In order to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by vehicles, several measures have been put in place. Some allow the reuse of exhaust gas, as is the case with the EGR valve. While others are installed only for filtering. In recent years, all vehicles with a diesel and/or gasoline engine have been equipped with a particle filter. Discover, in this article, how a gasoline particle filter works.
The gasoline particle filter
Due to the significant level of pollution caused by diesel engines, more and more people are turning to purchasing vehicles with gasoline engines. Thanks to this turnaround, designers have also equipped vehicles with gasoline engines with particle filters. The main role of the latter is to filter particles of polluting origin from the engine. In fact, thanks to a gasoline particle filter, the latter are 99% filtered. To achieve this, particles are collected through the filtration process. Then, their elimination takes place during the regeneration stage, which allows, at the same time, the cleaning of the filter.
You should know that when filtration phase, all pollutant discharges coming from the engine are collected to be stored inside the filter. Subsequently creating scale in large quantities. it is a form of soot that significantly reduces an engine’s power.
The second phase will therefore consist of overcoming this problem by regeneration. It consists of cleaning the filter automatically. In fact, when the engine is running, the temperature in the exhaust line will rise. This will allow the particles to be burned naturally.
However, you should know that this process can sometimes be ineffective. Which generally results in accumulation of dirt at the level of the gasoline particle filter as well as its blocking. To deal with this, the filter is equipped with sensors which warn the engine. The latter will then produce exhaust gases whose temperature is quite high. After destroying the excess scale, the usual cycle can be resumed. However, to ensure better operation, it is recommended toincorporate additives to fuel. This makes it more efficient. But also helps shorten combustion cycles.
Locate the gasoline particle filter
In terms of gasoline engines, the installation of particle filters is relatively recent. In fact, before 2016, they were mainly installed on diesels. In addition, to locate them, nothing could be simpler. You will need to head towards the exhaust line.
When should you replace a gasoline particle filter?
In principle, a gasoline particle filter does not need to be replaced if the owner does not use an additive. However, the condition of the gasoline particle filter varies according to various criteria, such as:
- Driving style
- The frequency of use of the vehicle
- The environment
Faced with this, to be able to know your condition, it is essential to pay attention to certain symptoms. First of all, the driver will notice that their engine loses power. Then he will frequently stall or choke more easily. And, in the most advanced cases, the exhaust will produce a black smoke. But also relatively high fuel consumption.
Therefore, when you notice these, it is advisable to take your vehicle to the mechanic. The latter will be able to determine if the gasoline particle filter is only clogged or requires its entire replacement.
Cleaning a gasoline particle filter
In order to burn carbon, it is essential that your engine is running at full throttle, usually on a highway. However, if you do not have the opportunity to do so regularly, the gasoline particle filter may become clogged. It will therefore be essential to clean it.
The first solution is to automatically remove the soot by running at least 3,000 revolutions for about twenty minutes. Thanks to this, the temperature at the exhaust line will be higher. This will result in burning the soot.
Furthermore, the second solution isuse of additives. This type of product allows rapid regeneration of the gasoline particle filter. To achieve this, all you have to do is pour it into your tank. you can consult here our 10 Tips to Clean Your Car Like a Pro.
Finally, the last solution is descaling. It must generally be carried out by an expert. Because it requires the use of specific equipment.
The cost of changing a gasoline particle filter
Changing the gasoline particle filter can only be done by a mechanic. However, you should know that this is an expensive procedure. In fact, it can sometimes exceed the 730 euros. But, this price varies depending on the car brand and engine model.
This is why it is advisable to constantly monitor your condition. This will provide a gasoline particle filter with a longer lifespan.