Are short journeys damaging the DPF in my SEAT Leon?

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Are short journeys damaging the DPF in my SEAT Leon?

I have a 57-plate SEAT Leon with a DPF filter fitted. I recently went to my local dealer as a warning light came on my dash. I left the car with them all day, and on my return they told me that as I had not driven the car for 10 to 15 minutes at a engine speed of 2000 revs to allow the DPF to increase the exhaust temperature and burn off the soot, I would have to pay for repairs. Can you tell me is this true?

Asked on 11 June 2010 by barry1234

Answered by Honest John

Yes, this is true. Many first generation cars with DPFs are totally unsuitable for short runs. Manufacturers have got to grips with this with new types of injectors and DPFs, but this is a particular problem of Subaru Legacy Diesels, Mazda 2.0 litre diesels, FIAT 1.3 diesels, and most VAG PD-injected diesels like yours. Explanation here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/diesel-particulate-filters

Tags: short journeys diesel particulate filter dpf diesels repairs

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