If your DPF warning light has just appeared on the dashboard, you’re not alone. Thousands of Devon and Cornwall drivers face the same issue each year — usually after a few weeks of short trips, low revs, or simply ignoring that orange light for “one more day.
But here’s the thing: driving with a blocked DPF isn’t just bad for your car — it can lead to MOT failure, fines, and costly repairs if you don’t act quickly. Let’s walk you through exactly what that light means, what your legal options are, and how to fix it fast (without paying dealership prices).
What That DPF Light Actually Means
Your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) traps soot from your exhaust gases to reduce emissions.
When it becomes full, the car tries to regenerate — burning off that soot automatically during longer drives at higher revs.
If your car mainly does:
- short city trips
- low-speed commutes
- school runs
…it never reaches the conditions for regeneration. The result? The DPF light switches on — a clear warning that soot levels are too high.
If ignored, the car can go into limp mode, restricting power to protect the engine.
Your Options When the DPF Light Comes On
1. Forced Regeneration (temporary fix)
A garage or mobile specialist can use diagnostic tools to trigger a regeneration.
- Time: 30–60 minutes
- Cost: £60–£120
- Works only if soot levels aren’t too high
2. On-Car DPF Cleaning (best-value solution)
A professional DPF clean flushes the system chemically while keeping it on the vehicle.
- Time: 90–120 minutes
- Cost: £180–£250 (typical)
- Restores 95–98% of flow efficiency
3. Off-Car DPF Reconditioning or Replacement
If the filter is severely blocked, it must be removed and ultrasonically cleaned — or replaced.
- Time: 1–2 days
- Cost: £300–£1,000+ depending on make and model
How Our Mobile DPF Cleaning Works in Devon & Cornwall
We operate across Devon, Cornwall, Plymouth, Torquay, Exeter, and Truro, providing mobile DPF cleaning at your home or workplace — no towing, no downtime.
Step-by-step process:
- Full diagnostics scan – read live soot loading and fault codes
- Pre-clean health check – check sensors, EGR, and temperature readings
- On-car chemical clean – flush the DPF with our professional solution
- Post-clean validation – show you live data proving restored airflow
- Road test – confirm successful regeneration and reset any stored codes
Every clean comes with a diagnostic report PDF showing before/after readings.
How to Prevent DPF Problems After Cleaning
Even a freshly cleaned DPF can block again if driving habits don’t change slightly.
Here’s how to keep it clear longer:
- Take a 20–30 minute motorway run weekly to allow full regeneration
- Use low-ash C1/C2 oil to reduce particulate buildup
- Keep your EGR valve and sensors clean and functional
- Don’t ignore early signs: rough idle, black smoke, or higher fuel use
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Will I pass MOT after a DPF clean?
Yes — as long as your filter remains fitted and functioning, a clean restores it to legal emission levels.
Can you clean it on-site?
Yes, our mobile DPF cleaning service covers all of Devon and Cornwall. No need to remove the filter or visit a garage.
How long does a DPF clean last?
Typically 12–24 months, depending on mileage and driving pattern.
Do you guarantee results?
Yes — every clean includes live diagnostic proof of soot level reduction and a limited performance warranty.
Ready to Fix Your DPF Today?
Don’t risk MOT failure or an expensive replacement.
Call us or book online at Revamp360.co.uk
