Garage Wire Views - February 2019

The digital home for independent garages Issue 7, February 2019

Keeping up with new vehicle tech

Industry licensing debate reignited BMW MINI PSA engine friction wheel

2

Industry licensing debate reignited

BMW MINI PSA engine friction wheel Reader review: Philips inspection lamps Keeping up with new vehicle tech

9 26 32 30

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

Graham Stoakes opinion... 19

Gone to the polls .............. 12

PicoScope Q&A .................... 22

Brand news ........................ 11

TECH TIPS............................... 24

DELIVERING QUALITY. Loads of parts for vans.

As online trade continues to increase, so does the number of vans on our roads - so Schaeffler offers a huge range of simple, reliable and speedy to fit LuK, INA and FAG repair solutions for light commercial vehicles.

We are a technical partner and trusted supplier of components and systems for original fitment by the world’s leading vehicle producers.

We also deliver these same parts to the independent aftermarket, so you know our parts will fit first time - every time. www.repxpert.co.uk | www.schaeffler.co.uk/aftermarket

4

NEWS IN BRIEF

MOT could soon incorporate outstanding safety recalls Safety chiefs to address 2.39 million UK cars that are subject to an outstanding safety recall

Long overdue and a good idea as long as the system is integrated into the current IT system.

Christopher commenting on GW forum.

1 in 13 UK cars subject to an outstanding recall Currently no legal mandate for owners to ensure there are no outstanding recalls

DVSA working with DfT to determine how the MOT can cover outstanding safety recalls

FULL STORY 5

Gearbox fluid requires regular change. Who says so?

VW, Fo & other rd OEMs

Recommended service intervals represent New Business Opportunity

After BG

Before BG

OEMs recommend regular gearbox oil changes to prevent performance issues In particular, new Direct-shift (DSG) computer-controlled gearbox technology is designed with very fine engineering tolerances. VW recommend oil changes every 40,000 miles; Ford every 37,000 miles.

Benefits of having oil changed: • Saves on costly gearbox repairs • Improves your vehicle’s performance • Keeps your warranty valid for any repairs to parts related to the gearbox What happens if it’s not changed?

Dirty oil can overheat the gearbox or cause the clutches to burn out. This will lead to poor gear selection, loss of power and transmission failure.

BG Transmission Fluid Exchange • Rental Package starts at only £199+VAT Per Month • Includes £100-worth of BG Fluid and Flush every Month!

“If the gearbox oil is dirty it will damage other parts and affect performance” - VW Owner Advisory

How often does it need to be changed?

“Every 40,000 miles” - VW Owner Advisory

Specialists in Preventative Maintenance and Performance Restoration www.bgprod.co.uk | T: 01284 777934 | Email: info@bgprod.co.uk

6

NEWS IN BRIEF

Trade body warns garages of reoccurring tyre scam following reported case in Manchester Garage owners urged to be wary of credit card payments over the phone It is no surprise that this is still going on. Police are not bothered with catching real criminals even when they are given them on a plate.

Lawrence Wells on GW forum.

Payments made over the phone for tyres IGA advises to never give goods to anyone claiming to be collecting on cardholder’s behalf

Tyres collected by a local taxi firm

FULL STORY 7

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

OEM SINCE

1917

OEM SINCE

1917

trico.eu.com +44 (0)1495 767700

8

NEWS IN BRIEF

Latest petition for industry licenSing is still long way off target despite widespread calls Calls for introduction of a licence to practice as vehicle mechanic gets 800 signatures Petition calls on government to establish regulatory body

800

signatures to date

I think this would find more support in the trade if it was clear how those already in the trade could get a licence.

Dougal on GW forum.

16 February, 2019 petition deadline

HOT TOPICS FULL STORY 9

www.texa.co.uk

TEXA’s Flagship Product The AXONE Nemo redefines the current world of diagnostic tools with its extraordinary technical features.

The revolutionary AXONE Nemo features: • Windows 10 Operating System • A rugged magnesium housing • An ultra-wide 12 inch capacitive screen • Gorilla Glass protection • Designed to MIL STD810G specification • Water resistant • New Powerful IDC5 Software TEXA has created a tool that is prepared for the future and believes that AXONE Nemo achieves this with its interchangeable modules for connectivity.

TEXA UK 32 - 34 Churchill Way Lomeshaye Industrial Estate Nelson - Lancashire BB9 6RT United Kingdom Tel. 00 44 (0)1282 606 787 www.texa.co.uk sales.uk@texa.com

10

BRAND NEWS

2019 expected to be “employee’s market”, experts warn garage owners Industry experiencing "skills crunch" as number of young techs entering the trade is fewer than those retiring say skilled technicians are “very important”

Hopefully soon we'll see a rise in charges across the industry which will bring the wages up.

Kristopher Williams on Facebook.

are ‘always looking’ get applicants but often without skills

FULL STORY 11

GONE TO THE POLLS

Do you support Theresa May’s draft withdrawal agreement?

60% 17% say no, it’s not the Brexit they voted for

11% 12%

support it but only fully back it AS “we’re running out of time”

don’t know

IN THE NEWS In 2016 a GW reader survey, in which 80 per cent of respondents claimed to have voted leave, two thirds of garages believed Brexit would benefit their business.

JOIN THE DEBATE 12

Low noise properties

Copper free pads

In-house manufacturing

Anti-corrosion disc coating

An unending supply of high-quality braking products for aftermarket businesses around the world continues to reaffirm Comline’s expert status in this product category. Each pad and coated disc delivers trusted performance and total reliability – exactly what you’d expect from Comline; experts in braking.

www.comline.uk.com | +44 (0)1582 578 888

13

GONE TO THE POLLS

Should the government introduce a licence to practise as a vehicle technician?

78%

17%

5%

YES

NO

NOT SURE

14

ACADEMY

of Automotive Skills

15

HOT TOPICS

Industry licensing debate gets reignited but who's listening?

Majority support calls for legislation and regulation while others fear additional costs and question how it would be policed Must we wait for people to die in the execution of their work because of their own ignorance.

Michael Ball commenting on GW.

Supporters say it would see wages rise

Other fears it would be a tax on already legitimate garages

FULL STORY

Growth of new vehicle tech is driving calls for licenSing

Graham Stoakes opinion

Andy Parsons opinion 16

17

BRAND NEWS

Swift Motor Services reports “record four months� thanks to TechMan Workshop management experts help garage overcome initial teething troubles with additional support and training

FULL STORY

Borg & Beck introduce bi-metal brake discs to aftermarket 16 part number range now available

FULL STORY

Lab experiments show how BG ethanol fuel system defender and drier protects engines Ethanol fuel system defender and fuel system drier shown to be highly effective

FULL STORY 18

GRAHAM STOAKES OPINION

Why blanket industry licensing isn't the answer Industry author, lecturer and GW columnist suggests gradual regulation is "more manageable and affordable"

Although in principle many would like a blanket license‌it would not be reasonably practicable.

FULL STORY 19

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.

20

ANDY PARSONS OPINION

We need a single united campaign to improve industry reputation

GW columnist, Andy Parsons talks licensing and suggests why the latest petition is falling short of its goals

Surely a governmentbacked scheme or accreditation would be a great step forward.

FULL STORY 21

PICO AUTOMOTIVE ANSWERS YOUR PICOSCOPE QUESTIONS

Question: Which model scope are mechanical shops using and how many channels is recommended?

Pico Automotive discusses PicoScope options for independent garages

Two and four channel scopes available

Four channel scope is most desirable

Latest PicoScope software free to download

While two channels are sufficient, four is desirable and much more practical.

FULL STORY

ASK A QUESTION 22

23

TECH TIPS

How multiple turbochargers maintain performance while cutting emissions BTN Turbo's Phil Wilson explains how increasingly complex turbos are e s s e n t i a l f o r c u t t i n g FULL diesel emissions

STORY

Workshops encouraged to combine timing belt and water pump replacements Full timing drive system replacement is best option for both garage and customer

FULL STORY

How to select the right battery for your customer Vehicle type and customer driving habits must now be considered, Yuasa says

FULL STORY 24

.

K C A R T E C A R E H T FORGED FOR .

E G A R A G E H T R O F PERFECT available in the UK! w no is ng oli to ive ot m to sted brands in au One of America’s most tru

OVER 280 TOOLS AVAILABLE

Carlyle Tools sponsor some of the largest motorsport events in the world. With so much at stake, there is no space for half-measures and mediocrity in the garages of racers.

Racing technical specialists rely on their tools to help them fine-tune a car’s performance.

This is where Carlyle® Tools comes to the forefront.

Trusted by teams competing in key US motorsport events, Carlyle Tools have built on quality and reputation.

All tools are designed to meet or exceed ASME Standard B107.

Available at all good motor factors

25

ON THE ROAD

BMW-PSA PRINCE 1.4/1.6 friction wheel: here’s what you need to know

With concerns that many technicians may still be unaware of the system, GWTV reveals some of the common system failings When running below normal operating temperatures, the water pump is disengaged and only operates when the friction wheel is activated under warm conditions.

Glen Goldstone, Dayco.

MORE DETAILS 26

www.dayco.com

Only the right partner gives the right solution.

Poly-V Belt

Timing Belt

Dayco, the full system supplier and partner of choice of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.

Fit Dayco with confidence and give your customers the aftermarkets OE solution.

27

BRAND NEWS

Half of UK motorists prepared to go into debt for car repairs Half of survey respondents had brake repairs and more than a quarter have had to correct wheel alignment

FULL STORY

EDT celebrates another successful year of expansion Engine decontamination specialist places 62 machines in locations across UK

FULL STORY

Schaeffler welcomes new head of category and technical New appointment joins original equipment manufacturer’s afterma r k et division

FULL STORY 28

MAKING HISTORY Trusted starting power for over a century

100 years of quality, reliability & performance • • • •

Improved performance ratings with new look labels Award-winning products, supply & customer service UK market leader for vehicle & industrial batteries High profile sponsorship & marketing programme

• • • •

OE supplier to the world’s top vehicle manufacturers More references than any other battery brand Unrivalled coverage of the European vehicle parc Always Check The Battery workshop testing scheme

Try the industry’s most poweful trade battery lookup tool at fit.yuasa.com

29

ON THE ROAD

Keeping up with new vehicle technologies

GWTV heads to Lincoln College where an IMI trade event discusses motor industry innovations and the future for independents

We all thought it will never happen but we’ve now got to decide if we want to be a part of it.

Alistair Christie of Alistair Christie Motor Repairs.

30

OVER

0 5 6 PRODUCTS AT

PROMOTIONAL PRICING

! !

W O N E AVAILABL

PROMOTION ENDS 31ST MAY 2019 Tel: 01509 500500 | Email: sales@sip-group.com | www.sip-group.com /sipindustrial

@sipindustrial

/siptechzone

@sipindustrial

31

READER REVIEW

Philips inspection lamps

Trio of lamps get full five star rating and had the entire workshop wanting them

5.0

I've had all the lads in the workshop asking me where I got them from because they really are that good.

Gethin Hamer of Columbia Motors.

FULL STORY

PRODUCT DETAILS 32

SURVEY: Braking brand loyalties agree quality is the ‘most important’ factor

NOT concerned about where parts are manufactured

always use t h same brand e

R90 regulation heard of it but don’t fully understand it

never heard of it

understand it “in depth”

say customers request a brand

FULL STORY 33

See clearly with Blue Print!

Conventional Wiper Blades Blue Print have launched a renewed range of Conventional wiper blades for European, Asian and American vehicles.

Main features: • 14 articles covering more than 50,000 applications, with sizes from 300mm up to 700mm • Made with Graphite Coated Natural Rubber for efficient and smooth performance and durability • Designed to minimise friction between parts to improve wiping performance and reduce noise, streak or smear • Aerodynamic designed body to provide anti-wind-lift at speed Blue Print have also introduced a new range of Hybrid and Flat style blades plus specific-fit Rear wipers.

Wiper Blades:

Right First Time. www.blue-print.com

CICAM004/ADV/EN/07.2018

Get more information and find your wiper blades at our online catalogue: partsfinder.bilsteingroup.com

34

AARON PHILLIPS OPINION

Why we refuse to fit part worn tyres Aaron Phillips explains how he educates customers against the use of part worns No-one takes perfectly good tyres off their car and disposes of them.

FULL STORY 35

Some companies have experts.

Only Schaeffler has REPXPERTs. Our innovative precision components are not only fitted by every leading vehicle manufacturer, they are also the first choice of professional mechanics around the world - but Schaeffler is about more than just OE parts. We are also the ‘Repair Experts’, with a dedicated technical training team to back up our world class products with world class service, training and tools.

One such tool is REPXPERT, our online knowledge portal that provides everything a modern workshop technician needs; TecDoc catalog system, TecRMI installation instructions and specifications, labour times, training videos, product bulletins and much more. Best of all, registration is free at www.repxpert.co.uk.

36

BRAND NEWS

SIP launches winter-spring promotional brochure Range covers welding and metalwork, lifting and automotive plus air compressors and air tools

FULL STORY

KYB Europe rolls out new mobile app features App helps workshops identify need to sell suspension parts and communicate effectively with customers

FULL STORY

37

BRAND NEWS

Nexus Automotive International appoints Comline as listed supplier Independent organisation added to elite list of suppliers

FULL STORY

TRICO predicts “significant growth� in aftermarket wiper sales Wiper blade brand to focus on driving business to its trade customers

FULL STORY

HELLA appoints new sales director National sales manager appointed to sales director

FULL STORY 38

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Early bird discount available for AutoInform Ireland 2019 Learn valuable new skills to take back to your workshop

MORE DETAILS

ZM-K125 super quiet portable paraffin diesel space heater 25 per cent more heat than other units

MORE DETAILS

FROM: The Parts Alliance

Diesel filter bleeder tool Bleed the low pressure side from tank to filter with ease

MORE DETAILS

FROM: SykesPickavant 39

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