In the case of both Mercedes and the VAG group (VW, Audi, Seat & Skoda) we offer a forced  DPF regeneration service. This diagnostic procedure is the manufacturer approved method of cleaning and renewing your DPF. By raising your exhaust temperature to a sufficient level to initiate the required ‘burn’ effect, your filter can be returned to a fully functioning state without the need to replace or remove the filter, maintaining your warranty and increasing your vehicles performance.

Understanding DPF’s

Modern diesel engines have become increasingly complex as they have become a viable alternative to petrol engines. Ireland has seen a huge increase in the levels of diesel car ownership over the past ten years. The increasing complexity and requirements to run them as ‘green’ as possible has lead to increased maintenance and repair costs. Many diesel vehicles are unwittingly not used correctly by customers, they normally require long high torque journey to run as efficiently as possible. Slow ‘stop-start’ city driving is unfortunately a common cause of issue with diesel engines. 

A blocked filter will normally bring about poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption and most notably a constant engine management light. Unfortunately, DPF problems are commonly misdiagnosed due to a lack of understanding of these systems and the lack of the correct diagnostic software. Many garages will recommend a complete replaced costing thousands of euro whilst others may recommend by-passing the system altogether. The first option is excessively expensive, whilst the second is not recommended by any manufacturer.

• What is a disel particulate filter?
  A diesel particulate filter (or DPF) is a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine.
• Does my car have a DPF?
  Most diesel cars sold from 2008 onwards will be fitted with the filter.
• How do I know my DPF is blocked?
  An engine management light along with poor engine performance may signal a blocked filter
• Is it harmful to continue driving?
  Most vehicle will drop into a ‘limp-mode’ restricting the ability of the engine. Prolonged used in this state can lead to extensive vehicle damage as the engine is operating under undue stress. Pressure sensors, catalytic converters and turbochargers can all be damaged as a result of blocked filters.
• How does a regeneration work?
  A passive regeneration can occur without drivers even noticing in regular day-to-day driving. As the vehicle fills predetermined conditions such as engine speed and exhaust temperature, the system itself will attempt to clean the DPF to maintain it’s efficiency. Problems arise when these conditions are not met (often as a result of city driving) and this is when a forced regeneration is required.