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Bristol DPF Centre FAQ

Our services include:

  • Emission failure diagnostics
  • Engine diagnostics
  • Diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning
  • DPF replacement
  • Engine cylinder head servicing

Bristol DPF Centre is conveniently located outside Bristol’s Clean Air Zone at Unit 1&2, Circuit, 32 Easton Rd, Bristol BS5 0DB. That means you don’t need to pay a charge if your vehicle doesn’t meet the required emission standards.

Our central location ensures easy access for clients across the South West of England.

Ashley Engines Ltd. – Bristol DPF Centre’s umbrella company – has been supporting drivers and Trade customers throughout throughout Bristol and the South West of England for more than 20 years.

Our technicians are trained to handle all sorts of emission and engine issues with speed and precision. And thanks to our huge emphasis on effective solutions and quality service, we’ve got a 97% customer satisfaction rate!

No matter what vehicle problems you’re experiencing, you can trust Bristol DPF Centre to diagnose, report and repair them with unbeatable skill and professionalism.

Our motto is ‘We Test, Not Guess’. We’re the only DPF cleaning and emissions service in Bristol that uses state-of-the-art diagnostics equipment to find the underlying cause of your engine troubles. And once we do, we perform quick and efficient repairs using industry-leading tools – then test again to make sure your vehicle is in top condition!

We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, and offer personalised service with a smile to ensure your satisfaction. Whatever vehicle problems you’re experiencing, the qualified and friendly team at Bristol DPF Centre can help you find a fast and affordable solution.

You can contact us via phone or email to book a service appointment or ask questions. Our friendly staff will help you schedule an appointment and address any inquiries you may have.

Thank you for your patience as we hope to be able to provide online booking very soon.

We offer 12-month warranty coverage on all our workmanship and parts. That way, you can have total peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in reliable hands.

We comply with all relevant industry standards and regulations. And our technicians are trained and certified to perform emission-related services. We prioritise compliance and strive to exceed industry standards in all aspects of our work.

Emission failures FAQ

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Emission failures can happen for many reasons, such as:

  • Malfunctioning oxygen sensors
  • A clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF)
  • Faulty catalytic converters
  • Engine misfires
  • High engine oil consumption

Book a vehicle diagnostics appointment with Bristol DPF Centre to identify the specific issue affecting your emission system.

Signs your vehicle might fail an emissions test include:

  • Warning lights on the dashboard (such as the check engine light)
  • Decreased fuel efficiency
  • Rough idling or engine performance
  • Visible smoke from the exhaust

If you suspect your vehicle might fail an emissions test, or it’s failed to pass an MOT for that reason, book a comprehensive diagnostics appointment with Bristol DPF Centre now.

Depending on what caused the emission failure, we might recommend:

  • DPF cleaning
  • Engine diagnostics
  • Repairs to emission control components
  • Sensor replacement
  • TerraClean carbon cleaning

Book a diagnostics appointment with our skilled technicians to find the most appropriate solution for your vehicle.

The time it takes to fix an emission failure issue depends on the specific problem and the extent of repairs required.

Simple issues like faulty sensors can be solved quickly. But more complex problems like engine misfires need more time for diagnostics and repairs.

Whatever problem is affecting your vehicle, our expert team will work efficiently to get you safely back on the road as quickly as possible.

Diagnostics FAQ

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System efficiency diagnostics assess the overall performance of your vehicle’s systems, including the engine, transmission, fuel system and emissions.

By identifying faulty or inefficient areas, our technicians can perform repairs that improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and boost performance.

If you’re experiencing decreased fuel economy, loss of power, rough idling or increased emissions, it’s time to book a diagnostics appointment.

System efficiency diagnostics also ensures all systems are working optimally. This information supports your regular maintenance and helps you pass your MOT.

During a system efficiency diagnostics appointment, our technicians evaluate your:

  • Fuel injectors
  • Oxygen sensors
  • Spark plugs
  • Ignition system
  • Exhaust system
  • Related emissions components

Our comprehensive vehicle diagnostics test aims to identify any and all issues affecting the efficiency and performance of your vehicle.

Most diagnostics appointments take around 1-2 hours to complete.

The cost varies depending on your vehicle’s emissions rating. But diagnostics typically lead to long-term savings through improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and reduced risk of vehicle breakdown.

DPF cleaning FAQ

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Diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning removes soot, ash and other contaminants that have built up in your DPF system.

As well as improving performance and emission control, it lets you maintain excellent engine condition, avoid costly repairs and comply with emission regulations.

The frequency of DPF cleaning depends on factors like vehicle usage, driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations. But experts recommend that you book in for DPF cleaning when you notice reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption or frequent DPF regeneration cycles.

Off-vehicle DPF cleaning uses specialised equipment to thoroughly clean the filter outside of the vehicle. It’s a more comprehensive process that removes all PM10, cerium and ash deposits, restoring DPF efficiency to 98%.

On-vehicle DPF cleaning involves cleaning the filter while it’s still installed on the vehicle. This allows for a targeted approach to address specific issues highlighted during diagnostics. It’s efficient and convenient, and ensures proper cleaning and regeneration without the need for DPF removal.

However, on-vehicle DPF cleaning isn’t suitable for vehicles with a higher mileage. That’s because higher mileage typically means more ash in the DPF, which requires more intense cleaning. If your DPF has a high ash content, you’ll probably need off-vehicle cleaning to restore your DPF to peak condition.

While you can buy DIY DPF cleaning kits, these don’t fix the underlying issue causing your system to clog. So after a short time you’ll have the same problem again.

The only way to permanently solve DPF issues is to contact a professional cleaning service. At Bristol DPF Centre, we have the expertise, specialised equipment and high-tech diagnostic tools to solve your DPF troubles for good.

DPF cleaning significantly improves engine performance and reduces emissions by restoring the filter’s efficiency. But it might not address all emission-related issues if there are underlying mechanical or electrical problems. A comprehensive diagnosis is essential to find and fix these issues.

In many cases, timely DPF cleaning can prevent the need for DPF replacement. By maintaining the filter’s efficiency and removing the buildup of contaminants, regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your DPF and ensures compliance with emission regulations.

The duration and cost of DPF cleaning vary depending on factors like the cleaning method, vehicle type and the extent of contamination.

Off-vehicle cleaning typically takes a day or two to complete. On the other hand, less intensive on-vehicle cleaning can take just 90 minutes. The cost varies accordingly, but is almost always cheaper than DPF replacement.

DPF replacement FAQ

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Diesel particulate filter (DPF) replacement involves removing the old DPF from your vehicle and installing a new one. This is only necessary when your existing DPF becomes damaged and isn’t serviceable.

Your vehicle might need DPF replacement if you’re experiencing:

  • Frequent DPF regeneration cycles
  • Increased exhaust smoke
  • Reduced engine power
  • Warning lights on the dashboard

To find out if replacement is necessary, book a diagnostics check with the qualified technicians at Bristol DPF Centre.

DPF replacement restores optimal engine performance, reduces emissions and ensures compliance with emission regulations. It also prevents the malfunctioning DPF from causing further damage to engine components, and reduces the chance of vehicle breakdown.

The duration and cost of DPF replacement depend on your vehicle make and model, the complexity of the replacement process and the quality of the replacement DPF. It can take a few hours to complete, and the cost includes the price of the new DPF and labour charges.

If you’re a qualified and experienced vehicle mechanic, you might be able to replace your DPF yourself. But if you’re not, it’s recommended that you seek professional assistance to avoid misdiagnosis and further damage to your vehicle.

The qualified technicians at Bristol DPF Centre have the training, specialised tools and advanced diagnostic equipment needed to properly diagnose, install and test your new DPF. With our help, you minimise the risk of errors and complications, and can get back on the road quickly and safely.

Warranty coverage for DPF replacement depends on factors like the vehicle’s warranty terms, the cause of the DPF failure and the replacement part’s warranty coverage.

Check with your vehicle manufacturer or warranty provider for specific details regarding DPF replacement coverage.

The frequency of DPF replacement depends on your vehicle usage, driving conditions and maintenance routine.

With proper maintenance and regular servicing, your DPF can last the entire lifespan of your vehicle. But if issues arise, prompt replacement by a professional may be necessary to avoid further damage and maintain high vehicle performance.

Cylinder head services FAQ

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A cylinder head is a component at the top of your engine that holds the valves and camshafts.

Its job is to close the combustion chamber, keeping fuel combustion in a confined space. The cylinder head also ensures consistent lubrication of the cylinder, which is necessary for the engine to function properly.

Signs that your engine cylinder head might be malfunctioning include:

  • Engine overheating
  • Engine misfires
  • Poor engine performance
  • Oil or coolant leaks
  • Smoke from the engine

If you’re experiencing any of these, contact Bristol DPF Centre immediately to book in for cylinder head cleaning, inspection, repair and rebuilding.

In most cases, we can repair your cylinder head rather than replacing it. This is much more affordable and just as effective at restoring your engine performance.

Before we do any work on your cylinder head, we use advanced diagnostic equipment and can perform a vehicle compression test, a head gasket test, and an in-cylinder waveform test using an oscilloscope. This lets us accurately identify the root cause of your engine troubles, and means we can advise you whether cylinder head replacement is necessary.

Cylinder heads are supposed to be flat. So if yours are damaged or distorted in any way, you need to get them resurfaced. These flaws are typically caused by head gasket failure or incorrect removal.