By the end of 2025, diesel car owners in Greece are set to encounter significant changes. The authorities are ramping up their oversight of particulate filters (DPF) in diesel vehicles, and these developments could saddle many drivers with sudden and substantial expenses.
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is an essential part of diesel cars. Its function is to trap harmful particles generated during the combustion of engine oil. When working properly, the DPF plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution and safeguarding public health. However, over time, DPFs can become clogged. When this happens, they require cleaning or replacement. The cost of replacing a DPF filter varies depending on the vehicle model, ranging anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 euros. This high expense has unfortunately led some vehicle owners to remove the filters. Such actions, though, have led to a spike in pollutant emissions, taking a toll on the environment.
KTEO’s New Stringent Measures
Until now, the verification and monitoring of DPFs in KTEO (the specific agency in Greece dealing with vehicle inspections) mainly relied on visual checks. This method had its flaws, as it allowed some vehicles with non – functional filters to pass technical tests. But according to the latest announcement, all KTEO stations across Greece will be equipped with dedicated measuring machines by the end of 2025. These machines will be used to assess the proper functioning of DPFs. As a result, vehicles with non – functional particulate filters will fail the passability test, leaving their owners with no choice but to repair or replace the filters.
This new control mechanism is expected to impose sudden and hefty costs on diesel vehicle owners. The expense of replacing or repairing a DPF can range from several hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the vehicle’s model and the condition of the filter. Moreover, failing the KTEO inspection can lead to fines and restrictions on vehicle usage.
What Vehicle Owners Should Do
Diesel vehicle owners are urged to check the condition of their DPFs regularly. When necessary, they should clean, repair, or replace the filters. Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems and higher costs down the line. Additionally, complying with the new requirements is not only about avoiding fines; it also contributes to reducing air pollution, which is especially vital in urban areas with high pollution levels.
In Greece, while there is no official data on the exact number of diesel vehicles with non – functional particulate filters (DPF), estimates suggest that it represents a large portion of the vehicle fleet. The main reason behind this is the exorbitant cost of replacing or repairing the DPF. This has led many owners to remove the filters, consequently increasing pollutant emissions and further polluting the atmosphere.
Greece is not alone in grappling with this issue. For example, a study in Brussels found that around 5% of the particulate matter concentrations in tested Euro 5b and Euro 6 diesel vehicles exceeded the limit, indicating that the DPFs had either malfunctioned or been removed. Despite being a small percentage of the total vehicles tested, these cars accounted for over 90% of the total particulate matter emissions, highlighting the severity of the problem. In Greece, the total number of diesel vehicles is estimated to be slightly over 600,000. As the deadline of 2025 approaches, diesel car owners in Greece will need to take action to avoid the financial and regulatory consequences of non – compliant DPFs.
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