Thinking about a Diesel? You Need to know about DPFs

movilogo

DMF = Dual [STRIKE]Mass[/STRIKE] Mess Flywheel

plane_boy2000

When I bought my Citroen I had a letter explaining all about the DPF and that it was not suitable for me if I planned to drive lots of short start stop journeys on a regular basis. My route to work is pretty fast - mostly motorway, and about 13 miles so I have only noticed mine regenerate maybe twice in the last year - it becomes less smooth, and the instant fuel consumption drops through the floor also notice that the cooling fan remains on after I stop if its been regenerating

harveybobbles

Most people who buy diesel cars do so "cos of the economy they will get..."

But when you ask said person what their mileage is, it is usually something pathetic like the OP's 8000pa.

DPF is a great idea for the people who run a diesel for the main reason - they do over 30,000 a year.

roysterer

My question regarding the DPF is:- if you predominently do short journeys during the week and took the car out for a run on the weekend would this stop the DPF from clogging up?
Once the car is warm, would a good thrash in a low gear once a week sort the problem out or cause other problems?
My driving patern seems very similar to the original posters and I would be greatful to know how other drivers with similar driving paterns prevent this problem from happening. Had I have known about this beforehand I would have bought a petrol but its to late now, I dont intend to fill the car dealers pocket with more money to change.
Be grateful for some constructive advice from any diesel experts out there.
My car is a Vauxhall Meriva 1.3cdti.

harveybobbles

A good thrash down one junction on the motorway in 4th gear should clear the soot out.

ahillsy

Completely agree that it's something that isn't made clear enough by dealers.

I very nearly traded in my last car (non-DPF diesel) for a new diesel with a DPF. Luckily, I came across a mention of DPFs on the main forum I was using to research up on the car and after reading up more on it, I realised it would almost certainly cause me hassle as I do mostly urban driving (Mon-Fri), up to 9k miles a year. The car wouldn't have time to warm up on the short journey to work, so wouldn't be able to do the regeneration process. Seeing the costs to replace it if it gets completely clogged (£1500 last price I saw) was a bit hairy. As I wasn't originally looking to buy brand new, I wasn't flicking through the brochure and so I didn't see that it did state (for the newer model) that it wouldn't be suitable for certain types of driving in the small print.

IMHO, if you enquire about a diesel with a DPF the dealer MUST prompt you to find out what type of driving you do to identify if it's really suitable for you. I was lucky, as I'm someone who researches researches and researches before deciding, which meant I stumbled across the issue of DPFs. Would have been much better if the dealership had told me, before I went through the time of test driving/discussing prices etc.

mickeypops

harveybobbles wrote: »

Most people who buy diesel cars do so "cos of the economy they will get..."

But when you ask said person what their mileage is, it is usually something pathetic like the OP's 8000pa.

DPF is a great idea for the people who run a diesel for the main reason - they do over 30,000 a year.

Well, that's your opinion, but it isn't necessarily true. I knew when I bought the car that the calculation of the extra purchase price v. the reduced fuel cost was marginal at best.

If you'd taken the trouble to read my opening post you'd have found out that I chose a diesel becaue I happen to like the way the cars drive, and because it would use less of the planet's resources. It's my perogative to chose to drive a diesel for my own reasons. My prior two cars were both diesels (a Citroen and a Rover.)

The whole point of my post is that I didn't know about the DPF and its need to regenerate, the dealer didn't tell me, the Vauxhall website didn't refer to it. I would probably have shied away from the diesel had I known then what I know now.

If just one MSEr reads the post, and before buying a modern diesel stops to ask some questions about how the DPF on that model regenerates, then it was worth the trouble I took to post.

Making sarcastic comments about my driving pattern may make you feel clever, but I bet most of the people reading this just think you're small-minded.

mickeypops

harveybobbles wrote: »

A good thrash down one junction on the motorway in 4th gear should clear the soot out.

By the way HB, that's absolute rubbish. Check out your facts before posting, in case you mislead people who take your advice seriously due to you being in the trade.

No amount of driving at any speed will regenerate the Vauxhall's DPF. It requires a special engine process to alter the timing to increase the exhaust gases' temperature to a level unattainable otherwise. It is controlled by the car's computer system and the driver has zero control, other than to turn the engine off.

neilmcl

So OP, will your next car be a diesel again?

mickeypops

neilmcl wrote: »

So OP, will your next car be a diesel again?

Not one that does its DPF regeneration like the Vauxhall - unless they've re-engineered the system by then. There's a whole load of complaints on the various Vauxhall owners forums, so you never know. Some other manufacturers have different systems too.

One thing I've forgotten to mention so far is that these systems haven't been the most reliable in the world, leaving some owners with hefty repair bills.