“I am a mechanic and this is the element that causes the most problems for diesel cars”

Ecology has undoubtedly become a determining aspect for automobile design and manufacturing. Plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles stand as the most environmentally responsible alternatives today, but a few years ago it was an element that, pushed by European regulations, came to change the paradigm of combustion cars.

We are referring to the particulate filter, which became widespread in diesel vehicles (FAP) from 2005 and was later also introduced in gasoline cars (GPF). This cylindrical element is located behind the catalyst and its function is to trap and destroy the particles generated by combustion to reduce exhaust gas emissions. However, despite its usefulness, mechanic Alberto Peña points out the particle filter as the greatest source of problems common to all models and brands of recent decades.

“The particle filter recirculates part of the exhaust gases that are prevented from being emitted into the atmosphere, which return to the interior of the engine and end up being swallowed,” summarizes this professional. The truth is that, to function correctly, in diesel engines this element requires high temperatures that allow it to inject extra fuel in order to ignite and destroy the fine particles generated by combustion that it has previously collected. “Engines, like ovens, are cleaned by pyrolysis, so in a car that continually makes trips of 10 or 15 kilometers, it never reaches working temperature and carbon ends up accumulating,” explains Alberto Peña.

Other elements that intervene in the reduction of polluting emissions

Automobiles have been adapting part of their elements and incorporating new ones with the aim of reducing polluting gas emissions:

• The catalyst is an engine component located in the exhaust, before the muffler. Its function is to transform polluting gases that have not been burned during combustion, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO) or nitrogen gas (NO2) into less harmful ones such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or steam. of water, depending on the engine. Like the particulate filter, this element reaches temperatures of around 500 degrees to operate.
• The EGR or exhaust gas recirculation valve is usually mounted between the intake and exhaust manifolds as a link. This element is precisely responsible for reintroducing part of the gases that come out of the exhaust manifold into the engine’s combustion chamber. In this way, a mixture richer in oxygen and, therefore, less polluting when released through the exhaust will result.

Tips for maintaining the particulate filter

The diesel engine particulate filter (DPF) must be regenerated from time to time. To do this, if you usually make short trips around the city, from time to time drive along a stretch of highway for 20 minutes with the engine at high revs and in medium gear. This will allow the engine to reach sufficient temperature for the filter to burn and finally remove the soot and carbon it has accumulated and for the EGR valve to open.

Also, check the indicator lights on the instrument panel. Activation of the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light), an engine-shaped light may indicate a problem with the EGR valve or catalyst. This can increase fuel consumption and reduce engine performance and power, so you should go to your workshop as soon as possible. Some vehicles have a specific indicator called Check Engine which emulates the shape of the particle filter and indicates the clogging of this element. If this light flashes, you should stop as soon as possible to avoid engine overheating.

The particle filters or FAP have an estimated life of between 80,000 and 120,000 kilometers until they require replacement. That is why it is advisable to be constant with the maintenance checks stipulated by your workshop and periodically check the oil level.