Mechanical
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
A soot trap in modern diesel exhausts that requires periodic high-speed driving to self-clean.
Short-trip diesels (city commuters, school-run utes) frequently clog their DPF because the exhaust never gets hot enough to burn off soot. A clogged DPF triggers warning lights, limp mode and eventually a $2,500–$5,500 replacement. On a PPI we read DPF soot loading via OBD-II. A used diesel that's only done short trips is a known risk profile.
Related terms
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
An emissions valve that routes exhaust back into the intake — a notorious carbon-clog point on diesels.
OBD-II
The standardised onboard diagnostic port used to read engine and emissions fault codes.
Timing chain stretch
A common failure mode on VW/Audi 2.0 TFSI, Ford Ranger 3.2L and Nissan QR25 engines.
Timing belt
A rubber belt synchronising crankshaft and camshafts — must be replaced on schedule or the engine destroys itself.
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