Particulate filter (DPF)
Diagnosis, regeneration and cleaning of the DPF before talking about replacement.
See detailsServices · Tallers Marathon
Exhaust and emissions: DPF, catalytic converter and EGR in Barcelona
Particulate filter (DPF), catalytic converter, EGR valve, lambda sensor, AdBlue and exhaust pipes in Sant Andreu. We fix the emissions warning light and get your car ready for the ITV inspection.
What does this service include at our garage?
These are the exhaust & emissions jobs we do in Sant Andreu, each with its own detail page.
Catalytic converters
Replacement with homologated units when cleaning is not viable.
See detailsEGR valve
Decarbonising or replacing the EGR, a common cause of power loss.
See detailsEGR valve cleaning
Decarbonising the EGR to restore power without replacing the part.
See detailsEGR valve replacement
Fitting a quality replacement EGR when cleaning is no longer enough.
See detailsEGR valve faults
Juddering, black smoke or limp mode: EGR diagnosis and repair.
See detailsEngine decarbonisation
Carbon cleaning of intake, EGR, injectors and combustion chambers.
See detailsParticulate filter cleaning
Regeneration and cleaning of a clogged DPF without replacing it.
See detailsParticulate filter replacement
Fitting a homologated DPF when the ceramic core is damaged.
See detailsCatalytic converter cleaning
Blocked catalyst or P0420 fault: cleaning and repair before replacement.
See detailsLambda sensor
Measuring and replacing sensors to restore fuel economy and correct emissions.
See detailsAdBlue system
Level faults, crystallisation and injector issues in the urea system.
See detailsExhaust pipes
Repair and replacement of exhaust sections and silencers.
See detailsWhy does the particulate filter clog up in the city?
Because the DPF needs sustained-temperature driving to regenerate, and short urban trips never allow it. A diesel that only moves around the neighbourhood accumulates soot until the light comes on and the car goes into limp mode.
In our experience, more than half the DPFs that come in "for replacement" leave recovered after a cleaning, at a fraction of the cost of a new filter. The right order is: diagnose, check differential pressure and the filter’s real state, and only then decide. The same goes for the EGR valve, which carbons up in city-driven engines and causes juddering and power loss. If your ITV is coming up and a light is on, start with a computer diagnosis.
Cleaning the DPF vs. replacing it: when to do which?
Quick answer: if the filter is not broken or melted inside, cleaning usually recovers it; replacement only pays when the substrate is damaged.
| Criterion | Cleaning / regeneration | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Filter condition | Saturated with soot/ash, structure intact | Substrate broken, melted or ash-clogged |
| Relative cost | Low | High (homologated part) |
| Durability | Years, with corrected driving habits | As new |
| When to choose it | First option in most cases | When measurement rules out cleaning |
We never fit a new DPF without first fixing whatever clogged the old one; otherwise the problem comes back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the DPF or disable the EGR?
No. Removing anti-pollution systems is illegal, fails the ITV and carries fines. What we do is repair them or replace them with homologated parts.
What are the symptoms of a dirty EGR?
Juddering, power loss, black smoke and unstable idle. In many cases it is fixed by decarbonising, without changing the valve.
Why is the AdBlue warning on if the tank is full?
Usually urea crystallisation in the injector or a faulty level sensor. Ignored, the car can block the engine from starting, by regulation.
Can a catalytic converter be cleaned?
Sometimes, if the blockage is deposits; if the monolith is melted or broken, only a homologated replacement will do.
Free quote
Get a quote for exhaust & emissions
Tell us what your car needs and we will reply with a fixed, no-obligation quote.
Last updated: