Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are common. They are an essential component in diesel engines, but they can become blocked or damaged. The cost of cleaning a DPF is minimal, but what happens if you ignore the issue? The answer is that it becomes a big problem that’ll make a huge dent in your wallet. What does a DPF cost if you fail to clean it?
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What are the financial implications of a blocked or missing DPF?
Diesel particulate filter replacement
Engine components can be costly, and experts advise that it is always better to fix small issues before they become faulty and need replacing. This is especially true for DPFs, as DPF replacements can become extremely expensive.
So how much does it cost to replace a diesel particulate filter? The price range of DPFs ranges from £750 to £3,500, depending on the make and model. This includes parts and labour. It can take several hours to replace your DPF, which is why it is better to leave it to the professionals to ensure it is completed correctly.
Complete engine rebuild or replacement
A blocked DPF will cause problems for your diesel engine, especially if you ignore the problem. A clogged diesel particulate filter cannot regenerate, meaning that soot particles build up. This problem might start as poor performance but will develop over time into severe damage and potentially complete engine failure.
Rebuilding an engine is often cheaper than replacing it, but it does take a considerable amount of time. Either way, the cost could be anywhere between £1,000 and £10,000, which varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
DPF fines and penalties
Some road users decide that the best course of action is to remove their DPF completely. Not only will this cause many issues for your vehicle, but it is also illegal. If you are caught driving without a DPF, it means a fine. A DPF fine is around £1,000 for a car and up to £2,500 for a van.
Invalidated insurance and MOT failure
If you are caught driving a vehicle without a DPF, not only will you get a hefty fine, but it will also invalidate your car insurance and lead to an MOT failure. The MOT failure will mean paying to fit a DPF in your vehicle, as well as the cost of retesting. Invalidated insurance will cost a lot more if you are involved in a road traffic incident. To put it simply, it isn’t worth the risk.
| Financial Implications (Based on Estimates) | Potential Savings (Based on the Cost of DPF Experts’ Manual DPF Clean at £179) |
| £750 – £3,500 (DPF replacement) | £571 – £3,321 |
| £1,000 – £10,000 (Complete engine rebuild or replacement) | £821 – £9,821 |
| £1,000 for cars, £2,500 for vans (Fines and penalties) | £821 – £2,321 |
What is a DPF and how do you know if it’s blocked?
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a filter that captures engine soot to reduce harmful emissions from your diesel engine. This soot and debris need to be burned off to regenerate the filter or cleaned professionally to get the most out of your engine. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to book your DPF clean:
- Poor engine performance
- Poor fuel economy or an increase in fuel consumption
- High engine temperature
- Increased idle speed
- Engine warning lights
- Unpleasant smells from the exhaust
We offer a range of packages with manual cleans of DPFs costing from £179, with a full DPF diagnostic check, validated DPF pressure sensor, and post-diagnostic included. Save yourself time and stress by booking your mobile DPF cleaning today and cutting DPF costs.
Book your mobile DPF cleaning service with DPF Experts
At DPF Experts, we are professionals with extensive experience cleaning and restoring DPFs in a range of makes and models including Audi, Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes, and more. We have many happy customers in Greater London, Essex, Kent, Sussex and more. Read their reviews to see what they think and give us a call on 0330 128 9430 to book your clean.