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Keeping a diesel car at its best

I bought a diesel car two-years ago because I like the high torque/low rev style of driving and the fuel economy (54 mpg average). I now realise that this may have been a bad decision and poor purchase due to potentially high cost repairs of the particulate filter and dual mass flywheel in the not too distant future.

Do you have any advice on how I can use/drive/maintain the car to minimise the risks? I do 12,000 miles yearly of 70% under 20 miles and 30% over.

Asked on 30 November 2011 by D Gordon

Answered by Honest John
Needs to be regularly driven distances at fairly constant speeds above 2,000rpm to regenerate the DPF. Never let out the clutch at idle revs and double declutch up and down the box as much as possible to prevent damage to the DMF.
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