Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Diesel particulate filter

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

The diesel particulate filter filters out soot particles in the exhaust gas. The soot particles are collected in the filter and burnt off. To assist in this combustion process, Volkswagen recommends that you avoid making only short journeys.

• Only use diesel with low sulphur levels   .

• Never use petrol or heating oil.

• Never use biodiesel. It is permissible for the fuel manufacturer to mix biodiesel within the scope of EN 590   .

• Never allow the fuel tank to run completely dry.

• Do not overfill engine oil   .

• Do not tow-start the vehicle. Use jump leads   .

To minimise blockage of the diesel particulate filter, the engine speed in vehicles with an automatic gearbox may increase slightly in order to automatically initiate the cleaning process of the diesel particulate filter. However, the indicator lamp will not light up.

Even when the exhaust purification system is working perfectly, there may be a smell of sulphur from the exhaust in some conditions. This depends on the sulphur content of the fuel being used.