Which Cars Have a Particulate Filter?
2 Answers
Most vehicle models equipped with engines that meet emission standards come with a particulate filter. For example, the Magotan 330 and 380 models do not have particulate filters, while the 280 model does. Most Japanese car models do not have particulate filters, as the majority of small-displacement naturally aspirated engines can easily meet the China VI emission standards without requiring one. A particulate filter is a ceramic filter installed in the diesel engine emission system that captures particulate emissions before they enter the atmosphere. It can reduce soot produced by 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. After passing through the densely arranged bag-type filter inside, the carbon soot particles are adsorbed onto the filter made of metal fiber felt. When the amount of adsorbed particles reaches a certain level, the burner at the end automatically ignites and burns, converting the adsorbed carbon soot particles into harmless carbon dioxide that is then expelled. To check whether a car has 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 review the fault codes in the manual to see if there is a "particulate filter" warning light indicator. Check the label on the oil cap. If the oil cap clearly states 0W-20 grade oil, it indicates the presence of a particulate filter. Look behind the three-way catalytic converter to see if there is an additional cylindrical section on the exhaust pipe. If present, that is the particulate filter.
I've been in the auto repair business for years, and particulate filters are actually quite commonly installed in many vehicles, not limited to just a few types. Initially, they were standard equipment in diesel vehicles like trucks or SUVs, but now they're becoming increasingly common in gasoline-powered cars as well, especially after the implementation of the China VI emission standards. Models from European brands like Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW are basically all equipped with them, and some new SUVs from domestic brands like Geely and Great Wall also have them. Their main purpose is to capture fine particles in the exhaust to reduce pollution. If you drive short distances frequently, it's easy for the filter to get clogged and trigger the fault light. I'd recommend occasionally taking it for a high-speed run, like stepping on the gas pedal harder to let it regenerate and clean automatically. Maintenance is simple—just avoid driving at turtle speeds in the city all the time. Nowadays, almost all new car buyers will encounter this device, and there's really no major issue with using it.