The particulate filter is an essential component of the exhaust system, which reduces noxious emissions. But, some drivers have given up on this part because the cost of replacing the DPF/GPF is quite high. But is it legal to drive without a particulate filter?
Many drivers do not know what a car particulate filter is and how it works. They even confuse it with the air filter or the pollen filter.
However, this part is essential in terms of reducing polluting emissions. And it has the role of destroying harmful particles rather than just capturing them.
What is and how does a particulate filter work
The particulate filter is part of the car’s exhaust system. It has the role of transforming exhaust gases, resulting from fuel combustion, into less harmful substances.
In general, the particulate filter is fitted to diesel cars (DPF – Diesel Particulate Filter), because they produce more noxes. But some cars with gasoline engines also have such a catalyst (GPF – Gasoline Particulate Filter).
A particulate filter helps reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.
But if the car is not driven properly or poor quality fuel is used, the DPF can become clogged. Because of this, the engine will no longer work at full capacity. As the particulate filter charges, the car’s computer will trigger an increase in temperature in the exhaust manifold. Thus, harmful particles are eliminated and the filter recovers its efficiency.
If a passive regeneration of the DPF cannot be done, then drivers can try a chemical cleaning of the particulate filter.
The operation will be done, however, only in an authorized service, with chemicals that dissolve the deposits inside the filter.
When should the particulate filter be changed?
In general, the particulate filter should be replaced after 100,000 kilometers or after 5 years of operation. But, it depends on how you use the car.
Therefore, the exhaust system and particulate filter must be checked regularly. Because over time, these filters can become clogged or malfunction due to improper use.
„There were cases where the turbine failed, had oil leaks, which penetrated the particle filter. The owner saw the car start to smoke, lose power, but did not come to check on it. Only after about 2 years, when it did not pass the ITP, did a check and found that the filter was clogged. So it had to be completely replaced”, mechanic Robert Marin explained to ProMotor.
Is it legal to drive without a particulate filter?
The particulate filter is also a target for thieves due to the rare metals it contains, such as platinum, palladium or rhodium. But in most situations, the catalytic converter clogs or fails.
Thus, it must be replaced, but some drivers prefer to abandon this filter altogether.
Which will not only affect the operation of the car, but is considered an illegal intervention. Because a structural change is made to the vehicle, which must be approved by the Romanian Car Registry.
Therefore, it is not legal to drive without a particulate filter, if the car was factory-fitted with this device. In addition, at the mandatory technical inspection (ITP), the car will not pass the nox emissions test.
How much does DPF/GPF replacement cost
The price of a particulate filter differs depending on the precious metals they are made from. The most expensive have prices of over 1,000 euros. But there are also cheap catalysts that do not cost a few hundred lei.
Among the most expensive particulate filters are:
- BMW code: 1740060 – €1060
- BMW cod: 1728999 / 1728023 / R96 / VBEHBE5252721110 – 920 €
- Opel Corsa B 1.2 i cod: GM16 / 90467875 – 900 €
- BMW Series 3 E36 (petrol, 1990-2000) code: 1715303 – €740
- Opel Zafira A 1.8 / Opel Astra G 1.8, code: GM40 GC / GM9158633 / 1460F7 – 630 €.
Among the cheapest filters are those for:
- VW Golf IV 1.4 Petrol AXP, (year 2001-2004) catalyst code: 036178 BAT – €38
- VW Polo 1.9 SDI catalyst code: 6k0131701T – €34
- Daewoo Matiz Petrol, (an 2003) – 20 €.
The work of replacing a particle filter starts from 50 lei, in the case of simple systems. But it can exceed 500 lei, for complex catalysts.
On average, replacing the DPF/GPF costs 150-200 lei, to which is added the price of the particulate filter, which in many cases exceeds 2,000 lei.
Source: www.promotor.ro
