Diesel Particulate Filters can cause problems for diesel car owners, especially if you undertake a lot of short journeys or are frequently in stop/start traffic.
If your DPF light comes on or you suspect the filter’s getting blocked, Redex DPF Cleaner could help resolve the issue before it escalates into a pricey repair bill or a failed MOT.
Here on our FAQs page, you’ll find help and advice on how to use Redex DPF Cleaner safely.
Why is my car’s DPF warning light on?
Diesel Particulate Filters remove harmful soot from diesel engines. The problem with the filters is that they naturally get blocked with soot, and the warning light is your first indication that this has happened.
Fortunately, the early blockages can be cleared easily – sometimes your car will even do it naturally without you having to worry. If you drive for a long time at a high speed (for example on a motorway) your car will get hot, and the soot will burn away.
However, we know that this isn’t always convenient, and it’s not the most reliable way to take care of your car’s filter.
Using Redex DPF Cleaner (either when your light comes on or regularly as a preventative measure) will help the soot to burn away during normal driving, so that your filter clears, and the light stays off. This can save you a lot of time, money, and stress, as a new DPF will typically cost around £1,000.
How often do I use a DPF Cleaner?
We recommend using Redex DPF Cleaner with every 2-3 tanks of fresh fuel. This will prevent the DPF from ever becoming blocked, so no more panicking when the warning light appears.
Alternatively, you can add a shot of DPF Cleaner when the light comes on. Add a dose to your car’s fuel tank, drive as normal, and you should find that the light switches off without the need for that inconvenient trip to the motorway.
Do I need DPF Cleaner for a petrol engine?
No, DPF Cleaner is only needed in diesel cars since petrol engines do not have a diesel particulate filter. Take a look at our range of petrol engine fuel additives for system cleaners that are compatible with your car.
Does a DPF Cleaner work?
Redex DPF Cleaner works to clear soot from your car’s particulate filter, reducing the likelihood of a fault and switching off the warning light. Easy and convenient to use, it means you don’t have to take your car for a trip on the motorway to burn off soot from inside the DPF.
So, how does Redex DPF Cleaner work? Our fuel additive contains a nano-metal oxide catalyst that reduces the temperature at which soot burns. That means even at normal speeds around town, your car’s engine will be hot enough to burn away the soot – clearing any blockages and build-up from the filter.
Thanks to its advanced formula, Redex DPF Cleaner is 30% more effective than other technologies. With regular use, you can save time and money, and prevent any ongoing issues which could result in a costly repair bill.
Is DPF Cleaner safe to use?
DPF Cleaner is safe to use in most modern diesel cars that are fitted with a DPF. Simple and easy to use, you can add it to your car’s fuel tank in a matter of seconds to clear soot and blockages from the DPF system.
Like all Redex fuel additives, our DPF Cleaner can be added to a full or partially full fuel tank as and when required. It’s also safe to use with other products in the Redex diesel fuel additives range.
How do I use DPF Cleaner?
Using Redex DPF Cleaner is easy. Follow the steps below and we’ll show you how it’s done.
- Remove the protective seal and insert the bottle neck of the DPF Cleaner in your car’s fuel filler cap.
- Add a dose of DPF Cleaner to your car’s tank.
- Drive as normal and the DPF warning light should switch off (if it was illuminated).
- Remember, you can use DPF Cleaner whenever required to prevent problems, or when the DPF warning light comes on.
Can I remove my DPF?
No. If your car has a DPF, you are not allowed to remove it. Taking it out will mean that you fail your MOT.
We understand that particulate filters can be frustrating, as they get blocked up regularly and can cost a lot of money to fix. But actually, it is much easier and cheaper to take care of your DPF than get rid of it.
All you need to do is make sure that you’re burning off the build-up of soot regularly, so you don’t get any serious blockages. Adding Redex DPF Cleaner regularly to your fuel tank will do this, as it helps the soot build-up to burn away more easily.
We recommend that you use it every second or third tank to prevent problems. You can also use it if your DPF warning light comes on; if the warning light is on, this can also cause your car to fail its MOT.
Can I just take my car to a mechanic to clear my DPF?
There are different stages of DPF blockages, and they can be treated differently. We want you to save money but also keep your car healthy for as long as possible, so we want to give you all the information you need to look after your DPF in the long term.
If the warning light on your dashboard comes on, it means the DPF has become blocked. It’s probably around 45% blocked at this stage, so you shouldn’t need a mechanic to clear it.
If you don’t use Redex DPF Cleaner at this stage, or at least take your car for a long drive, your DPF will get very blocked, and your car could go into limp mode. A mechanic can then perform a “forced regeneration”, where they burn away the blockage, but this usually costs around £250.
Additionally, you can also only do this around four times before it destroys the filter, so you want to avoid it. Replacing the DPF typically costs around £1,000, so the easiest and cheapest thing to do is to use Redex DPF Cleaner before you get serious problems.
We hope these FAQs have cleared up any confusion you have about using Redex DPF Cleaner. For more information on our fuel additives range, click here, or get in touch with our experts if you need further help and advice.