Get up to speed on the latest technology for diesel particulate filters and diesel exhaust fluid with Car Service Windsor Gardens.

Most diesel engines that are sold nowadays are fitted with a diesel particulate filter, and many of them are using Selective Catalyst Reduction, commonly referred to as Diesel Exhaust Fluid or AdBlue. You can verify this by looking up the vehicle details. There are many benefits to driving a diesel engine, but they are very different to your petrol internal combution engine. 

The role of the DPF is to trap, store and combust any surplus particulate (soot) that the engine creates. This burning of the soot from the DPF is referred to as regeneration. DPF regeneration is an ordinary occurrence, and it usually takes place without the driver's knowledge while driving as part of their normal daily routine. This is referred to as passive regeneration.

What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DFP)?

Should the driver’s typical driving habits fail to meet the requirements for a regeneration to take place, and the soot levels begin to climb to an unacceptable level, the yellow warning light will light up. This is not an error; it is meant to tell the driver that a manual regeneration must take place and that the driving process detailed in the owner's manual should be followed as soon as possible. It has been found that if the driver utilises the cruise control where it is safe to do so, it tends to quicken the process. This isn't stated in the owner's manual, but it seems to help.

If the driver fails to do so and the light changes to red, the DPF may not be able to be restored. The driver may be asked to cover any time and labour involved with carrying out a forced regeneration, or even for the replacement of the DPF (estimated cost of about $5,000). Technicians can see via the diagnostic machines if the driver is not engaging in regenerations when they should, or if their typical driving practices don't allow for passive regeneration.

Throughout the passive regeneration process, the start/stop feature will be disabled to prevent interruption, and the engine may operate differently with a distinctive smell from the exhaust which is normal given the high temperatures within the DPF.

The type of driving undertaken has a major influence on the performance of the DPF. If the driver frequently makes short trips where the engine fails to reach its full operating temperature, they will most likely experience issues with their DPF as the regeneration won't be completed unless specific criteria of engine temperature and running time are satisfied. In addition, switching off the engine during the regeneration process will quickly elevate the soot levels in the DPF to an unallowable level and activate the yellow warning light. We have seen examples of this happening in under 350 km of driving. Even if a driver takes long drives every so often, but primarily drives in short distances, they are not exempt from DPF problems. The car will only carry out a regeneration when necessary and won't do so if the soot level does not reach the predetermined threshold.

Two additional driver actions can terminate a regeneration; one is driving with both feet, in which case the regeneration will be aborted if the car perceives a simultaneous brake and accelerator input. The other is rapid acceleration and braking, as the increased engine temperature during the regeneration process has the capacity to trigger an overheating, thus the regeneration will be terminated.

DEF is an additional fluid that diesel cars use to lower NOx emissions. NOx (nitrogen oxide) is one of the sources of smog and can cause a range of health issues when concentrations are too high. DEF helps to reduce NOx into nitrogen and water and is nearly 90% effective in doing so. It is created from urea and water and is harmless to handle. However, if there are spillages, they can stain clothing or furniture and must be cleared up right away. In addition, DEF can be corrosive to some metals if left in contact for extended periods. When it has dried, it leaves crystals resembling salt.

AdBlue is the commonly known name for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). A number of our brands utilise DEF, so we need to be informed about this technology and how it can affect our customers. At present, Bentley, Maserati, Audi, Volkswagen Passenger and Commercial, Jaguar, and Land Rover all make use of DEF.

DEF is added to the exhaust in an exact measure and consumption can change depending on the vehicle’s driving pattern. We’ve noticed that cars that do longer, faster trips utilize less DEF than those driven in urban areas. Due to the changing levels of use due to driving habits, it’s challenging to advise a customer on how often they must refill the DEF, with an average of approximately every 8,000 km - some less, some more.

The vehicles have a countdown system based on mileage that offers the client enough warning to refill it. The alert signals differ between cars, but the DEF low light is just an indicator that the driver needs to refill it, when possible, no different from the low fuel warning light. If the DEF warnings are disregarded, starting will eventually be hindered and the car must be towed to avoid any damage to the system and keep the car within its legal emissions levels.

DEF can be acquired from the Service Department, either through the parts department or from the workshops that keep larger amounts of it and can refill the tank for the customer. DEF has a shelf life of 12 months and the vehicles can detect its quality, using expired fluid could create a problem and the car would need to visit the workshop.

If the car is on a Service Plan (Audi and JLR), the refills are included and cost nothing to the customer. For Volkswagen, the average refill is around $30 and the top-ups take around half an hour.

Customers must be careful when refilling their DEF tank themselves, as an overflow could log fault codes and require a visit to the workshop to adjust the level and reset the car. It is therefore suggested to add a limited amount (5-8L) of DEF to the tank to ensure a smooth journey without the risk of overfilling. If DEF is put into the fuel tank (a potential hazard with some cars that have their fuel filler near the DEF fill point) there is a substantial danger of damaging the fuel system, which can cost thousands of dollars to fix - in some cases, the entire fuel system has to be replaced.

If you have any further questions about your diesel engine, you can come in and speak with our specialists at our Windsor Gardens workshop.

Diesel Engine knowlege about Diesel Particulate Filters and Diesel Exhaust Fluid AdBlue

Diesel engine knowledge - DPF and DEF 101

Differential bushings could be the issue if they are aged, worn or cracked.  They control movement in the joints, absorb road bumps and reduce vibrations and noise while driving or reversing. These are one of many automotive issue we can handle at Car Service Windsor Gardens, your trusted local mechanic in Windsor Gardens.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing. This is particularly apparent on vehicles that have travelled high kilometres, have high horsepower or vehicles towing loads regularly.

A tell-tale sign that this bushing is no longer performing as intended is hearing a clunking noise or feeling a jolt under acceleration or when shifting gears from drive to reverse. The primary function of the rear differential bushing is to provide a smooth and quiet transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheels of your vehicle under acceleration.

Should this issue go unresolved it may result in excessive wear on surrounding drive train and suspension components so it is wise and economical to act swiftly should you be experiencing any of these symptoms.

Your local Repco Authorised Service Centre Car Service Windsor Gardens in Windsor Gardens is experienced in diagnosing and fixing this problem. We can replace your worn rubber differential bushing with a highly durable Nolathane differential bushing specifically designed and manufactured to address this problem and return your vehicle back to its optimum performance.

So, if “clunking” goes with your Territory or Falcon, contact the team at Car Service Windsor Gardens today.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing.

At Car Service Windsor Gardens in  Windsor Gardens we believe the transmission is an important part of your vehicle.

Without the transmission, your vehicle would not be able to move between gears. The transmission fluid allows you to do this smoothly and also protects the working parts inside your transmission. The transmission fluid doesn't diminish through use. Yet the level should still be checked periodically because if there is a leak, or the fluid level is low, it will harm the internal parts of your transmission.

Transmission fluid can become dirty over time with metal shavings and other particles which will shorten the life of your transmission. Replacing a transmission is a costly exercise and so checking the fluid and replacing it when necessary is a good investment in the long run.

At Car Service Windsor Gardens we provide a full 65 Point Vehicle Condition Report upon request with every full car service - This includes a check of your transmission fluid and we will advise you if we think your fluid needs to be replaced or if a transmission service might be needed.

Call Car Service Windsor Gardens for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services. We are conveniently located in Windsor Gardens.

A diesel engine can be more efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to run than its petrol-powered counterpart. However, it still needs regular servicing to keep it running at an ultimate level and to help make sure nothing goes wrong. 

Our technicians at Car Service Windsor Gardens are fully qualified to service diesel SUV, AWD, 4WD and Passenger diesel vehicles. Contact us today.

Call Car Service Windsor Gardens for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services.

Diesel Engine Service and Repairs in Windsor Gardens

Diesel Repairs

AAAA

For your convenience, our workshop will be open for business right through the Christmas period, except for public holidays.

Car Service Windsor Gardens take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Windsor Gardens, SA, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 

Car Service Windsor Gardens have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.

Car Service Windsor Gardens

Diesel Repairs

Related articles

Diesel engine knowledge - DPF and DEF 101

Does clunking go with your territory?

Get into gear!