Release date: 30th September 2015
Vehicles with
most DPF problems revealed
Drivers of Mercedes Sprinter vans and Mazda 6 cars are being urged to pay special attention to maintaining their diesel particulate filters (DPFs) after the models topped the list of cars with the most reported DPF issues throughout 2015 to date.
Automotive reconditioning specialist, DPF Clean Team, has found that the number of enquiries it has received for blocked DPFs on these vehicle models amounts to 43.5% - nearly half of enquiries on its top ten list.
The company analysed its database to discover the most popular vehicle makes and models to be referred to them for DPF issues, with the majority of enquiries coming from fleet managers. The results demonstrate that it’s not always the most popular model of vehicle that experiences a DPF problem, with some widely used van and car models only contributing a small number of DPF-related enquiries.
Among the types of van that have been referred to DPF Clean Team for issues with a blocked DPF, catalytic converter or SCR silencer unit, the Mercedes Sprinter comprises 22% of enquiries, closely followed by Volkswagen Crafter vans, which comprise 12% of all enquiries. The Ford Transit justifies its place at the top of the most recent FN50 van reliability survey, with only five per cent of enquiries being received for this type of vehicle.
Car fleets name the Mazda 6 as the most problematic vehicle fitted with a DPF, with 21% of enquiries coming from this model. The BMW 120, 320 and 520 series comes a close second with 13% of enquiries. BMW 330 and 530 models also made the top five.
However, despite these findings, Cameron Bryce, Director at DPF Clean Team said that it is not necessarily the type of vehicle that determines whether or not it will have a DPF problem, but the way a DPF, catalytic converter or silencer is maintained.
“It’s not always a case that the vehicle has a poorly performing unit fitted, but that the driver or fleet manager is not paying due attention to its maintenance. Fleet vehicles doing lots of short journeys are more likely to experience an issue because a unit is not given the required time to regenerate.
“Our advice to fleet managers and drivers is to seek
help immediately whenever the DPF warning light is illuminated on the dashboard
because the more you leave a problem, the worse it can get. Make sure that you
take your vehicles on regular long journeys to allow the DPF to regenerate and
have it checked and cleaned regularly in order to keep it operating to full
capacity. DPF cleans are a lot more cost effective and quicker than sourcing a
replacement and, of course, removing the filter will now cause a vehicle to
fail an MOT, as well as this being illegal.”
Top 10 vehicles with DPF issues:
1
Mercedes
Sprinter
2
Mazda
6
3
BMW
120/320/520
4
Volkswagen
Crafter
5
Isuzu
N Series
6
BMW
330/530
7
DAF
8
Ford
Transit
9
Volkswagen
Transporter
10
Renault
Traffic
- Ends -
About DPF Clean Team
Based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, DPF Clean Team has over 15 years’ experience in the motor parts reconditioning industry and is one of a handful of companies in the UK to offer a full DPF cleaning service to independent or franchise garages and commercial fleet and plant operators across the country.
DPF Clean Team has sought worldwide best practice and undergone extensive training to be able to offer its unique DPF cleaning service, developing flow test results in conjunction with University of Nottingham.
The company’s process utilises state of the art ultrasonic cleaning technology and the firm will continue to use the highly successful and unique ISO 9001 system. The six step cleaning system uses powerful non-flammable chemicals available only to DPF Clean Team.
DPF Clean Team is committed to providing excellent customer service and a cost-effect and legal solution for the trade to offer customers.
For further
information, please contact:
John Edden
Bridge PR &
Media Services
T: 024 7652 0025