The 2021 Volkswagen Sagitar is equipped with a particulate filter. If the vehicle exhibits symptoms such as insufficient power, doubled fuel consumption, or failure of the auto start-stop function, it is highly likely that the particulate filter is clogged. The particulate filter, whose full English name is Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), is similar in appearance to the three-way catalytic converter and is also located at the end of the exhaust pipe. The particulate filter can effectively filter fine particles from the car's emissions. Under normal circumstances, these particles do not accumulate in the container and will react and disappear under specific conditions. The particulate filter is a ceramic filter installed in the diesel engine's emission system, which captures particulate emissions before they enter the atmosphere. It can reduce the soot produced by diesel engines by more than 90%, and the captured particulate emissions are subsequently burned away during vehicle operation. Originally, the particulate filter could avoid clogging through autonomous regeneration. However, many car owners cannot meet the regeneration conditions during daily use. For regeneration to occur, the particulate filter must ignite and burn off accumulated particles to a certain extent, then expel them. Only then can the particulate filter function properly in a cycle. Clogging of the particulate filter can lead to a significant increase in fuel consumption. What car owners can do is change their driving habits and increase high-speed driving conditions. However, merely driving more on highways may not necessarily avoid clogging. It is also necessary to use low-ash engine oil, high-grade fuel, and regularly replace the air filter to meet the regeneration conditions of the particulate filter. Working principle of the particulate filter: The diesel particulate filter is coated with metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The black smoke containing carbon particles emitted by the diesel engine enters the engine's exhaust particulate trap through a dedicated pipe. After passing through its densely arranged bag-type filter, the carbon particles are adsorbed on a filter made of metal fiber felt. When the adsorption of particles reaches a certain level, the burner at the end automatically ignites, burning off the carbon particles adsorbed on it and converting them into harmless carbon dioxide. To check whether the 2021 Sagitar is equipped with a particulate filter, you can use the following three methods: Check the and to see if there is a particulate filter function. Additionally, you can carefully check the fault codes in the manual to see if there is a "Particulate Filter" fault light indicator. Check the label on the oil cap. If the oil cap clearly states 0W-20 grade oil, it indicates that a particulate filter is installed. Check whether there is a cylindrical section on the exhaust pipe behind the three-way catalytic converter. If there is, that is the particulate filter.
