🚗 Understanding DPF Cleaning — What You Need to Know

DPF doesn’t block for no reason. When the filter becomes full, it’s usually caused by another fault elsewhere in the vehicle.

This is why we strongly recommend an assessment before cleaning.

➡️ No assessment = no warranty on any DPF clean.

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Time Is Critical

Driving with the DPF light on for more than one week can cause further issues.

When the light comes on, you’re too late for Redex or in-tank cleaners — don’t waste your money.

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Common Causes of DPF Blockages

These are some of the most frequent issues found during assessments:

• ❄️ Thermostat failing – engine doesn’t reach regeneration temperature

• 🔥 Glow plugs failing – affects cold starts and regen

• 🌡️ Ambient temperature sensor faults – regen often disabled

• ⚙️ Faulty differential pressure sensor

• 💨 EGR valve sticking or blocked

• 💧 Injector problems

• 🛑 Short journeys / stop–start driving

• 🛢️ Incorrect oil grade or oil contamination

• ⛽️ AdBlue & NOx system faults – not directly linked but can prevent regeneration

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Do NOT Force a Regeneration Incorrectly

A forced regen should only be done once the underlying fault has been diagnosed.

⚠️ Forcing a regen blindly can overheat the core and crack the DPF, leading to a replacement costing £500–£3,000.

Equally important:

👉 Do NOT put the vehicle in 3rd gear and drive up the motorway to “clear it out”.

This does not regenerate the DPF properly — it simply overheats the exhaust system and risks severe damage. It is not clever and not a fix.

🛑 If you don’t understand how a DPF regen works — don’t attempt one. It can ruin the filter completely.

Can Every DPF Be Cleaned?

No. If the filter is cracked or physically damaged, cleaning is not possible —

a replacement will be required.

💰 Replacement cost: £500–£3,000 depending on vehicle

👍 We do NOT mark up parts — you pay exactly what we pay.

📌 Example of a cracked DPF – cannot be cleaned:

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Dangerous Practice: SOFTWARE REMOVAL ONLY

A common scenario:

Someone comes to your home, gives you a Stage 1 remap + DPF delete, charges £200 and is gone in under an hour…

⚠️ Mapping the DPF out in software while the filter remains in place can cause:

• Extreme back pressure

• Turbo damage

• Cracked DPF

• Complete engine failure

❗ A cheap map can become a VERY expensive repair. Think twice.

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Legal & MOT Rules (2013 Onwards)

If your vehicle was registered 2013+, removing or gutting the DPF will FAIL the MOT.

Even a welded dummy can be detected via a simple tailpipe soot test.

👉 We do NOT remove or modify DPF systems on these vehicles — no exceptions.

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Vehicles We Do Not Work On

We do not work on:

• ❌ Land Rover

• ❌ Jaguar

Any bookings for these makes will be automatically cancelled.

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Need Advice?

We aim to provide an honest, professional & compliant service.

Not sure what your vehicle needs?

💭 Message us BEFORE booking — we’re happy to help.

📲 Please share this post — it could save someone a lot of money and stress.