What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Is low annual mileage bad for diesel engines?

I refer to your advice about low mileage having an impact on blocked diesel particulate filters (DPFs). I feel you are combining low annual mileage with short journeys. My firm understanding is that diesel DPFs clog if used for many short journeys, but that they are OK with long journeys. Are you suggesting that low annual mileage (3,000-4,000 miles) is bad for diesels, even if accumulated with long (say greater than 20 miles) journeys, relative to petrol?

Asked on 7 February 2022 by Macphee, W

Answered by Dan Powell
In my experience, low annual mileage is caused by short journeys.

However, in theory, yes, it's possible you could cover 3,000 miles a year with 20-plus mile journeys only. But I'm not sure this is reflective of real world driving.

Certainly, based on the feedback I receive from diesel car owners in distress, a typical low annual mileage driver will travel a maximum of 10 miles per journey.
Similar questions
I'm looking to buy a Citroen C3 Picasso, it's a 2015 diesel, and I was worried I may not do enough miles in it to keep the DPF healthy. I'll be doing about 8000 miles per year and the majority of driving...
I currently have a BMW 1 Series diesel that has a DPF fitted. I drive two daily trips of 15 miles with quite a bit of traffic. Over six years of ownership, I have not currently had any DPF issues but am...
What are the advantages/disadvantages of diesel over petrol for a ten year old car?
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer