Can I Drive with Exhaust Filter Full? Some Considerations

What about driving with the exhaust filter full? The general view to this is that while it is possible to drive when the exhaust filter is fool, it is not advisable that you do so. You will strain the engine and also use more fuel as the fuel efficiency reduces.

Engine exhaust problems highlights

• Level of urgency:Medium
• DIY inspection:Possible but complicated
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Cost of repair:$350 - $1,500
• Can you drive?Usually, yes
• Commonreasons:EGR issues, catalytic converter problems, O2 sensor issues, exhaust pipe problems
• Ways to fix:Locating and replacing the part that is malfunctioning

Driving With a Full Exhaust Filter

You might have encountered an issue and the diagnosis leads to it being a full exhaust filter. Should you stop in your tracks or is it possible to continue driving when the exhaust filter is full? Are there any risks and damages that a full exhaust filter can bring about?

Driving with a full exhaust filter may be possible but it is not recommended. This may lead to multiple car issues and expose you to various risks. Also, in some cases, the car may fail to start until all the conditions are right.

How an Exhaust Filter Works

To be able to understand how the exhaust filter affects a car's efficiency, it is best to understand how it works. When you have a full exhaust filter, the car will become less efficient. You will have a hard time getting the engine to start.

The engine also gets affected and this will lead to performance issues. When driving, you will also end up using more fuel. This is all due to the build-up of gases, and subsequent inconducive conditions, that a full exhaust filter brings about.

Due to environmental concerns and laws, car manufacturers design cars that release minimal to zero harmful emissions. The exhaust filter plays an integral part in capturing debris that would have been released into the atmosphere via the exhaust pipe. It is important that you check if your car meets the standards set by the environmental agencies. 

Diesel Particulate Filter and Petrol Particulate Filter

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a petrol particulate filter (PPF) function in a similar manner. They aim to reduce the chances of harmful emissions being released into the atmosphere. A DPF filters the exhaust gases and captures ash, soot, and diesel particulates. It is usually located between the first temperature sensor and the exhaust pipe.

The honeycomb design and materials of a DPF are well-suited to capture the debris. It is made using a ceramic material substrate. A petrol particulate filter is also known as a gasoline particulate filter (GPF). Due to the laws passed regarding emissions, the use of PPFs is becoming more common.

Signs of a Full Exhaust Filter

To be able to rectify a full exhaust filter, you should be capable of detecting the issue. The following are some of the signs of a full exhaust filter:

1) Engine Light Display

This is a visible display on the dash that indicates that your car has an engine issue. To narrow down the issue, you can use a code scanner to determine if it is related to the exhaust filter.

2) Strange Smells

Aside from the visible signs of a full exhaust filter, you will also rely on your sense of smell to detect the issue. When there is a build-up of exhaust gases in the engine, a strong odor shall come about. These are toxic fumes that should not be inhaled.

The exhaust fumes are also flammable. Therefore, take action as soon as possible to get the exhaust filter cleaned or replaced. Also, take safety measures to avert risks such as fires occurring. For this reason, you should not drive long distances after realizing that you have a full exhaust filter.

3) Turbocharger Damage

A blockage caused by a full exhaust filter causes an increase in temperatures. An extended period of heat change in the turbine housing leads to damage. This will then lead to multiple issues such as leaks and a reduction in efficiency.

A full exhaust filter causes multiple issues and you would have to pick up the signs of a full exhaust filter so as to avoid further damage. An additional sign and problem caused is the carbonization of the oil inside of the turbocharger. This situation poses more risks to the motor.

4) Poor Engine Performance

In this instance, you will have to be able to 'know' your car and feel any changes. When you note that the engine is weak and sluggish, this could possibly be due to a full exhaust filter. You will experience a noticeably increased difficulty in accelerating. 

The engine will be overworking because there will be a build-up of the gases and it will be using more power to get rid of the excess exhaust gases. This also results in the pumping of new fuel at a slower rate.

5) Car Starting Issues

A full exhaust filter can cause trouble when starting your vehicle. You will experience some difficulty in cranking over the car engine. This is because the pressure in the engine increased because the exhaust gases are trapped. 

The build-up sets in place for the safety design to kick in, whereby the engine will not start until the exhaust gases are released. In most cases, the engine will not start until the pressure is released. If the engine were to start with the build-up inside, you will incur high costs due to the damage that would occur.

6) Poor Fuel Efficiency

When you have a full exhaust filter, you will find that your fuel consumption will be higher than usual. This is because the blockage causes more fuel to be required to perform tasks. Also, the engine will not be in the optimal conditions required for its performance to be at peak, therefore requiring you to spend more at the pump.

These conditions that a full exhaust filter brings about pose a risk to you and to the overall health of your car. Keep things in check by doing regular maintenance, repair, and replacement. Take note of your car's condition and do not drive lengthy distances when your exhaust filter is full.

Cleaning Exhaust Filters

There are different ways in which you can care for and clean your exhaust filter. Before you get started, the following are some of the actions that you have to do:

• Remove the fuel pump fuse so as to relieve the pressure in the fuel system.
• Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. This reduces the chances of any fire or sparking occurring.
• Jack up the car. This is if necessary and to give you enough working space allowance.
• Locate the exhaust filter and place a container beneath it. The container shall capture the fuel that will spill when you remove the fuel lines.

Depending on the material and cleaning required, there are different ways to care for the full exhaust filter. The following are some of the ways of cleaning exhaust filters:

Thermal/Bake and Blow

This is mostly done by professionals. The filter is put in a heated oven. This causes the soot to oxidize. The air then blows ash away from the filter.

Aqueous Cleaning

In this cleaning method, water washes debris. However, this is after a surfactant is used to surround the particles, making the cleaning process more effective. You will then have to wait for the filter to dry up before setting it back into place. 

As a way of ensuring maintenance before you go for professional cleaning, you can get additives that will help in breaking down the soot, debris, and ashes. This is added to the fuel tank and you should have your engine running. It is advisable that you drive for half an hour so as to get the additive to circulate well.

Conclusion

To avoid instances whereby you will be putting a strain on your engine, it is best to ensure that you regularly maintain your car. Be sure to replace the exhaust filter when it is due for replacement and take action as soon as you see the warning displayed on your dash. The benefit of catering for such a cost is that you will save on fuel as the efficiency improves when the exhaust filter is working well, while also avoiding potential engine problems.

If you are aware of the issue, avoid driving with a full exhaust filter. Get an expert to help you fix the issue soonest possible and avoid further damage to your engine and exposing yourself to potential risks such as inhaling bad fumes and possible fires. Stay safe, stay alert, and ensure that the exhaust filter is well maintained.