Garage Wire Views - Dec '19

The digital home for independent garages Issue 6, December 2019

TRICO celebrates A1 Motor Stores partnership in Spain

2019 review: Industry headlines, opinions and stats First ever Schaeffler REPXPERT Academy LIVE proves popular

Graham Stoakes: Saying no to customer supplied parts is right but only in 99% of cases

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2019 review: Industry headlines, opinions and stats Graham Stoakes: Saying no to customer supplied parts is right but only in 99% of cases First ever Schaeffler REPXPERT Academy LIVE proves popular TRICO celebrates A1 Motor Stores partnership in Spain

17 24 26 30

News in brief......................... 5

Tech tips ............................. 20

Gone to the polls ................ 8

Pico Automotive Q&A ......... 21

BRAND NEWS ........................ 16

HOT TOPICS ........................... 23

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4

NEWS IN BRIEF

Decelerometers added to connected MOT equipment rule changes Connected diesel smoke meters and exhaust gas analysers under development ahead of further rule extension This does nothing to stop fraud and 95 per cent of my customers do not know or care about how the mot test is conducted.

Graham Cox on GW forum.

New decelerometers must connect to the MOT testing service from 1 February 2020 Connected diesel smoke meters and exhaust gas analysers also expected to be introduced Connected rule for roller brake testers introduced in October 2019

FULL STORY 5

NOW AVAILABLE ANYWHERE

The next dimension in aftermarket support goes mobile!

The REPXPERT online portal has always offered everything to make life for an independent workshop mechanic that little bit easier - so how could we make it even better? Simple. By creating a mobile version with new, exciting and unique functionality!

Whether you need to find the right part, would like more information about our chassis, drivetrain and engine products, or even detailed repair instructions REPXPERT still has it all. Designed by experts - for experts.

Download the free REPXPERT app now, or visit www.repxpert.co.uk.

6

NEWS IN BRIEF

Garage owner forced to pay £11,150 following trading standards sting Investigation conducted as part of council's undercover car servicing enforcement exercises

There are too many backstreet cowboys out there giving the trade a bad name. We already have an uphill struggle, it needs regulation.

Paul Taylor on GW forum.

Owner fined £1,500, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £9,500 and a £150 victim surcharge Undercover operation by Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards officers Investigators reported garage to have failed to attend to nine separate faults

FULL STORY 7

GONE TO THE POLLS

Trading Standards in repairs and servicing

82% support undercover Trading Standards Investigations

6% are against them

12% are undecided

8

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Tyre fitting business under investigation after setting up in former corner shop Tyres stacked high in shop window and cars jacked up on pavement’

Classic second-hand tyre shop. Why are trading standards not checking it out?

Paul Michell on GW forum.

Residents complain about new business jacking up cars on a pavement Pictures show tyres staCked up high inside former shop premises Cars reported to be parked outside with wheels removed and tools scattered

FULL STORY 10

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GONE TO THE POLLS

2019 garage business review

37%

34%

29%

say business is about the same as last year

say it’s not as good as last year

say it’s better than last year

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13

AARON PHILLIPS OPINION

GW columnist, Aaron Phillips looks back on a tricky but successful year Jackson & Phillips Automotive Services has its share of recruitment problems but is on track for a settled 2020 It never rains, it pours.

FULL STORY 14

t c u

ewrod N p ec p A

Our cables are made to take the strain.

Apec brake, clutch and gear control cables are precision made for smooth operation with long-lasting reliability and durability.

• All cables are made with galvanised or nylon coated inner wires and strand design to match OE specification, and are pre-lubricated.

• Brake cables are 100% proof loading tested, up to 800 lbs.

• Highly resistant to extreme environments and guaranteed for 2 years/24,000 miles.

• All steel parts are surface protected with RoHS and EU compliant zinc trivalent plating.

• A fast-growing range covering numerous applications.

15

BRAND NEWS

Parts Alliance’s winter trade show praised by garages as “fantastic opportunity” Event held at Sandy Park in Exeter with ‘Black Friday' offers from more than 50 suppliers in attendance

FULL STORY

EDT Automotive rounds off successful 2019 with new website New 'book now’ facility allows garages and vehicle owners to contact engine decontamination specialist directly

FULL STORY

Febi highlights engine management range Over 1,500 engine sensors and actuators cover more than 65,000 European and Asian vehicle applications

FULL STORY 16

AFTERMARKET REVIEW

The biggest headlines of 2019 DVSA rolls out new ‘connected MOT equipment’

Gov report highlights counterfeit and customer-supplied parts problem

Block Exemption Regulation under review ahead of 2023 expiry

Independent Porsche specialist’s “sexist” advert banned

Future won’t be bright for all garages, warns Independent Garage Association 17

AFTERMARKET REVIEW

Stats to remember from 2019 UK drivers spend more than

DIY car repairers spend up to

vehicle repairs

mistakes

ÂŁ21 billion ÂŁ170 a year on to fix their

Millions of motorists are driving without a valid MOT

of motorists admit to driving car in need of repair

Number of cars failing MOT increased by

Current Block Exemption rules to end in

2023 Half of drivers wrongly think

getting a car serviced by an independent voids warranty

Number of MOT testers struck off increases by

18

AFTERMARKET REVIEW

2019's headline reactions Block Exemption is useless if motorists are unaware of it

Blanket industry licensing isn’t the answer

Why don’t authorities properly penalise rogue traders?

MOT is in good shape and improving for the better

Checking for software updates needn’t be as difficult as you might think 19

TECH TIPS

Schaeffler reveals new LuK BMW differential repair solution REPXPERT installation guide outlines key areas of the repair process

FULL STORY

Trade body releases garage guide to advanced driver assistance systems “Major lack of awareness” prompts IGA to provide ADAS clarity and guidance for independent garages

FULL STORY

Aftermarket struggles with Prince engine thermostats – here’s what you need to know First Line clears up confusion and explains the change in new thermostat components

FULL STORY 20

PICO AUTOMOTIVE ANSWERS

Question: Can a PicoScope be used to test battery health?

Technician asks Pico Automotive if its PicoScope can be used for vehicle battery testing

PicoScope tests battery, starter motor and alternator in a simple automated test

Technician not required to have oscilloscope knowledge

This is a great test to perform as a general health test, especially to prepare vehicles for the winter months.

FULL STORY

PicoDiagnostics software monitors voltage, voltage drop during cranking, starter motor current consumption and battery charge rate

ASK A QUESTION 21

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22

HOT TOPICS

eBay urges garages to use “recycled car parts” Call made despite recent gov report highlighting industry problem with counterfeit and customersupplied parts eBay calls for garages to offer “recycled car parts” to customers Scheme would support Environment Agency’s circular economy and 95% recycling target for end of life vehicles Meanwhile, a government report highlights a counterfeit and customersupplied parts problem

It’s simply not worth the trouble it can cause when it all goes wrong let alone the very real safety issues.

Peter Miles on GW forum.

FULL STORY 23

GRAHAM STOAKES OPINION

Saying no to customer supplied parts is right but only in 99 per cent of cases Industry author, lecturer and GW columnist discusses the supply of parts for maintenance and repairs We as a repair industry have been proactive in the environmental arena even before it was as fashionable or necessary as it undoubtedly is now.

IN THE NEWS FULL STORY 24

The turbocharger people

BTN Turbo is the only UK supplier of all major turbocharger brands. Technical helpline available for diagnostic information on 01895 466663 or www.btnturbo.com.

25

EVENTS

First ever Schaeffler REPXPERT Academy LIVE proves popular

2020 dates announced with next event set to take place at Basingstoke College in January Technicians need to invest and so do we, because neither of us can make a living in the future without each other.

Nigel Morgan, Schaeffler managing director

FULL STORY

MORE DETAILS 26

Number 1!

From way out west to the far east, LuK is far and away the world’s favourite clutch.

As a world leader in transmission technology, LuK doesn’t just make OE clutch systems for European vehicle manufacturers. As the aftermarket’s number one clutch brand we supply complete repair solutions for almost all Japanese and Korean applications too.

Benefit from Schaeffler’s original equipment experience and engineering excellence wherever it’s made and whatever the application, fit a LuK clutch. www.repxpert.co.uk | www.schaeffler.co.uk/aftermarket

27

HAYLEY PELLS OPINION

The solid state battery still has more to offer for future EVs GW columnist, Hayley Pells explains why she thinks lithium ion technology is here to stay for a while longer yet

The solid state battery appears to defy previous understanding of thermodynamics.

FULL STORY 28

EXCELLENCE in every blade

Global leaders in wiper blade technology since 1917 For more than 100 years, TRICO® has been trusted to deliver premium wiper blade products to almost every major vehicle manufacturer worldwide.

Today, we use this original equipment expertise to bring you reliable, innovative wiper blade products that come through at the moment you need them most.

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER

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29

ON THE ROAD

TRICO celebrates A1 Motor Stores partnership in Spain

GWTV joins A1 members for an exclusive day on the track in Guadix, southern Spain Members compete against each other in a series of driving challenges under expert guidance from professional racing drivers from Tockwith Motor Sports.

MORE DETAILS 30

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.

31

BRAND NEWS

Dayco introduces OE quality thermostats Range includes single thermostatic valves and thermostats with flanges to complete housings with sensors

FULL STORY

SIP extends battery booster, starter and charger offering Equipment specialist rolls out largest range to date

FULL STORY

In Town Automotive to play host to Top Technician and Top Garage 2020 finals TechMan partner business plays host to the prestigious awards finals for the first time

FULL STORY 32

TONY VINCENT OPINION

What ever happened to good old fashioned customer service?

GW columnist, Tony Vincent shares his experiences and frustrations on vehicle health checks

What we once understood as a service-driven job now seems to be sales-driven.

FULL STORY 33

All Under Control febi supply a range of over 1,500 Engine Management components, including EGR Valves, Pressure Sensors, Crankshaft & Camshaft Sensors, Air Mass/ Flow Meters, Ignition Coils and Throttle body parts.

Covering more than 65,000 European and Asian vehicle applications, febi is your no.

1 in the Automotive Aftermarket for Engine Management replacement parts. All parts are tested and verified in-house and manufactured to meet or exceed OE standards to provide high-quality and optimum performance.

When you want to be sure of quality and fitment, choose febi.

SOLUTIONS MADE IN GERMANY

www.febi.com

34

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

New ‘connected’ Tapley decelerometer release Connected upgrade options available for existing Tapley EBMs

MORE DETAILS

FROM: Prosol

Bosch FSA 740 analyser includes 48v testing to meet demand Recently enhanced FSA 7-series is first Bosch range to cover 48v systems

MORE DETAILS

FROM: Bosch

Claim your free 2020 First Line wall planner Double sided planners to display either First Line or Borg & Beck branding

MORE DETAILS

FROM: First LINE 35

PROVIDING THE PRODUCT KNOW HOW Shock Absorbers, Coil Springs, Batteries, Starter Motors & Alternators available!

Shock Absorbers Over 250 parts Warranty: 36,000 miles / 3 years

Coil Springs Over 160 parts Warranty: 36,000 miles / 3 years

Batteries Over 130 parts Warranty: LV: Standard 5 years, AFB/AGM: 3 years.

CV: 2 years

Rotating Electrics Over 550 parts Warranty: 36,000 miles / 3 years

The most recognised auto-parts brand in North America

UK website NAPAautoparts.eu

Technical Hotline now live

03333 136597

Visit www.NAPAautoparts.eu to find your local stockist.

36

ANDY PARSONS OPINION

It’s been a tough year all round with Brexit uncertainty GW columnist Andy Parsons takes a look at his business performance in 2019

We had modest targets but, regretfully, they were pie in the sky.

FULL STORY 37

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