Does the Tiguan L Have a Particulate Filter?
2 Answers
Tiguan L 2020 and 2021 models with 280TSI and 330TSI engines are equipped with particulate filters. A particulate filter is a ceramic filter installed in the diesel engine exhaust system, designed to capture particulate emissions before they enter the atmosphere. It can reduce soot emissions from diesel engines by more than 90%, and the captured particulate matter is subsequently burned off during vehicle operation. 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 exhaust particulate trap through a dedicated pipe. The densely arranged bag-type filters inside capture the carbon particles on the metal fiber felt filter. When the accumulation of particles reaches a certain level, the burner at the end automatically ignites, burning off the captured carbon particles and converting them into harmless carbon dioxide. To check if the Tiguan L has a particulate filter, you can use the following three methods: 1. Refer to the and to see if the particulate filter function is mentioned. Additionally, carefully check the fault codes in the manual to see if there is a "Particulate Filter" warning light indicator. 2. Check the label on the oil filler cap. If the cap clearly states the use of 0W-20 grade oil, it indicates the presence of a particulate filter. 3. Look at the exhaust pipe behind the catalytic converter to see if there is an additional cylindrical section. If present, that is the particulate filter.
I've been driving the Tiguan L for two to three years now, it's the 2021 1.4T gasoline version. When I bought the car, the salesperson clearly mentioned that it has a particulate filter, because the China VI emission standards require gasoline vehicles to be equipped with this to capture small particles in the exhaust and reduce air pollution. The driving experience has been quite smooth, but it's important to avoid frequent short trips in the city as it can easily cause the filter to clog. Last year, I experienced a lack of acceleration power, and a check at the 4S dealership confirmed that the filter was clogged. After running it on the highway for an hour to regenerate and clean it, everything went back to normal. Now, I've made it a habit to take a highway trip once a month. The design of this system is decent, and with proper maintenance, it doesn't cause major issues. Overall, the Tiguan L indeed comes with a particulate filter, but it doesn't affect daily driving. On the contrary, it makes the car more environmentally friendly. I'm quite confident in this technology.
