AutoTorque Magazine December 2023

VO I C E T O T H E M O T O R T R A D E

DECEMBER 2023

Region 1 Keeps Wheels Turning for the NHS Valeo’s revolutionary clutch technology HELLA and TMD Friction agree on complete takeover by HELLA

THE COMPLETE FUEL AND EXHAUST SYSTEM CLEANER. FUEL TANK

EGR VALVES

INJECTORS

DPF/PPF

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

COMBUSTION CHAMBER

OXYGEN SENSORS

INTAKE VALVES

CATACLEAN 5L

WORKSHOP INCLUDING FREE MEASURING JUG

Each container is the equivalent of 10 Cataclean 500ml treatments that can be measured out using the free Cataclean measuring jug.

Available at any GSF branch 2

Valeo’s revolutionary clutch technology

HELLA and TMD Friction agree on complete takeover by HELLA Region 1 Keeps Wheels Turning for the NHS

GSF volunteer team bring the smiles at Speed Of Sight track day

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Industry news..................................................................... 5 GSF latest........................................................................... 15 Servicesure summary....................................................... 17 Brand news...................................................................... 23 Branch bulletin................................................................. 28

OE EXPERTISE FROM HELLA.

6484 6598 HELLA OE Full Page Advert.indd 1

21/12/2022 01/03/2023 15:35 16:09

The home of digital marketing subscription enquiries please e-mail

stuart.woolley@garagewire.co.uk 4

L AT E S T I N D U S T RY N E W S

London garage fined after customer is crushed by car The Health and Safety Executive says the man is "lucky to be alive"

FULL STORY

5

EMBRACE THE EVOLUTION WITH

BRAKE PADS

BY DELPHI

Choose the Aftermarket partner who’s here to help you keep ahead, today and tomorrow.

Experience instant friction with the new Delphi EV brake pads. With anti noise, dust & vibration technology, and created using durable, eco-friendly materials, you’re guaranteed exceptional braking peformance straight from the box.

Partner with Delphi

delphiaftermarket.com

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L AT E S T I N D U S T RY N E W S

Arnott Suspension Products Awarded Premier Data Supplier Status with TecDoc® The title is awarded to data suppliers who meet TecDoc® highest quality standards for product data.

FULL STORY

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Rubber compound made from over 80% natural, renewable or recycled materials Packed in a 90% recycled & 100% cardboard packaging Manufactured & packed in France to limit transportation & CO2 emissions Specified by Valeo to ensure a Premium Wiping Performance

* Our product is more sustainable thanks to increased use of natural, recycled or renewable materials. More details on valeocanopy.com

Innovation for more sustainability*

valeocanopy.com

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L AT E S T I N D U S T RY N E W S

Like-for-like replacement components are the most reliable and cost-effective solution, reminds HELLA The combined effects of the coronavirus pandemic, supply issues and the war in Ukraine, have all contributed to the decline in new car registrations, the rise in second-hand values and the increasing age of the vehicle parc.

However, key to reliability when a service or repair part has to be replaced, is the quality of the component fitted, and that’s where workshops fitting HELLA components can assure their customers that they not only have the best in terms of original equipment (OE) quality, it’s also a cost-effective replacement solution.

Alongside the requirement to ensure their vehicle’s reliability, because of the world’s collective responsibilities towards the environment and to reduce greenhouse gases, as well as being able to adhere to stricter MoT emissions tests, motorists also need to keep vehicles running as efficiently as possible to provide them with the best return in terms of fuel economy, which comes as a direct result of compliance with these emission targets.

Workshops therefore have a huge part to play in ensuring these standards are met, so the onus is on them to fit replacement engine management parts of matching specifications to the OE components fitted by the vehicle manufacturers and with HELLA, they have just such a solution.

mass sensors, EGR valves, fuel feed units and pumps, cam and crankshaft sensors and ignition coils, plus speed and wheel speed sensors, also feature in its aftermarket programme.

Naturally, the correct diagnosis of the reason why an engine management component needs to be replaced is vital, but the replacement part’s suitability and conformity with OE performance standards should also be a fundamental consideration.

From its centrally located warehouse in Oxfordshire, HELLA supplies its customers with these and many other products, which are available for next day delivery and provide workshops with premium quality replacement components that are designed to fit first time, and perform to the same exacting standards as the vehicle’s original fitment.

As many will already be aware, HELLA is a trusted OE supplier of a multitude of electronic components, not only for engine management, but for chassis, comfort and safety systems as well.

These products, which include air

For more information concerning electronic components or any other HELLA aftermarket products, please contact the sales team on 01295 662400 or email hella.sales@hella.com

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BUILT STRONGER LAST LONGER

*

*Limitations apply. See Monroe.com for details.

10

L AT E S T I N D U S T RY N E W S

BGA Launch Rocker Cover Product Range BGA is launching Rocker Covers with a strong focus on delivering complete solutions. This product perfectly complements their vast range of Engine Parts and fits well with BGA’s experience in high-quality plastic products like thermostat housings and sump pans.

•

19 references available off the shelf with plans to extend the range to 63 references by the end of the year.

•

Supplied with the relevant seals and gaskets.

•

Enhances our engine offer - your one stop quality engine parts supplier.

BGA uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) parameters and tolerances as the mandatory

MINIMUM requirements to pass quality controls – meaning that our parts will match and often surpass OE quality levels.

FULL STORY

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Intelligent Automotive Chemistry.

TÜV Approved automotive chemicals incorporating the latest advances in nano technology and blended to outperform all rivals. Independently tested and certified.

A new generation of High Performance Additives & System Cleaners.

Explore the full range at

www.powatec.eu

logo pa updated_AllWhite.pdf

1

02/11/2015

14:32

Distributed in the UK by

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L AT E S T I N D U S T RY N E W S

Valeo’s revolutionary clutch technology The clutch is an integral part of a manual transmission system. It facilitates the smooth and efficient transfer of power from the engine to the transmission, allowing for the precise control of vehicle speed and acceleration.

FULL STORY

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Want to see better at night?

Upgrade to XENARC® NIGHT BREAKER® LASER! Brighter light can help make it easier to drive safely at night.

Upgrade your vision with OSRAM’s premium performance xenon replacement bulbs. XENARC ® NIGHT BREAKER ® LASER - the most powerful xenon light from OSRAM, with up to 220% more brightness1) and a 3-year guarantee2).

- More light allows drivers to see further and therefore react sooner - Better visibility - Modern look - Fit OSRAM quality for customer satisfaction

Available at www.gsfcarparts.com for home delivery only.

OSR66140XNN-HCB OSR66240XNN-HCB OSR66340XNN-HCB OSR66440XNN-HCB

1) Compared to minimum ECE R98/R99 requirements, for D3S and D4S only. 2) Visit osram.com/am-guarantee for precise conditions.

www.osram.co.uk/am

Light is the perfect upgrade OSRAM LEDriving® HL EASY with plug & play system: no adapters and caps needed With its socket-based solution, the OSRAM LEDriving HL EASY® retrofits replace conventional halogen lamps and allow an easy installation for cars with the respective halogen bulb types (H7/H18, H4/H19 and H15).

The product offers: - easy plug & play installation with optimized compatibility – no need for adapters and caps!

- an optimized high-speed fan ensuring active cooling - higher performance and high-level light output possible thanks to maximized heat dissipation - a stylish look as well as superior brightness With the LEDriving ® HL EASY, it has never been easier to upgrade conventional high and low beam lamps to LED!

For Off-Road Use Only

Insist on OSRAM – the number 1 in automotive lighting.

Available at www.gsfcarparts.com for home delivery only.

OSRAM Ref. 64193DWESY-HCB

OSRAM Ref. 64210DWESY-HCB

OSRAM Ref. 64176DWESY-HCB

These products do not have ECE approval and must not be used on public roads in any exterior application. Public roads use leads to cancellation of operating license and loss of insurance coverage. Several countries forbid sale and use of these products. Please contact your local distributor for further information.

www.osram.co.uk/am

14

G S F L AT E S T

The GSF Car Parts’ Bangers4Ben team are back in town With our Bangers4Ben team safely back from their travels around Ireland, we got the lowdown on exactly what they got up to.

“We all got on great and had a brilliant time. We were often in convoy or seeing plenty of other participants throughout each day and it was always really good fun.”

Regional Manager Ollie Edwards.

FULL STORY

15

G S F L AT E S T

Ring is highly commended for IAAF’s Product of the Year Ring has received a Highly Commended award for its cordless tyre inflator in the Product of the Year category at the IAAF Awards.

FULL STORY

16

S E R V I C E S U R E S U M M A RY

Servicesure Recharge Rescue Partnership Servicesure has announced a new partnership with Recharge Rescue: the only insurance product specifically designed for electric cars drivers, providing 24/7 emergency roadside charging.

FULL STORY

17

OE EXPERTISE FROM HELLA.

6484 6598 HELLA OE Full Page Advert.indd 1

21/12/2022 01/03/2023 15:35 16:09

The home of digital marketing subscription enquiries please e-mail

stuart.woolley@garagewire.co.uk 18

G S F L AT E S T

Industry united at IAAF Annual Awards and Dinner 2023 The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) proudly hosted its 2023 Annual Awards and Dinner on 7 December at the DoubleTree Hilton Milton Keynes. Full list of winners revealed...

FULL STORY

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NO SHORT CUTS. NO SHORT KITS.

COMPETITOR KIT

with replica tensioners and pulleys and missing ancillaries

GENUINE INA TIMING BELT KIT contains OE belt, tensioner, pulleys and all ancillaries

The INA Timing Belt KIT. A complete original.

INA is the world’s leading producer of belt system components for original fitment. We also offer the best range of OE content timing belt kits to independent workshops, with all you need for a professional repair in just one box - right down to the last nut, bolt and washer. Don’t get palmed off with cheaper alternatives that are short on content and quality.

Every leading vehicle manufacturer gives INA the thumbs up so should you. #INA #EngineExperts

www.repxpert.co.uk | http://aftermarket.schaeffler.co.uk

20

G S F L AT E S T

HELLA and TMD Friction agree on complete takeover by HELLA HELLA to begin distributing brake products under the HELLA brand in October 2024 FULL STORY

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QUALITY IS NOT JUST SKIN DEEP.

Shiny on the outside does not necessarily mean quality on the inside, especially if you have paid under the odds for a safety critical component such as a wheel bearing.

If you supply or fit a component that is found to be the primary cause of an accident that results in severe injury or fatality, it could be your livelihood at stake - not just a warranty claim.

So look very closely before choosing low cost, unbranded or poor quality products, or just put your trust in the original manufacturer.

FAG. Because deep down you know that not all wheel bearings are the same. www.repxpert.co.uk | http://aftermarket.schaeffler.co.uk

22

BRAND NEWS

GSF Trade App Launch Sees Successful Rollout Nationwide New GSF trade app sees fantastic early up take with availability for all trade customers

FULL STORY

23

AIR SUSPENSION SIMPLIFIED Application-Specific Wide Variety of Designs Installation Resources

Local Distribution & Support

The formula that has made Arnott the trusted leader in air suspension replacement systems for over thirty years.

Ease of Installation

One-Stop Shop

Extensive Coverage

arnotteurope.com +44 203 3186 124 AIR SPRINGS

|

STRUTS

|

SHOCKS

|

COMPRESSORS

|

COIL CONVERSION KITS

24

L AT E S T I N D U S T RY N E W S

Winter starter and alternator troubleshooting DENSO is a true pioneer of starter and alternator technology and is now the world’s largest original equipment manufacturer of rotating electric parts, with a global market share of more than 25 percent. As a result, its replacement starters and alternators are the smallest and lightest rotating machines for their output, delivering unrivalled efficiency, wear resistance and powerful performance.

First, before any diagnosis can be made, the vehicle’s battery must be fully charged (12.6 volts or above) and the battery cables, terminals and case in good and clean condition, including the frame and body ground connections and connections at the starter and magnetic switch. So, start with a visual inspection and battery

state of charge before inspecting the starting or charging system.

Common starter issues Does the starter turn the engine too slowly?

Excessive engine oil viscosity, particularly in cold conditions, will

reduce the ability of the engine to rotate. This increase in engine drag will be transmitted to the starter during starter engagement, reducing its performance capability.

Does the starter fail to crank the engine?

The starter is designed to turn

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L AT E S T I N D U S T RY N E W S at a specified rotational speed to crank the engine, but if there is a high resistance somewhere in the starting control circuit, or the battery connections or cables are corroded or dirty, this will cause the starter to turn too slowly.

Does the starter rotate rotating the engine?

without

If the starter is rotating but not the engine, check the teeth on the flywheel or flexplate ring gear to see if they are excessively worn, damaged or missing, by looking through the inspection plate on the bell housing or starter mounting port. A defective starter drive assembly can also cause similar symptoms.

Does the magnetic switch make operating noise when activated?

If clicking is heard when activating the starter control circuit and the starter does not rotate, the magnetic switch may not be receiving the voltage

necessary to be fully activated.

Check the starter control circuit for failed or damaged components and wiring, and loose, dirty or corroded connections. If, however, the magnetic switch is receiving proper voltage, it may have burnt contacts, so follow the vehicle manufacturer’s procedures and safety precautions to inspect the starter.

Common alternator issues Is the alternator’s drive belt tension within specification?

If the drive belt is too loose, it will slip around the pulley and cause the alternator to charge irregularly or not at all, and if it’s too tight, internal bearing damage will cause premature alternator failure.

Can an alternator fail because of a poor wiring/ground contact or loose connection?

A poor wiring or ground contact

increases resistance and causes a voltage drop in the electrical circuits, reducing the flow of the current through the charging circuit. This means the battery is not able to be fully and properly recharged, causing the alternator to keep charging at a higher rate than normal and this may cause overheating and premature alternator failure. Another common problem that causes failure is a loose battery cable connection to the alternator, which results in intermittent or no charge, alongside a discoloured and/or melted alternator output stud terminal.

What could be the root cause of repeated alternator failures?

It may be caused by burnt out diode(s) due to an open circuit or a high resistance between the alternator output and the positive battery connection. In such instances, charging current will flow through the diodes from an alternative route towards the battery causing excessive current flow through the diode, resulting in overheating and failure. Therefore, perform a thorough inspection and voltage drop tests to isolate any problems. A similar effect may occur when the alternator is forced to charge a discharged battery, or when the battery is able to be charged, but not at its normal resistance.

What could be the other root causes of alternator failure due to bad diode(s)?

Another common cause of alternator failure due to one or more bad diode(s) within the rectifier, is reverse polarity. Therefore, NEVER apply reverse polarity to the alternator because it can cause the diode(s) to explode, melt or be perforated by high current flow and fail. In addition, the diode(s) can also be damaged severely if the battery is disconnected while the engine is running or during a jump start.

Further details of the DENSO Aftermarket programme are available online at: www.denso-am.eu

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TOTAL BATTERY CARE SMART CHARGERS

The Smartcharger and Battery Maintainers range includes 4, 6 and 8A charge rate models. Safe and easy to use.

For traditional and start/stop batteries.

RSC804

4A Smart Battery Charger

RSC806

6A Smart Battery Charger

JUMP STARTERS

The Lithium Jumpstarter range has a model to jumpstart most vehicle engines. They are compact for storage and include a powerbank function.

RSC808

8A Smart Battery Charger

RPPL200

Compact Lithium Jump Starter 12V, 6000mAh

RPPL300

High Powered Compact Lithium Jump Starter 12V, 13,000mAh

AVAILABLE NOW AT WWW.GSFCARPARTS.COM www.ringautomotive.com 15265 AutoTorque HPA Battery Care 176x125mm.indd 1

/ringautomotive 24/07/2023 13:13

The home of digital marketing subscription enquiries please e-mail

stuart.woolley@garagewire.co.uk 27

BRANCH BULLETIN

Region 1 Keeps Wheels Turning for the NHS Our teams are collaborating with a North East charity to support vital blood transport for NHS hospitals

FULL STORY

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THESE BOXES ARE DEFINITELY WORTH HAVING This September BoxClever garages will be picking up double points for every NTK sensor and valve they fit.

That’s 200 points towards their choice of great FREE GIFTS. But that’s not all!

AND

HERE’S AN EASY WAY TO WIN 10,000 MORE BOXCLEVER POINTS

Every time you bank NGK/NTK boxes in September you’ll get an entry into our BANK&WIN Prize Draw where you could win one of 10 prizes of 10,000 BoxClever points. To see what FREE GIFTS you could claim head straight to ngkboxclever.com

STILL NOT BOXCLEVER IS SIMPLE. JUST HEAD TO A MEMBER? JOINING NGKBOXCLEVER.COM AND JOIN ONLINE OR CALL ON 020 7681 9227 AND WE’LL SORT IT THEN AND IT’S NEVER US THERE. TO QUALIFY ALL YOU HAVE TO BE IS AN TOO LATE! INDEPENDENT GARAGE TRADING IN THE UK. L A M B DA : N O x : E GT : M A F / M A P : CA M S H A F T & C R A N KS H A F T S E N S O R S A N D E G R VA LV E S

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BRANCH BULLETIN

GSF volunteer team bring the smiles at Speed Of Sight track day Northern weather fails to dampen spirits as 20 young people get magnificent racetrack experiences

FULL STORY

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Powering what matters GS Yuasa batteries provide reliable energy behind the scenes to keep your daily life moving.

From trips to the shops to missions in outer space – we’re the number one battery choice for millions of people around the world.

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