Does mileage affect diesel particulate filters (DPF)?

You recently suggested that low mileage has an impact on blocked diesel particulate filters. Low mileage has nothing to do with it. If I don’t regularly drive short journeys but give it a run on the motorway once a week it should be OK.

Asked on 31 January 2022 by Colin williams

Answered by Dan Powell

Thank you for your feedback. But I must respectfully disagree.

Diesel engines are designed for lots of miles. They are not engineered to cover 3,000 or 4,000 miles a year. And this is reflected in the thousands of complaints we receive from diesel car owners who experience costly DPF, EGR and oil dilution problems that are caused by the fact their cars are used for low-mileage journeys.

Obviously, as with all things in life, some DPFs are more durable than others. And I have no doubt there are lots of satisfied diesel owners who use their cars for short trips and do not experience any issues at all. But when it comes to general advice, I'll always recommend a petrol or EV car for low mileage drivers.

Tags: diesel particulate filter dpf issues

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