Why and when to clean your particulate filter

A properly functioning particulate filter is crucial for the performance and longevity of your car. It is therefore important to know how to keep a particulate filter clean, the consequences of a clogged filter, how often to clean it and how to clean a dirty...

In this article, we will explain all this to you so that you can enjoy your vehicle carefree.

The importance of cleaning your particulate filter

A particulate filter has an important role in your car, as it reduces harmful exhaust emissions. It filters soot particles from the exhaust fumes of diesel engines. A blockage of this filter can cause several problems:

• Reduced performance: A clogged filter reduces the flow of exhaust gases, which will reduce the performance of the engine. 
• Higher fuel consumption: If the filter is clogged, the engine has to work harder to achieve the same performance. A clog can therefore lead to higher fuel consumption.
• Engine failures: Driving for too long with a clogged filter can cause problems to the engine, which in turn can lead to expensive repairs. 

So a good and clean particulate filter is very important. But when should you clean your particulate filter?

When to clean your particulate filter

So there are a lot of problems that can be caused by a clogged or dirty particulate filter. So it is important to clean it regularly. How and what varies per car, of course, but there are guidelines for this:

• Every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometres. It depends on your driving style and the manufacturer.
• With reduced engine performance. As soon as you notice your engine's performance declining, it could be a sign of a clogged particulate filter.
• Indicator light. This sounds logical, but if the indicator light for the particulate filter is on, it is time to clean the filter. 

In addition, there are other indications that the particulate filter needs cleaning. These include reduced acceleration and black or grey smoke coming out of the exhaust. 

As soon as you experience any of these, you would be wise to take immediate action. But how do I clean my particulate filter?

The best way to clean your particulate filter

There are products on the market that make it easy to clean a particulate filter. At Dutch Performance Products they offer various solutions to clean your particulate filter. These products are specially designed to effectively remove soot and other junk. 

This will make your vehicle last longer and continue to perform top notch. Check out the options on the Dutch Performance Products website. 

Conclusion

Cleaning a particulate filter is therefore very important to keep your vehicle performing optimally. There are several signs that you can recognise a clogged particulate filter. Think your particulate filter is clogged? Be on time to avoid expensive repairs.