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

Are my driving habits likely to be causing DPF problems on my Mondeo?

Over the recent past I have read what to me seem conflicting views on diesel-engined cars and the problems that different types of driving and mileage can create. I have a two year old Mondeo Titanium Sport which I bought from new and have done 12,000 miles only, mostly in 28 mile round trips, with the odd 100/140 mile round trip, together with a six mile weekly round trip for shopping.

Could you please advise me if this type of running is building up problems for the future and should I trade it in for a petrol engined car? Several years ago you advised me to try a Mondeo and have had several since (all petrol-engined up to this one). I think they are marvellous.

Asked on 21 January 2012 by TY, Blandford Forum

Answered by Honest John
Modern diesel engined cars have dual mass flywheels, diesel particulate filters, exhaust gas recirculation valves, turbos and many of them are also belt cam. All components that may fail or may need expensive routine replacement. While, in the past, the lubricity of diesel actually made diesel better for repeated short runs from cold, a diesel particulate filter will not tolerate this. But the type of use you describe should be fine to allow the DPF to regenerate properly. Just avoid repeated short runs from cold in which the engine never fully gets to temperature. They will fill the DPF with soot, which it cannot get hot enough to burn off. For DPF flushing liquids, try www.powergo.co.uk
Similar questions
One of the cars you have suggested is the Qashqai 1.6DCI, which I understand has a good diesel engine. However, as I stated in my query, I only do 12,000 miles a year and I have read (only yesterday in...
When my wife's 12-year-old BMW needed replacing she was delighted to acquire an 18-month-old Jaguar X-Type diesel. The car joined my own 9-year-old petrol X-Type, which is still going strong after 120,000...
Can you give us any information on where I can find a proper explanation of the function and potential limitations of a diesel particulate filter?
Related models
Very good to drive. Refined and comfortable to travel in. Massively roomy cabin and huge boot. Reasonable value. Efficient ECOnetic and EcoBoost models.