San Antonio and Boerne Auto Repair

Diesel Particulate Filter

Hi! This is Rusty Belden for our family at Belden's Automotive & Tires. I am taking the time to offer some insight on a more technical but important topic found within diesel vehicles. More commonly found within diesel vehicles' exhaust is a new system called the diesel particulate filter. All engines, but especially diesel engines emit pollutants into the air we breathe. To reduce the amount of these pollutants in our air, new diesel engines have been fitted with a filter. The diesel particulate filter or DPF is located in the exhaust pipe to capture soot particulates. The diesel particulate filter traps the particulates (soot) flowing out of the exhaust pipe and will continue doing so until it fills up. As with any filter they have to be emptied or cleaned regularly to maintain performance and to prevent costly repairs to the engine's operation. Once the Diesel Particulate Filter fills up it will create too much backpressure and at that point, the DPF will use an active or passive approach to clean or regenerate itself.

• Passive Regeneration: Vehicles whose routes enable them to run at high speeds typically regenerate on their own
• Active Regeneration: Vehicle used for urban deliveries typically requires a timely parked regeneration cycle to prevent permanent damage.

Typically, vehicles equipped with the Diesel Particulate Filter will have a light to warn when it is time to be cleaned. If the DPF warning light is ignored, the soot loading will continue to build up until around 75%, this will cause other dashboard warning lights to come on too. At this point, visiting an automotive repair facility will be in order for "forced" regeneration. Your diesel vehicle will enter a "restricted performance" mode to prevent further damage. If not taken for a forced regeneration, the soot loading will keep rising (up to approximately 85%) and forced regeneration can no longer be performed on the vehicle. The DPF will need removing to be cleaned or replaced.
If you drive a diesel, you know the importance of having a dependable diesel repair facility available for these unique engines and systems. Belden's has certified factory - trained technicians on hand at each of our 7 locations. Call us today and let our family at Belden's Automotive & Tires help you with your diesel truck or car. Buckle up, Drive Safe and Remember at Belden's Automotive & Tires "We Keep You Rolling!"