Wondering if your diesel particulate filter (DPF) is starting to block? Spotting the signs early saves you money and prevents costly damage. Here’s what to look out for and how our DPF cleaning services can help.
What a DPF Does
Your DPF traps soot from the exhaust to reduce emissions. Over time, the filter fills up and needs to regenerate or be professionally cleaned. If it blocks completely, your car will go into limp mode or stop altogether. That’s why recognising the symptoms early is key.
Early Warning Signs of a Blocked DPF
1. Dashboard Warning Light
The most obvious sign is the amber DPF light on your dash. It tells you soot levels are high. Ignore it, and the car will limit performance or stop regenerating altogether. See our DPF warning lights explained guide.
2. Loss of Power
If your vehicle struggles to accelerate or feels sluggish, the filter may be restricting exhaust flow. This extra backpressure can even stress the turbo.
3. Increased Fuel Consumption
A blocked DPF makes the engine work harder. Drivers often notice poor MPG around town. If left untreated, this quickly adds up in fuel costs.
4. Limp Mode Activation
When soot load is severe, the ECU forces the car into reduced-power mode. This protects the engine but leaves you crawling at low speeds until the DPF is cleaned.
5. Excessive Smoke
Diesels should run clean. Visible smoke, especially under acceleration, suggests poor combustion or blocked after-treatment systems.
6. Failed Regenerations
If your journeys are short or stop-start, the filter won’t get hot enough for passive or active regen. You’ll keep seeing the warning return, even after a reset.
7. Strong Smell from Exhaust
A hot, acrid smell can point to failed regenerations or trapped soot burning unevenly. It’s often a sign the filter is nearing full blockage.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
A blocked DPF doesn’t just stop your car — it can damage injectors, sensors, and even the turbo. Cleaning at the first signs is far cheaper than replacing parts later. Many drivers ask if a motorway run will fix it, but once the filter is overloaded, only a professional clean works.
How We Can Help
At our Hanley garage in Stoke-on-Trent, we offer:
- On-car DPF cleaning – £200 fixed price
- Off-car refurbishment – full removal and flush
- Postal cleaning – UK-wide courier service
We also provide carbon cleaning for intake, turbo, and EGR systems to help prevent future blockages.
FAQs
Can I keep driving with the DPF light on?
Short journeys make it worse. The filter needs cleaning before it hits full blockage.
Does a motorway run always fix it?
Not if the DPF is already overloaded. Once soot load is too high, only a clean will work.
How much is a professional DPF clean?
Our on-car clean is £200. Off-car and postal cleans vary by condition.
Do you cover vans and taxis?
Yes, we handle taxis, vans, and commercial fleets daily.
