Compare Mercedes diesel particulate filter clean quotes from specialist garages

In 1886, Karl Benz - the founder of Mercedes Benz - introduced what is often considered the first petrol-powered car to the world. The Benz Patent Motor Car was born, and with it began a legacy that continues today.

Style, luxury and innovation are the driving forces behind Mercedes. Not only was it one of the first car manufacturers to put brakes and suspension on all four wheels, but it was also the first to introduce safety crumple zones.

Cars by Mercedes have appeared on the big screen numerous times, from the S-Class used by Jason Statham in The Transporter to escape a gunfight to the 1969 280 SE Convertible driven by Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones's Diary.

See how Mercedes' maintenance costs compare with BMW's and Audi's here.

Diesel particulate filters are crucial because they capture and store exhaust soot to help reduce your car's emissions. Since 2009, all diesel cars have been required to have a DPF.

Passive regeneration is the primary way of keeping a DPF filter clean. It happens when the exhaust reaches a high temperature, typically while on a motorway. However, many cars don't reach this stage often enough, making the DPF clogged.

Find out how to avoid DPF problems in this guide.

When do I need a professional DPF clean? This is a common question. When the filter gets clogged up with soot, a warning light will usually appear on your dashboard, indicating you need to arrange a DPF filter cleaning or replacement. Other signs include black soot coming from your exhaust and decreased fuel efficiency.

To solve this problem, you could look for a garage that will carry out a DPF clean near you or book a mobile DPF cleaning service. Find out how much it's likely to cost in this guide.