5 ways to reduce diesel emissions ahead of an MOT check

Author Name – Jack Underwood

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A part of your MOT test, as a way to reduce pollution levels, your diesel vehicle can be failed if your exhaust emissions do not meet a certain set of criteria. Due to the emissions released into the atmosphere by diesel cars, certain limits have been introduced to prevent excessive harmful gases being released.

In May 2018, the MOT emissions test was changed slightly due to increased concern about the environment and the negative effects that diesel emissions can have on the atmosphere. The MOT emissions test inspects the amount of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide that are released. It has been found that in older diesel cars, result in higher levels of diesel emissions.

diesel emissions

In this article, we will be giving you some excellent tips to try and guarantee that you do not fail your MOT check due to the MOT emissions test.

What is the MOT emissions test?

During your MOT check, the MOT tester will have to inspect that the amount of emissions being released does not go over the legal limit. The MOT emissions test rules are as follows:

  • The diesel emissions restrictions must not be exceeded
  • If your car has a diesel particulate filter, this must not have been removed or tampered with in any way.
  • An engine management warning light on your dashboard can point to issues with either the diesel particulate filter. If your engine management warning light is on, this will result in an MOT fail. If you are unsure what an engine management dashboard warning light looks like, please click the following article: The complete guide to car dashboard warning lights.
  • If your exhaust has smoke being released, this will also result in an MOT fail. To find out what the different colours of exhaust smoke means, then please click on the related article below (this information is mentioned in the FAQ section of the exhaust page).

Related: What each colour of exhaust smoke means

Reducing diesel emissions

There are a number of ways that can help reduce diesel emissions. These tips below will a great benefit overall to ensure your car is fit for purpose and also ensuring that during your MOT test, you are able to pass the MOT emissions test.

Regular car servicing

At National Tyres and Autocare, we offer a number of servicing packages. These packages range from an Oil and Filter Service, an Interim Service and also a Full Service. All of the servicing packages provided at your local National Tyres and Autocare branch are not only beneficial for the general maintenance of your car, but these can also help pass the MOT emissions test.

Use premium fuel

Premium fuel is more expensive than your standard diesel however it does an excellent job in reducing diesel emissions. Premium fuel has fewer chemicals which helps your car’s engine run smoothly. With standard diesel, the added chemicals can result in an increase of soot which would clog up your diesel particulate filter. To find out ways to save money on fuel, please click on the related article below.

Related: How to save money on fuel

Install a diesel particulate filter (DPF)

If you have a diesel car which was manufactured after 2011, then you do not need to worry about this one, as you will already have a diesel particulate filter fitted. If you have a car which was manufactured before 2011, it is advised that you have a DPF installed. A diesel particulate filter collects the soot from your exhaust. This will reduce the amount of harmful diesel emissions pumped out into the atmosphere. It is important to note that if you have a diesel particulate filter on your vehicle and you remove or tamper with it, this could result in a fine. To find out more about the diesel particulate filter and how a DPF can be cleaned, please click on the related article below.

Related: Diesel Particulate Filters

Oil checks and changes

It is important to ensure that your engine oil is topped up on a regular basis. This will help keep your diesel emissions low and is great to improve efficiency, as well as ensuring your engine continues to run smoothly. To book in for an oil change at your local National Tyres and Autocare branch, please click on the related article below.

Related: Time for an oil change?

Install a selective catalytic reduction (CSR)

An excellent way to reduce diesel emissions is to install a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) onto your car. The job of the SCR is to convert gases from NoX to either nitrogen or water vapour. This advanced emissions control technology system adds ammonia to the exhaust gases.

If you follow the above instructions, your diesel emissions will be reduced which will give you an excellent chance of passing the MOT emissions test which takes place during your MOT. To find out everything that takes place during an MOT test, please click on the related article below.

Related: What happens in an MOT check?

To book in for an MOT check online at your local National Tyres and Autocare branch. If you are unsure on when your MOT is due, you can use our MOT date checker by clicking the following article: When is my MOT due?

We also offer an MOT reminder service to make sure that you never forget your MOT date. It is vitally important that you do not drive your car without an MOT. This is explained more in the related article below where we discuss driving your car without an MOT.

Related: Can you drive with no MOT?

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