DPF Cleaning Hitchin

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DPF Cleaning, Regeneration & Replacement

If you are looking for DPF replacement or a DPF cleaning specialist in Hitchin, Hertfordshire then Auto Service & Tuning Centre has you covered.

DPF is an abbreviation used to refer to the diesel particulate filter – a relatively recent addition to the exhaust system of diesel cars designed to filter out by-products of incomplete fuel combustion. The DPF was introduced as a mandatory fixture in diesel cars from September 2009 onwards, in an effort to bring vehicles on the road in the UK in line with EU emissions standards, and to manage air quality and public health issues relating to the excessive production of particulates, or ‘soot’.

Diesel engines produce large amounts of particulate matter when they burn fuel as part of the combustion process. The DPF catches this soot using a filter, which, when a capacity threshold is reached, will convert the soot to ash, and subsequently expel it in a process known as regeneration. This generally occurs when the car is travelling above 40mph for periods of 10 minutes or longer, or automatically every 300 miles.

The two primary issues DPFs tend to experience are clogging, and failure. Auto Service & Tuning Centre’s accredited technicians located in Hitchin, are able to remedy the above using a combination of sophisticated diagnostic technology, and traditional know-how. In addition to this, we are able to provide Terraclean services, the most innovative DPF cleaning service on the market.

Book a DPF Service

Auto Service & Tuning Centres are able to provide specialist TerraClean services for both diesel and petrol vehicles. In addition to this, our professional team in Hitchin, are accredited providers of Bosch standard DPF diagnostics, repairs, and regeneration. Contact us today to book your vehicle in for one of our DPF services, or for further advice from one of our expert team members.

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National Standard Workmanship, Every time.

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Top of the line diagnostic equipment

Auto Service & Tuning Centre’s team of Bosch accredited technicians are highly qualified, allowing for the use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment within our centre. Using this equipment, our technicians can take readings relevant to all aspects of a vehicle’s DPF system, ruling out sensor issues, and accurately diagnosing faults.

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Qualified Technicians

Our professionally trained team in Hitchin are both Bosch qualified, meaning you can trust our technicians to conduct DPF cleaning, diagnostics, regeneration, repairs and replacement to the highest standard.

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High-quality parts

Auto Service & Tuning Centres guarantee our use of only high quality, or manufacturer-approved parts where required for DPF repair or replacement, helping your car perform at its best, at a fraction of dealership costs.

Our DPF Cleaning and Replacement Service

Auto Service & Tuning Centre is proud to offer a variety of DPF cleaning and repair services, from diagnosis to forced regeneration.

Diesel Particulate Filter Replacement

DPF Diagnostics

Auto Service & Tuning Centre’s DPF diagnostic service combines sophisticated technology and traditional know-how, resulting in effective, prompt, and accurate diagnoses. Our Bosch accredited technicians use a combination of fault codes and DPF service data to identify soot levels, and sensor reactivity in order to determine both the fault source and if the DPF is currently capable of regeneration. This process eliminates the chance of unnecessary part replacement or regeneration.

DPF Regeneration

The DPF regeneration process involves the use of a state-of-the-art Bosch servicing computer system. This system instructs engine management to perform a full regeneration – the engine must be driven under load for the duration of the regeneration in order to generate the amount of heat required. If the vehicle’s manufacturer indicates that a DPF additive should be used, our technician will advise this, and quote accordingly.

It is highly advisable to see a specialist as soon as possible when faced with a DPF warning light or notification – failure to complete regenerations at this point could lead to the vehicle limiting RPM, or, could render the filter beyond ‘repair’, meaning a complete replacement is required.

DPF Replacement and Repair

DPFs above the regeneration threshold, or subject to extreme wear and tear often require a full replacement. In cases where this is required, the accredited technicians at Auto Service & Tuning Centre work to remove the DPF assembly from the exhaust system, before installing a new, quality part and performing a forced regeneration where required.

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TerraClean (DPF Cleaning)

TerraClean is a revolutionary new Carbon Cleaning service in the UK. Auto Service & Tuning Centre’s highly skilled technicians in Hitchin are able to use TerraClean’s innovative equipment to restore both petrol and diesel engines to their peak performance.

The TerraClean process works in two stages. Firstly, the injection system and inlet valves are cleaned, restoring functionality and improving fuel pressure. Following this, TerraClean works to convert carbon build-up into carbon dioxide, which is subsequently discharged through the exhaust, cleaning the combustion chambers, exhaust, cats, and lambda sensors in the process.

Both stages work together to provide you with a more efficient engine, improved performance, and increased fuel efficiency.

Benefits of DPF Service

Regular DPF maintenance is necessary to ensure the correct function of a vehicle. Taking active steps to ensure the lifespan of your DPF has a list of benefits, including (but not limited to);

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Increased fuel efficiency – DPFs work most effectively when clean meaning regular maintenance and regeneration can to increased fuel efficiency

Improved performance – the presence of excessive soot or carbon deposits within the DPF can significantly impact vehicle performance. Ensuring their removal on a regular basis will keep your vehicle running optimally

Decreased emissions – removing carbon and soot deposits from the engine and DPF system can result in a significant reduction in emissions

Lower repair costs – regular maintenance helps ensure the early detection of DPF faults or issues, often meaning only a forced regeneration is required in place of a costly full replacement

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Auto Service & Tuning Centre are accredited providers of Bosch standard servicing. Our highly trained technicians combine their unrivalled knowledge, and confident use of dealership standard diagnostic technology to provide a complete service, including extensive checks and adjustments, alongside scheduled part replacement using only quality, or manufacturer approved parts.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) FAQs

What is a DPF?

DPF is an abbreviation used to refer to the diesel particulate filter – a relatively recent addition to the exhaust system of diesel cars designed to filter out by-products of incomplete fuel combustion.

Diesel engines produce large amounts of particulate matter, or soot when they burn fuel as part of the combustion process. This soot is known to cause a number of serious health issues, namely breathing problems. Legislation making the inclusion of DPFs mandatory on all new diesel vehicles was introduced in 2009 with the intent of managing issues related to the excessive production of particulates.

The DPF catches particulates using a filter, which becomes clogged over time. The material trapped within the filter is heated by the exhaust, turning to ash when temperature requirements are reached. This occurs when the car is travelling above 40mph, or automatically every 300 miles. This ash is then expelled. This process is generally known as regeneration.

The two primary issues DPFs tend to experience are clogging, and failure. If your vehicle’s DPF light is illuminated, contact Bosch Auto Serice for expert advice, or to book in for an inspection with one of our experienced technicians.

Does my vehicle have a DPF fitted?

All diesel vehicles built after September 2009 and sold in the UK are legally required to be fitted with a DPF under the Euro 5 standard for diesel cars. If your car was manufactured around or after this date, it is highly likely that a DPF will be fitted to its exhaust system. It is also important to note that many cars built prior to this date also have DPFs fitted.

An easy way to confirm whether or not your vehicle has a DPF is to check the manual, where all relevant information regarding the DPF and exhaust system will be stored.

What does the DPF warning light mean?

Most vehicles fitted with a DPF are equipped with sensors set to monitor the levels of soot present inside the filter, helping the engine determine when regeneration is necessary. Upon reaching a threshold determined by the manufacturer (typically around 45%), the engine will activate the regeneration process wherever possible. However, if this process is unable to take place due to, for example, low speeds, or short driving times, the DPF warning light will illuminate in order to alert the driver of increasing soot levels.

This can usually be rectified by driving for around 10 minutes at speeds over 40mph, allowing for the regeneration process to take place, and the soot levels to fall.

If the light is ignored and soot levels continue to increase, the vehicle may resort to imposing a reduced top speed limit, in order to prevent further soot build-up. At this point, a visit to a technician is often necessary to induce forced regeneration, or, in extreme cases, replace the DPF.

How long should a DPF last?

DPF filters, like most car parts, have a limited lifespan, influenced by factors such as conditions, maintenance frequency, and driving style. A DPF should typically last for more than 70,000 miles, however, filters lasting for significantly longer, or shorter periods than this is possible.

Maintenance is an important factor in extending the lifespan of any car part. The most effective form of DPF maintenance is allowing for frequent regeneration, in order to keep the filter clear from blockage. This can be done by ensuring the vehicle is regularly driven at speeds of over 40mph for periods of 10 minutes or more.

If your DPF warning light is illuminated, it is likely that a blockage is present, meaning forced regeneration, or part replacement is necessary.

What can cause my DPF to block?

Common causes of DPF blockages include;

Frequent short, low-speed journeys, or excessive idling – travelling for a short amount of time at a low speed does not allow the exhaust system to reach the minimum temperature required for regeneration, leading to soot build-up within the filter, and eventual blockages

Faulty fuel injectors – faults with a vehicle’s fuel injectors can lead to imbalances in the fuel to air ratio, causing the engine to produce higher quantities of particulates

Incorrect engine oil – most manufacturers specify low SAPs engine oil for use in diesel cars. This oil reduces the production of sulphated ash, one of the main particulates caught in DPF filters

Faulty turbocharger – faults with the turbocharger can cause imbalances in fuel to air ratio, or even flood the DPF with oil, both of which can lead to the excessive production of soot and blockages

How do I clean my DPF?

A DPF blockage will most commonly be indicated by the illumination of the DPF warning light. The most effective way to clear this blockage is to ‘clean’ the DPF through the process of regeneration.

The cleaning process typically involves driving for around 10 minutes at speeds over 40mph, allowing for the regeneration process to take place, and the soot levels to fall.

If the light is ignored and soot levels continue to increase, the vehicle may resort to imposing a reduced top speed limit, in order to prevent further soot build-up. At this point, a visit to a technician is often necessary to induce forced regeneration, or, in extreme cases, replace the DPF.

If your vehicle’s DPF light is illuminated or you believe your DPF is in need of a check-up, contact Auto Service & Tuning Centre for expert advice, or to book in for an inspection with one of our experienced technicians.

Do I need a diesel particulate filter to pass the MOT?

Checks for the presence of a DPF in diesel cars were introduced as part of the MOT in 2014. If the DPF is not present or has been removed, the vehicle will automatically fail its MOT, as DPFs are a legally required part on all diesel vehicles produced after September 2009.

The illumination of the DPF warning light or any warning light on the dashboard will also result in an automatic MOT failure.

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Main Depot.

42 Wilbury Way
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG4 0AP

Service hours.

Mon - Thur: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 18:00
Sat - Sun: Closed
Closed on bank holidays