The particle filter is a quite new technology that aims to take out harmful particles from the exhaust gases of latest diesels. It has long been seen as the miracle solution to these pollution problems. Nevertheless, it doesn’t work as well as intended and triggers more problems than it resolves, which is why we will find out today when changing the particulate filter of a Volkswagen Golf 4? . To get this done, first of all, we will identify what the particle filter on your motor vehicle is used for, and then when to replace the particle filter on your Volkswagen Golf 4.

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What’s the purpose of a Volkswagen Golf 4’s particulate filter?

So we commence our guideline with the explanation for this element not too long ago included into diesel vehicles. As we outlined quickly in the introduction, the intent of this filter was to solve the problems of pollution and harmfulness of exhaust gases from Volkswagen Golf 4 vehicles. Its working concept is to store exhaust gases that are unburned or that still contain harmful particles, and when it is at a adequately high temperature to cause a second combustion that will finish burning and get rid of all these carcinogenic particles. Regrettably, to reach this very high engine unit temperature, you have to be on the highway or have your Volkswagen Golf 4 engine unit revving up. So we have realized as time passes that vehicles that are principally on short trips or in the city do not allow the particulate filter to burn these gases and we will see in the next part that these problems can force you to replace the particulate filter of your Volkswagen Golf 4 .

When to replace the particulate filter of a Volkswagen Golf 4?

In this section we will identify what you are certainly drawn to here, if it is necessary to replace the particulate filter of a Volkswagen Golf 4 and if so, when?

Is it necessary to replace the particulate filter on Volkswagen Golf 4?

There are 2 types of particulate filter for vehicles, a particulate filter with additive, which does not matter the Volkswagen Golf 4, but which needs to be recharged every 120, 000km with an additive that allows the regeneration of the particulate filter and therefore to burn all those harmful soot. The second one, the one we are keen on in this article, works with precious metals that will produce a chemical reaction at high temperature and cause the regeneration of the filter and the evacuation of the carcinogenic materials. Nevertheless, as described earlier, it necessitates very high temperatures, if these are not reached the filter will clog. If the filter is not regenerated manually, drive at high speed for about 20 minutes to reach this temperature and thus regenerate your filter, you will clog it and risk damaging your turbo, your EGR valve or your engine unit. If you need to clean the EGR valve of your Volkswagen Golf 4 because of your particulate filter, do not think twice to check out our article on this subject to identify what the procedure is.

When to replace the particulate filter of a Volkswagen Golf 4?

As we explained before, a particulate filter is designed to last the life of the car, however some of you might wonder when it is necessary to replace the particulate filter of its Volkswagen Golf 4? Take note that this component is extremely expensive, labor is not the main problem because it is easy to access. But the part itself will vary enormously in price based on your motorization, you can still count a range between 700 and 2000€. This replace should just be considered in the case of a completely clogged particle filter. If you don’t regularly take the motorway, we suggest you, every month to drive 10 minutes on the motorway at least 3000 rpm . In spite of everything, the current particulate filter have not been well designed and remain problematic, it is considered that because of the lack of a sufficiently regular temperature rise and other design problems, you should begin planning to replace your particulate filter from 200, 000km if you have a use of your XX that is more urban and a little more if it is mixed .

To get more tips on the Volkswagen Golf 4, take a look at the Volkswagen Golf 4 category.