How Overdosing DPF Additives Can Harm Your Engine

We have heard recently of problems occurring, after drivers dose additives into their fuel tanks to help clear a partially-blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF).

These can be sold as fuel system cleaners or 'regeneration' aids. Regeneration is the term used that refers to the car cleaning its diesel particulate filters (DPF) of soot with heat.

Subsequent problems can occur not due to the additive itself but because the operator does not follow the product instructions.

Do DPF cleaners work?

Mostly, yes. DPF additives that promote regeneration to clear soot tend to work well. The problem is that some of them work better than others. The last thing you want to do is damage an expensive DPF.

DPF cleaner formulas are closely guarded secrets. Generally, we find that additives containing iron are not as effective as the more expensive additives that have cerium-base ingredients.

Should you use a DPF additive and the blockage remains, you might have to take the car to a garage for repair.

Should this happen, it is vital that you tell the technician about any fuel additive that you have used. It is a good idea to retain the bottle, so the workshop knows of any previous attempt to repair the problem.

When should you use a DPF cleaner?

As there are so many regeneration aids and diesel particulate filters (DPF) cleaners on the market, it is very difficult to say. Some of them are intended as preventative measures, which are useful on vehicles that cover very low mileages.

Others are designed for light engine oil blockages. Read the instructions and align the product with what you are trying to achieve. Never blend additives, or double-up dosings, believing that more additives will yield superior results. Doing so could be ruinous.

How do diesel particulate filter fuel additives work?

The additives work by promoting higher temperatures within the DPF. This makes it easier for the soot to burn. However, the supplied instructions tend to state that the additive should be added to a full tank of fuel.

By ignoring this simple requirement, the additive/fuel concentration is higher and this promotes even greater temperatures within the filter.

This is not recommended for two reasons. Firstly, the filter’s internal structure can melt, rendering the unit useless. More seriously, the DPF’s exterior might dissolve, causing red-hot particles to fall out, causing a vehicle fire.

Therefore, should you choose to use a DPF fuel additive, pay close attention to the dosing instructions. More 'medicine' is definitely not the best remedy in this case

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