When the DPF (diesel particulate filter) warning light on the dashboard of a diesel car suddenly lights up, many car owners' first reaction is "How much does it cost?" Some even drive the car directly to a repair shop and report a malfunction. But you know what? 90% of DPF failures can actually be resolved by car owners themselves, and repair costs can be saved by over 60%! Today, we will use the most straightforward language to show you the truth behind the DPF alarm.

3 self check actions that must be performed before the DPF alarm lights up

1. Fuel filter inspection

Open the passenger glove compartment and locate the fuel filter element (usually a red or black cylinder) located near the oil pan. If there is obvious oil stains on the surface of the filter element or if the filter screen is damaged, replace the filter element immediately with a new one. A German brand car owner reported that cases of DPF blockage caused by failure to replace fuel filters in a timely manner accounted for 37% of the annual repair volume.

2. Air filter cleaning

Remove the black air filter housing from the engine compartment and check if there is any dust accumulation on the filter element. According to data from a third-party testing agency, when the filter is clogged by more than 80%, the working temperature of the DPF will abnormally increase by 12-15 ℃, directly causing the risk of blockage.

3. Freezing point detection of coolant

Use a professional freezing point tester to measure the concentration of coolant. If the freezing point is below -25 ℃ (a must-have in winter in northern regions), it is recommended to add antifreeze immediately. A northern car owner's failure to replace the antifreeze in a timely manner resulted in the DPF working in a -30 ℃ environment, causing permanent damage.