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. If it is missing, then the vehicle will fail the test.
The current test only examines emissions, but technicians will have to check that the filter is still present. What we don’t yet know is if this includes modified units. For example, many companies gut the internals, but the original DPF remains. We guess 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. Many responsible owners have chosen to have the DPF removed from their car while using a combustion catalyst to reduce 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 undergoing a regeneration cycle? What is coming out of the exhaust?!
Then there are 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 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 who has had the filter removed would require a new one put back on their car 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. While 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, we advise using a product with an active combustion catalyst such as Oilsyn Diesel Race DNA or Archoil AR6900-D to lower the emissions. The result is lower HCs than 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 advice or help, please don’t hesitate to contact us and either I or a member of my team will be pleased to help.
