Halfords Autocentres is now offering a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cleaning service said to be a fraction of the cost of a new filter.

Halfords will offer Ceramex’s DPF cleaning service through its Autocentre.

Halfords Autocentres’ new DPF cleaning service uses a rapid, convenient cleaning service for DPFs from specialist firm Ceramex, which provides DPF cleaning services to some of the world’s largest vehicle and diesel equipment manufacturers.

Since 2009, modern diesel cars must be fitted with a DPF to meet emissions laws. Although the filters need to be emptied regularly, this is normally carried out automatically in a process called regeneration when the car burns the soot off on motorways or A roads when the exhaust is hot enough. However, diesel cars regularly run in urban environments can suffer build-ups due to a lack of regeneration, resulting in the need for specialist cleaning or replacement.

As a result, the BBC recently reported that thousands of motorists are driving their diesel cars without pollution filters to avoid DPF cleaning and replacement costs. However, although it’s not illegal for garages to take the filters out, it’s illegal for drivers to use such a car and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is looking to clamp down on this, including through revised MOT procedures from this May.

Halfords will use trained service personnel to diagnose and remove the filter, ready for collection by Ceramex.  This service, involving couriers, typically takes 3-5 days with the cleaned filter returned to Halfords with a detailed condition report that provides reassurance that the filter has been returned to a good-as-new condition.

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