top of page
Writer's pictureThe Specialists at CDS

How a Clogged Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Impacts Fuel Economy

Clean Diesel Specialists

A clogged Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) does more than compromise emissions control—it directly affects your engine’s fuel efficiency. A report from Chevron Lubricants titled “Enhanced Fuel Economy Retention from an Ultra-Low Ash Heavy Duty Engine Oil” highlights how incombustible ash accumulation in DPFs can lead to reduced fuel economy, increased backpressure, and the need for more frequent regeneration cycles. If your DPF is already clogged, professional cleaning is the only way to restore its performance and prevent costly replacements.

 

The Connection Between Clogged DPFs and Fuel Economy

According to Chevron’s findings:

“Diesel particulate filters are remarkably efficient in reducing emissions of particulate matter from heavy-duty diesel engines. However, their efficiency and performance are negatively impacted by contaminants derived from consumed engine lubricant. This accumulation of incombustible ash imparts a fuel economy penalty due to increased system backpressure and demand for more frequent regeneration events.”

In simpler terms, as ash builds up in the DPF:

  • Backpressure increases, making the engine work harder.

  • Regeneration cycles occur more often, consuming more fuel.


While preventative measures like using low-ash engine oils can help delay clogging, they won’t reverse it once the filter is already impacted.

 

Why Professional DPF Cleaning Is Essential

If your DPF is clogged, cleaning it professionally is the only solution. Ignoring the problem can lead to:

  • Significant drops in fuel economy.

  • Decreased engine efficiency and performance.

  • The need for a costly filter replacement.


As Chevron’s report emphasizes, “DPFs do still require periodic maintenance to remove this incombustible material which otherwise accumulates and interferes with PM reduction efficiency and imposes a backpressure on the system that impacts engine efficiency and fuel economy.”

 
Weighing a Clogged DPF

The Clean Diesel Specialists Difference

At Clean Diesel Specialists, we offer an 8-step DPF cleaning process using state-of-the-art equipment to restore filters to near-new condition.

Our process includes:

  1. Inspect: Examine the filter for external damage, contamination, and wear.

  2. Document: Record airflow, weight, and condition before cleaning.

  3. Blast Clean: Use high-pressure air to remove large soot and ash particles.

  4. Aqueous Clean: Perform high-pressure water cleaning to remove deeply embedded particles.

  5. Dry: Eliminate all moisture to prepare for further processing.

  6. Thermal Regeneration: Heat the filter to burn off fine particulates.

  7. Final Test: Conduct a final airflow and structural integrity check.

  8. Package: Securely seal and label the filter with detailed cleaning results.


With a properly cleaned DPF, your vehicle can experience:

  • Lower fuel costs due to improved efficiency.

  • Reduced maintenance expenses.

  • Prolonged filter lifespan, saving you the cost of a replacement.

 

Learn More

If you’re experiencing reduced fuel economy due to a clogged DPF, don’t wait! Contact one of our professionals in the CDS Network to schedule a cleaning. We’ll ensure your filter is restored to peak performance, saving you money and keeping your vehicle running smoothly.

2 views
bottom of page