P Filter Add Level Low? The 128 Correct Answer

Diesels produce a lot of soot (particulate matter), which can cause breathing problems and contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Modern diesel vehicles (since 2009) must be fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust to prevent this soot from entering the atmosphere.

The target is an 80% reduction in particulate emissions, but the technology is not without problems and our patrols are often called to cars with clogged DPFs.

To maintain performance, a DPF needs to be emptied regularly. This usually happens passively in a process known as “regeneration”: when the exhaust gas temperature is sufficiently high, on freeways or fast federal highways.

The collected soot is burned, leaving only a tiny ash residue.

The ash cannot be removed – unless the DPF is removed from the vehicle and sent for specialist cleaning – but a DPF in a car, used properly, should be good for well over 100,000 miles.

Active regeneration

Many cars don’t have the proper usage for passive regeneration to work, so automakers build in “active” regeneration, where the engine control software detects that the filter is clogged and injects additional fuel into the engine to raise the exhaust gas temperature increase and trigger regeneration.

Active regeneration is initiated approximately every 300 miles depending on how you use your car and takes 5 to 10 minutes. But it’s a problem when your journey is too short and regeneration isn’t complete.

During active regeneration, you may notice:

fans are running

Higher engine idle speed

Auto stop/start does not work

Increased fuel consumption

A hot, acrid smell from the exhaust.

The engine sounds different

Don’t ignore a warning light

If you get a warning light indicating the filter is clogged, it should be possible to complete an active regeneration cycle and clear the warning light by driving above 40mph for about 10 minutes.

If you ignore a DPF warning light and continue to drive in a relatively slow stop-start pattern, soot will build up in the filter until your car goes into “reduced power mode” to prevent damage.

If you let it get this bad:

Just driving at speed is not enough.

You will need to ask a dealer to do a manual or “forced” filter regeneration.

In extreme cases they may need to replace the filter which can cost at least £1000 plus labour.

In most cases there is only a short time between a partial clogging of the DPF and one so clogged that manual regeneration is required.

If there is a fault with the DPF or the differential pressure sensor that informs your car of the status of the DPF, the check engine light may also come on.

If you buy a new car and use it mainly for city driving and stopping and starting, you should avoid diesel engines with particulate filters

Even if your driving is not primarily urban/stop-start, you may need to change your driving style for the system to function properly. Follow all instructions in your vehicle manual.

What prevents normal regeneration?

Frequent short trips where the engine does not get hot

Wrong type of engine oil – check your manual

A fuel system or exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) problem causing excessive soot.

A warning light on the dashboard or a diagnostic trouble code stored in the engine management system.

Exceeding the recommended maintenance interval

If the vehicle is using Eolys™ additive, a low level in the tank may prevent regeneration.

A low fuel level – generally less than a quarter of a tank of fuel – prevents active regeneration.

DPF additives

Most DPFs are installed near the engine where the exhaust gases are hottest, making passive regeneration more likely to work.

However, some cars use a different type of DPF that requires a fuel additive (Eolys™ fluid) to lower the ignition temperature of the soot particles to allow regeneration to occur at a lower temperature.

Additive is stored in a separate tank and automatically mixed with the fuel.

A full additive tank should last about 70,000 miles.

You have to pay (around £200 for fluid and labour) to have the additive tank refilled.

Don’t ignore a warning light indicating that the additive tanks need topping up – without additive, the DPF will quickly clog.

Removal is not a legal option

It is sometimes suggested that you can cut a DPF out of the exhaust and reprogram the engine management software instead of paying for the repair.

DPFs are fitted to meet European emissions regulations and it would be a criminal offense (under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations) to use a vehicle that has been modified to no longer meet the emissions standards for which it was designed to meet.

Removing a DPF can also void insurance coverage as it will lock the vehicle out of traffic.

Since February 2014, a missing DPF, where one was installed when the vehicle was built, has led to a TÜV failure.

updated August 7, 2017

Diesel particulate filters can be a problem for diesel vehicle owners, especially if you drive a lot of short trips or frequent stop-and-go traffic. If your DPF light comes on or you suspect the filter is clogged, Redex DPF Cleaner can help solve the problem before it escalates into a costly repair bill or MOT failure.

Here on our FAQ page you will find help and advice on using Redex DPF Cleaner safely.

Why is my car’s DPF warning light on?

Diesel particulate filters remove harmful soot from diesel engines. The problem with the filters is that they naturally get clogged with soot and the warning light is your first clue that this has happened.

Luckily, the early blockages are easy to clear – sometimes your car will even do it on its own without you having to worry. If you drive at high speed for a long time (e.g. on a freeway), your car will get hot and the soot will burn off.

However, we know that this is not always convenient and is not the most reliable way to maintain your car’s filter.

Using Redex DPF Cleaner (either when your lights come on or periodically as a preventive measure) will help the soot burn off during normal driving, leaving your filter clear and the light staying off. This can save you a lot of time, money and stress as a new DPF typically costs around £1000.

How often do I use a DPF cleaner?

We recommend using Redex DPF cleaner every 2-3 tanks of fresh fuel. This will prevent the DPF from ever becoming blocked, so don’t panic if the warning light comes on.

Alternatively, you can add a dash of DPF cleaner when the light comes on. Put a dose in your car’s fuel tank, drive as usual, and you should find the lights turn off without having to make the circuitous trip to the freeway.

Do I need DPF cleaner for a petrol engine?

No, DPF Cleaner is only required for diesel vehicles, as petrol engines do not have a diesel particulate filter. Take a look at our range of petrol engine fuel additives for system cleaners compatible with your car.

Does a DPF cleaner work?

Redex DPF Cleaner removes soot from your car’s particulate filter, reducing the chance of failure and turning off the warning light. Simple and convenient to use, it means you don’t have to take your car onto the freeway to burn soot from the DPF.

So how does Redex DPF cleaner work? Our fuel additive contains a nano metal oxide catalyst that lowers the temperature at which soot burns. This means that even at normal city speeds, your car’s engine will be hot enough to burn off the soot – removing any clogs and debris from the filter.

Thanks to its advanced formula, Redex DPF Cleaner is 30% more effective than other technologies. With regular use, you can save time and money and avoid ongoing problems that could result in a costly repair bill.

Is DPF Cleaner Safe to Use?

DPF Cleaner is safe to use in most modern diesel vehicles equipped with a DPF. Simple and easy to use, you can install it in your car’s fuel tank in seconds to remove soot and clogs from the DPF system.

Like all Redex fuel additives, our DPF cleaner can be added to a full or partially full fuel tank as needed. It is also safe to use with other products in the Redex Diesel Fuel Additive range.

How do I use DPF cleaner?

Using Redex DPF Cleaner is easy. Follow the steps below and we’ll show you how.

Remove the protective film and insert the neck of the DPF cleaner bottle into your car’s fuel cap. Put a dose of DPF cleaner in your car’s tank. Continue driving normally and the DPF warning light should go off (if it was on). Remember that you can use the DPF cleaner whenever necessary to avoid problems or when the DPF warning light comes on.

Can I remove my DPF?

no If your car has a DPF, you must not remove it. If you take it out you will fail your MOT.

We understand that particulate filters can be frustrating as they get clogged regularly and can cost a lot of money to fix. But actually, taking care of your DPF is a lot easier and cheaper than getting rid of it.

All you have to do is make sure you burn off the soot buildup regularly so you don’t get a serious clog. Regularly adding Redex DPF Cleaner to your fuel tank will do this as it will help burn soot build up more easily.

We recommend using it every second or third tank to avoid problems. You can also use it when your DPF warning light comes on; Having the warning light on can also result in your car failing the MOT.

Can I just take my car to a mechanic to have my DPF cleaned?

There are different stages of DPF clogging that can be treated differently. We want you to save money but also keep your car healthy for as long as possible. That’s why we want to give you all the information you need to take care of your DPF in the long term.

When the warning light comes on on your dashboard, it means that the DPF is blocked. It’s probably about 45% blocked at this point, so you shouldn’t need a mechanic to clear it out.

If you don’t use Redex DPF cleaner at this point, or at least take a long drive in your car, your DPF will become badly clogged and your car could go into limp mode. A mechanic can then do a ‘forced regeneration’, burning away the blockage, but this will usually cost around £250.

Also, you can only do this about 4 times before it destroys the filter, so avoid it. Replacing the DPF typically costs around €1,000, so the easiest and cheapest way is to use Redex DPF Cleaner before you run into serious problems.

We hope these FAQs have cleared your confusion regarding using Redex DPF Cleaner. Click here for more information on our range of fuel additives or contact our experts if you need further help and advice.

Any filter, no matter what it’s designed to catch, needs to be cleaned and emptied regularly to leave room to catch more stuff. This process of cleaning and emptying a diesel particulate filter is called DPF regeneration.

The soot resulting from the combustion process that accumulates in the filter is burned to prevent the filter from becoming clogged and allowing it to continue absorbing soot. The diesel particulate filter has to be heated to a very high temperature in order to burn off the soot particles. This can be achieved in two ways: active regeneration or passive regeneration.

Passive regeneration

If you drive at high speeds for a long time, the exhaust will reach very high temperatures. Driving at 110 km/h or more for a period of time will heat the exhaust sufficiently to burn off the soot particles trapped by the DPF. But most drivers don’t drive at high speeds often enough or for long enough to rely on this passive regeneration to rid the DPF of soot particles.

Active regeneration

Since many drivers do not regularly drive long distances on the freeway in their car, the manufacturers had to come up with something to rid the DPF of particles. They developed a system in which active regeneration is activated when the amount of soot collected in the DPF reaches a certain level. In most cars, this level is set at 45% of the total capacity of the DPF. When the accumulated soot reaches this amount, it triggers the process of post-combustion fuel injection, which increases the temperature of the exhaust gas. This way, even if the car is not driving at high speed, the exhaust will get hot enough to burn off all the soot that has accumulated in the DPF.

If the active regeneration process initiates but you reach your goal before all the soot has burned off, there is a chance the DPF warning light will appear on your dashboard. You should be able to clear this partial blockage by driving your car faster than 40 mph for about a quarter of an hour.

All about exhaust

All modern diesel vehicles come standard with diesel particulate filters (DPF) designed to reduce the dangerous emissions from these vehicles. While these filters do a valuable (and legal) job for diesel drivers, they can clog over time, seriously affecting your vehicle’s performance.

As manufacturers install DPFs in the exhaust systems of diesel vehicles, a clogged filter restricts airflow and eventually causes serious damage to your engine. Luckily many garages in the UK offer DPF cleaning which can improve the performance of your car engine and save you many problems in the future.

Symptoms of a clogged DPF

Loss of power in your car

Because a working DPF is essential to a working exhaust system, clogs can have secondary effects that cause your engine to run poorly. If your engine cannot easily bleed exhaust gases due to a clogged DPF, it will be difficult to drive, reducing your vehicle’s power output and acceleration in extreme cases.

Strange engine smell

Since clogged DPFs can block your entire exhaust, the fumes can build up and enter the car, leading to unpleasant odors and an increased risk of illness over time. The smell of exhaust fumes in your car is not only unpleasant for all vehicle occupants, but also a serious cause for concern and an important sign that your DPF is not working properly.

Your engine is more difficult to operate

Clogged DPFs cause increased pressure in your engine and exhaust system, which means your engine may be harder to run. In extreme cases you may not be able to start your engine, which could be for the best as it means you will need mechanical assistance or a UK DPF cleaning immediately.

Problems with your turbocharger

Since turbochargers increase the pressure in your engine above normal levels, blockages in your system can cause serious damage to the turbocharger. If you have a turbocharger and a clogged DPF, your engine can be under dangerous pressure, putting you at risk of gas and oil leaks.

Faster burning of fuel

When your DPF is clogged, your engine has to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel economy. To bring your engine efficiency back to normal levels, you need to clean your DPF filter. So consider a DPF cleaning in the UK if you notice any of these symptoms.

How to avoid DPF problems

While it’s obvious that a blocked DPF is terrible news, you must be wondering how to avoid these problems and spot a blocked filter before it becomes a serious problem. Fortunately, modern DPF filters have active regeneration that allows them to clean themselves under certain conditions:

If you drive at high speeds for a long time (e.g. on the freeway) your exhaust will reach temperatures high enough to burn off some of the particulate matter build-up and you don’t have to lift a finger. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to use active regeneration on short journeys or when driving in the city centre, so in the UK you should still do a DPF cleaning from time to time to keep your diesel vehicle in good condition.

How does a clogged DPF damage the engine?

Blocked DPFs damage your engine’s delicate balance by preventing the normal venting of gases, which causes a variety of engine problems as discussed above. In addition to reduced performance and fuel efficiency, a clogged filter can eventually cause a dangerous mechanical malfunction and damage your engine.

Replacing the DPF filter

Even if you regularly use active regeneration and take your car for a DPF cleaning in the UK, your DPF will eventually wear out and break down and will need to be replaced. Unfortunately, diesel particulate filters don’t come cheap, fetching you an average of £1,000 to £2,000, although remanufactured DPFs are usually much cheaper.

What you should consider with the diesel particle filter

When replacing a DPF, you can save money by purchasing refurbished parts.

Driving at low speeds for short periods will shorten the life of your DPF.

It is illegal to drive a diesel vehicle without a DPF or to remove the DPF from your car.

Driving with a faulty DPF filter can damage your car engine.

Conclusion

All diesel vehicles in the UK are required by law to be fitted with a DPF and whilst a clogged DPF can cripple your car there are many ways to unblock or replace it. Keep in mind that your DPF filter will be clogged at one point or another. So keep active regeneration going for as long as possible and make sure you have the details of a place that offers DPF cleaning in the UK.

The DPF light comes on to let you know that there is a problem with your car’s diesel particulate filter. This is something that has been fitted to diesel cars since 2009 to reduce the amount of soot released through the car’s exhaust system, thereby lowering emissions. This soot is harmful and can cause respiratory problems.

Although having one of these filters in your car’s exhaust will help significantly reduce the amount of soot that comes out of your exhaust, it can become clogged and cause the DPF warning light to come on on your dash.

What is clogging the DPF?

When the soot deposits have reached a certain level, the car’s engine control unit starts what is known as “passive regeneration”. More fuel is injected into the engine, increasing the temperature in the exhaust system. This burns the soot, turning it into fine ash and expelling it through the exhaust.

Your car will typically perform this process at higher speeds as it is necessary to maintain a high temperature in the exhaust system.

However, if you spend most of your time doing small trips around town and rarely hit freeway speeds, your car won’t be able to complete this regeneration process. This will cause the soot to continue to build up in the DPF, which will eventually cause the diesel particulate filter light to illuminate.

What do you do when you see the DPF light?

If the DPF light comes on, it means the ‘passive regeneration’ has failed and you need to actively regenerate the diesel particulate filter.

You can do this by increasing your speed to more than 40 miles per hour for 10 to 15 minutes. This should allow the exhaust to reach high enough temperatures to burn off the soot and clean the filter.

During regeneration, you may notice unusual engine noise, a slight pungent odor from the exhaust, and increased fuel consumption. This should all return to normal once the active regeneration process is complete. You should also see the DPF light go off.

If you cannot maintain a speed in excess of 60 km/h long enough to complete the regeneration process, soot will continue to build up in your filter and your DPF warning light will remain on until you fix the problem.

Can you ignore the DPF light and keep driving?

Technically yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it. If you ignore the DPF light and keep driving, soot buildup will soon reach a point where your car will have to go into limp mode to avoid engine damage.

This will likely cause other warning lights to come on, advising you to take your car to your local garage for a diagnosis.

Your workshop should be able to perform a forced DPF regeneration which should clean the filter and allow it to function properly again. However, this is not a guaranteed solution, especially if the filter itself has been damaged or the engine has been damaged in some other way. Major repairs can run into the thousands depending on the damage and the vehicle.

It really isn’t worth ignoring the DPF light.

Can DPF problems be avoided?

Only with a car that suits your needs. If you drive long distances, maybe commute to work, then a diesel with a particulate filter would be fine. They would regularly reach speeds needed to perform both passive and active regenerations, reducing the likelihood of problems with the DPF.

However, if you only drive short distances, a diesel might not really be for you. Whether you only use your car for shopping or for the school run, a petrol engine is better for you. Assuming you’re running a diesel with a DPF, you rarely give it a chance to clean its DPF, resulting in you seeing the DPF light more than you’d like.

If you want to learn more about other warning lights, be sure to read our Dashboard Warning Lights – Explained guide.

05:09 Aug 11 21

I’ve been using CEM’s products for over 5x years now on several diesel vehicles and petrol vehicles…too. The products are justifiably good in both diesel and gasoline engines. We use the FTC Decarbonizer and CRD additive in diesel engines and the Cleanpower additive in petrol engines. We also use the flushing oil concentrate for diesel and petrol engines before every oil change. Since using these products in diesel engines (Nissan, Mazda, SsangYong and Colorado) we have not had a single problem with injectors, HP fuel pumps or DPF filters in that time. We now use diesel in every new diesel we receive from new and couldn’t be happier with the results after over 750,000 km combined for all diesel vehicles. In fact, we only change the oil and oil filters and the fuel filters regularly and have not spent a single dollar on diesel engine components since using CEM products. We have also tested the effects on fuel consumption and we actually achieve almost 100 km more per tank of fuel on all vehicles using the diesel fuel additives. Smoke is ZERO, engine noise is like new as tested with a dB meter after several years and no clogged DPF which is almost unheard of these days. For the petrol engine all I can say is that it is a German high performance vehicle with initials MB. At 50,000 km this engine failed by blowing out 2 x pistons….nothing to do with CEM. The dealer who rebuilt the engine said that after disassembling the engine it was the cleanest internals he had ever seen on an engine in his 30 years as a mechanic. This can only be due to the use of the Cleanpower additive and flushing oil concentrate This engine is new. These products are really good and make a huge difference and I have absolutely no qualms recommending them to you if you are unfamiliar with them or have never used them before. I always sing their praises to everyone I meet who drives diesel vehicles and love the fact that CEM is Australian owned and makes such amazing products that work legitimately and make a huge difference to both diesel and petrol powered ones vehicles. YOU SHOULD TRY THEM – YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!! Continue reading

Professional product developed to replace soot filter fluids used by various manufacturers in onboard dosing systems. The DPF fluid makes it possible to burn soot particles quickly, completely and evenly at a lower combustion temperature.

advantages

Combustion of accumulated soot particles.

Trouble-free operation of the DPF and catalytic converter system.

Reduction of smoke and CO2 emissions.

Characteristics

Extended DPF life.

Stops DPF clogging

Universal

application

Universal product, can be used in all diesel vehicles with a refillable onboard dosing system for DPF regeneration.

Instructions for use

This product is for professional use only and the car manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.

Depends from car manufacturer to car manufacturer.

Available tool for filling different types of containers.

Available in

Buying a new or used Peugeot in Hampshire and Surrey can be an intimidating process and with all the many acronyms car manufacturers use it’s no wonder many of us are confused as to what they mean. Charters are happily here to help and this list below aims to clear up some of the confusion when buying a Peugeot. If we haven’t listed something that you need to define, be sure to use our contact form so we can include the acronym in a future revision.

Abbreviations for engine and transmission:

How many times have we seen an engine model number that says: 1.2 e-VTi 82 Stop & Start EGC. Does that mean anything to anyone? We didn’t think so either. Let’s explain:

Petrol and diesel models are listed as either:

VTi – a petrol engine (VTi stands for Variable Valve Lift and Timing Injection)

HDi – a diesel engine (HDi stands for High Pressure Direct Injection)

eHDi – a diesel engine with start-stop technology. The engine is switched off when the vehicle is stationary (e.g. at traffic lights) and restarted when the accelerator pedal is pressed. These engines are the most efficient and are often referred to as micro-hybrid technology.

BlueHDi – a diesel engine with extremely low CO2 emissions, which in turn means road tax and London Congestion Charge are kept to a minimum.

FAP – If you drive one of Peugeot’s hybrid diesel engines, it is likely equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF/FAP) that reduces the soot coming out of the tailpipe by 99.9%. An engine with the FAP label means even more environmental friendliness thanks to low exhaust emissions.

THP – a petrol engine that is all about torque (THP – Turbo Haute Pressure – English translation: High Pressure Turbo)

VTi (petrol) models are among the most powerful options, HDi (diesel) offer a combination of performance and economy, and eHDi focuses solely on keeping fuel costs low and efficiency high.

HYbrid4 – This engine system is covered in detail in our specially designed HYbrid4 section. It’s a diesel engine that works in harmony with an electric motor to provide a combined power output of 200hp while keeping CO2 emissions and fuel costs down. HYbrid4 is electric motor driving done right.

EGS/C – and automatic transmission without clutch pedal (EGS stands for Electronic Gearbox System)

ETG6 gearbox – an automatic gearbox without a clutch pedal and 6 gears for more economy (ETG6 stands for Efficient Tronic Gearbox 6).

Manual transmissions are listed as 5 or 6 speed. These models have a clutch pedal for a more traditional driving experience.

The number in the engine designation refers to the power of the engine. Therefore 156 refers to 156 BHP (Brake Horsepower – a more powerful engine).

S&S – this denotes a Stop & Start engine. Every time the vehicle comes to a complete stop, it will stop the engine until you want to move and the engine will restart automatically. This often has a major impact on the economy of the vehicle. The S&S feature can be turned off on any Peugeot when not required.

Peugeot model trim levels:

Access – The standard trim level available

Access+ – The standard trim level available (with some upgrades depending on the model)

Active – The mid-range model available (with many features beyond the standard Access and Access+ trim levels)

Allure – The high-end trim level with many standard equipment features and functions

Feline – The available premium trim level (depending on the model)

Sport – The standard equipment available for the Peugeot RCZ

GT – The premium trim level available for the Peugeot RCZ

R – The racing version of the Peugeot RCZ (referred to as RCZ-R)

XY – A limited edition model of the Peugeot 208

GTi – a performance-tuned version of the Peugeot 208

GTi Prestige – a premium edition of the legendary Peugeot 208 GTi

Envy – A limited trim level of the Peugeot 107

ABOVE! – A retractable soft top edition of the new Peugeot 108

Technical Acronyms:

EMP2 – This is the new modular platform (or chassis) on which many new Peugeots are built. It’s lighter than its closest competitor and helps keep running costs down.

G/KM – Carbon emissions are measured in grams per kilometer. Road tax and congestion costs in London are based on this figure. A car under 100g/km means it is currently not eligible for any road text or London Congestion Charge. If you want a car that is kind to the environment and your wallet, look for lower CO2 emissions.

Euro5/6 – This refers to a European emission standard for new vehicles in production. Euro 5 (introduced September 2009) means that all vehicles produced are produced with emission limits within certain acceptable guidelines. Euro 6 replaces the Euro 5 standard and is scheduled to be introduced in September 2014. Our Peugeots are sold already Euro 6 compliant to meet this standard so you know the vehicle you are driving is the most efficient and eco-friendly as it could be.

Other notable acronyms:

SW – This refers to the estate edition of a model (i.e. Peugeot 308 SW as opposed to 308 Hatchback).

SR – This is a special, business-oriented version of a vehicle (e.g. the Peugeot 308 SR) that includes an improved communications package as well as a choice of extremely fuel-efficient engines. These vehicles are designed to ensure the business driver stays comfortable on the road while remaining fully connected.

For more details on our Peugeot models, do not hesitate to call us. We are open seven days a week and you are welcome to test drive any of our cars. Be sure to book your test drive though, as our weekends get very busy.

Call us today on 0844 247 0815

or visit our showroom in Aldershot

Remember: Charters Peugeot sells vehicles throughout the UK. If you are not near our dealer, book your test drive with your local dealer and come see us for the best customer service and deals.

Diesel particulate filters can be a problem for diesel vehicle owners, especially if you drive a lot of short trips or frequent stop-and-go traffic. If your DPF light comes on or you suspect the filter is clogged, Redex DPF Cleaner can help solve the problem before it escalates into a costly repair bill or MOT failure.

Here on our FAQ page you will find help and advice on using Redex DPF Cleaner safely.

Why is my car’s DPF warning light on?

Diesel particulate filters remove harmful soot from diesel engines. The problem with the filters is that they naturally get clogged with soot and the warning light is your first clue that this has happened.

Luckily, the early blockages are easy to clear – sometimes your car will even do it on its own without you having to worry. If you drive at high speed for a long time (e.g. on a freeway), your car will get hot and the soot will burn off.

However, we know that this is not always convenient and is not the most reliable way to maintain your car’s filter.

Using Redex DPF Cleaner (either when your lights come on or periodically as a preventive measure) will help the soot burn off during normal driving, leaving your filter clear and the light staying off. This can save you a lot of time, money and stress as a new DPF typically costs around £1000.

How often do I use a DPF cleaner?

We recommend using Redex DPF cleaner every 2-3 tanks of fresh fuel. This will prevent the DPF from ever becoming blocked, so don’t panic if the warning light comes on.

Alternatively, you can add a dash of DPF cleaner when the light comes on. Put a dose in your car’s fuel tank, drive as usual, and you should find the lights turn off without having to make the circuitous trip to the freeway.

Do I need DPF cleaner for a petrol engine?

No, DPF Cleaner is only required for diesel vehicles, as petrol engines do not have a diesel particulate filter. Take a look at our range of petrol engine fuel additives for system cleaners compatible with your car.

Does a DPF cleaner work?

Redex DPF Cleaner removes soot from your car’s particulate filter, reducing the chance of failure and turning off the warning light. Simple and convenient to use, it means you don’t have to take your car onto the freeway to burn soot from the DPF.

So how does Redex DPF cleaner work? Our fuel additive contains a nano metal oxide catalyst that lowers the temperature at which soot burns. This means that even at normal city speeds, your car’s engine will be hot enough to burn off the soot – removing any clogs and debris from the filter.

Thanks to its advanced formula, Redex DPF Cleaner is 30% more effective than other technologies. With regular use, you can save time and money and avoid ongoing problems that could result in a costly repair bill.

Is DPF Cleaner Safe to Use?

DPF Cleaner is safe to use in most modern diesel vehicles equipped with a DPF. Simple and easy to use, you can install it in your car’s fuel tank in seconds to remove soot and clogs from the DPF system.

Like all Redex fuel additives, our DPF cleaner can be added to a full or partially full fuel tank as needed. It is also safe to use with other products in the Redex Diesel Fuel Additive range.

How do I use DPF cleaner?

Using Redex DPF Cleaner is easy. Follow the steps below and we’ll show you how.

Remove the protective film and insert the neck of the DPF cleaner bottle into your car’s fuel cap. Put a dose of DPF cleaner in your car’s tank. Continue driving normally and the DPF warning light should go off (if it was on). Remember that you can use the DPF cleaner whenever necessary to avoid problems or when the DPF warning light comes on.

Can I remove my DPF?

no If your car has a DPF, you must not remove it. If you take it out you will fail your MOT.

We understand that particulate filters can be frustrating as they get clogged regularly and can cost a lot of money to fix. But actually, taking care of your DPF is a lot easier and cheaper than getting rid of it.

All you have to do is make sure you burn off the soot buildup regularly so you don’t get a serious clog. Regularly adding Redex DPF Cleaner to your fuel tank will do this as it will help burn soot build up more easily.

We recommend using it every second or third tank to avoid problems. You can also use it when your DPF warning light comes on; Having the warning light on can also result in your car failing the MOT.

Can I just take my car to a mechanic to have my DPF cleaned?

There are different stages of DPF clogging that can be treated differently. We want you to save money but also keep your car healthy for as long as possible. That’s why we want to give you all the information you need to take care of your DPF in the long term.

When the warning light comes on on your dashboard, it means that the DPF is blocked. It’s probably about 45% blocked at this point, so you shouldn’t need a mechanic to clear it out.

If you don’t use Redex DPF cleaner at this point, or at least take a long drive in your car, your DPF will become badly clogged and your car could go into limp mode. A mechanic can then do a ‘forced regeneration’, burning away the blockage, but this will usually cost around £250.

Also, you can only do this about 4 times before it destroys the filter, so avoid it. Replacing the DPF typically costs around €1,000, so the easiest and cheapest way is to use Redex DPF Cleaner before you run into serious problems.

We hope these FAQs have cleared your confusion regarding using Redex DPF Cleaner. Click here for more information on our range of fuel additives or contact our experts if you need further help and advice.

Here are some key issues with dosing from small disposable bottles

• Difficult to measure accurately, neglecting drivers’ estimates and ratios

• Splashes of product on the outside of the tank or floor when trying to pour

• Contact with chemicals by spilling on hands or inhaling fumes

• Storage of partial cylinders in the cabin and possible risk of spillage

• Price of the product in small containers compared to buying in larger quantities

• Limited selection of additive brands at most diesel fuel stores

• Time spent measuring and refilling the tank after refueling

AdBlue: If you drive one of the latest zero-emission Euro6 diesel cars, you have undoubtedly already filled the special tank of your new car with the additive. But if you don’t already know what is this new substance, why is it important to the well-being of your vehicle and how often do you have to admit it to keep it in peak condition? Here we explain in detail the do’s and don’ts when using AdBlue.

The new Euro6 emission regulations for diesel vehicles came into force in September 2015 (a year later for vans) and were introduced to tackle a wide range of harmful gases linked to respiratory diseases.

The new regulations focus in particular on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and lower the permissible limit values ​​for NOx from 180 mg/km to just 80 mg/km. The aim is to reduce these harmful emissions and thereby limit the impact on the environment and public health.

Many major European cities, including London and Paris, are currently considering a driving ban on diesel vehicles at certain times and on certain days that do not comply with Euro6 regulations.

To meet the new goals, vehicle manufacturers have largely turned to a process known as selective catalytic reduction, which involves injecting a diesel emission fluid (DEF) into existing gas circulation systems and aiding in the removal of harmful NOx. This DEF is commonly known as AdBlue.

For Clean Air Zones, like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, diesel cars and vans must be Euro6, otherwise there is a daily charge to enter the zone.

What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is actually a synthetic urea that converts nitrogen oxides into harmless vapor and nitrogen. It is stored in a tank like fuel and more and more diesel vehicles, but typically those with larger engines, are being fitted with AdBlue tanks. However, some manufacturers may simply refer to it as an “emissions additive”.

AdBlue is not injected into the engine as a fuel additive. It is added to the catalytic converter system in the car’s exhaust system.

AdBlue is consumed in proportion to engine use. It is estimated that a passenger car uses around 1.5 liters of AdBlue over 620 miles. The size of the AdBlue tanks also varies. So when you need to fill up depends on your driving style, the number of kilometers driven and the size of the tank. A warning light on the dashboard lets you know when it’s time to charge.

The use of AdBlue has been common in trucks and buses since 2006 following the introduction of the Euro4 regulations for these vehicle classes.

Who is responsible for refilling AdBlue?

AdBlue is considered a fuel-like consumable. It is therefore the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the AdBlue tank is topped up and to bear any associated costs. AdBlue must never be added to the fuel. AdBlue is always stored in a completely separate tank. However, on many vehicles, the AdBlue filler neck is located next to the fuel filler neck.

It should also be noted that any damage resulting from AdBlue misuse, such as B. filling in petrol or diesel tanks, or breakdown due to low AdBlue level, are not covered by maintenance or recovery agreements.

Neat leasing contracts do not cover AdBlue costs. However, certain leasing providers will refill AdBlue as part of a routine service.

Drivers should be aware of their responsibilities by consulting their vehicle handbook.

How is it used?

AdBlue is only applicable to diesel engines and is an emission control technology that complements existing DPF technology.

Diesel vehicles equipped with a DPF do not necessarily have an AdBlue tank. However, vehicles with an AdBlue tank always have a DPF as part of the total emission control solution.

AdBlue and DPF warning lights are separate and illuminate independently.

How much AdBlue does my vehicle use?

AdBlue is added to the fuel according to consumption. Usage is therefore influenced by driving style, type of trip, engine and vehicle load, and environmental conditions.

AdBlue can be purchased from car dealers, garages, dealers, some gas stations or online. As a general guide, Halfords sells a 10 liter can of AdBlue for around £12.50.

The location of the AdBlue filler neck varies by make and model. Typical locations are in the trunk, next to the fuel filler neck or under the hood.

The size of the AdBlue tank in vehicles varies depending on the make and model, therefore the intervals between refills vary.

Based on conservative estimates, AdBlue may need topping up every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, although this will vary by make, model and driving style.

How do I top up AdBlue?