I read that engine oil is contaminated by the DPF in 4x4s - is this the case with all diesel cars? | Ask Honest John

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I read that engine oil is contaminated by the DPF in 4x4s - is this the case with all diesel cars?

I read in a recent 4x4 review that the engine oil is quickly contaminated by the DPF. Is this the case on all diesel engines with a DPF, and can it affect the life of the engine?

Asked on 13 February 2018 by Brian Carter

Answered by Honest John

Depends on how the car is driven. Mostly short runs from cold starts will soot up a DPF. Switching off when the DPF is actively regenerating will contaminate the sump oil with post-injected fuel. If the car is regularly driven significant distances with a minimum of short runs from cold there should be no problem until it gets past around 80,000 miles.

Tags: short journeys dpf diesel engines 4x4s diesel cars engine oil

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