What's funny is that the DVLA have emissions limits for each of our cars to pass our MOTs. And at the MOTs they also measure our emissions too. So surely they could use that data to see if our cars are actually compliant?
Take for example my 1994 FTO. I haven't seen the emissions details for years now, since the MOTs have gone paperless and you don't get the readings, but I'm sure my previous paper MOTs had readings that show its less than the readings above. Definitely for CO, but can't remember the others. Might have to try and find some of the old paper MOTs. Fail that, its MOT is due soon so I might just ask them for the readings.
Had to take the the "daily driver" for its MoT today, so asked 'the guy on the desk" about the MoT emission testing. They only give out printouts of the emission readings to the customer if the car has failed the emissions test. When they put the cars reg# into the system, that brings up the test emission max allowed readings for it. He thought that just testing CO for a petrol car, but looking at the web, they are testing both CO & HC. Per the .Gov testers guide I found:
"
Basic Emissions Test procedure (BET)
The basic emissions test is applied to all petrol fuelled vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1992. Despite its name this test is primarily aimed at identifying, and assessing emissions from, vehicles with advanced emissions control systems such as three-way catalytic converters. The test uses EC minimum in service emission limits for modern cars.
For cars subject to this procedure emissions are assessed during two separate tests. As the procedure is more complicated than the non-catalyst test, the emissions analysers include computer software aimed at guiding the Tester through the test sequence. The primary reason for the introduction of these meters is to ensure that the car is tested accurately.
The first test consists of checking the emissions at ’fast-idle speed’ which involves running the engine at a speed of 2500 - 3000 rpm. During this test the emissions of CO and HC will be checked and a further check will be made on the lambda value. The second test consists of a check of emissions at ‘normal idle speed’ in which the engine will idle between 450 and 1500rpm, but in this case only the CO emissions are assessed.
The emissions limits to be met are specified for both the fast and normal idle tests. At fast idle, CO must be at or less than 0.2%, HC at or less than 200 parts per million (ppm), and the lambda value must be between 0.97 and 1.03. At normal idle, CO must be at or less than 0.3%.
Where these limits are not met, a check will be made to identify vehicles (e.g. those without a catalyst) which should only be required to meet the non-catalyst emissions check requirements. If the vehicle does not fall into this category then the analyser will automatically schedule an extended emissions test using the values quoted in Table 1 or Table 2 and the listings in the Annex in this booklet"
Bit confusing that above CO and HC figures are %/Volume or PPM, whereas the Euro 4 limits are g/km? Guide has at end listing of cars, including Corvette LS1, showing their fast & normal idle emission/lambda figures. Doesn't list a FTO in the list of Mitsubishi cars.
