintain a speed of about 60-70 km/h for at least 20-30 minutes. This ensures that the exhaust gas temperature is high enough to burn off the accumulated particulates.
What if I can’t burn off the DPF while driving?
There are situations when we are unable to burn off the DPF while driving. Does this mean we’re facing an expensive trip to the mechanic? Not necessarily! There are special DPF regeneration fluids that can be added to the fuel. Remember, however, that this is a temporary solution, and regular DPF burn-off while driving remains crucial for the health of your car.
For more information, we invite you to read another of our posts - How to burn off a DPF - a step-by-step guide.
How often should I burn off the DPF while driving?
This depends on many factors, such as driving style, type of fuel, and even the car model. Generally, it’s worth doing every 500-1000 km.
As a last resort, you’ll be informed of the need to act by a special DPF warning light located on the dashboard. We should definitely not ignore it, because it indicates a poor condition of the filter and signals that it requires burning off. Ignoring this can lead to serious damage.
Can I remove the DPF from my car?
No, you can’t. Removing the DPF is illegal and leads to increased emissions of harmful substances.
You now know how to burn off a DPF while driving - regularly, at the right speed, and by monitoring the signals from your car. Remember that proper DPF maintenance is not only a matter of protecting the environment, but also of your car’s longevity. And above all, you’ll avoid unnecessary and costly repairs!
