In order to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by vehicles, several devices have been put in place. Some of them allow the reuse of exhaust gas, as is the case of the EGR valve. While others are installed only for filtering. In recent years, all vehicles with diesel and / or gasoline engines are equipped with a particle filter. In this article, you will find out how a petrol particulate filter works.
The petrol particle filter
Because of the high level of pollution caused by diesel engines, more and more people are turning to the acquisition of vehicles with gasoline engines. Thanks to this turnaround, designers have also equipped vehicles with gasoline engines with a particle filter. The latter's main role is to filter out the particles of polluting origin from the engine. Indeed, thanks to a particle filter gasoline, they are filtered at 99%. In order to achieve this, the particles are collected through the filtration process. They are then removed during the regeneration stage, which also cleans the filter.
It is important to know that during the filtration phaseIn the filter, all the pollutant emissions from the engine are collected and stored inside the filter. This creates large amounts of soot, a form of soot that considerably reduces the power of an engine.
The second phase will therefore consist of overcoming this problem by regeneration. It consists in cleaning the filter automatically. Indeed, when the engine is running, the temperature in the exhaust line will rise. This will allow the particles to be burned in a natural way.
However, it should be noted that this process can sometimes be inefficient. This usually results in accumulation of dirt in the petrol particle filter and its clogging. In order to cope with this, the filter is equipped with sensors that warn the engine. The engine will then produce exhaust gases with a high temperature. After destroying the excess scale, the usual cycle can be resumed. However, to ensure better operation, it is recommended toincorporating additives to the fuel. This makes it more efficient. But it also shortens the combustion cycles.
Locate the gasoline particulate filter
For petrol engines, the installation of particle filters is relatively recent. Indeed, before 2016, they were mainly installed on diesels. In addition, in order to locate them, nothing could be easier. You will have to go to the exhaust line.
When should a gasoline particulate filter be replaced?
Normally, a gasoline particulate filter does not need to be replaced if the owner does not use any additives. However, the condition of the gasoline particulate filter varies according to various criteria, such as :
- Driving style
- The frequency of use of the vehicle
- The environment
In order to know the condition of the engine, it is necessary to pay attention to certain symptoms. First of all, the driver will notice that the engine loses power. Then, it will frequently make chokes or choke more easily. And, in the most advanced cases, the exhaust will produce a black smoke. But also a relatively high fuel consumption.
Therefore, when you notice these, it is advisable to take your vehicle to the garage. He will be able to determine whether the petrol particle filter is only clogged or needs to be replaced completely.
Cleaning a gasoline particle filter
In order to burn off the carbon build-up, it is essential that your engine is run 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 is therefore essential to clean it.
The first solution is to automatically remove the soot by running at least 3,000 rpm for about 20 minutes. This will raise the temperature in the exhaust line. This will result in burning off the soot.
In addition, the second solution is theuse of additives. This type of product allows a fast regeneration of the gasoline particle filter. In order to achieve this, all you have to do is pour it into your tank. You can consult our 10 tips to clean your car like a pro.
Finally, the last solution is descaling. It must generally be done by an expert. Because it requires the use of specific equipment.
The cost of a gasoline particulate filter change
Changing a gasoline particle filter can only be done at a garage. However, you should know that this is an expensive procedure. Indeed, it can sometimes exceed the 730 euros. But, this price varies depending on the make of the car and the engine model.
This is why it is advisable to constantly monitor its condition. This will ensure that your petrol particle filter has a longer life span.
