BBC Highlights Illegal DPF Removals

BBC’s Inside Out West Midlands programme that aired on 20th October went undercover and found diesel particulate filters (DPFs), are being illegally removed by garages in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are fitted to meet European emission standards and are used to reduce the emission of particulate matter (soot) produced by diesel vehicles.

Cutaway image of diesel particulate filter

The DPF is designed to trap larger soot particles within the filter. As the soot particles build up, the filter requires emptying. The only way to empty the soot is to burn it off at high temperatures - most often when you are driving on a motorway.


If your car is used most often for short journeys, it may not reach the temperatures required to burn off the soot and can lead to a clogged filter.

Some garages have been found to offer a removal of the affected part rather than replacing it as a quick fix; however, a vehicle that is modified in this way no longer meets the emission standards. Not only that, the car owner has now modified the car and must notify the insurer. This modification makes the car illegal and in turn invalidates any insurance cover.

Diesel Particulate Filters and the MOT
Annual MOT tests require an inspection of the condition of the exhaust system and since February 2014, the MOT test includes a check for the presence of a Diesel Particulate Filter if fitted when manufactured. Vehicles will automatically fail the MOT test if a Diesel Particulate Filter which was fitted when manufactured has been removed.

Replacing the removed components and returning the vehicle back to original equipment will be a costly exercise for vehicle owners who took the decision to remove the diesel particulate filter.

It is the car owner's responsibility to ensure this part is in tact.

If you are concerned about your diesel particulate filter, please visit your local Good Garage Scheme member garage for advice.



The Driver and Vehcile Standards Agency (DVSA) say...

The DVSA is aware of an increasing number of businesses offering a service to remove or bypass the DPF. This practice compromises the MOT testing standards and therefore undermines the principle of inspecting their presence. 

Authorised Examiners are responsible to ensure that MOT Testing is carried out to the required standards. Where a Vehicle Testing Station is offering a service which could undermine this (such as removing or bypassing DPFs), DVSA will consider this as bringing the MOT Scheme into disrepute.

Where the scheme is brought into disrepute DVSA may consider taking action to remove the Authorisation if appropriate.

Look Out for Each Other on the Roads

The Good Garage Scheme is supporting the road safety charity, Brake, with this year's week-long campaign to "Look out for each other". 

The campaign focuses on drivers being made aware of the more vulnerable people using the roads.

In this year’s Road Safety Week running from 17-23 November 2014, Brake are particularly calling on drivers to:

• protect people on foot and bike by slowing down to 20 miles per hour in communities
• look longer and take it slow at junctions and bends
• and giving people plenty of room. 

They are also asking everyone to put safety first and be considerate to one another, encouraging people on foot and bike to never take chances, and make sure they can be seen.

Brake are appealing to everyone to show their commitment to care and compassion on roads by making and sharing Brake's Pledge, a pledge to do simple things to protect you and people around you, build happier communities and help them save the planet. It is not a financial commitment but rather a reminder to commitment that drivers and passengers can make to avoid injury and accidents and improve health and the environment.

Visit Brake's website page and make the pledge.

For more information about Brake, visit www.brake.org.uk

Tiff Needell Promotes Good Garage Scheme Winter Check

British racing driver and presenter, Tiff Needell, is once again in the studio today helping the Good Garage Scheme to promote itsWinter Check campaign.

With clocks going back this weekend, it is an ideal time to visit a Good Garage Scheme member to ensure your car is ready for darker days and colder temperatures.

The Good Garage Scheme Winter Check gets your car ready for winter with a 20-point check to assess the condition of tyres, brakes, lights, antifreeze, wiper blades and air bags.

By taking advantage of this seasonal check, motorists will be made aware of any problems with their vehicle and give them the opportunity to make any neccessary repairs.


It is quick and easy to find a garage in your local area offering the Winter Check – simply visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com. Enter your postcode or town name and a list will appear of garages for you to choose from.

Useful Tip: Download the Good Garage Scheme's Free app before you drive this winter so wherever you go in the UK, a garage you trust will never be far away.

Don't get blown away this autumn

Changes in wind speed can affect your driving, but with the latest tips from the leading road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), you can find ways to better prepare for the windy weather – ensuring your drive is as safe as possible.

What’s around the corner?
As you approach a sharp bend, ease off the acceleration. You never know what’s around the corner. Gusts of wind can force large branches to fall onto the road, completely blocking it. Be prepared for any debris that obstructs the road and be ready to make a U-turn and use another route if necessary.

Don’t get blown away
Be aware of other motorists around you as the windy weather can affect both their and your vehicles. Strong winds usually come in gusts blowing motorcycles, lorries and buses from side to side. If you’re driving on the motorway, keep an eye on other vehicles making sure you hold firmly onto your steering wheel to stay in control. Be aware that as you come out from overtaking a lorry, there is likely to be a strong side wind pushing against your vehicle.

Park it right
If possible, avoid parking your car in a bay that is surrounded by trees as high winds can cause large branches and debris to fall on to your car bonnet. Gusts of wind can also force parked cars to shudder, so make sure you fully apply your hand brake before leaving the car. If it’s a manual gearbox leave it in gear – this is very important if you’re parking your car on a slope.

Planned and routed
Last but not least, make sure you plan your route ahead to avoid any disruptions. Narrow roads are more likely to get blocked by fallen trees, branches and wet leaves in the windy weather – it is therefore best to avoid narrow roads and lanes which are exposed to debris.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the IAM for these useful tips and also remind motorists to always ensure your phone is charged before setting off in the car and download the Good Garage Scheme app in case you need to contact a nearby garage for help.

Tyre Safety Month - October 2014

The Good Garage Scheme joins with Tyresafe, one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, in this year's Tyre Safety Month by helping to spread the message about the importance of checking tyres.

courtesy of Tyresafe

According to Tyresafe, more than 1,200 road casualties are caused by illegal, defective or under-flated tyres and after experiencing the wettest winter on record only last year, this year's campaign focusses on tread depth which is essential for safe driving in wet conditions.

Points to remember about tyre tread depth:

• Good tyre tread depth keeps you safer in the wet
• Adequate tread depth reduces your risk of aquaplaning
• Tyre tread depths should be checked at least once a month
• Driving on tyres with illegal tread depth not only reduces your safety but also risks a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre

What you can do

• Check the tyre tread depth using a 20p coin (if you can see the outer edge of the coin, your tyres may be illegal). Carry out this test on all grooves of the tread and on all four tyres.
• If you are unsure, take your car to a local garage you can trust. Find a Good Garage Scheme member near you offering a Winter Check, which includes a tyre check.
• Tyresafe says take a #Tyreselfie and share with friends on social media to help promote Tyre Safety Month

yreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf

yreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf

TyreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf

TyreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf

Good Garage Scheme on DAVE TV

DAVE TV is the 9th largest commercial television channel in the UK and reaches over 24 million adult viewers per month.

Photo courtesy of Lawlor Motor Company, member garage where advert was filmed

The Good Garage Scheme's television advert will once again appear on DAVE TV from Monday, 15th September. The campaign aims to increase awareness of the Good Garage Scheme and how easy it is to find a local garage to trust with car servicing, car repair or MOTs.
The Good Garage Scheme's animated TV Star, Miles Better, will appear on DAVE TV alongside popular programmes such as Top Gear, QI, and Room 101.

To view the ad, simply visit www.goodgaragescheme.com/tv-advert.

It's like having a friend in the know!

Watch out - Little Ones About

In most towns and cities across the UK, schools are back. Motorists have been used to quieter roads but traffic has definitely changed.
This morning on my way to work, there were two separate incidents that were thankfully avoided. One involved two small children holding hands and waving to school friends across the road to their right just as they reached a crossing. Their mother was following closely behind pushing a third child in a pram. Had these two little ones stepped out without looking, they might have caused their mother quite a scare.

Another incident occurred only five minutes from the office. A child was taken to school by car. The driver stayed in the car while the child got out safely on the pavement but then crossed the road behind the car without looking either way. Luckily, I was not travelling more than fifteen miles per hour and my brakes did not let me down, but it was heart-pounding moment.

Small children are excited and do not realise the dangers of the road,  so motorists need to take extra care during this "back to school" season.

Ensure your car's brakes are ready to cope with school traffic and school children new to road safety. Visit your local Good Garage Scheme member and ask a professional's advice.