Diesel Particulate Filters: What You Actually Need to Know 

So you're thinking about leasing a diesel car? Great choice – they're fantastic for fuel economy and perfect for long journeys. But there's this thing called a DPF that you should probably know about before you sign on the dotted line. 

Don't worry, I'm not about to bore you with complicated car jargon. Let's have a straightforward chat about what DPFs are, why they matter, and whether they should influence your leasing decision. 

What on Earth is a DPF? 

DPF stands for Diesel Particulate Filter – basically, it's your car's way of being environmentally responsible. Think of it as a mini waste management system that catches all the sooty nasties that would otherwise come out of your exhaust pipe. 

Back in the day, diesel cars were known for belching out black smoke. Modern diesels are much cleaner thanks to these clever filters that trap particulates (that's the scientific name for "tiny bits of crud") before they escape into the air. 

The Catch (There's Always One, Right?) 

Here's the thing – like any filter, a DPF eventually fills up. And unlike the filter in your hoover that you can just empty into the bin, a car's DPF needs to clean itself through a process called "regeneration." 

This is where some drivers run into trouble. The filter needs to get hot enough to burn off all the captured soot and your car needs the right conditions to complete this process. 

How Does the Filter Clean Itself? 

Your car actually has two ways of handling this cleaning process: 

The problem? If you keep interrupting active regeneration (by taking lots of short journeys where the engine never fully warms up), eventually the filter gets so clogged that the car can't fix it alone. That's when the warning lights appear, and your wallet starts to feel nervous.

Keeping Your DPF Happy 

The good news is that avoiding DPF issues is pretty straightforward if you match your car to your lifestyle. Here's how to keep things running smoothly: 

• Give your diesel some exercise on the motorway. Try to include a good 30-minute run at speeds above 50mph at least once a week. Think of it as taking your car for a brisk walk – it needs the exercise to stay healthy. 

• Don't ignore warning lights. If your dashboard shows a DPF symbol (usually looks like a little exhaust with dots in it), your car is telling you it needs a longer drive to complete regeneration. Take it on the motorway for a bit rather than continuing with short trips. 

• Use the right fuel and oil. Premium diesel fuels often contain additives that help reduce soot build-up. When getting your car serviced, make sure they use the correct low-ash oil that's compatible with DPFs. 

When Things Go Wrong: The Cost 

If you do end up with a blocked DPF that can't regenerate itself, it's not the end of the world – but it might feel like it when you see the bill. 

A professional DPF cleaning service usually costs between £100-£400 depending on where you go. If the filter is damaged beyond cleaning and needs replacing, you're looking at £1,000-£3,500. 

The kicker? Most lease agreements won't cover DPF issues if they're caused by your driving style. They're considered user error rather than a mechanical fault. 

Should You Still Consider a Diesel Lease? 

Absolutely – but only if it matches your driving habits. Diesel cars are brilliant in the right circumstances. 

Diesel could be perfect for you if: 

• Your regular commute involves a decent stretch of dual carriageway or motorway 

• You regularly drive long distances for work or leisure 

• You need good fuel economy for high mileage (15,000+ miles a year) 

• You want that lovely torque for towing or carrying heavy loads 

You might want to look at alternatives if: 

• Most of your driving is short urban trips 

• You rarely go on longer journeys 

• You mainly drive in stop-start traffic 

• You're concerned about potential low emission zone charges 

The Bottom Line 

DPFs aren't a deal-breaker for leasing a diesel – thousands of people drive diesels without ever having an issue. But they do mean you need to match your car to your lifestyle. 

Think of it like getting a dog – some breeds need lots of exercise and space, others are happy in a flat with short walks. Get the wrong match, and neither of you will be happy! 

If you do lots of motorway miles, a diesel with a DPF will serve you brilliantly. If you're mainly nipping to the shops or doing the school run, you might find a petrol, hybrid, or electric car gives you fewer headaches. 

Still not sure what's right for you? Give us a shout – we love talking about this stuff (perhaps a bit too much) and can help you find the perfect match for your driving habits. 

Here are our most frequently asked questions when it comes to Diesel Particulate Filters.