Despite recent criticism, diesel-fuelled vehicles are still commanding nearly 50% of the market share with Andy Eastlake, Managing Director of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, believing that they are “still probably the best choice for long-distance, high mileage drivers.”
Eastlake also believes that diesel vehicles are not inherently “dirty”, but “it is the implementation of the after-treatment on diesel vehicles that has not been successful and has not delivered what we want.”
Don’t despair if you have a diesel fleet. A study published in 2014 produced evidence that diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and other after-treatment systems can reduce polluting emissions from diesel engines by around 95%*.
Foxwood Diesel, an expert in diesel bus and coach engine repair, also sells products in its online shop that can ensure your fleet runs are cleanly as possible.
Forté Diesel Particulate Filter and Cleaner and Regenerator provides passive regeneration of the Diesel Particulate Filters, reducing soot emissions, and also improving the stability of the filter system. It has been specifically formulated to combat the adverse effects that stop/start driving has on the filter in diesel engines. This cleaner uses a catalyst to stick to the soot particles during combustion, lowering the temperature at which they burn, helping to regenerate the filter, especially in cases where exhaust temperatures are low, like in stop and go and city traffic associated with many bus routes.
It is recommended that Forté DPF Cleaner and Regenerator should be used at regular service intervals in conjunction with Forté Advanced Formula Diesel Treatment.
Ken Worsdale, Managing Director of Foxwood diesel, said: “The negative press surrounding diesel engines could lead to panic and worry amongst fleet managers. Bus and coach fleets tend to be older so don’t benefit from the pollution reducing technology now fitted to new diesel vehicles. However, you can still manage the emissions of older diesel vehicles by ensuring they follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. You could also consider retrofitting diesel particulate filters.”
Transport for London has announced that it will work with bus operators and suppliers to reduce air pollution by installing diesel particulate filters and selective catalyst reduction equipment on 5000 buses.
If your fleet has Diesel Particulate Filters installed, ensure they continue to work effectively with regular cleaning. Priced at only £14.70, Forté Diesel Particulate Filter and Cleaner and Regenerator can be ordered from the Foxwood Diesel’s website and delivery is normally within 24 hours.
For more information on the services Foxwood Diesel offers, please visit here.
*Fiebig, M., Wiartalla, A., Holderbaum, B., Sebastian, K. (2014) ‘Particulate emissions from diesel engines: correlation between engine technology and emissions’, Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology
