Does the Tiguan have a particulate filter?
3 Answers
Tiguan does not have particulate filters in all models. The EA888-DPL engines in the 2020 and 2021 Tiguan L 330TSI models manufactured after the second half of 2020 are already equipped with particulate filters. A particulate filter is a ceramic filter installed in the exhaust system of diesel engines, 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 off during vehicle operation. How the particulate filter works: 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 exhaust particulate filter through a dedicated pipeline. After passing through its densely arranged bag-type filter, the carbon smoke particles are adsorbed onto the filter made of metal fiber felt. When the adsorption of particles reaches a certain level, the burner at the end automatically ignites and burns, turning the adsorbed carbon smoke particles into harmless carbon dioxide that is then expelled. To check whether the Tiguan is equipped with a particulate filter, you can use the following three methods: Check the "Owner's Maintenance Manual" and "Owner's User Manual" to see if there is a particulate filter function. Additionally, you can carefully review the fault codes in the manual to see if there is a "particulate filter" warning light indicator. Check the label above the oil filler cap. If the oil cap clearly states 0W-20 grade oil, it indicates that a particulate filter is installed. Look at the exhaust pipe behind the three-way catalytic converter to see if there is an additional cylindrical section. If there is, that is the particulate filter.
I've been driving a Volkswagen Tiguan for quite a while. After switching from the old model to the new one, I noticed that many modern versions come equipped with a particulate filter to comply with China's National VI emission standards. This device is installed in the exhaust pipe to filter particulate matter from the exhaust, reducing pollution. During daily use, I've observed that if you frequently drive slowly in the city or idle for long periods, it may accumulate dust and trigger the warning light. In such cases, you need to drive at high speed or high RPM to heat up the exhaust for regeneration. For maintenance, it's recommended to check it every six months and flush the pipe with a specialized cleaner. Also, remember to use high-quality engine oil to avoid clogging and affecting engine performance. Overall, the new Tiguan models mostly come standard with it, so don't worry about it being too complicated—just follow the manual for maintenance.
From an environmental perspective, the Volkswagen Tiguan is typically equipped with a particulate filter, especially in recent China VI emission standard models. I pay close attention to a vehicle's impact on air protection. This device reduces emissions by capturing fine particles from exhaust gases. During use, avoid frequent short-distance starts or driving in low temperatures to minimize clogging risks. If the dashboard warning light indicates an issue, prompt action is required—such as taking highway drives—otherwise it may affect vehicle power and fuel consumption. Having researched multiple brands, this technology is already widespread among European and American vehicles. Maintenance is straightforward but requires attention to regular servicing intervals.
