Mot checks are about to change or at least thats what we are being told. Dpf filters have been around for a very long time now and they continue to be a real problem for drivers. When they become blocked which most do at some point there are limited solutions available.

DPF replacement is in most cases extremely expensive and can cost up to £2000, rather concerning on a vehicle with less than 50,000 on it…something we have seen many times.

Dpf removal – its not illegal for us to do this for you but with the proposed changes no longer viable and costing at least £500 to complete with software programming required. Some tuners are claiming to be able to solve this issue whilst leaving the dpf in place. Dig into this a little more and you’ll discover they are drilling holes through your dpf !

May 2018 MOT – Hows this going to effect me and my Diesel vehicle –

Well if you have a dpf fitted to your vehicle and its functioning correctly then you should be ok.  If the dpf has been removed or had a dpf solution completed on it hears what you need to know –

Lets start by looking at the emission levels for different vehicles and whats changing.

Vehicle first used Type Value

1. First used before July 2008 Non-turbo 2.5m-1 or plate value if lower Turbo 3.0m-1 or plate value if lower

2. First used on or after 1 July 2008 All diesels 1.5m-1 or plate value if lower

3. First used on or after 1 January 2014 All diesels 0.7m-1 or plate value if lower

Diesel vehicle emissions

There will be stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The MOT will test vehicles to the manufacturer’s plate value (when present), or a new lower default limit for newer vehicles.

You will get a major fault ( a fail) if the MOT tester

Can see smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust  OR find evidence that the DPF has been tampered with – So lets get this clear…when testing your diesel the revs will be taken to the limiter, that is maximum revs at full throttle on a diesel ! Any visible smoke at all – FAIL

So if your DPF has been removed or modified it quiet likely that you will have an issue when under taking a new MOT.

MOT 2019 and the future

Although the above changes have come into play VOSA continues to focus on this area and new MOT stations will have to invest in emission equipment that creates a direct connection between the vehicles engine management system via the OBD port and VOSA who will be monitoring the vehicles DPF and EGR function !!

BEWARE !!!