Parts, Tools & Tips

Sealey introduces a range of engine carbon and DPF cleaners for garages considering a new revenue stream this autumn, to reduce emissions, improve performance, increase vehicle life and even eliminate engine fault codes. The HHO Engine Carbon Cleaner, Model No. CC230V, uses Oxy hydrogen, created by the electrolysis of water, which is fed into the air inlet of a running vehicle, increasing the temperature within the combustion chamber and removing excess carbon build-up. Sealey says that immediate results are noticeable and the machine can be left in a well-ventilated area to perform the engine clean without supervision. Its customers are increasing revenue of up to £99+VAT per job, which can take anywhere up to an hour, depending on the severity and engine size. No additives are needed and the running costs are minimal.

As demand for MOT’s is set to double this autumn, NTK, the vehicle electronics arm of NGK Spark Plugs, will increase the level of reward points for Lambda Sensors throughout September and October in its garage reward programme, BoxClever from 100 to 1,000 points per sensor.

Mark Hallam, NGK Marketing Manager, said: “It is estimated that over 140,000 vehicles will fail the emissions element of the MOT test in October alone. We anticipate an increase in demand for MOT’s and a subsequent increase in demand for our Lambda Sensors this autumn.”

Textar has launched a conical adapter ring set to improve runout measurements as even small deviations from VM tolerances, such as 0.05mm, can lead to vibrations that cause noise and/or brake judder. The experts at braking manufacturer TMD Friction, say that although most garages are aware of this and routinely measure runout, the proportion of motorists who complain about juddering brakes is relatively high and measurement errors are often the cause. Even the most precise runout gauge cannot provide accurate values if the disc behaves differently during measurement and this is because of how the brake disc fits on the hub. The hub is only fixed in place by the mounted wheel. However, the wheel must be dismantled for the runout measurement.

If the wheel bolts are screwed in without the rim, they are almost always too long to provide a firm hold. Garages often use nuts as spacers but this has two disadvantages: Firstly, most wheel bolts have a conical collar so a uniform holding force cannot be applied even when tightened crosswise and, secondly, the contact surface of the disc bell can be damaged when using steel nuts. This can provide an unrealistic measurement result with low tolerances.

Textar’s conical adapter rings serve as both spacers and holders for the wheel bolt collar. Thomas Beier, Product Manager at TMD Friction, said: “During our test series with our adapter rings, we found that when the brake disc is bolted crosswise and a torque of 80 Nm is applied, meaningful measurement values are obtained. During measurement, the brake disc then behaves as if it were being held by the wheel.” The stainless steel Textar adapter rings (Art. No. TEX1038) are offered as a set of 10 rings. A complete axle can be measured using these rings and a precise runout gauge (Art. No. TEX1028) is also available. A detailed description can be found online at www.brakebook.com.

Scott Irwin, head of technical training at Textar, discusses how important it is to acquire accurate runout measurements here https://autotechnician.co.uk/

Blue Print’s brake friction range now includes more than 3,400 components for Asian and European vehicle applications, covering over 98% of all popular cars on European roads year 2000 and onwards for brake discs and pads. The components are developed and manufactured to meet OE specifications and to be direct replacements and backed by a 3-year manufacturer guarantee. A complete overview of its braking components can be found at partsfinder.bilsteingroup.com.

NETWORK URGES GARAGES TO SEIZE POST-PANDEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Eurorepar Car Service, the PSA-backed garage network, is urging independent operators to capitalise on the growing online market, stating the pandemic has served as a giant magnifying glass for all industries, exposing weaknesses, inefficiencies and outmoded ways of working.

Many vehicles are now suffering the effects of underuse and maintenance neglect and motorists are increasingly searching for a local reputable garage online.

Adrian Mossop, Head of Network & Business Development, said, “For those garages that have ridden out the Covid-19 storm, there awaits a deluge of vehicles in desperate need of care and attention. There is also a new customer base that has become more accustomed to conducting its business online, expecting responsive service and ultimate convenience. There is now an opportunity for savvy garages to not only reconnect with existing customers, but to tap into a whole new demographic and generate new business.”

“Those garages that intensify their focus on marketing to make themselves more visible will reap the most rewards”, continues Mossop. “That doesn’t mean simply placing a quarter-page advert in your local magazine or newspaper. It means ensuring quick responses to reviews on social media;

Total Lubricants has introduced new colours, labels and a more ergonomic design for the entire range of TOTAL and ELF lubricants. New labelling, designed to look like a dashboard, displays the viscosity, manufacturer approvals and a QR code that can be used to confirm the product’s authenticity. Total’s Chris Wall says: “We have changed packaging and added a spout to our bottles to make it easier to fill. Also, the box sizes have changed because customers preferred a

smaller number of 1 litres, so you can now get 12 in a box.”

making sure that you have a professional, intuitive website that works on all devices; having a presence on a reliable work provision platform and ensuring that your signage and branding on-site makes you stand out from the crowd.” Joining a garage network is one way of achieving this and Eurorepar Car Service members retain their independence and remain completely in control of their own destiny, while gaining local marketing and PR support, the support of network partners and affiliates, business training and technical support.

Yuasa is encouraging garages to introduce a simple battery check as part of their MOT and service schedules to identify if the vehicle’s battery has been damaged due to reduced usage during lockdown. DVSA figures estimate that only 2.1 million MOTs were carried out in April and May, compared with 7.1 million over the same period last year. The backlog, expected to peak in October, will mean garages across the UK see an unprecedented number of vehicles over the coming months. A study, led by the battery manufacturer, estimates that roughly one in ten vehicles that enter a workshop require a replacement battery – a figure that it expects is now much higher due to the extended period of reduced usage the UK experienced through lockdown. Yet workshops rarely check the battery health to identify its condition. Typically, a battery check, which takes less than a minute to complete, can be carried out before any service work is undertaken, or can easily be incorporated into the MOT process while battery security is checked. The customer can then be informed if a replacement is required and a new battery fitted. Checking the battery on all vehicles seen, especially given the current circumstances, not only serves to improve customer service, but can also provide significant additional revenue through battery recharging or replacement. Over the past few years, thousands of garages and workshops have increased their revenue by joining Yuasa’s ‘Always Check

AUGUST NEW TO RANGE ADDITIONS

Dayco continues to add relevant components into its range to ensure workshops have the parts they need, when they need them, and a further 40 new references are now available.

With the growing popularity of auxiliary belt kits, which alongside the belt, contain all the rigid components (tensioners and idlers) necessary to complete a full system replacement, 12 new part numbers make up the bulk of the additions.

KPV403 is a belt and tensioner kit for several Ford applications using the 1.5 & 1.6-litre TDCi unit from 2010- 19, including the C-MAX II, Focus III, Kuga II and Mondeo V,

KPV406 for the popular Transit 2.4 TDCi from 2000-10, and

KPV408 for the 1.5 & 1.6 TDCi Fiesta VI from 2012-17.

Kits are also available for the Mercedes Sprinter 3.0-litre from 2018, Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DIG from 2013-17 and

Renault Captur 1.2 TCe over the same period, and KPV580 for BMW 3 Series 2.0d from 2007-13 and 3.0d from 2005-13.

There is also thermostat DT1292V for the 2.0 litre diesel and 1.4-litre petrol Jeep Renegade from 2014-18.

The supplier says that despite the practices of some aftermarket suppliers, original equipment auxiliary belts are specifically designed to conform to very strict dimensions The Battery’ scheme. To ensure garages and workshops are ready for the demand, Yuasa are providing complete workshop battery testing kits, including a GS Yuasa battery tester, for just £40 + VAT at www.yuasa.co.uk/testkit.

USB smart button giveaway

Yuasa are giving workshops a free USB smart button that plugs into a device’s USB port and when pushed, heads straight to Yuasa’s trade battery lookup site. To claim a free button, technicians should visit fit.yuasa.com/smartbutton and enter their details.

Powered by GS Yuasa’s database, the site is designed to find the exact battery on every occasion and once the correct battery is found on fit.yuasa.com, users can download detailed fitting information, including the battery location on the vehicle, accurate fitting times and the location of the OBD, if appropriate. Although the system can quickly lookup batteries via vehicle licence plate or VIN, an effective alternative is the crossreference tool. This allows mechanics to cross reference OEM

and competitor part numbers to the equivalent Yuasa battery.

so where replacement belts of a more generic rather than vehicle specific size have been fitted, failures have occurred. All of the auxiliary belts in Dayco’s aftermarket programme are manufactured to vehicle specific VM specifications in terms of both its dimensions and construction.