What are the manufacturers doing to improve DPF technology?

Although living in a rural situation most of my journeys are short, which seems to suggest that my diesel engine and exhaust system does not reach the required temperature to enable the DPF to function correctly. I do travel at least one long journey of 125 miles per month and have already had a bill of almost £1000 to rectify a DPF failure, and I have no idea if and when the situation will reoccur. For many, the modern requirement for diesel engine design means that they appear to be impractical and expensive to fix when the DPF fails. What are the manufacturers doing about this?

Asked on 21 April 2012 by TT, Peterchurch

Answered by Honest John

You are correct. What is happening is the same as when catalytic converters were made compulsory to meet an emissions target. The technology is not sufficiently developed. Some manufacturers (notably Renault with its 1.6DCI 130) have developed fast-warm diesels that should not have DPF problems used in the manner you describe. Others have not. So the best way to avoid problems is to buy a petrol-engined vehicle or a petrol hybrid.

Tags: diesel engine faults dpf reliability

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