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Bridgestone First-With AA Rated Tyre-Followed by Pirelli Tyres

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Bridgestone First

Bridgestone First tyres and Michelin AA Ratings

This is a great achievement. Hence, in the race to become the first AA rated tyre. In the new European tyre ratings system. Thus, to give more information to consumers. For the reason, regarding the performance ratings of each individual tyres that are made. The new Bridgestone tyres are produced in Japan. So, were the first to receive a Bridgestone First on Japans coveted rating of AAA .Therefore, and will be released in Europe at the beginning of October.

The first Bridgestone First to be made was the 195/65R15 H rated tyre. The new rating is for grip on wet roads. Hence, for the road noise or lack of it. This is measured in decibels. Importantly, to show how quite the tyre is on all types of road surface. The new tyres are also very light in weight. So, will compliment the new EV cars that are now on the market. Bridgestone First tyres have made the new tyre lighter. Thus, to help reduce the weight of these new EV cars. Naturally for greener performance and lower emissions. This is in line with all the major tyre companies. Hence, to make tyre more lighter and also give them much better rolling resistance. Therefore reduce emissions.

Bridgestone First tyres will start to label all the tyres. That they produce from this July(the official date is October) but Bridgestone will be ahead of this target. More information about the new tyre labelling scheme. 

One of Bridgestones senior executives a Mr Frank Annunziato said” We are extremely proud of that fact that Bridgestone Car Tyres became one of the first companies which have declared release on the European market of tyres with the rating“ AA ”.

Bridgestone First tyres are followed by Pirelli, Kumho and Hankook tyres with AA ratings

Other new tyres that will be coming to the market place. These are Pirelli tyres with the new “Cinturato P7 Blue” this tyre also has a AA rating. Released, in the spring of next year (2013) they will be followed by my other favourite  tyre manufacturers Kumho tyres and Hankook tyres of Korea.

Michelin have also established a AA rating on some of their products which I will cover on another article. Lastly, please click the links bellow for more information about this product.

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European Union Car Servicing-2010 E.U. Rules about garage working practices?

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To bring this post forward to 2020, then we are at the beginning and the end of Britain being in the European Union.

European Union Car Servicing; Equality was the key word for car servicing

European Union Car Servicing rules were up for renewal in May 2010. The standards were all about setting out the rules. Consequently, to take into account the huge amount of trade competition. Of course, in the automotive industry markets for the way that a fair distribution of new motor vehicles. Including, technology and their prospective replacement parts, and for the fair provisions for the car servicing (Car Service Costs). Repair and maintenance sectors of the common market. This is part of the scheme to protect smaller auto companies. Subsequently, from getting unfairly treated regarding the flow of information freely. Of course, from the car makers to the rest of the car sector.

The markets for competition for new cars was thought to be healthy in the new car sector. But the garage repair and for spare parts distribution was not as intense. This is meant a danger to motorists who could be harmed by anti-competitive practices. Importantly, that would push up repair bills. The car servicing and garage Repair industry are very valuable for motorists if it was not for the EU rule the price of car servicing would go sky high, as much as 40% (predicted by the EU)

Many motorists are already feeling the effect of increasing car servicing and repair costs

Because of rising oil costs and the existing recession. So they are more price-sensitive. Tending to own much older cars that need more regular car servicing. The EU have put in place a much stricter set of rules. Governing these automotive markets that will make it easier to enforce the new regulations. One of the problems that were a specific issue. Of course, was that car makers were holding back technical information. Not releasing some of the specific parts to the aftermarket. Including, also refusing to honour car warranties. Because motorists were having their vehicles repaired at independent garages. Not the main dealers where the cars were bought.

Independent garage facilities and repairers are very important. Because they give a better choice to motorists. Keeping the cost of services and repairs very competitive. So, by placing pressure on the car manufacturers, Including, main dealers and authorized repair networks. Independent service centre has been set up to give the independent garages a nationwide service to their customers, one of the best being Unipart Car Care Centres (UCCC) for short.

It is also very important that garages can get the technical information necessary

Of course, to do the repairs and carry out the work on increasingly sophisticated cars with increasing amounts of equipment, due to stricter emission and greener controls, this to me is what is not happening, we at Pellon auto centre here in Halifax are forever coming across new fault codes in the engine management systems that our machines can not correct, because the car manufacturers have so called updated them, they are always moving the gate posts to try to outfox us and our computers. Most garages are buying new diagnostic machines and computer-based analytic equipment that can plug into the database of most cars computer systems. Because of the new European Union Car Servicing directive, the majority of new cars coming onto the market will be able to be serviced at independent garages and auto centres.

The other European Union Car Servicing rules are the parts used in servicing are compatible with the manufacturers and main dealer components, for example, an oil filter must be of the same quality as a manufactures oil filter. This is now carried out at most independent garages, we always use equal quality parts or we use parts from the main dealers themselves, most service parts are actually made by the same company that supplies the car manufacturers, a good example is LUK clutches. They make clutches both for the replacement market and the car makers.

Are the new rules working for the car servicing sector ?

 The new rules will help to enforce the competition for the independent garage, auto centre, and parts outlets. They are designed to help create a level playing field between the replacement car section and the car manufacturers, which will help drive down the cost of servicing the community of Europe and the UK.

This ruling is now two years old and although things appear to be going to plan, the speed of the development of EV cars is outstripping the rules on sharing the technology from the manufacturers. One example is the advent of the Li-On batteries fitted to the electric cars. These batteries are now Leased to the car owners when they buy a new car. Is this how the car makers are going to get around the European Union Car Servicing laws, in my opinion I think it is ?.

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BMW Mini Brakes-must have regular servicing for your safety

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BMW Mini Brakes

BMW Mini Brakes How your Mini brakes work

 With millions of the new BMW Minis driving about on today’s roads it is worth thinking about your Brakes. When did you last think about your cars stopping ability.

Just think about your brakes, when speeding down the motorway. If you have a soft top Just imagine the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. This is the type of feeling that you get when you are at peace with the world and your Mini Cooper s driving like never before. Feels great, doesn’t it? This time, imagine having to slam on the anchors as a car hurtles towards you on the wrong side of the road, then finding out that your cars do not work. Now that would be a bad thing to happen, but if your BMW Mini Brakes were serviced regularly then you would have no problem stopping your Mini and carrying on with your journey.

Over the years and in particularly recent times the cars braking system has been continually up dated and modified. The modern BMW Mini Brakes system has now become extremely dependable,I can remember when years ago cars were always having problems with faulty brakes, in fact the brakes were one of the parts that failed the most, but with modern cars such as the new Minis, the braking systems have been developed by the manufacturers with some of the development coming from motor-sport.

BMW Mini Brakes

The BMW Mini Brakes system generally consists of disks all round. The front and the rear brakes are usually discs and pads. The brakes are connected by a system of low pressure metal pipes. Hence, from the rear and the front discs and wheels to the “Master cylinder”. For this reason, the system also includes the hand stop mechanism or (parking brakes). Consequently, the anti-lock system that most cars have these days.

When you apply the BMW Mini Brakes pedal. Thus, to stop or slow down you car. The pedal operates a plunger that applies pressure. Thus, to the fluid that is in your brake pipes. Of course, then to the master cylinder. The pressure from the pedal is then spread to the other wheels by the master cylinder. It is important that your master cylinder is topped up to the correct level, because it is impossible to stop your car without brake fluid in the cylinder at the correct level.

When you apply the foot pedal to stop your car, the pressure is spread out throughout all of your brake pipe system, and when the pressure is released then the pressure goes back to normal and the brake pads are released so that you can drive your Mini normally. These are some of the reasons that it is important to have your brakes serviced at a reputable Autocentre and by using manufactures approved parts, your car will be safe to drive in all weather conditions and will stop when you want it to stop, not an extra ten feet further on than you wanted to be.

BMW Mini Brakes

If there are air bubbles in the brake fluid your Mini will not stop efficiently. Air bubbles are caused by a leak in the braking system. When the fluid leaks then the leak allows air to  penetrate your brake system.    

 This can be detected on a brake inspection or on the floor where you park your Mini. You will see a small patch of what looks like oil on the floor where you park your car. If you see this, then please have your brakes checked as soon as possible, it could very serious and perhaps lead to a total loss of your brakes.
In Halifax we offer a complete Free brake check on all models of car, and we love Minis.

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Michelin Tyre Policy Saves Money-MD Transport chooses Michelin | HGV UK.com

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Michelin Tyre Policy Saves Money

Michelin Tyre Policy Saves Money

This claim does not surprise me? Michelin have always been the world leaders in truck tyre management. Hence, my experience in truck tyres goes back about forty years. Of course, most tyre dealers know about the quality of the Michelin truck tyre casings. When the original tyre wears down to the limit, then the old tyre is used for re-treading. Michelin tyres are perfect for the job. They were then and they are now. So by using the Michelin system then these trucking companies can not lose.

Leicester-based bulk aggregate haulier BMD Transport has cut its monthly tyre bill by 25 per cent after switching to a Michelin policy. The family-run company reported the savings soon after switch…

Source: BMD Transport chooses Michelin | HGV UK.com

Of course going forward then Michelin are still number one! Especially when it comes to the quality and performance of their truck tyre range. So, even when the tyres wear down to the legal limit them the truck tyres casing is still regarded as the number one to be re-treaded. Importantly, other brands can only come a close second. Of course other truck tyre manufacturers are getting close? I am thinking perhaps of Bridgestone tyres.

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Runflat Tyres Are-Safer-When a rapid tyre de-flation happens on your car

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Runflat Tyres Are-Safer

So what do runflat tyres actually do ?

In general, many of my customers complain. Especially, when they have to buy their first replacement runflat tyres. Customers, simply do not understand how these tyres have evolved during the past 10 years of car design. Consequently,its all linked with green house gasses and your cars emissions.

Runflat Tyres Are-Safer and also help to reduce the overall weight of your car. Of course, this is done by not having a spare wheel, jack or wheel brace. So, which reduces the overall weight of the car thus making your car more fuel efficient.

No spare wheel reduces weight

Also the fact that you do not have a spare wheel gives you more space in the boot and as stated a lighter load. The runflat tyres are also made from less materials than the conventional tyres. Which also makes them more environmentally friendly.

As far as tyre performance is concerned the BMW Run Flat Tyres are just the same as the conventional tyres. Providing all the benefits of the modern performance tyres. Predominantly, the main difference is that when your car has a puncture while you are out driving.

Then the runflat tyre will not deflate giving your car normal handling and cornering. Therefore reducing the risk of an accident with other road users. So, in other words Runflat Tyres Are-Safer . This is especially important say if you were in the fast lane of the motorway when the puncture occurred. Your normal tyre would instantly deflate making your car very unstable and possibly causing a bad accident, in fact figures show that tyres cause a large percentage of motor related accidents, and the runflat tyres are a big improvement on the accident figures, enabling the driver to keep a straight line when a puncture occurs in one of the runflats. .

These new runflat tyres systems were originally created to keep drivers safe

Because punctures and blow-outs can be dangerous.Accounting  for a large majority of fatal accidents on the road. Apart from safety, a flat tyre can be a real inconvenience. Adding time and cost and sometimes embarrassment to your journey. Changing a tyre is fairly straightforward. But it often occurs at the most inopportune moment. Frighteningly, getting stuck on the side of a motorway.Especially, in the pouring rain with noisy kids in the back seat is really no fun at all! And trying to change a tyre on the hard shoulder can be dangerous in itself, or even impossible if you are disabled or elderly, in fact many drivers have to call out the rescue services to change the wheel for them,

But the drivers with runflat tyres and tpms systems do not have to put up with this

Of course, once the tyre warning light comes on in the cab, they can safely tootle home or carry on with their journey,(all be it at 50 mph, which is the recommended speed once you have a flat on your runflat tyres).

Runflat Tyres Are-Safer;Any vehicle fitted with runflat tyres

should also include a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) this will show you whether you tyre pressure has been lost, this is because without this the loss of pressure in your tyres will not be noticed

Of course, Runflat tyres are meant to maintain there speed, handling and smoothness of driving. Particularly, when a puncture occurs. Indeed, even when driving on a motorway. A TPMS is essential to alert the driver to a loss in tyre pressure. To be sure it will indeed becoming part of the MOT test in the near future. Your TPMS works from either a sensor in your wheel , which is usually a special valve or from the cars ABS braking system.

Almost all of the Worlds leading tyre companies Bridgestone Run Flat Tyres make runflat tyres including Continental and Goodyear, cheap tyres can be bought online, but I recommend that you stick to the make that you have on the car at the moment or as a good cheaper alternative we recommend General  tyres.

Since first writing this post, the the runflat tyre has increased in the popularity of the car manufacturers.

However the public still begrudge paying for them. Consequently, these tyres are now fitted as original equipment to smaller car models. So, the problem start when the cars become second hand and start to need new tyres.

Fortunately,  runflat tyres are now available in “budget tyre” brands. One of the most popular tyre sizes is 205/55R16. Of course this is also a runflat tyre size as well as a conventional radial tyre size. Significantly, this size is available in several brands. Including, the 205/55R16 WINMAX EURUS63 91V RFT at £67 fitted. Chinese tyre manufacturer Jinyu also make the Jinyu YU63 economy runflat tyre range.

So these advancements have helped with the motoring expenses of the not so well off drivers with smaller cars.

There is no doubt now in my mind. hence that these runflat tyres are indeed a great safety feature. Especially when driving on our extremely congested motorway system. Only the other week a poor motorist had a tyre blowout on the M6 motorway. I know because I was caught up in the massive tailback.

Subsequently, it was a lady driver with a very flat tyre caught in the fast lane with a tyre blowout. She looked terrified as the traffic began to back up and during the vehicles recovery. So, I just could not help thinking that if she had runflat tyres fitted then she would have been able to limp the car off the motorway and home. Albeit at 50 MPH. Expressly, these tyres do save lives and get drivers home safely.

mot test-Online Bookings on Increase

MOT Closure Killer Blow-MOT extension will have “huge impact” on independent garages, warns IGA

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MOT Closure Killer Blow

There is no doubt that the Governments latest attack on the Coronavirus will make it very difficult for some small independent garages to remain open!  MOT Tests are the life blood of most garage enterprises since they were introduced in 1960.

Garages have evolved around the testing system. Because they are a legal commitment and we have to adhere to strict rules and legislation surrounding vehicle safety. Of course having to enable us to work everything else around the MOT system. In my opinion the government have just blown all our hard work in front of our faces.

From the first of April then all car and van tests will be extended for a six month period. In my opinion this is just a kick in the teeth to the safety of your vehicle.

I do only hope that no one has an accident due to the failure of something that would have been pickup up on the MOT test. I think this is a thoughtless act by yet another member of government that does not know what they are doing.

The attached article is well worth a read ?

Eric Roberts

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is raising concerns to the government about the huge impact of extending MOTs for six months. Whilst supporting the government’s measures to control the spread of the coronavirus, the IGA does

Source: MOT extension will have “huge impact” on independent garages, warns IGA – Garagewire

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Kia Clutch Failure-After examining the car needed a Duel-Mass Flywheel

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Clutch Failure Problems

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Kia Clutch Failure ;These days a clutch is not that simple

During any normal working week. We may get price inquiries for customers. Especially, with a Clutch Repair Estimates for their car. Some of our customers are just wanting a price from us so that they know

what to budget for. Hence, and other people are shopping around for the best price.

As a business we find it difficult to pitch the correct price. Because a Kia Clutch Failure is much different to say pricing up a tyre. The prices can vary a great deal. Between say the different qualities that garages use. We know that we could get reconditioned clutches for most car models.

But we prefer to use the best quality clutches available. Because many of the original equipment clutches are made LUK clutches . Therefore, we prefer to use them, As it happens, if we cannot get LUK then we go for original equipment clutches. We find that in the long run. We never get any come backs with the better products. Therefore, we certainly do not want to be having to do a clutch job twice. Because of a faulty product. Life’s to hard as it is.

Also we are finding that a lot of modern cars are now fitted with duel-mass flywheels, these were invented by LUK in coordination with BMW in Germany, because the diesel cars were very jumpy when changing gear and BMW wanted a smoother gear change.

Clutch Failure

So this system of different springs on a separate flywheel that fitted between the original flywheel and the clutch plate was invented. Many of the other leading car makers have now taken this option up, but it means much higher repair bills for consumers when their Kia Clutch Failure happens, because usually the duel-mass flywheel goes as well, but we dont know until we have stripped the car down to the clutch. A case in point is a job that we have just done on a Kia. The total job timed at seven hours came to well over a thousand pounds, where an older conventional clutch would have been about £280.

This is the reason why it is difficult to give an exact figure when pricing up a clutch for a customer.

Please click on to the link bellow for more clutch information

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Bald Tyres-and Rain Soaked Roads = AQUAPLANING

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Bald Tyres

Bald Tyres-Change your tyres at 3 mm to avoid aquaplaning

As we all know, then this has been one of the wettest days of the year here in the UK. I say this because when I was driving along the M62 motorway I noticed that many parts of the motorway were flooded and had large areas of standing water. On all the carriageways. This meant one thing to me “AQUAPLANING”.

Unfortunately, we know in the tyre industry. That many motorists are putting off buying new replacement tyres. All our sales figures are down. So the mixture of bald tyres on these very wet roads is a disaster waiting to happen. As I am writing this blog some motorists will be experiencing aquaplaning when driving along the motorway at speed with no tread left on their tyres, as I say this is a disaster waithttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/tyre-wear/ing to happen and it will happen, “mark my word”

What is aquaplaning on Bald Tyres ?

Of course, aquaplaning is a word that became synonymous with a Goodyear Tyres advert in the 1970s. Now becoming a very important word. Because of our changing climate and faster roads with increasing traffic numbers. Aquaplaning, means that your wheel loses contact with road surface. In affect, due to a thin layer of water between the tyre and the road surface.

The driver loses control of his car very often causing an accident. Certainly, a good tyre with more than 3 mm of remaining tread. Of course, will push the water away as the car drives through the water at speed.  Giving good grip and safer driving  conditions. All the leading  manufacturers design their tyres with aquaplaning (Driving in Wet Weather) as one of the main aspects of design.

Michelin  have even developed a system called “the anti-surf system” to enable their products to give maximum grip when going through areas of static water on the roads, this system is built into the Michelin Pilot sports 3. This tyre has also got added shoulder design to help push the water away and help delay the onset of aquaplaning.

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How Brake Pads Work-Understand What your BRAKE PADS Do

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How Brake Pads Work

How Brake Pads Work

Here at Pellon Autocentre we use top quality brake parts. Because it gives us peace of mind that we are fitting a top class product .Knowing that our customers wont have problems with their new brake pads.

There to stop your car !

Your brake pads are one of the most important part of your cars braking system. Because, they are the component that makes contact to the discs. Applying, the pressure and friction to your cars brake discs. Of course, this is the pressure and friction that is applied to the brake discs.

Slowing and stopping your vehicle. Once your brakes are applied. At this instance, the pressure from the master cylinder stops the wheels from turning and your vehicle stops. The role of How Brake Pads Work is really very simple, but the construction of the brake pads is not.

Did you know that Brake pads were once made out of asbestos !

So, asbestos was used to make brake pads. Especially, in my younger days when I was an apprentice mechanic. But because of the cancer causing materials in the pads. Urgently, then new compounds had to be developed. Nowadays brake pads are made from a mixture of different compounds. Including, metallic shavings or non-metallic, organic materials. Depending on the manufacturers own compound mixes.

The brake pads are compressed onto your brake discs when you press the brake pedal. The discs are fitted directly to the wheel hubs and the axle, on applying the brake pads friction is forced upon the disc causing the wheels to slow and then stop depending on the pressure applied to the pedal. The discs work in unison with the brake pads in order to stop your vehicle.

When will I need new brake pads or discs?

There are many different warning signs that your vehicle will give you before your brakes may reach the point of potential failure or extensive repair. The first thing to say is that you should always have your car regularly serviced, including your braking system. This will stop problems before they occur.

Here’s some other things that you should look out for.

Watch out for your brake warning light coming on when you are driving?

Check or have your garage check your brake fluid level?
Do you hear a grinding sound or a squealing sound when you apply the brake pedal?
Any feeling of a vibration or some sponginess in the brake pedal when it is pressed?
Does your vehicle steer or pull to one side when you apply your brakes?

All these symptoms are the most common signs that are a potential brake system hazard ! Problems and they should be looked at immediately. Of course, they have the potential to cause a lethal accident. Brakes are there to stop your car and they should not be treated lightly. In a word, if you have them inspected at regular intervals you will reduce the chances of future safety problems.

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Exhaust Systems Explained-What does your Car Exhaust System (Muffler) DO ?

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 Exhaust Systems Explained

To most of our customers, the exhaust system is just something that hangs underneath their car and when it breaks it makes a loud noise and costs a lot of money to replace. Well the

second part is true they do now cost a lot of money to replace, especially if you include the catalytic converter in with the price.

The first thing that your exhaust does is to transfer the gases produced by your engine from the front of the car (the engine) to the rear of the car, expelling the gases into the atmosphere. In the olden days pre-emission testing days, the gases were a high pollutant, but now because of the new car technology, cars produce far less toxic gases than they used to.

The exhaust system usually comprises of three or four different parts depending on the model and engine size of the car.

They start at the front of the car with the catalytic converter, which is connected via a normal piece of pipe to one or two silencer boxes and sometimes a piece of chrome pipe to add a finish as the exhaust system leaves the underneath of your car. The catalytic converter reduces the amount of CO2 gases that leave the engine, by filtering the gases through micro porous ceramic honey comb type structures, the emissions are monitored through lambda sensors that are screwed into the cat and send messages to the on board computer that all modern cars have.

The rest of the exhaust is pretty simple in comparison to the cat. The exhaust system boxes are filled with a fibreglass type material that quietens the sound made by the engine. In the USA, these are called “mufflers” because put simply they muffle or quieten the sound as it enters the box. Exhaust systems are probably one of the few things that differ in quality, a cheap exhaust system will probably only last for about 18 months, but a much better system say one that is made by a company called “Bosal” will last up to four times, because of the superior quality of the metals used in the making of the parts.

What can go wrong with your exhaust system? 

 

Well starting at the front. So ,a big problem is from the gasket that bolts your exhaust system to the engine. This gasket can become worn and deteriorate. Because of the high temperature omitted by the engine. When this happens the noise will be deafening! But they are not usually difficult to fix. The next problem is just common old rust.

The complete Car Exhaust system is attacked by rust. Hence, from the day that the car hits the road. Also to add to this is salt. Especially here in the UK where we use in Winter in great quantities. Eventually, the rust will attack the most vulnerable parts of the exhaust and a piece will fall off. Stainless steel exhaust system is the only cure for this problem. However, they cost two or three times the price of mild steel systems in the first place. So they are not always a viable alternative. For a free no obligation quote on a catalytic converter or exhaust system checks  out our web site if you have Catalytic Converter Problems.

Exhaust Systems Explained; A modern diesel exhaust system come s with a diesel particulate filter DPF