How to regenerate a DPF while driving? Practical tips on diesel particulate filter regeneration
Diesel engines have long been labeled as less eco-friendly due to their emissions. With the introduction of the EURO 5 standard, vehicle manufacturers were required to incorporate diesel particulate filters (DPFs) in diesel-powered vehicles. Over time, the DPF can become clogged with excess pollutants that accumulate on its walls. To prevent this, the filter must periodically undergo a process known as regeneration, where it effectively burns off accumulated soot and ash. In this discussion, I will explore what DPF regeneration looks like during driving and whether it is necessary.
A brief overview of the diesel particulate filter
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is an essential component of the exhaust system in diesel-powered vehicles. Its implementation became mandatory with the introduction of the EURO 5 standard in 2010, requiring manufacturers to equip vehicles with this filter to clean exhaust gases of harmful environmental and health pollutants.
DPF regeneration and the issue with soot
DPF regeneration, whether done while driving or when stationary, is the process designed to clean the filter's interior of accumulated soot and ash. This procedure is both a maintenance activity to keep the system clean and often a necessity when the DPF becomes clogged (which occurs when it fills with a significant amount of pollutants). Regenerating the filter restores its original function. Ignoring this issue can lead to numerous operational problems with the engine and potential system failures.
Automatic DPF regeneration during driving: a capability of every diesel vehicle
Regenerating the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) while driving is a process every diesel vehicle can automatically perform, provided the DPF is not already too clogged to initiate the procedure (in such cases, there might not be enough space for new pollutants, preventing the start of the regeneration). However, the activation of this regeneration process depends on the driving style of the driver – specific conditions need to be met to initiate it.
How to regenerate the DPF while driving?
As mentioned, certain conditions must be met for the DPF to regenerate during a drive. What does this entail? It’s simple – the process will start when the engine maintains elevated RPMs (from 2500 to 3500 revolutions per minute) for several minutes. Maintaining the right RPM and engine load ensures that the Diesel Particulate Filter reaches a high enough temperature to burn off the accumulated soot and ash effectively.
Maintaining the driving style for effective regeneration
It is crucial to maintain the driving style mentioned above for the necessary period – if the RPMs and speed drop after a few minutes due to braking or stopping, the regeneration process will be interrupted. So, how can you effectively regenerate the DPF while driving?
Driving on a highway or expressway
The best way to achieve successful DPF regeneration is to drive a longer stretch at high speed with the RPMs mentioned earlier. Therefore, it is recommended to perform the regeneration on a highway or expressway. This can be done in two ways:
- Manually maintaining the required RPM,
- Initiating the regeneration process using a diagnostic tester.
City driving in high gear
The second option, though not recommended, is to drive in a higher gear in city traffic. However, it's important to remember that DPF regeneration during driving requires reaching high speeds, which makes urban areas unsuitable for this practice considering the safety of drivers and pedestrians, as well as the potential for traffic fines.
When to force regeneration of the diesel particulate filter while driving?
The vehicle will signal when the DPF needs cleaning, typically indicated by a warning light on the dashboard. This alert means that it's time to take action to prevent any potential damage to the vehicle or worsening of the filter's condition. By following these practices, you can ensure that your DPF remains functional and effective, prolonging its lifespan and maintaining your vehicle's performance.
Ignoring the warning signs: the consequences
Ignoring the warning light for DPF regeneration should not be taken lightly – as neglecting it can lead to the filter becoming quickly clogged, which can diminish engine performance and acceleration, often resulting in the engine entering a limp mode.
How long does DPF regeneration take while driving?
The duration of DPF regeneration during driving depends on the amount of accumulated pollutants in the diesel particulate filter. Typically, the entire process lasts anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes.
Driving DPF regeneration: summary
The DPF is a critical component for every diesel vehicle and requires consistent maintenance due to the conditions it operates under daily. An improper driving style can lead to the rapid clogging of the filter, necessitating its regeneration. Currently, we can induce DPF regeneration in a few ways, one of the best being driving on a highway, reaching sufficiently high RPMs and speeds, and maintaining these parameters for several minutes or kilometers. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that regular technical inspections and engine oil changes help keep the diesel particulate filter clean and reduce the risk of clogging. Additionally, maintenance involves the use of special chemical products such as TEC 2000 Diesel System Cleaner, which are based on strong solvents and cleaning agents that effectively remove soot and ash and prevent the formation of new contaminants on the filter walls and beyond.
