Soot and other particles from diesel engines worsen the particulate matter pollution in the air. New particulate filters can capture from 30% to greater than 95% of the harmful soot. With an optimal diesel particulate filter (DPF), soot emissions may be decreased to 0.001 g / km or less. (So they say!)
From May 2018, the MOT has changed. It used to be a visual only inspection i.e. (Can the tester see a dpf on the vehicle or does it look like it's had a dpf delete pipe fitted?) However, the new test does a soot particle check and based on the stated emissions for that vehicle, if you are blowing too much soot, the vehicle will fail the test.
What is a DPF and does your car have one? If you own a diesel car, chances are it has a DPF. It's a topic we get lots of questions about on a regular basis and DPF problems can cause a real headache. What is a DPF? A diesel particulate filter (or DPF for short) is part of a diesel car's exhaust system that's designed to filter out harmful soot.

At 103K miles, the dpf light came on. Dealer claimed driving style not optimized for regens. For the record, this car drive in and out of Boston, commuting highway/local, 70 miles per day, 5+ days per week. Dealer (Colonial, Medford MA) charged 2 hrs labor to regen.

Display PDF: The diesel particulate filter systems on these engines are poorly designed and prone to serious, ongoing problems. The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a device designed to remove soot from the exhaust gas of the diesel engine. However, diesel particulate filters must be cleaned from time to time or they will block up.
Posted 17 May, 2012. On 17/05/2012 at 08:56, dervdave said: Yes the DPF will eventually need changing when it cannot clear through regeneration and becomes blocked. This can happen sooner or later depending on driving pattern. Absolutely no point in renewing before having to. or just get rid, the filter that is. . 90 250 331 30 6 280 63 151 352

does my vw have a dpf