DPF Cleaning and Replacement - Fir Tree Autocentre

Diesel Particulate Filter Services – Regeneration and Replacement

Fir Tree Autocentre provides DPF cleaning and replacement systems for our customers with diesel vehicles. In addition to this, we offer DPF fault diagnostics to read fault codes when they arise. We can identify whether it’s a simple regeneration that is required or whether the system needs to be replaced. We have the latest technology in our West Drayton garage that allows us to accurately and professionally diagnose your car.

In order to book your DPF cleaning or diagnostic online, simply use our booking tool and select ‘I’ve got a problem with my car’. Type in the box below what issues you are experiencing so that we can have a better understanding of what to look for on your car. Alternatively, you can contact us at Fir Tree Autocentre, and one of our friendly team members will be on hand to help.

How a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) works

A Diesel Particulate Filter is mounted close to the engine on Diesel vehicles. It is designed to filter the exhaust gases, like a silencer, and minimise flow reduction. It forces the gas through the filter walls so that particulate matter is left behind. This is done so that it reduces the amount of air pollution your car gives off.

After a certain amount of time, the DPF reaches a capacity. Once it does, it regenerates itself to burn off the particulate matter within the system.

Why problems can be caused with a DPF

Driving on the motorway at faster speeds enables the temperature to reach an optimum level and therefore your diesel car produces less particulate matter. This means the system doesn’t have to regenerate itself as often, which helps the system to run for longer.

The majority of drivers drive on shorter trips, normally on a commute to work or school drop offs. This means, your diesel vehicle doesn’t reach the conditions required for the DPF to regenerate itself. Therefore, after a while, the system will need to be manually cleaned. This will get rid of the existing particulate matter and allow for the filter to continue to work.

DPF Cleaning and Regeneration

Most diesel vehicles will indicate when they need to be manually cleaned, much like a service light on your dashboard. It’s really important that a DPF clean and regeneration is conducted as soon as possible. This is because further damage can cause expensive repairs to the system. This is what we want you to avoid!

Once we’ve inspected your vehicle, we’ll determine a plan to clean your system manually. With your approval on pricing, we’ll connect your diesel vehicle to our service computer, which initiates the DPF regeneration process. During this process, your car is then run so that sufficient heat is generated for the regeneration process to run.

How long does the DPF regeneration take?

It normally takes about an hour and a half to complete the full DPF regeneration. We’ll always contact you if there are any other issues that we experience and we will let you know when your car is ready to be picked up.

The cost of avoiding a DPF clean

Once your DPF fault light has come on, it indicates that your DPF is not able to regenerate itself whilst you’re driving. Therefore, manual intervention is required. If the system is not regenerated manually, it can cause further damage. Once the system reaches approximately 90% saturation, it can cause too much damage for repair and therefore will need to be replaced.

DPF replacement

At Fir Tree Autocentre, we also provide DPF replacements for systems that have too much damage in order to be repaired. This will require the DPF to be removed from the exhaust system and then replaced. We highly recommend getting your system regularly cleaned and regenerated to avoid the cost of having to have your DPF replaced.

Booking your DPF regeneration (cleaning)

To book DPF regeneration or replacement, you can enter your registration online. Select the ‘I’ve got a problem with my car’ service and explain the issue to us. We’ll then take a look at your car when it comes into our West Drayton garage and contact you with the details when we’ve looked at the issue. Alternatively, you can contact us and one of our professional team at Fir Tree Autocentre will be able to help.

How to Book Online