BM Catalysts offers technicians helping hand with technical downloads

With growing pressure to reduce emissions, BM Catalysts, Europe’s leading manufacturer of aftermarket catalytic converters, DPFs and front pipes, is urging the entire supply chain to ‘play their part’ in helping to clean up the automotive aftermarket by offering digital resources such as downloadable technical information and advice.

BM Catalysts recognises the importance of having access to the appropriate support and guidance when it comes to selecting and fitting the correct and appropriate parts.

This dedicated section on its website features free downloadable technical posters, specially designed for vehicle technicians and its wider customer base.

The posters were created to give people a greater understanding of how catalytic converters and DPFs work, and feature information about what they are, what materials they are made from and what can go wrong. The posters also include general tips on caring for emissions control devices.

There is also information on Euro levels and the relevant legislation and guidance around emissions, offering technicians specialist advice on ensuring the correct part is used for the Euro level of the vehicle.

BM Catalysts understands that the cataloguing of aftermarket parts can be complex, and that many consumers remain unaware of the Euro level of their vehicle. As some catalytic converters and DPFs may look physically identical to one another, the aftermarket needs to be aware of this information, as they can be very different in terms of what they are legally approved to fit.

Managing director, Toby Massey, believes the spotlight is on the entire supply chain: “The message is loud and clear from the authorities that manufacturers, parts distributors and garages have an important role to play in ensuring the products they supply and fit are legal. Ignorance is not an excuse, and the market needs to be properly educated on areas such as type approval in order for it to remain compliant.”

“Poor quality catalytic converters can still pass an MOT and mistakes can happen through the entire supply chain. Legislatively, it’s very complex and this brings about exploitation of the rules and unfair competitive advantages.”

“The regulators also need greater powers to have illegal items removed. It’s a growing problem and so greater enforcement, combined with greater communication and co-operation, will help raise standards, assist the market and deter others from breaking the rules.”

Catalytic converters are required to pass strict emissions testing procedures as part of the type approval process before they can be sold. These tests ensure that the relevant emission standard is met, thereby reducing the vehicle’s impact on air quality and health.

During the type approval process a replacement catalytic converter is tested on a representative vehicle that is compatible for that type of catalytic converter. The tailpipe emissions are measured and are compared to that of an original catalytic converter. The replacement must also meet any relevant durability, noise and vehicle performance requirements in order to gain approval.

BM Catalysts is working with distributors and workshops to ensure the automotive aftermarket supply chain is better informed over type approval legislation and the important role they can play in its enforcement, for the benefit of the entire sector.

The technical posters from BM Catalysts are available to download directly from the website here.