The particulate filter is an essential component in cars, especially diesel cars, as it helps to reduce the emission of polluting particles.
Explore in this article how this component works, what regeneration methods exist and the precautions you should take to extend its lifespan.
What Is The Particle Filter?
The function of a particulate filter, or DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), is to remove environmentally harmful particles produced by the engine.
This filter traps particles that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and respiratory problems.
Where Is The Particle Filter Located?
The particulate filter is located in the exhaust system, close to the catalytic converter.
In many vehicles, it is integrated into the catalytic converter, forming a single unit for emissions control.
How Does The Particle Filter System Work?
The interior structure of this component is very similar to a beehive and incorporates a kind of honeycomb or small uneven channels to filter the gases that pass through.
In this way, the heaviest and most harmful particles are trapped in the combs. It is estimated that this technology can retain around 80% of these particles.
When it reaches a specific saturation limit, it starts a “regeneration” process to clean out the accumulation of gases.
What Are The Types Of Diesel Particle Filter Regeneration?
There are different types of regeneration:
Passive Regeneration
This type of regeneration takes place when the vehicle is driving on highways, where the exhaust temperature is high.
In this case, an additive, better known as Adblue, is used to burn off the soot at a lower temperature than normal.
This additive is found in a specific tank inside the vehicle and is usually replaced at maintenance services.
Active Regeneration
Active regeneration takes place when the soot load capacity of the particulate filter reaches a limit. This limit is 45% of total capacity.
When this happens, the vehicle starts injecting more fuel into the engine to increase its temperature. As a result, the exhaust gases register higher temperatures, which helps to burn the soot.
Is the Particulate Filter Mandatory?
The use of this component is mandatory in most European countries for new diesel and petrol vehicles manufactured after 2009 and after 2017, which meet Euro5 standards.
How Do I Know If My Particulate Filter Is Clogged?
A clogged particulate filter can show signs such as:
- Loss of engine power;
- Increased fuel consumption;
- Light on the instrument panel;.
- Among others.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Particulate Filter?
The cost of this component depends on the make and model of the car, but it can vary from hundreds to thousands of euros.
You also have to factor in labor costs, which vary from workshop to workshop.
In some cases, it is possible to opt for a filter cleaning, which costs significantly less, at around hundreds of euros.
Why Is My Particulate Filter Light On?
When the particulate filter light comes on in the dashboard, this indicates that the filter is saturated. Instead of ignoring the light, you should try to promote regeneration by driving the car on the highway at a constant speed for 20-30 minutes.
If the light doesn’t go out, it is recommended that you go to a garage to see if forced regeneration or cleaning is necessary.
How Do You Regenerate A Particulate Filter?
Filter regeneration is crucial to prevent clogging and wear. If passive or active regeneration fails, forced regeneration of the particulate filter may be necessary.
Forced regeneration of the particulate filter is a process that involves:
- Prolonged Highway Driving: maintaining a constant speed on the highway is one of the most effective ways to help passive regeneration;
- Cleaning Particulate Filter: adding a specific additive can help reduce soot on the filter, facilitating regeneration;
- Diagnostic System: in cases of high saturation, a workshop can use specialized equipment to activate forced regeneration.
How Long Does It Take For The Particle Filter To Regenerate?
In the case of passive regeneration, this can take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the level of saturation and driving conditions.
To facilitate the process, you must maintain a constant speed.
How Do You Know If Your Particle Filter Is Regenerating?
During active filter regeneration, the vehicle may display the following indicators:
- Cooling fans on;
- Idling unstable;
- Start/Stop system deactivation;
- Increased fuel consumption;
- Different smell coming from the exhaust system;
- Change in engine noise.
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