HOT TOPICS
The news that got you talking in 2016 GW rounds up the biggest stories of the year FROM fast fit blunders to DVSA apologies and reassurances, not to mention Brexit and all of the uncertainties the referendum result continues to bring, 2016 has been an eventful year. In April, the Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned research to better detect DPF removal by measuring exhaust fumes and any findings could be implemented as part of changes to the Roadworthiness Directive, which is scheduled to be introduced in 2017-18. A possible crackdown on DPF removals prompted a mixed reaction among independent garages. Commenting on GW, an anonymous reader said: “It’s about time something was done to put a stop to all these people removing the DPF. “They are there for a reason.” However, not all welcomed the DfT investigation and many raised questions about the very effectiveness of the filters.
“...will we no longer be able to work on cars under warranty?” Tom Martin in Cumbria said: “During a DPF regeneration, which burns the collected particles periodically, it releases a finer material which is absorbed into the blood stream. “In highly congested areas such as Manchester and London this would logically lead to an increase in blood poisoning related deaths thereby merely reducing deaths in one area to another area. “Surely the DfT and government should be looking into this rather than railroading the
14
Have your say on the news
News update: DPF removals The DfT has reconfirmed that it is investigating new methods of detecting the presence of particulate filters. The department told GW that: “Further research is required to ensure potential methods accurately determine a pass or fail. “Changes will be introduced into the MOT – there is a revised Roadworthiness Directive coming into force from May 2017.”
utilisation of DPF systems with promises of reduced deaths, tax breaks and a cleaner, safer environment.” Another reader, Martin said: “They still fail even with cars that have been serviced properly, and had the DPF fluid done as well and at the cost of £500-£1000 for a quality DPF, a lot of people can’t afford that sort of cost.”
Aftermarket reacts to Brexit IT IS of course June’s surprise Brexit vote that has got everyone talking, with many GW readers raising concerns about the future of Block Exemption regulations in the UK. To keep a competitive car maintenance market, European regulations renewed in 2010 ensured consumers do not have to get their cars serviced by a main dealer during a vehicle’s warranty period. It meant that independent garages in the UK have been able to service a customer’s car without affecting its warranty, as long as manufacturers’ recommended service schedules are followed and the parts used are OE parts or of matching quality. GW reader, Neil Gibbs of Dartmoor Garages Ltd in Newton Abbot, Devon asked: “What’s going to happen with Block Exemption then when we come out, will we no longer be able to work on cars under warranty?” For some garage owners, such as reader Steve Long, concerns for the future of Block Exemption are “unnecessary” because the UK is now “free to improve regulations”. He added: “Out of the EU we can keep or improve block exemption rules because it will be