DPF cleaning, regeneration & replacement made easy

Your car's internal computer will monitor the level of soot inside the DPF to determine if regeneration is needed. When the level of soot hits a certain threshold, about 45% blocked, then the engine will turn on passive regeneration. If that process is interrupted then the warning light will come on to encourage the driver to do active regeneration.

• The mechanic will check the engine's ECU for Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) related faults.
• Mechanic will inspect the filter.
• If necessary, the Diesel Particulate Filter will be replaced.
• Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• Mechanic runs engine, tests DPF operation.
• Mechanic will make adjustments where necessary.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend dpf cleaning, regeneration & replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

There are a number of symptoms which could point to a blocked DPF:

• The DPF warning light on the dashboard will come on
• Car goes into ‘safe’ or ‘limp’ mode
• Loss of power
• High fuel consumption
• Starting issues

On average a DPF replacement will on average take around 1.5 hours, but can take anywhere from 1 hour to over 2 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for a DPF replacement for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

A DPF regeneration usually takes around 1 1/2 hours to complete. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model and year. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for a DPF regeneration your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

A DPF clean typically takes 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take can depend on the state of the DPF and your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for a DPF clean for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

The light first coming on is an advisory to use the active regeneration method. This means driving on a motorway for just half an hour. It should turn the light off and solve the soot issue for several weeks.

The sooty particulates will build up quickly causing more issues with your exhaust system, in some cases you may only have a week. The particulates are also extremely bad for the environment, with some of the particles directly responsible for acid rain. The drop in performance will be noticeable, and costly as you will need more fuel to run your car.

The best way to keep the diesel particulate filter clean and working is to take your car regularly for a drive on the motorway. Manufacturers developed a method to ‘regenerate’ the DPF by driving continuously on a motorway for 30 minutes. At this speed, the engine temperature is high enough to burn down and loosen any clumps of soot stuck in the DPF. This active regeneration and needs to happen every few months, especially if you are driving in an urban environment, where soot builds up more quickly.

Yes, if a DPF has become too clogged for a forced regeneration or the Mass Ash Volume has been exceeded, then a physical cleaning of the DPF will be required.

A DPF regeneration costs on average £90. Pricing will vary depending on your car and location. For an instant price and to find out what you could save by getting a DPF regen through ClickMechanic, select your car at the top of this page!

A DPF clean generally costs between £130 and £200 with an average price of £150. Pricing varies depending on your car's make and model and your location. Find out what you could save by getting a DPF clean through ClickMechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!

Driving with a blocked DPF is not advisable as it can lead to lead further complications on your vehicle. The build up of soot can reach a point whereby the car has to enter 'limp-mode', this to help prevent damage to the engine. If you suspect there is any issue with your dpf or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect.

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is part of the emissions control system on most Diesel cars and controls soot from passing into the atmosphere, making your Diesel more eco-friendly. As you drive the DPF stacks up with soot which it needs to burn off in order to ‘regenerate’, which effectively cleans the system. It is when the regeneration criteria are not met, for example when using your vehicle mainly for shorter journeys, and the DPF will become too full and get blocked that a physical clean and forced regeneration may be needed.

Yes, the presence and functioning of a diesel particulate filter is checked as part of the exhaust system check during an MOT test. A vehicle with a missing DPF filter will result in an automatic MOT failure.

Typically, the DPF filter lasts between 80,000 - 100,000 or even more on a well maintained car. However, if the filter is found to be blocked or faulty, it will need to be replaced to keep up with the emissions standards in the UK.