Compliance with the legislation requires fitting diesel particulate filters, which can be prone to clogging up when engaged in short-distance urban work. Watts said this would spark caution in the used market due to the “invisible” nature of the damage, which could require operators to fork out for expensive repairs or replacement parts. Trade buyers, Watts warned, would factor in the risk of having to deal with a clogged filter when bidding for used Euro5 vans.
“The problem will mostly emerge in low-speed, short-distance operating cycles, typically undertaken in large conurbations,” said Watts.
“This could become even more of a problem for future owners since operational radius tends to reduce in the secondary market,” he added.
Watts said most manufacturers fit a dashboard warning light to alert drivers of the need to prevent blockage. This can be achieved by driving the vehicle at speed for a minimum time period until the filter reaches operating temperature and burns off particulate filters.
Watts said the used trade should ensure vehicle documentation is complete, especially where a filter has
been replaced, and warned
that repairs may not be covered by warranty.
