Is low annual mileage bad for diesel engines?

I refer to your advice about low mileage having an impact on blocked diesel particulate filters (DPFs). I feel you are combining low annual mileage with short journeys. My firm understanding is that diesel DPFs clog if used for many short journeys, but that they are OK with long journeys. Are you suggesting that low annual mileage (3,000-4,000 miles) is bad for diesels, even if accumulated with long (say greater than 20 miles) journeys, relative to petrol?

Asked on 7 February 2022 by Macphee, W

Answered by Dan Powell

In my experience, low annual mileage is caused by short journeys.

However, in theory, yes, it's possible you could cover 3,000 miles a year with 20-plus mile journeys only. But I'm not sure this is reflective of real world driving.

Certainly, based on the feedback I receive from diesel car owners in distress, a typical low annual mileage driver will travel a maximum of 10 miles per journey.

Tags: dpf issues dpfs

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