The MOT test for diesel vehicles is changing from February 2014. All diesel cars originally fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) must have the DPF in place and operational during the MOT test. It if is missing then the vehicle will fail the test.
The current test only examines emissions but now technicians will have to check the filter is still present too. What we don’t yet know is if this includes modified units? For example, many companies just gut the internals but the original DPF remains. Our guess is that the vehicle would still pass on the visual inspection.
Some claim that removal is illegal citing that it contravenes the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulation 61 A, as it no longer meets emission standards applied to it when new. However, this is not always the case as there is growing evidence that DPF removal can lower emissions and even the hydrocarbon count. There are also many responsible owners that have chosen the have the DPF removed on their car whilst using a combustion catalyst to lower HCs further. The result is an engine that outputs less HC than when it had the original DPF fitted. Besides, have you ever been driving behind a diesel car that is going through a regeneration cycle? What is coming out the exhaust?!
Then there is the substantial power MPG increases to be had.
The Minister for roads, Robert Goodwill quoted: “I am very concerned that vehicles are being modified in a way that is clearly detrimental to people’s health and undoes the hard work car manufacturers have taken to improve emissions standards.
“This change to the MOT tests makes it clear – if you have this filter removed from your car it will fail the test.”
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport told us that anyone that has had the filter removed will now have to a new one put back on their car in order to pass their next MOT test.
Ignorance is bliss. What is our view? As a responsible company we want to see emissions reduced. We achieve this every day with specialist fuel modification technologies. Whilst we accept and agree that DPF removal can increase hydrocarbon output it is not always the case. When a customer with a blocked DPF approaches us for help we give them the options, the pros and cons of each, so that they can make an informed decision. In-tank DPF cleaner versus Professional DPF clean versus DPF removal etc. If opting for removal then we advise the use of a combustion catalyst such AR6200 to lower the emissions. The result is lower HCs that before, additional power, improved MPG and no more black smoke from regular regeneration cycles.
Unfortunately this choice has now been taken away from the consumer, which is a shame for those that modify emissions control components in a responsible way.
If you require any expert advice or help then please don’t hesitate to contact us and either I or a member of my team will be pleased to help.
