But the one question we’ve had from a number of readers since we first started using it is: Can using Redex damage my car? You may get a strange smell coming from the engine bay or underneath of the car. Common smells are a foul, eggy like smell and you also get a burning smell which can be alarming to say the least! We recommend that you use it every second or third tank to prevent problems. You can also use it if your DPF warning light comes on; if the warning light is on, this can also cause your car to fail its MOT. Can I just take my car to a mechanic to clear my DPF? In this review, we look at the best DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) cleaners on the market for your diesel vehicle and explain why they are so important. DPF filters are fitted as standard on all modern diesel vehicles and can cause extreme problems if not maintained properly, so therefore it’s really important to understand how they work and how best to avoid problems with some simple preventative maintenance. We had no hesitation in trying this out, especially as just about everyone at Cars UK Towers has used Redex at one time or another, and were confident it was safe to use.

The cost of using a dedicated DPF cleaner regularly is far cheaper than the cost of a DPF repair or replacement, it’s a great preventative measure which is now an essential part of maintaining our vehicles. You need to make sure you choose the best DPF Cleaner you can afford to get the best results possible. How Long Does The DPF Cleaner Take To Work? The product lowers the temperature at which soot burns in the engine, meaning fewer harmful particles reach the DPF, and the filter stays clearer for longer. If your diesel car is fitted with a DPF, it’s imperative that you use DPF compliant engine oil. Using an oil that doesn’t meet the required specifications for your engine can result in catostrophic failure. No. If your car has a DPF, you are not allowed to remove it. Taking it out will mean that you fail your MOT.Alternatively, you can add a shot of DPF Cleaner when the light comes on. Add a dose to your car’s fuel tank, drive as normal, and you should find that the light switches off without the need for that inconvenient trip to the motorway. Do I need DPF Cleaner for a petrol engine?

Once the exhaust has reached the specific temperature, the vehicle will begin the regeneration process which consists of the soot inside the filter canister being burnt off to create more space inside the filter.

Can I just take my car to a mechanic to clear my DPF?

Over time, DPFs become clogged with unburnt soot, resulting in a DPF warning light and the potential for engine failure if the filter isn’t cleaned. If you want to maintain your car’s engine and ensure the DPF warning light never comes on, we’d recommend adding a shot of Redex DPF Cleaner to your car with every 2-3 tanks of fuel. Just insert the nozzle into the fuel filler cap and pour – it’s as easy as that. Thankfully, now we’re finished, we no longer have a hung jury, with all three saying the C-Max is now noticeably smoother, especially when it, or the weather, is cold. Thanks to its advanced formula, Redex DPF Cleaner is 30% more effective than other technologies. With regular use, you can save time and money, and prevent any ongoing issues which could result in a costly repair bill. Is DPF Cleaner safe to use? The second week of our test actually saw the mpg deteriorate by 1.5 mpg from the pre-test week, but it’s been a steady improvement since then and we look to be getting about 3mpg more than we did before. It’s not huge – about 6-7 per cent – but we’ll take it. Strike two. How much does it cost to use Redex?

Using a DPF cleaning additive as a preventative measure could potentially save you thousands in repair bills. Redex DPF Cleaner lowers the temperature the soot burns at, meaning it burns away during normal driving without you having to get your engine very hot. However, we know that this isn’t always convenient, and it’s not the most reliable way to take care of your car’s filter. Remember, you can use DPF Cleaner whenever required to prevent problems, or when the DPF warning light comes on. No, you cannot have your DPF removed. It’s a legal requirement in the UK and if removed, your car will immediately fail an MOT test.The EGR valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve), sits in the engine bay and exhaust gasses flow through it before moving on through the DPF filter. Because diesel fuel is quite oily in it’s formulation, diesel cars often suffer from carbon build up in the engine. An EGR valve is a prime candidate for coking up with carbon and often results in reduced gas flow through the valve. Again, a common cause for EGR valve problems is frequent short journeys around town as opposed to motorway journeys.

You may notice a rough and different idle to your car engine. It may be jerky and unsteady when stationery, due to the gasses not flowing properly through the DPF filter. With diesel prices at record highs, taking your car for a longer, faster run just to clean the DPF is wasteful, inconvenient, and could cost you money.

Why is my car’s DPF warning light on?

No, DPF Cleaner is only needed in diesel cars since petrol engines do not have a diesel particulate filter. Take a look at our range of petrol engine fuel additives for system cleaners that are compatible with your car. Does a DPF Cleaner work?