Dealers and fleet operators are being warned that new Euro 5 emissions rules may impact resale values and running costs. Vans most at risk will be those which are used for short-distance urban work, where particulate filters can be susceptible to clogging.
Compliance with the new Euro 5 emissions legislation relies in part on the use of diesel particulate filters and this will pose problems for some owners. The filters will easily clog under the typical conditions faced in large cities meaning expensive repairs and replacements. This is expected to spark caution in the future used van market and trade buyers will factor in the risk of a clogged particulate filter when determining the price they will pay for a used Euro 5 van. There are also fears that cheap van insurance could be more difficult to find on vans affected by the emissions ruling.
John Watts, a spokesman for CAP, who are a leading vehicle data and valuation service, said “Many diesel particulate filters require specific drive cycles in order to remain working efficiently. These filters need to reach a certain operating temperature before effectively reducing particulate emissions, but if this is not achieved they can become prone to clogging. This problem will mostly emerge in low speed, short distance operating cycles, typically undertaken in large conurbations. This type of operating environment could become even more of a problem for future owners since operational radius tends to reduce in the secondary market.”
Most manufacturers issue guidelines about preventing total blockage, advising owners to drive the van at speed for a minimum time period. Doing this allows the filter to reach operating temperature so that it can burn off the carbon particulates. CAP’s view is that used van buyers need to be aware of the need for a filter that functions properly and that problems may not be routinely covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. A way to avoid the unnecessary and unwanted costs is to lease a van under a contract hire agreement, with full maintenance included. This not only protects the company from unforeseen maintenance costs, it also protects from any future value decline.
Tags: cheap van insurance, Euro 5 emissions rules, Fleet operators, legislations