Euro 7 Explained
Euro 7 Explained
Table of Contents
Euro 7 Explained
Eric Roberts’ Motoring News
What Euro 7 Means for Motorists – A Yorkshire Garage Owner Explains
If you’ve read anything about new cars recently, you’ve probably come across something called Euro 7.
Like many Government regulations, it sounds rather complicated. There are lots of technical terms, references to emissions and new standards, and before long most motorists simply switch off.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be difficult to understand.
After almost sixty years working in the motor trade, I’ve learnt that most drivers only want to know one thing:
“How does this affect me?”
So, let’s put the technical jargon to one side and look at what Euro 7 really means for motorists here in Halifax, Calderdale and across the UK.
I Remember When…Euro 7 Explained
When I first entered the motor trade during the 1960s, life was much simpler.
There were no catalytic converters.
No diesel particulate filters.
No AdBlue systems.
No engine management computers.
Most of us judged an engine by how smoothly it ran, how much smoke came from the exhaust and whether it started on a cold Yorkshire morning!
Back then, nobody talked about emissions legislation.
Cars were reliable enough for their day, but they produced far more pollution than modern vehicles ever could.
During my career I’ve watched every major change in vehicle technology.
We’ve seen unleaded petrol replace leaded fuel, catalytic converters become compulsory, electronic fuel injection replace carburettors, diesel particulate filters appear and now the rapid growth of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Each new development seemed complicated when it first arrived.
Today, most of us hardly give it a second thought.
So, What Exactly Is Euro 7?
Euro 7 is the latest set of European vehicle emissions standards.
Its purpose is simple.
To make new vehicles cleaner and reduce harmful pollutants entering the atmosphere.
Unlike earlier emissions standards, Euro 7 doesn’t just focus on exhaust gases.
It also looks at pollution created by brake wear and tyre wear, areas that are becoming increasingly important as vehicles become heavier.
The overall aim is cleaner air, particularly in our towns and cities.
Will Euro 7 Affect My Current Car? Euro 7 Explained
This is probably the question I hear most often.
The answer is reassuring.
No.
If you already own a petrol or diesel car, Euro 7 does not suddenly make it illegal.
Your vehicle will continue to be tested under the current MOT regulations.
There are no plans for motorists to replace perfectly good vehicles simply because a newer emissions standard has been introduced.
That should put many people’s minds at rest.
New Cars Will Become Even Cleaner
Manufacturers have spent billions of pounds developing cleaner engines.
Modern petrol engines produce only a fraction of the emissions generated by cars I worked on during my apprenticeship.
The same applies to diesel vehicles.
Today’s engines are cleaner, quieter and considerably more economical.
Euro 7 simply encourages manufacturers to continue improving.
It isn’t about making life difficult for motorists.
It’s about encouraging cleaner technology.
Will Cars Become More Expensive? Euro 7 Explained
Probably.
Whenever manufacturers introduce new technology, it inevitably increases production costs.
Additional sensors, improved emissions systems and more sophisticated electronics all cost money.
Unfortunately, some of those costs are passed on to the customer.
That has happened throughout my lifetime in the motor trade.
However, many of these improvements also make vehicles cleaner, safer and often more economical to run.
What Does This Mean for Garages?
The motor trade never stands still.
At Pellon Tyres we’ve seen huge changes over the years.
When I first started, most repairs involved spanners, screwdrivers and experience.
Today we use sophisticated diagnostic equipment capable of communicating with dozens of electronic control units inside modern vehicles.
Garages must continually invest in:
- Better diagnostic equipment.
- Technician training.
- Updated workshop tools.
- New lifting equipment.
- Electric vehicle safety equipment.
The learning never stops.
That’s one reason why I still enjoy this industry after almost sixty years.
Every year brings something new.
Electric Cars Are Part of the Picture
One interesting aspect of Euro 7 is that it also considers electric vehicles.
Many people assume electric cars produce no pollution whatsoever.
While they don’t have exhaust emissions, they still produce tiny particles through tyre wear and brake wear.
As electric vehicles become heavier because of their batteries, manufacturers continue developing tyres that last longer and create less particulate matter.
This is another reason why tyre technology continues evolving so rapidly.
Looking After Your Vehicle
Whatever emissions standard your car was built to meet, regular maintenance remains the best investment.
Simple servicing helps engines perform efficiently.
Correct tyre pressures reduce fuel consumption.
Wheel alignment reduces tyre wear.
Regular oil changes help engines last longer.
These are things motorists can control.
At Pellon Tyres we always encourage preventative maintenance rather than waiting for problems to appear.
It usually saves money in the long run.
My Thoughts After Six Decades
One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that motorists often worry whenever new regulations are introduced.
I remember similar concerns when catalytic converters first appeared.
Then came ABS brakes.
Airbags.
Electronic stability control.
Tyre pressure monitoring systems.
Each new development seemed expensive and unfamiliar.
Today we simply accept them as normal.
I suspect Euro 7 will follow exactly the same path.
Eric’s Verdict
From where I’m standing, Euro 7 is another step in the continuing evolution of the motor car.
Technology will continue changing.
Garages will continue learning.
Manufacturers will continue improving.
For motorists, the most important thing remains exactly the same as it has always been.
Look after your vehicle.
Service it regularly.
Check your tyres.
Have your MOT carried out on time.
If you do those simple things, your car will almost certainly reward you with many years of reliable motoring.
Here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we’ve been helping motorists through every major change in the motor industry for more than three decades.
Whether your vehicle is an older family hatchback or the very latest electric model, our aim remains unchanged.
To offer honest advice, quality workmanship and friendly Yorkshire service that keeps you safely on the road.