What does it mean when the dashboard displays 'GPF regeneration required, please drive at high speed'?
2 Answers
The dashboard displays 'GPF regeneration required, please drive at high speed' because the gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in the car is clogged. The GPF is a ceramic filter installed in the exhaust system of gasoline engines, designed to capture particulate emissions before they enter the atmosphere. The primary function of the GPF is to reduce particulate emissions. When the indicator light in the car comes on, it means that the particulate matter accumulated in the GPF has reached a level requiring cleaning. If the indicator light is green, the situation is relatively better—simply driving at high speeds allows the GPF to self-clean the deposited particles. If the light is yellow, the solution is to increase the exhaust temperature to burn off the accumulated carbon deposits. Methods to avoid GPF clogging: Avoid refueling at small gas stations: The fuel quality at small gas stations is often questionable. If the vehicle uses fuel with more impurities, it will undoubtedly increase exhaust particulate emissions, making the GPF more prone to clogging. Avoid using low-ash oil: Low-ash oil is specifically designed for China VI-compliant vehicles. Not using low-ash oil can easily lead to DPF clogging. Avoid prolonged idling: During prolonged idling, exhaust gases cannot fully combust, leading to an increase in particulate emissions and, consequently, GPF clogging.
The dashboard indicates that the GPF needs regeneration and suggests driving at high speeds. I reckon it's because the particulate filter is clogged. Having driven for over 20 years, I've noticed this kind of alert is common in cars that mostly run short distances, like commuting or grocery shopping, where the exhaust temperature is too low to burn off the carbon particles. The GPF is installed in the exhaust pipe to capture emissions, but slow city driving doesn't trigger the automatic cleaning process. The only solution is to drive at high speeds to raise the temperature and allow the system to regenerate. I encountered this issue once before—initially, I ignored it, but the GPF became increasingly clogged, leading to reduced RPM, increased fuel consumption, and nearly costing me thousands in major repairs. To avoid this, make it a habit to take the car on the highway for 20-30 kilometers each week, keeping the speed above 80 km/h to let the engine heat up and self-clean. Neglecting this can affect performance and even cause the car to fail emissions tests.
