To maintain the performance of the car, the Diesel particulate Filter has to be emptied on regular basis. This process is done passively and is called regeneration. Regeneration of a DPF will be initiated every 300 miles and will take 5 to 10 minutes for completion. The number of times you can regen a DPF depends on the distance in miles you have covered and the use of the vehicle.
Why does DPF regeneration take place?
Due to incomplete combustion of fuel, exhaust soot is generated which is a half-burned fuel. Because of the excessive production of soot overwhelming the diesel particulate filter, DPF regeneration takes place. The excessive soot creates back pressure that triggers the process of regeneration. Regeneration takes time and consumes lots of fuel. Regeneration also called regen, eliminates or reduces diesel particulate matter which is called soot and reduces emissions from the car. The special cleaning of the ash that is left after burning soot, is cleaned using DPF cleaning service.
How to maintain DPF?
To maintain the performance, the best way is to make sure DPF is fully able to regenerate itself once the soot is reached at a high level and the warning light appears. Car’s DPF should work well for over 100,000 miles if used correctly. There are two types of regeneration.
- Active regeneration
- Passive regeneration
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What is Passive Regeneration?
This type of regeneration occurs when the car is running at a high speed on journeys. Long-distance and high speed allow the exhaust temperature to increase to the highest level and burn off the excessive soot deposited onto the filter. This is the better way of DPF cleaning. That is why it is advised to drive the vehicle regularly for a good 30 to 40 minutes at high speed to accelerate the process of regeneration. But not every driver can do this regularly, so manufacturers have designed an alternative way which is called active regeneration.
What is Active Regeneration?
The process of active regeneration takes place when the exhaust backpressure is sensed to have reached a limit. At this point, the ECU initiates a fuel injection that increases the exhaust temperature in the DPF to over 600°C to oxidise the soot deposited in the diesel particulate filter. At the start of this process, extra fuel is injected automatically that burns off the soot but the warning light may continue to show in case of incomplete regeneration. In this case, the regeneration cycle is completed by driving for a further 10 to 20 minutes until the warning light is clear. By noticing the following indications, you will know whether active regeneration is taking place or not.
- Changing of the engine note
- Slight increase in fuel consumption
- Increased idle speed
- A burning smell from the exhaust system
- Auto Stop/start does not work
The owners of modern diesel cars need to be conscious of the importance of the maintenance of their DPF. Your DPF can stay maintained through driving habits and practices. The failure of regeneration is because of the blockage in DPF. In case of low performance, consult your mechanic.
