A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is part of a diesel engine system that is used to store soot and other particles that are produced when the engine burns fuel. This filter assists in minimizing dangerous discharges from your vehicle ensuring it is eco-friendly. In the absence of a DPF, a diesel engine vehicle would emit far more dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere than allowed by emissions standards. So DPF is not only a filter but also a necessity to fulfill emission requirements.
How Does the DPF Work?
When your Volvo is in use, the engine gives out very small black particles known as soot as a by-product of the exhaust. The DPF holds these particles and keeps them from circulating in the environment. When the filter gets full it sets into motion a process called regeneration. This regeneration occurs at a high temperature where it will remove soot from the filter converting it into a small amount of ash. It does this to relieve the pressure on the filter, stop it from getting blocked, and enable it to collect more soot.
Consequences of DPF Clogging
- Reduced Acceleration: When the DPF is choked, the exhaust system is limited and the engine cannot operate at its optimum performance. This decrease in the airflow causes your engine to put in more work in order to produce the same amount of power and that results in slow acceleration and less power. A clogged DPF makes it difficult to enter highways or overtake other vehicles which of course is very irritating and sometimes risky.
- Poor Fuel Efficiency: The clogged DPF puts the engine under pressure in terms of airflow and so to compensate for this, it uses more fuel. Consequently, you constantly have to run back to the gas station to refuel your Volvo. Over time this can be expensive especially if you are a frequent long-distance driver.
- Increased Engine Wear and Tear: When the DPF is blocked it causes the engine to function abnormally and this will put pressure on other parts of the engine such as the turbocharger and injectors. This puts extra stress on the parts, and over time, leads to premature wear, so parts are likely to fail before they should. If not handled properly, the deposits of soot and the unburnt fuel can actually harm the engine.
- Potential for More Expensive Repairs: If the DPF is left blocked for a long time, then a lot of damage may be done that will cost a lot of money to repair. For example, when the DPF is fully coated, it pressurizes the engine which might damage the turbocharger or the exhaust system. This type of damage costs a lot of money to repair than actually correcting the clogged DPF, so it is best to do it as soon as possible.
How To Fix A Clogged DPF
- Active and Passive Regeneration: The majority of Volvos with diesel engines already have factory-fitted DPF regeneration Active regeneration takes place when your Volvo burns off the accumulated soot by increasing the temperature of the exhaust. Passive regeneration is possible during long journeys on highways; while driving at higher speeds, the temperature of the exhaust is high naturally. The regeneration process can be triggered when the vehicle has driven on the highway for 15–30 minutes at a steady speed.
- DPF Cleaning Services: If regeneration does not work then you may have to take the DPF to a professional to have it cleaned. A large number of automotive shops provide DPF cleaning services. This process uses specific equipment to clean the soot and ash to get the DPF back in almost a new state, without having to replace it.
- Replace the DPF When Necessary: If the DPF is very dirty or damaged it may need to be replaced so you must always watch out for potential symptoms of damage. This may be expensive, but replacing the DPF is known to enhance the performance of your Volvo and its efficiency on fuel.
Who Should You Take Your Volvo To For DPF Repairs?
Whether you need DPF regeneration or have discovered you have a faulty DPF and want to take care of it once and for all, you can contact us at Fast Lane European in San Jose, CA. Our skilled technicians will help you with the DPF issues and keep your Volvo ready for the future journey on the road. Call now or stop by to find out how we can restore your Volvo performance.