Leasing company Lex says drivers in urban areas are at risk of the engines’ Exhaust Particulate Filters (EPF) clogging up. Some of the firm’s drivers are having to visit a dealership every six weeks to have their filters unblocked. The problem occurs predominantly in traffic at low speed, it adds.
Lex says fleets can alleviate the potential problem by following manufacturer operating recommendations.
According to manufacturer guidelines, an EPF-equipped diesel engine is likely to clog up unless it is operated at 50mph for at least 20 minutes, or covers 50 miles at motorway speeds at least once every couple of weeks.
These driving conditions effectively burn off the soot particles that the EPF has been equipped to prevent from escaping into the atmosphere.
Drivers should look out for a warning light that notifies them that the EPF is blocked and that the car needs a run out at 50mph for a prolonged period.
Lex maintenance manager Jamie Wiseman said: ‘If a driver knows their car is going to spend most of its time in urban areas at low speed, then it’s worth avoiding a car with an EPF.’
susan scott - 14/12/2012 12:10
I leased a car via Lex earlier this year. I was not given the advice stated in the article on 6/2/07 written by lex relating to EPF equipped diesel engines. Being non technically minded is have no idea what this is. I leased a Citreon DS3 and have just come accross this problem discussed in the article but not being technically minded or have the time to read the car handbook from cover to cover have been blissfully unaware that i needed to take the action mentioned in the article. Lex auto are blaming me for being uanawre of this problem and though i may need an oil change etc will not pay for the repairs. The way i see it is i should have been advised not to lease this car as it is not suitable for my needs Ishort journeys round town) - should Lex not have contacted me or emailed the department who deal with my leasing agreement? Should Citreon not send out a warning or at the very least have a large warning sign at the front of the hand book to let people know of the action they need to take to resolve this issue when it arises.