Petrol particulate filter cleaning for GPF and OPF
Many petrol cars built from 2017 onwards have a petrol particulate filter, and short trips can block it just like a diesel DPF. We clean GPF and OPF filters at your home or workplace, so there's no need to book into a dealer.
- Fully mobile across the North West
- Petrol cars of most makes
- Priced for your car
- Book online or by phone
What is a petrol particulate filter?
A petrol particulate filter traps the fine soot that direct-injection petrol engines produce. Manufacturers call it a GPF (gasoline particulate filter) or an OPF (Otto particulate filter), and you'll find one on many VW Group, Mercedes, BMW, Ford and Peugeot models.
Petrol engines run hotter than diesels, so the filter usually clears itself. Cars that only do short, cold trips can fall behind, and that's when soot builds up.
Why petrol filters block
Short, cold trips
A petrol filter needs heat to burn soot off. Journeys of a few miles never get it there.
Stop-start town use
Low speeds and long idles mean the car rarely gets the steady running it needs to regenerate.
Sensor faults
A faulty pressure sensor can misread how full the filter is, so it doesn't try to clear itself when it should.
Oil consumption
An engine that burns oil leaves ash in the filter, and ash doesn't burn away like soot.
Keeping a petrol particulate filter clear
A regular run of 20 minutes or more on faster roads gives the filter the heat it needs to burn soot off by itself. If the car only does short local trips, a longer run every week or two makes a real difference.
Use the oil grade your manufacturer specifies, and get a misfire or oil-burning problem looked at early. Both put extra deposits into the filter.
How petrol filter cleaning works with us
Ask for a price
Send us the registration and we'll quote for your car.
The filter data comes first
The technician reads the fault codes, soot load and pressure readings to confirm the filter is the problem.
The clean
The filter is cleaned on the car while it's parked with you, so nothing has to be removed.
Rechecked and cleared
Codes are cleared and the readings checked again before we leave.
GPF cleaning or a replacement?
A new petrol particulate filter can be expensive, as on some cars it's combined with the catalytic converter in one assembly. Cleaning is the first thing to try when the problem is soot.
If the filter is damaged or loaded with ash, we'll tell you after the checks so you can decide what to do. The diesel side of the same question is covered in our DPF cleaning and replacement costs guide.
What our customers say
Areas we cover
We clean petrol particulate filters across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Huddersfield, at your home or workplace.
Does my car have a petrol particulate filter?
Many direct-injection petrol cars registered from 2018 onwards have one, brought in to meet Euro 6d emissions rules. Check the handbook, or send us the registration and we'll check for you.
How much does petrol particulate filter cleaning cost?
It depends on the car, so we quote once we know the registration. Use the Get a price button or call 0161 694 7331.
Is GPF cleaning the same as DPF cleaning?
The aim is the same, clearing soot so the filter can work again. Petrol filters are newer and regenerate differently from make to make, so we check each car's data before starting. Our blocked DPF guide covers the diesel version.
Can I clear it myself with a long run?
If the warning has only just appeared, 20 minutes or so at a steady speed on a dual carriageway can help it regenerate. Once power is down or limp mode has kicked in, it needs cleaning. Read how forced regeneration works.
Do you clean OPF filters on Mercedes and VW?
Yes, OPF is simply the name some manufacturers use for the same type of filter. Send us your registration and we'll confirm the price for your model.
Get a price for your GPF clean
Send us your registration and we'll quote for cleaning the filter at your home or workplace. The readings are checked before any cleaning, so you'll know it's the right fix for your car.
Or send your registration to sales@sgrautomotive.co.uk
Eccles, Manchester M30 0SF