DPF warning light on? Your diesel particulate filter traps soot and burns it off during longer, faster runs, a process called regeneration. Lots of short, slow journeys (most of real life, in other words) means the burn off never happens, the filter clogs and the light comes on. Ignore it long enough and the car goes into limp mode and the fix gets steadily dearer. Caught early, it is often a simple job.
What is a DPF? A four minute explainer
Video by BM Catalysts, UK exhaust and DPF manufacturer.
RAC Approved Garage · 5★ rated on Google · The workshop behind every car we sell. Live within 10 minutes of us? Ask about free local drop-off and collection.
A DPF that blocked is not always the villain. It is often the victim. Faulty EGR valves, tired injectors, a failed pressure sensor, the wrong engine oil or simply the wrong car for short journey life all cause repeat blockages. Clean the filter without finding the cause and you will be back in three months. Our diagnosis covers the why, not just the what. That is the difference between fixing it and renting a fix.
You may have seen DPF deletes offered. We do not do them, ever. Removing a DPF from a road car is illegal, it is an automatic MOT failure, and it can invalidate your insurance, which makes a £300 solution a very expensive liability wearing a disguise. Anyone offering it is transferring their problem to you. We will fix the actual fault instead, legally, and it usually costs less than people fear.
If it has just come on, a 20 to 30 minute run at motorway speeds may let the car regenerate on its own. That is worth one try. If the light stays on, comes back, or the car is in limp mode, book in before it becomes a bigger bill.
Often, yes. Caught before the filter is physically damaged, a forced regeneration (from £96) clears it. Past that point it is further diagnosis and, if needed, replacement, and we will give you the honest position in writing before you spend anything. Either way, the reason it blocked gets found, otherwise you are back in three months.
Usually one of three things: lots of short journeys, an underlying fault (EGR, injectors, sensors), or the wrong oil. That is exactly what our diagnostic finds.
No. It is illegal for road use, an automatic MOT failure, and an insurance risk. We will fix the real problem instead, and explain every option before you spend anything.
Honestly, if your driving is mostly short town trips, possibly. We would rather tell you that than clean the same filter every six months. Come and talk to us. As a dealership we can even help you swap into something that suits.
Related: Diagnostics: the finding-why engine · AdBlue: the other diesel warning light · Servicing: the right oil matters for DPFs · thinking of swapping the diesel? Browse our petrol and hybrid stock
Call 0114 698 1430, send us a message, or book online. Booking only. You can drop the vehicle off outside opening hours by arrangement. Workshop hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.
Tell us what the car needs and which two days suit you. We come back the same working day to confirm a date.
GT Automotive Group, Unit 3, 1 Orgreave Way, Sheffield S13 9LS. Prices include VAT unless stated.