- 7min
Diesel particulate filter service for your customers
In order to reduce the emissions of diesel vehicles, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) collects 90% of all soot particles generated during the combustion process in the engine. In order for the filter to clean itself or “regenerate” while driving, the exhaust gas temperature must exceed the soot ignition temperature of 550 degrees Celsius. This burns the deposited soot. Ash remains in the filter as residue. However, the temperature required for burning off the soot in the particulate filter during regeneration mode cannot be reached, especially when frequently driving short distances or in stop-and-go operation.
Both the unburned soot and the ash residues from the combustion block the air flow over time, which reduces the effectiveness of the filter and can have serious consequences.
Consequences of a clogged DPF
- Acute risk of turbocharger or engine damage
- Increasing fuel consumption and decreasing engine output as well as reduced throttle response due to the increased exhaust back pressure
- Impairment of the turbocharger, particulate filter and EGR system
- It is no longer possible to comply with the limits for particulate matter and exhaust gases, and these may not meet the prescribed emission standards, which has a negative impact on the motor vehicle inspection and the emissions test
- Impaired regeneration processes due to reduced absorption capacity of the DPF due to ash deposits
- Expensive repair or replacement of the DPF
For this reason, it makes sense to offer the professional diesel particulate filter service. This ensures the proper functioning of the filter and avoids serious consequences.
Fast, easy and efficient service
A major advantage of our products is that the DPF can remain installed and no time-consuming and costly removal is necessary. In addition to the Pro-Line Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner and the Pro-Line Diesel Particulate Filter Purge, you only need the DPF Pressurized Tank Spray Gun and the DPF lance with 5 interchangeable tips.
The Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner and the dissolved soot then remain in the DPF. In order for these to be burned off by normal regeneration, the material must be distributed and the cleaner neutralized by purging.
We then recommend a test drive of at least 20 minutes to trigger regeneration of the particulate filter. If the electronic engine control unit does not start the regeneration process automatically, it can be triggered following the test drive with a workshop tester or diagnostic unit.
Our products are water-based and non-flammable. If DPF regeneration is performed in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, fire in or damage to the DPF or adjacent systems is ruled out. Furthermore, it is not necessary to dispose of the used fluids in an expensive manner, as the cleaning and purging fluids remain in the exhaust system after use and evaporate during the next regeneration.
Unsuitable vehicles
Whether cleaning can be carried out depends on the pollutant class and the installation site of the DPF. Closed DPF systems are no problem. On some vehicles, however, the DPF is not located on the vehicle underbody, but in the area of the exhaust manifold and turbocharger. For safety reasons, we do not recommend cleaning these vehicles, in order to ensure that no cleaning or flushing fluid enters the combustion chamber via an open exhaust valve.
Service interval
There are also limits when it comes to cleaning. If the DPF is loaded with too much ash, cleaning does not help and the particulate filter must then be removed or replaced. In order to delay this work as much as possible and increase the service life of the DPF, regular prevention is important. The interval is highly dependent on vehicle use and DPF age or mileage. We therefore recommend the use of Pro-Line Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner and Pro-Line Diesel Particulate Filter Purge at every second oil change or major inspection.
Services to prevent a clogged DPF
The main reason for cleaning the DPF is the considerable cost saving, as replacement, repair or consequential damage is significantly more expensive. For this reason, offer your customers additional products and services for prevention.