How Much Does DPF Cleaning Cost in the UK?

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a device that is fitted to a diesel engine to reduce the emission of particulate matter. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Diesel engines produce a lot of particulate matter when they are operating. The particulate matter is made up of soot and other pollutants that are emitted from the engine. The diesel particulate filter traps the particulate matter in the exhaust gas and prevents it from being released into the atmosphere.

A DPF can become clogged with soot and other particulates over time, which can reduce its efficiency and eventually lead to engine damage which is why it’s important to get it cleaned regularly. It can also be damaging to the environment if the filter is unclean.

How much does it cost to clean the DPF?

The average cost of cleaning, and regeneration of diesel particulate filter is £300, with prices ranging from £160 to £500. Hence, the exact price of a DPF cleaning job depends largely on your car, the extent of work needed and the parts your car's manufacturer recommends.

It’s recommended that vehicle owners maintain and clean their DPF regularly as a new DPF could cost between £1000 - £3000 in some cases which is a much higher cost than simply carrying out scheduled checks. The DPF is usually checked during the annual MOT test but you can also check it every 6 months to check whether it requires attention. Garages that specialise in DPF cleaning, can clean the filter in situ or remove the filter and clean it using a specialist solution. This will dislodge any debris or soot that’s built up inside the filter, and it will be almost as good as new.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a DPF cleaning job. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of DPF cleaning.

Average cost of a DPF cleaning by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for DPF cleaning and regeneration, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for DPF cleaning and DPF part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for DPF cleaning for your car.

Average cost of a DPF cleaning by manufacturer

Signs your DPF needs cleaning

If the DPF warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, it means that the filter is becoming blocked and needs to be cleaned.

Other signs that the DPF needs to be cleaned include:
* Reduced fuel economy
* Poor performance
* Increased fuel consumption
* Excessive black smoke from the exhaust
* The engine warning light is also illuminated
* You can hear a rattling noise from the exhaust

Frequently asked questions about DPF cleaning cost

What is forced DPF regeneration?

Forced regeneration is a process that is performed on a diesel particulate filter (DPF) when it becomes filled with soot and an active regeneration cannot be performed to resolve the problem. During regeneration, the DPF is heated to a high temperature, typically between 600 and 700 degrees Celsius, which burns off the soot that has accumulated on the filter and leaves very small amounts of ash residue. After a certain point, even regeneration will not unclog the filter in which case the DPF will need to be removed to clean or replace.

Can I still drive with the DPF warning light on?

When the DPF warning light comes on, there is no immediate need to stop the vehicle. However, it is recommended to book a DPF cleaning or regeneration with a specialist garage as soon as possible. The DPF should be cleaned to avoid a build-up of soot which can eventually block the filter and cause further engine performance problems.

How to prevent a clogged DPF filter?

The best way to prevent your DPF from becoming clogged is to ensure that your engine is running at its optimal performance. This means having the correct air-to-fuel mixture, maintaining proper engine timing, and ensuring that your fuel is of the highest quality. Additionally, avoid extended idling and drive at moderate speeds whenever possible. A clogged DPF can also be caused by excessive idling, short trips, or driving in stop-and-go traffic.

Can I remove the diesel particulate filter?

While it may not technically be illegal to remove the DPF, driving without one fitted can receive a £1000 fine for cars and £2500 for vans if caught.

Also, a diesel particulate filter check has been part of the MOT test since February 2014 so if a filter has been removed, the car will fail its MOT.

How long does a DPF replacement or regeneration take?

On average a DPF replacement will on average take around 1.5 hours, but can take anywhere from 1 hour to over 2 hours. 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 of your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a DPF cleaning myself?

DPF cleaning requires not only automotive knowledge and an understanding of the vehicle’s exhaust system but also involves specialised tools, high-pressure washers and strong chemicals.

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 upfront.

What else could be the problem if my DPF isn’t damaged?

• Damaged catalytic converter - issues with the exhaust system or damage to the catalytic converter can cause the emission of dark-coloured smoke
• Faulty sensor - sensor that monitors the DPF could be malfunctioning
• Faulty fuel injector or clogged fuel filter - issues with one or more parts of the fuel system can lead to poor fuel economy
• Air intake issues - if the air intake system is clogged it can affect the particulate matter in the exhaust

What happens during a DPF replacement?

• 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.