Does your diesel feel sluggish, throw out smoke, or drop into limp mode on every school run? A clogged Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is the most common cause. Ignore it and you risk breakdowns, big repair bills, and a certain MOT fail. In this guide you’ll learn:
- Why DPFs block on modern diesels
- Five warning signs you can’t ignore
- Cleaning methods, prices, and turnaround time
- Why a mobile clean in Stoke-on-Trent could save your day
By the end you’ll know the best fix and the cost before you pick up the phone.
Why your DPF clogs
Your DPF traps soot so the exhaust stays clean. That soot burns off when the filter reaches around 600 °C. Short trips through Hanley or slow commutes along the A50 never let the exhaust stay hot enough, so soot piles up. Add cheap fuel or a tired EGR valve and the filter blocks even faster.
Once the filter reaches 45–50 % full the ECU tries an automatic “regen.” Miss two or three regens in a row and soot levels pass 80 %. At that stage the warning light comes on and you need a manual clean.
Five warning signs you can’t ignore
- DPF warning light—steady or flashing, both spell trouble.
- Limp mode—power capped, hard to reach 50 mph on the D-road.
- Rough idle—engine hunts or stalls at traffic lights.
- Poor fuel economy—extra 10–15 % diesel burned every week.
- Strong exhaust smell or smoke—especially under load.
If you tick even one symptom, stop and book a clean. Driving too long with a blocked filter can crack the substrate, forcing a £1 200+ replacement.
DPF cleaning methods & costs
| Method | Typical Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-car chemical flush | £120 | 90 min | Light soot (50–80 %) |
| Forced regen with diagnostic tool | £90 | 60 min | Early blockage, no sensor faults |
| Off-car ultrasonic clean | £250 | 24 hrs | Severe soot / oil ash |
We use Autotuner and CMD Flash to run safe forced regens, and Wynns Pro-Clean when chemical assistance is needed. Off-car ultrasonic work is carried out overnight in our Hanley workshop.
Mobile vs garage service
Mobile clean—Perfect if the car still starts and can idle safely. We come to your drive in Stoke, Burslem, or even Crewe. No tow truck needed.
Garage clean—Choose this if the car is stuck in limp mode or if you need an off-car ultrasonic bath. Our unit at Unit 2, Cutts Street, ST1 4LX has a two-post ramp and smoke-free test area.
Not sure which suits you? Call 074040 22260 and we’ll advise within five minutes.
blocked vs cleaned Diesel Particulate Filter on a 2016 Ford Transit taken at Pro Remapping, Hanley.
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Book your DPF clean today
Most clogs fixed in under two hours. Same-day mobile slots available across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Cheshire East.
- Call: 074040 22260 (Abid) or 073865 47990 (Najib)
- Email: info@proremapping.com
- Visit: Unit 2, Cutts Street, Wood Terrace, Hanley, ST1 4LX
Still researching? Read the full list of signs of a blocked DPF filter and learn how early checks save four-figure repair bills.
Published June 14 2025 by Pro Remapping. All prices correct at time of writing, include VAT, and may change with parts costs.
