Larbert garage mechanic offering top tips to motorists via national magazine column

Barry Lawson of Ewan Lawson Motors in Central Park Avenue, is making national headlines in the industry thanks to his skills as a mechanic and specialist in all things to do with faulty and blocked diesel particulate filters (DPF).

While he can be found with his head under a bonnet during the working day, in the evening Barry turns to writing his latest column for Autotechnician Magazine in which he takes readers through a vehicle case study, from problem to solution.

He said: “A few years ago I was looking to build on my DPF expertise and knowledge and that of Ewan Lawson Motors as a whole so I approached Darren Darling, who is the founder of The DPF Doctor Network.

“I joined his network, threw myself into the training and really built up our expertise as DPF specialists, running alongside our day-to-day vehicle servicing, repairs and MOT services. We have not looked back since and are proud members to this day.

“Last year, after contributing to several automotive publications, I was approached by Autotechnician Magazine and asked if I would become their regular columnist, sharing my experience on diesel and DPF issues. I jumped at the chance!”

Keen to share his DPF know-how with customers, Barry added: “The pandemic has brought DPF problems to the fore with vehicles bearing the brunt of short journey driving, plus weeks of sitting on driveways.

“What we’re finding in most cases is that the problems are down to failed regeneration. Short journeys usually mean that the conditions for regenerating a DPF are not being met.

“This causes the soot content to build up and block it. So, once we have sorted out a blocked DPF, we speak to our customer about their driving patterns and what they can do to prevent the problem reoccurring.

“For example, keep the fuel level above one quarter of a tank and if you’re using your vehicle in the main for short journeys schedule in a 30-40-mile drive at 60-70mph to allow regeneration to take place.

“The DPF is a self-cleaning filter so most people are advised to blast it up the motorway or drive it hard. This isn’t necessary. Steady driving is fine.”

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