A DPF or a diesel particulate filter is a device used in diesel-powered engine to prevent harmful emissions from being expelled into the environment. Without these filters, diesel vehicles would become more pollutive, which is why having one installed in your vehicle is a must.
However, a DPF has a limited capacity, meaning regular maintenance is necessary. To ease the maintenance process, a DPF cleaner is employed to help burn away to soot. Nevertheless, the question remains; how often should you use a DPF cleaner? Tuborevs features an in-depth article to this question.
What is a DPF?
Before delving into the topic, it is pertinent to understand what exactly is a diesel particulate filter and how it works. A DPF is simply a filter, designed to trap the soot and grime produced by diesel-powered engines. Due to the extreme temperatures within the exhaust system, the soot is burnt off and converted into carbon dioxide and ash. Since ash cannot pass through the filter, it has to be manually removed.
A DPF cleaner is used just for this purpose, as it allows the soot be easily burnt off, resulting in easier maintenance of the DPF.
Why Do You Need a DPF Cleaner?
Your vehicle’s DPF can store only a quart of ash that gets lodged within the filters. Once it gets full, your vehicle will experience reduced fuel economy, loss of horsepower, damage to the filter, and eventually damage to the vehicle’s engine.
If the DPF is left clogged for prolonged periods, it could potentially result in engine breakdown. Moreover, the DPF’s warranty can also become void if the reason for damage turns out to be a clogged-up DPF, resulting in heavy fines.
Therefore, having your DPF cleaned regularly is a must, especially for your vehicle’s overall longevity. Since vehicle’s cannot reach high speeds within the city, the exhaust doesn’t heat up enough to burn down the soot in the filter. For this purpose, a DPF cleaner is employed, which reduces the temperature required to burn the soot.
How Often Should a DPF Cleaner be Used?
It is recommended to use a DPF cleaner every 2-3 tanks of fuel. This allows the DPF to always have a seamless flow, minimising any chance of blockage. Another alternative to this would be to add a dosage of the cleaner whenever the dash board lamp lights up. As soon as you pour in the cleaner, the light will automatically go away, indicating that the DPF has been cleared up.
Conclusion
As diesel particulate filters are delicate devices, having them regularly cleaned is essential. Having a clogged-up filter can result in a number of drawbacks for your vehicle’s engine, as it may experience loss of horsepower, reduced fuel efficiency, and even damage to the engine. To avoid these circumstances, it is crucial to have your vehicle’s DPF regularly cleaned.
Find some of the best DPF cleaners in the market at Turborevs and take your car’s performance to new heights.