DPF's are in fact designed to last in excess of 100,000 miles but if the vehicle is operated correctly, many will far exceed this mileage. Below are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you achieve the maximum lifespan from yours.
A diesel particulate filter on a poorly serviced car may fail sooner than a well maintained one, generally, they should last for at least 100,000 miles. It's important you use the right type of oil as well – some oils contain additives that can actually block filters.
DPF maintenance intervals for EPA10/GHG14 engines are based upon fuel consumption with a maximum mileage range of 550,000 miles. Typically, the fuel limit is reached between 300-400k miles for a line-haul application.
Typically, the life expectancy of a DPF system is between 100,000-150,000 miles (161,000-241,500 kilometers) However, this can vary depending on environmental conditions and how often preventative maintenance is performed. Regular cleaning and inspections can help to extend its lifespan.
Typically, DPF filters are designed to last between 100,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and maintenance practices. However, vehicles frequently used in stop-and-go city traffic may experience accelerated DPF wear, necessitating earlier replacement.
The price range of DPFs ranges from £750 to £3,500, depending on the make and model. This includes parts and labour. It can take several hours to replace your DPF, which is why it is better to leave it to the professionals to ensure it is completed correctly.
If the DPF is hardened with ash and soot to the point that it cannot be cleaned it needs to be replaced. But this isn't the only reason that diesel particulate filters need to be replaced. DPFs may also be damaged from high heat, also known as a thermal event. Once the DPF is cracked it should be immediately replaced.
It's recommended that you use a hose or faucet with a high-pressure nozzle, and spray the DPF down with a narrow jet to thoroughly clean it out. Angle the water to shoot out through both ends; you should see a stream of dirty water exiting the filter, continue to rinse your DPF until this water runs clear.
In most cases, driving for 10 minutes at 65 km/h (about 40 mph) or faster will ensure proper regeneration. If the driver doesn't take the appropriate action, however, the soot accumulation reaches 75 % and another warning light should appear.
Passive regeneration normally takes place automatically at higher speeds, when the engine is running at higher revs. To make sure that the regeneration takes place, most manufacturers suggest that every few hundred miles, the car is driven for a period of more than 15 minutes at a consistent speed of more than 40mph.
Diesel engines are robust machines that have longer lifespans than you might expect. The lifespan of an average diesel engine is anywhere from 400,000 miles to 1,000,000 miles, while the average lifespan of a gas engine is around 200,000 miles.
Clean the filter yourself using a DPF cleaning solution (The cheapest method and may work for your vehicle depending on the extent of the sediment/blockage). Use a DPF filter cleaning service – more reliable but more costly. Use a reputable garage for repairs.
Costs to clean diesel particulate filters can be expensive, with averages running from $2500 to $8000. New filters may range from $1,000 to $10,000. Most DPFs are designed to provide up to 160k kilometers, but with proper maintenance and operation, they can last much more.
Once the filter is opened, it should compulsorily be changed within 6 months even if it is not used. Even when the cartridge filter is not in use, if it is open, it will keep on absorbing contaminants from the environment. If the filter is not opened and is safely stored, they have a shelf life of up to 5 years.
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 has been known for people to remove DPF filters themselves, but non-professional DPF replacement will almost certainly breach requirements under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and the car will then be illegal for road use.
Corrective Cleaning: DPF cleaning is often most effective when done preventatively – well before significant clogging occurs. Using DPF cleaning as a corrective measure for severely clogged filters often yields disappointing and expensive results.
If you only ever use your car for quick trips, the DPF may not reach the temperature needed to regenerate, causing a blockage that could lead to a breakdown. So, if you drive a diesel, you should always make sure to take longer journeys every so often to keep your DPF clean and in good working order.
In the case of a damaged DPF, replacement is the most common solution, while washing with certified specialized materials is sufficient for blockages. Overall, taking care of your DPFs can lead to significant cost savings and ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
However, on average a DPF replacement cost is around £1,000-£2,000 in the UK. The usual price range for DPF can be between £750-£3,000. The majority of the cost comes from the material cost for the filter. The diesel particulate filter cost can range from £600-£2,600, while labour costs average around £150-£400.
Traffic conditions such as traffic jams or city driving can also aggravate filter clogging. Fortunately, there are solutions such as Wynn's DPF Cleaner, which can effectively clean the particulate filter without the need for costly dismantling.
The top choice for DPF cleaning
JLM Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner is among the best on the market. Used and trusted by professional technicians around the world it features a high concentration of active additives for superior cleaning performance.