The digital home for independent garages Issue 4, October 2020
Common VAG synchronous belt drive issues
Garages “very unlikely� to be affected by track and trace regulations Opinion: Black hole to follow autumn's increased MOT demand
Opinion: Not all cars are obviously electric
It’s better to go all inclusive.
LuK RepSet clutch kits contain everything you need to carry out a professional repair, all in genuine OE quality. They also come with a bonus points coupon that you can redeem for technical know-how, tools and POS on REPXPERT, Schaeffler’s website and app knowledge base for workshop technicians. All components are precision matched to work together and ensure a fast and efficient installation, so you can save time, effort and money by getting it right first time - every time. Don’t risk your reputation by using mis-matched clutch parts - for a completely professional repair fit LuK. www.repxpert.co.uk | www.schaeffler.co.uk/aftermarket |
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Garages “very unlikely” to be affected by track and trace regulations Black hole to follow autumn's increased MOT demand Common VAG synchronous belt drive issues Not all cars are obviously electric
12 13 15 17
News in brief......................... 5
BRAND NEWS ........................ 19
Gone to the polls ................ 9
Products and services ..... 22
TECH TIPS ............................. 15
EXCELLENCE in every blade
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4
NEWS IN BRIEF
UK car parc is “older than ever� despite push towards electric vehicles Cars aged 13 or over have tripled in volume in past 25 years
Half the time the newer vehicles aren't that reliable as they've made them more complex. Ashley Burton on Facebook.
Cars over 13 years old accounted for one-in-five vehicles on the road in 2019 In 1994 they accounted for just over one in 20 cars Average car age increased from 6.7 years to 8.3 years
FULL STORY 5
NEWS IN BRIEF
Sales ban on new internal combustion engine cars to be brought forward to 2030
Boris Johnson expected to officially announce move this autumn
We need a fullyfunded strategy that mandates a massive investment in infrastructure. Mike Hawes, SMMT.
Ban to include hybrid and plug-in hybrid models Plans reported to be publicised in September but a rise in COVID cases pushed it back Industry, charging infrastructure and consumers won’t be ready, critics say
FULL STORY 6
NEWS IN BRIEF
DVSA staff to wear ‘bodycams’ during garage visits New cameras to reduce physical and verbal assaults We take a zerotolerance approach to physical and verbal assaults and the bodycams will act as a deterrent. Marian Kitson, DVSA.
Cameras to be rolled out across the country Will be worn by DVSA staff when visiting MOT test stations Follows a 25 per cent increase in assault incidents recorded in 2019/20
FULL STORY 7
NEWS IN BRIEF
New legislation ensures UK aftermarket gets continued data access via OBD port
Vehicle manufacturers obliged to keep OBD port open for repair and maintenance information’ This is a huge step in the right direction for the independent automotive aftermarket. Wendy Williamson, IAAF.
Type Approval guarantees the OBD port to remain open for repair and maintenance Data must be made available in an electronically processable format Follows years of IAAF campaigning
FULL STORY 8
GONE TO THE POLLS
Garage recruitment
38% say it’s getting harder to find the right people
57% say it’s always been a challenge
4% say it’s never been easier
Expert view “The supply of highly skilled vehicle technicians is low, but demand is high, and this is set to intensify over the coming months. “Those skilled technicians who are in the market will see their value increase as a result. “Those who say they are finding it harder to recruit now could be reflecting the current situation. “But it could also be indicative of the depleting pool of vehicle technicians who are adequately trained to deal with the new breed of vehicles which are now coming through the garage market for servicing.” - Autotech Recruit.
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COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS The IGA is supporting independent garages through the COVID-19 pandemic. Find everything you need to fight the virus at: IndependentGarageAssociation.co.uk
Call us for more information on:
IndependentGarageAssociation.co.uk
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GONE TO THE POLLS
NHS track and trace QR code
33% have one displayed in the garage
56% don’t have one displayed
11% don’t know what it is
What you need to know New UK government regulations rolled out on Friday 18 September which requires designated businesses and organisations, close contact services and leisure venues, to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Track and Trace
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HOT TOPICS
Garages “very unlikely� to be affected by new track and trace regulations GW Views gets the answers to your questions Independents can choose to display NHS QR code but are not required to do so
Garages not required to keep records of visiting customers
DVSA also confirmed latest restrictions do not currently affect MOT test stations
The automotive sector is not directly named in the latest guidance. Bill Fennell, The Motor Ombudsman.
FULL STORY 12
ANDY PARSONS OPINION
A black hole is set to follow autumn's increased MOT demand
GW columnist Andy Parsons considers his options as MOT demand nears its peak
Increasing MOT capacity would be at the detriment of service and repair work.
FULL STORY 13
Dayco Thermostats.
The right temperature, in the shortest possible time
Dayco presents its new range of Thermostats. Designed and manufactured to meet the most stringent OEM specifications. Dayco Thermostats guarantee reduced fuel consumption, emissions, wear and tear.
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TECH TIPS
Watch: How to replace Ford Fiesta FAG wheel bearings Step-by-step video guide talks technicians through the process
FULL STORY
Everything you need to know about rubber to metal mounts Methods of suppressing vehicle vibration explained
FULL STORY
Common VAG synchronous belt drive issues resolved by Gates engineers Problems don’t arise where techs use lug to position tensioner and stick to correct tension setting cycle
FULL STORY 15
SOLUTIONS MADE IN GERMANY
Your No.1 for:
Steering & Suspension
Rubber-Metal
Engine Management
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Drivetrain
Engine Thermal Management
Engine Components
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Wheel Fastening
Body & Interior
Specialist Tools
febi PLUS
www.febi.com
16
AARON PHILLIPS OPINION
Not all cars are obviously electric Aaron Phillips introduces the world's first Teslapowered Ferrari
You can’t deny the amazing level of engineering that has gone into this build.
FULL STORY 17
Our quality is clear to see. Advanced ball pin treatment
for increased resistance to corrosion and wear
3 Micro-sealing lips
perfectly adapting to the ball-pin contour
Unique transparent TPU boot material
advanced UV and contamination resistance quantity and quality of OE specification grease clearly visible
Market leading surface technology 10Âľm Zinc flake coating
FOR OPTIMUM SAFETY, RELIABILITY AND DURABILITY
Genuine OE quality ancillaries
Exclusive heat protection plating
FAG has been renowned for quality and innovation for over 130 years, so you just know that our brand new steering & suspension range will be something special. All components have a market leading zinc-flake coating, and we also use wear and corrosion resistant boots made from clear TPU, so you can clearly see the OE specification grease within each joint. In fact, every single part has been designed to OE specifications, before it is then produced using the very latest exacting Schaeffler material and manufacturing quality standards. www.repxpert.co.uk | www.schaeffler.co.uk/aftermarket |
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BRAND NEWS
Schaeffler announces rear wheel steering partnership with Bosch Intelligent mechatronic steering delivers improved ride comfort and efficiency
FULL STORY
Scammers targeting garages with fraudulent government calls Fraudsters known to be using Government Legal Department general enquiry number
FULL STORY 19
500 MILLION* MILES That’s the amount of miles driven on Monroe® shocks worldwide - daily. Global vehicle manufacturers demand nothing less than the best for their latest models. That’s why so many choose Monroe.
OESpectrum
Monroe. Driven by quality and innovation since 1916.
Calculation based on Monroe’s OE and Aftermarket shock absorber production and the average miles driven.
*
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BRAND NEWS
Dayco adds 40 new parts to range Belt and tensioner kits, auxiliary belt and thermostat amount latest references to be introduced
FULL STORY
TRICO Group renamed as First Brands Group New identity comes as group acquires two US manufacturing companies
FULL STORY 21
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
New garage management system from LKQ Euro Car Parts Haynes Pro data calculates prices and schedules jobs
MORE DETAILS
FROM: LKQ Euro Car Parts
Bendix and Girling braking system sockets Suitable for Citroën, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall, Opel and Smart braking systems MORE
DETAILS
FROM: Laser Tools
Carbon Clean machines from £29 a week Generate additional revenue with engine cleaning services
MORE DETAILS
FROM: Carbon clean 22
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