How Much Does A DPF Cleaning Cost?

The particle filter is mandatory equipment on diesel-powered vehicles. It has a key place because it limits the polluting emissions released by your car during your travels.

This is why the DPF must be cleaned from time to time to prevent it from becoming clogged.

How much does a DPF cleaning cost?

If you clean your DPF yourself, you will simply need to buy a can of additive from an automotive supplier or online. It will cost you between €20 and €70 depending on the brand.

However, if you need to carry out descaling by a professional, the average price is around €100 . The price of the service will vary depending on the type of descaling you choose and the work time required on your vehicle. To carry out your DPF cleaning at the best price, do not hesitate to make an appointment on the Vroomly platform.

DPF cleaning price: what is the particle filter used for?

Located on the exhaust line, the particle filter is most often found following the engine outlet. Generally, a DPF can filter up to 99% of polluting particles . Its operation is presented in 2 distinct stages:

• Collection of particles : this filtration phase allows the collection of polluting emissions. Over time, the particles stored in the filter will produce a layer of soot and the latter will be less effective in retaining pollution. Furthermore, overloading the filter will also have an impact on engine performance which will drop considerably;
• Regeneration of the filter : the filter will, by itself, clean itself to remove soot deposits accumulated during collection. Thanks to the high temperature of the engine, the particles will burn and be eliminated.

However, if the particle filter is too clogged, sensors will be there to detect it and they will communicate this data to your car’s engine. This will therefore heat the exhaust gases more strongly to resorb the particles and begin an automatic filter regeneration cycle.

What does cleaning the DPF consist of?

To avoid costly replacement of your car’s particle filter, you can clean it. Currently, there are two different methods to achieve this:

1. Using an additive : this maneuver can be done by yourself without the help of a professional. You will need to pour the additive into the fuel tank , either as a preventative measure or as a curative measure if the FAP is already clogged. Then, you will have to drive around ten kilometers while revving your engine to increase the temperature of the system and allow the stored particles to be burned;
2. Descaling of the DPF and the engine : descaling is an operation which will work in depth throughout the entire engine system. It allows you to remove all the carbon present, to fluidize the ducts and to clean all the engine components. Injectors, EGR valve, FAP and turbo are like new following descaling. There are several descaling methods including hydrogen descaling which is known to be very effective.

DPF cleaning varies depending on your vehicle and the level of contamination. Thanks to Vroomly, find out in just one minute how much cleaning your DPF will cost you !

DPF cleaning: When should it be carried out?

There is no precise interval for carrying out DPF cleaning. It is recommended to add an additive to your fuel once a year as a preventative measure . However, if your particle filter needs to be cleaned or changed in the most serious cases, several warning signs can alert you:

• The engine loses power : during acceleration phases, the engine will no longer be able to keep up with the speed;
• Black smoke comes from the exhaust : the particles can no longer be evacuated and the filter is completely clogged;
• Overconsumption of fuel : as the engine overheats to eliminate particles, it will consume much more diesel;
• The engine stalls regularly : you notice a feeling of choking in the engine.

If you experience any of these symptoms, add additive to the tank and drive to clean the DPF. If this method is ineffective, you will have to go to a mechanic so that he can carry out a thorough descaling of the vehicle.

DPF: should it be changed or cleaned?

Sometimes it happens that the particle filter is too damaged and needs to be replaced with a new part. This is particularly the case when the FAP is completely blocked.

The best way to know if the DPF needs to be cleaned or changed is to take your vehicle to a professional. He will then carry out a diagnosis to determine the state of wear of the particle filter. If the particle filter needs to be replaced, it will cost around €700 , including labor costs.

What are the advantages of cleaning the DPF?

As we have explained, clogging of the particle filter directly impacts engine performance and the vehicle’s pollution rate. Thus, cleaning the particle filter has numerous advantages for the vehicle:

• Maintain engine performance : A clogged DPF can cause a loss of power and reduced engine performance. Cleaning the DPF helps preserve optimal engine performance.
• Reduce polluting emissions : The FAP is designed to capture and retain polluting particles emitted by the diesel engine. A clean DPF helps limit emissions of harmful particles into the environment, thus helping to improve air quality.
• Save fuel : A clogged DPF can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption. By cleaning the DPF regularly, you can maintain optimal fuel consumption and reduce fuel costs.
• Preserve the engine : Regular cleaning of the DPF helps preserve engine components, such as the exhaust valves , turbo and EGR valve, by preventing excessive accumulation of soot and carbon.
• Avoid high replacement costs : A complete replacement of the DPF can be expensive. By carrying out regular cleanings, you can extend the life of the DPF and avoid significant expenses related to its replacement.

Cleaning the DPF is essential to guarantee the good performance of your engine. This is part of the maintenance of your car and will allow you to extend the life of the various components linked to the engine and the exhaust.