Diesel polution-is it worse for cyclists?

[GGJ]

I know a number of owners who have had their VW software updated, apparently it makes no difference to the fuel consumption or running. So why did VW even bother tampering with it in the first place?

 

[classic33]

I'm kind of reluctant to dive into this since it's both an emotive subject and a complex one I'm not really able to do justice. That said: I don't think boiling the issue down to diesel = pollution and petrol = planet friendly is helpful or accurate.

I've tried to wrap my head around the issue of petrol and diesel engine emissions but once you look outside of alarming (or alarmist?) newspaper headlines it's hard to find consensus.

Particulates are often mentioned with regard to diesel but my understanding is that modern petrol cars actually have higher particulate emissions thanks to the filters in modern diesels. I have also seen it mentioned that the particulates from petrol engines are smaller and therefore harder for your body to deal with.

Diesels do emit NOx but is it worse than the CO emitted by petrol engines? What about in a few years time when adblue systems which remove NOx from the exhaust are the norm thanks to Euro6?

I don't mean to present the above as hard fact since, as I said, it's hard to find consensus. Just some food for thought.

Search for the required filter size to keep the particulates out. Industry standards.

 

[Grant Fondo]

I know a number of owners who have had their VW software updated, apparently it makes no difference to the fuel consumption or running. So why did VW even bother tampering with it in the first place?

It cheated emissions testing machines and was illegal.

 

[Drago]

I know a number of owners who have had their VW software updated, apparently it makes no difference to the fuel consumption or running. So why did VW even bother tampering with it in the first place?

Because it made the cars compliant with an emissions test that they would otherwise have failed, or else gave it a better 'pass' than it might otherwise have earned, thus qualifying for lower taxation in many markets.

In essence, the cars were able to detect when being subjected to an emissions test, and then invoked a special clean running program. In normal driving the program makes no difference, so recalling cars to have it deleted is a pointless and hollow gesture.

 

[classic33]

This is the tailpipe on one of my diesel cars fitted with a DPF, it's cleaner than a clean thing on a clean day

Another diesel I have fitted with a DPF is always covered in black soot
Both vehicles cause problems when being MOT'd as the emissions testing machine cannot find any trace of gasses

I'd say the machine wants testing, if it can't find these
http://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/fuels-environment/emissions

 

[Drago]

Both vehicles cause problems when being MOT'd as the emissions testing machine cannot find any trace of gasses

The diesel MOT test only for soot by measuring the opacity of the fumes. Unlike the petrol, emissions test it does not test any gases.

My own petrol Kia had a new exhaust late Spring this year. Almost 12 years old and it is similarly shiny inside the exhaust but I don't use it at all for short journeys.

 

[raleighnut]

If only someone could develop a vehicle propelled by its passenger(s) that didn't use fossil fuel and had the highest efficiency of any mechanical device they could be on to a winner.

 

[raleighnut]

Mind you starting some Diesel engines can be a bit 'tricky',


View: https://youtu.be/zMcp8HDn47E

 

[Grant Fondo]

If only someone could develop a vehicle propelled by its passenger(s) that didn't use fossil fuel and had the highest efficiency of any mechanical device they could be on to a winner.

Well said....i am sure VWs do that as well and reduce global warming to boot

 

[classic33]

If only someone could develop a vehicle propelled by its passenger(s) that didn't use fossil fuel and had the highest efficiency of any mechanical device they could be on to a winner.

Something like these maybe! Or

 

[Red17]

Looks like they (evening standard) have decided cycling and jogging in traffic is bad again today

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/heal...increases-risk-of-heart-failure-a3417796.html


Pretty vague and inconclusive article up to the ES usual standards.

 

[Lozz360]

Aren't diesels better than petrol for global warming? Global warming is about as long term a problem as there is surely?

Yes. From what I understand diesel engines means less CO2 than petrol so better for keeping the ozone layer intact. On the other hand, diesel engines mean more sooty deposits than petrol so worse if you are at street level breathing the fumes.

 

[Drago]

CO2 is a weak greenhouse gas, it does not affect ozone. Chlorofluorocarbons damage the ozone layer.

 

[Johnno260]

For city commuters is there any kind of pollution mask they can wear?

Not ideal in hotter weather, but given the potential health risks I know what I would prefer.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

For city commuters is there any kind of pollution mask they can wear?

Not ideal in hotter weather, but given the potential health risks I know what I would prefer.

You've really fallen for the clickbait article, haven't you?

Cycling is still healthier than driving: it's the motorists who should be wearing the masks.