One of the design features of diesel cars is the presence of a particulate filter. This element of the vehicle cleaning system requires periodic washing. When to wash the particulate filter and what products to use for this - read further in the article.

Diesel particulate filter, purpose

The main purpose of a diesel particulate filter is to reduce emissions of harmful substances from a vehicle's tailpipe into the atmosphere, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and soot.

Causes of particulate filter contamination

The appearance of soot in a diesel car engine is caused by fuel combustion processes, namely:

• Propagation of the combustion zone in the power unit.
• Injection indicator.
• By supplying air to the system.

It should also be said here that in certain parts of the combustion chambers, over-enrichment of the fuel mixture is recorded, which occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the system. If such a process occurs in the power unit, combustion will be incomplete, which leads to the appearance of soot.

Frequency of cleaning the particulate filter

Flushing this filtration element is necessary if the motorist feels that his car’s engine has begun to work worse, that is, if serious problems associated with the filter appear during the operation of the power unit. It is also recommended to do this during maintenance. To wash the filter, you can seek the help of a service station specialist or use a special particulate filter cleaner.

The frequency of cleaning the filtration element is determined separately for each vehicle. In general, the service life of a particulate filter depends on the frequency of its burning. In other words, the more often the burning procedure is performed, the greater the amount of catalyst that can burn out irrevocably. In such cases, it is important to use an additive to clean the filtration element, since the use of this substance makes it possible to increase the service life of the particulate filter.

Signs of a dirty particulate filter

The particulate filter is considered dirty if the following symptoms occur:

• If fuel consumption has increased significantly.
• If the oil level in the power unit is high.
• If the dynamics have decreased significantly, that is, traction has disappeared.
• If the engine runs unstable at idle.
• If you hear a suspicious hissing noise during engine operation.
• If the icons on the instrument panel are lit.
• If the exhaust gases periodically occur too smoky.

Additives for cleaning particulate filters

Special liquids for cleaning the particulate filter are especially relevant for those cars that are used in urban environments. Exhaust gases are very harmful to the environment and can even be poisonous to people. Using filter cleaning fluids makes it possible not only to reduce the level of soot in the system, but also to reduce the load on the component as a whole.

How often can additives be used to clean the particulate filter?

There are no exact recommendations for cleaning the filter, since they are individual for each vehicle. But, as practice shows, with regular use of additives (once every 2-3 thousand km), special measures for washing the filter may not be required.

Particulate filter cleaner LM Diesel Partike - Filter Schutz pros and cons, features, how much to add and how much fuel

Additives from Liqui Moly are among the most expensive and best on the market. According to the manufacturer of the substance, such additives are not only highly effective, but also capable of reducing the appearance of soot, which, in turn, entails an increase in the service life of the component and facilitates the functioning of the engine as a whole.

According to the manufacturer, the use of this additive is especially important for diesel vehicles that are used:

• At short distances.
• In traffic jams.
• In urban environments.

Such cars are more likely than others to have problems with the particulate filter becoming clogged. By systematically adding the product to the fuel, the condition of the filtration element will be kept clean, which will allow the car owner to avoid expensive repairs, as well as the time costs that arise when the element fails.

It is worth noting that one package of this substance is enough to be used for two thousand km. mileage The manufacturer recommends adding the product to the fuel tank before refueling. As a rule, one bottle is enough for 75 liters of diesel fuel. But do not forget that overdoing it in this case can only do harm. In other words, overdose should be avoided. In addition, the manufacturer categorically does not recommend using this product in conjunction with substances of other brands.

JLM cleaner pros and cons, how much to add and how much fuel

This type of additive is also one of the most common among motorists. The manufacturer claims that the use of this product makes it possible to clean the particulate filter as much as possible if you add it once every ten thousand km. mileage To clean the filter, add JLM to the fuel, after which even the most contaminated filter element will be cleaned. In addition, the substance makes it possible to restore the functioning of the element during regular use of the car in urban conditions.

Advantages of JLM: makes it possible to extend the service life of the exhaust gas purification system; reduces the cost of repair work or unscheduled technical inspection.

Disadvantages: can reduce the regeneration rate, which may result in mechanical damage to the particulate filter housing.

It is worth noting that JLM is recommended for use on the following cars:

1. Ford.
2. Citroen.
3. Peugeot.

Cleaner additive PROTEC DPF Super Clean pros and cons, consumption and how much fuel

This substance for washing the particulate filter has also managed to prove itself well among Russian car enthusiasts. The manufacturer of the product assures its customers that with regular use of the additive, the car owner will be able to reliably protect his car from damage.  The consumable is a highly effective additive for cleaning the particulate filter. To flush the element, add the product to the fuel tank.

Advantages of PROTEC DPF Super Clean:

• Makes it possible to reduce the toxicity of exhaust gases.
• Does not have a negative effect on the components of the fuel system and exhaust gas purification systems.
• Makes it possible to eliminate deposits that occur in the particulate filter as much as possible.
• The cleaning itself occurs during the operation of the car.

Consejos para profesionales

It is very important to regularly clean the particulate filter to avoid unnecessary problems and costs in the future.