Question 1

Accepted Answer

Diesel engines are efficient, but they create sooty particulates in their exhaust that are bad for health. Your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) removes the particulates by pushing exhaust gases through a maze of metal channels, collecting the sooty particulates.
Engine management systems are supposed to regenerate the filter unit when needed by applying high temperatures to the collected soot.
For various reasons this regeneration routine can fail (one of the main reasons is when the car is only used for short journeys, never getting fully up to temperature).
When the filter becomes clogged, exhaust flow is blocked. Eventually your engine management will apply a partial shut-down.
The filter is a closed unit, and expensive to replace. It can be cleaned, however, with the right tools and techniques.

Question 2

Can I still drive?

Accepted Answer

If you have an engine management light on, the problem needs to be fixed – even if the light goes off from time to time. The light means the engine is not working properly.
Sometimes, engine management systems will put your car into “limp-home” mode after the fault is detected. That usually doesn’t change till the fault is cleared.
You may be able to get home, but until the problem is fixed your car is not really useable.
Most garages will prefer to simply replace the DPF unit, but this is expensive and rarely necessary.
Fortunately the unit can now be effectively cleaned without removal, at much lower cost.

Question 3

What will it cost?

Accepted Answer

You have the choice of buying a new DPF unit and getting it fitted (the most expensive option), or having your current unit cleaned.
Cleaning can be done by removing the unit and sending it off to be cleaned, or using our in-car cleaning service.
Of all three options, ours is the cheapest and quickest, especially when you consider the garage costs of removing and fitting a unit. Our service is also done while you wait, so you don't have to be without your car for several days, or even weeks.
For an exact price for your vehicle, call us or fill in the enquiry form below.
There is a fourth option which disreputable garages may offer: they may advise you to have the DPF cut out. In the long run it is by far the most expensive option. Whilst it’s not illegal for them to do this IT IS 100% illegal for you to drive the vehicle once this has happened and if caught you can be liable for a fine upwards of £2000. Your car won't pass its next MOT and will have little resale value.
There is a good reason for DPFs being a legal requirement – they remove diesel particulates (soot) from the exhaust. None of us wants to be breathing the sooty air that used to come from older diesel engines.
Modern engines with DPFs have actually brought about a very positive change in air quality levels, particularly in cities.

Question 4

Do I really need a DPF? Can't I get it removed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you do need it.
Some garages will offer and advise to have the DPF’s cut out and whilst it’s not illegal for them to do this IT IS 100% illegal for you to drive the vehicle once this has happened and if caught you can be liable for a fine upwards of £2000.
DPFs are a legal requirement – they remove diesel particulates (soot) from the exhaust. None of us wants to be breathing the sooty air that used to come from older diesel engines.
Modern engines with DPFs have actually brought about a very positive change in air quality levels, particularly in cities.
Your car will also fail its MOT if the DPF is not present, or if it is not working properly.

Question 5

How soon can you come?

Accepted Answer

We usually have next day appointments available, sometimes same day if you call early enough!

Question 6

How long will the clean take?

Accepted Answer

The cleaning process can take about 1.45-2.30 hours, if it is very blocked then worst case is 3 hours.

Question 7

How long will the clean be effective for?

Accepted Answer

The benefits will be seen if you take care of the vehicle and take it out for long drives as recommended. The engineer that attends the clean will advise you on preventive measures.

Question 8

Is a warranty offered?

Accepted Answer

The DPF is affected by how the vehicle is driven so we are not able to offer a warranty unfortunately. But we do offer a 28-day aftercare service in case anything DPF- related problems occur.

Question 9

Is my local area covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DPF Fixer engineers are available nationwide.

Question 10

Will you reset the lights on dashboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after the clean of the DPF, the engineer will reset the relevant lights for this.

Question 11

My car is in limp mode, can you still clean it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the clean can still be done.

Question 12

While you are cleaning the DPF, do I have to be there?

Accepted Answer

Once we have started the actual cleaning process you don’t have to be there but we do need you to attend at the beginning and end. This is so the diagnostic test can be done, paperwork, payment and obviously to gain access to your vehicle to start.

Question 13

What is the booking fee for?

Accepted Answer

The Booking fee when paid will secure the engineer, job date and job time of your choosing.  The booking fee also covers the pre-clean vehicle health check and investigation where we confirm if your vehicle requires the clean or not.  This report is also emailed to you for your records

DPF problem or warning light?

Mobile DPF Deep-Clean & Regeneration

Express At-Home Service, while you wait – we get you back on the road

Your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) reduces harmful pollution. But it gets clogged up, and stops the engine working properly. If you see a warning light, call us.

DPF problem or warning light?

DPF Deep-Cleaning & Regeneration –
we get you back on the road