What is a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)?
by FTE Published on Thursday, February 12th, 2026
What is a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)? Ever wondered why your diesel car doesn’t puff out a cloud of smoke?
That’s where the Diesel Particulate Filter or DPF steps in.
I’ve seen firsthand through countless consumer messages at Fuel Tech Experts how crucial but problematic these filters are.
A DPF is a device in diesel vehicles that traps and stores soot particles from the exhaust gas.
This helps reduce pollution.
To keep it from clogging, the DPF undergoes a process called regeneration, where the trapped soot is burned off at high temperatures, around 600°C.
It’s vital to maintain it properly.
And behind that, the vehicle’s ECU plays a pivotal role.
It monitors the soot load and triggers regeneration when conditions are ideal, like when the exhaust reaches the necessary temperature during highway driving.
Miss these conditions, and the DPF can clog, leading to warning lights and performance issues.
If you’ve ever faced DPF troubles, I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Keep an eye out for more insights coming your way!



categories