Garage Wire Views - April 2019

The digital home for independent garages Issue 2, April 2019

CarVue garage management system review

What's being done to protect reputation of independent garages?

Block Exemption awareness

The UK’s leading exhibition for the automotive aftermarket

4-6 June 2019, NEC

Featuring

» Discover the must-have tools & kit » Upskill with free technical training & live demos » Save with exclusive show deals

In association with

Register for your free ticket at www.automechanika-birmingham.com

2

How WhoCanFixMyCar.com could benefit your business What's being done to protect the reputation of independents?

Reader review: CarVue garage management system Opinion: Block Exemption is useless if motorists are unaware of it

16 18 30 34

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

TECH TIPS .............................. 23

Gone to the polls .............. 13

PicoScope Q&A .................... 25

Graham Stoakes opinion... 22

READER'S EMAIL..................... 39

4

NEWS IN BRIEF

Half of drivers wrongly think getting a car serviced by an independent voids warranty Trade body says significant number of independent garages also unaware of Block Exemption It doesn't void the warranty, but the manufacturer uses it as a way out of paying for warranty repairs.

Mark Jamieson on Facebook.

44% of motorists wrongly believe independent servicing invalidates warranty Current Block Exemption Regulation to come to an end on May 31, 2023

22,000 drivers questioned

FULL STORY 5

EUROPEAN DESIGN

AVAILABLE NOW!

C L E A N I N G R A N G E NEW ELECTRIC & CORDLESS FLOOR SCRUBBER / DRYERS VACUUM CLEANERS & VALETING MACHINES ELECTRIC COLD / HOT / STEAM PRESSURE WASHERS PETROL-POWERED COLD WATER PRESSURE WASHERS

Tel: 01509 500500 Email: sales@sip-group.com www.sip-group.com Call to request more information and find your nearest dealer m ac h i n er y s p ec i al i s t s s i n c e 1 9 6 8

6

NEWS IN BRIEF

Part-worn tyre fitted days before 70mph motorway crash Owner wanted cheap tyre to "tide" her over but ended up smashing in central reservation

I don’t think there should be stricter rules.

I think they should be made illegal full stop.

Ross Kemp on Facebook.

£25 part-worn tyre caused crash

Insurance company requesting £18,000 to cover cost car and central reservation repairs

Investigation found three unsatisfactory repairs

FULL STORY 7

8

NEWS IN BRIEF

Mechanic issued 310 fraudulent MOT certificates Fraudster handed suspended sentence fraudulent MOTs issued over 18 months

28-day MOT ban for owner of garage where crimes were committed

Too many of these selfless money making characters in the motor trade give us genuine ones a bad name.

Joe Brookshaw on GW forum.

DVSA advise owners of affected vehicles advised to get re-test

FULL STORY 9

THIS JUNE, WHY NOT PAY A VISIT TO THE GARAGE OF THE FUTURE. Come and meet the Schaeffler REPXPERT team at the UK’s biggest aftermarket event held on June 4-6 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Schaeffler REPXPERT members can get the full VIP experience by logging into their account and following the link to register for their REPXPERT VIP ticket, which includes lunch on the Schaeffler stand plus a premium workshop goody bag to take home. You also get access to all the benefits of ‘The Big UK Garage Event’ such as breakfast, a free parking voucher, training opportunities and lots more.

Login or register for free at www.repxpert.co.uk.

10

BRAND NEWS

LuK double clutch training means we’re tooled-up and trained Owner thanks Schaeffler REPXPERT after training helped business access a lucrative additional opportunity

FULL STORY

Servicesure announces Autocentre of the Year shortlist Seven finalists shortlisted for award honouring garages UK-wide

FULL STORY

Beacon Hill Garage credits TechMan with £100K net profit increase Surrey independent says garage management specialist has led to £100K net profit increase over past 12 months

FULL STORY 11

12

GONE TO THE POLLS

Making Tax Digital

36%

46%

18%

fully understand it

have heard of it but don't know if it affects their business

don’t know what Making Tax Digital is

What you need to know HM Revenue and Customs has changed the way businesses submit VAT returns on 1st April 2019.

Businesses with a turnover above the VAT threshold, which is currently ÂŁ85,000, are required to keep their records digitally, and provide their VAT return information to HMRC through Making Tax Digital functional compatible software.

MORE DETAILS

13

GONE TO THE POLLS

MOT tester RAG scores

16% SAY at least one tester in their workshop is currently in the 'red'

84% SAY no-one in their workshop are currently in the ‘red’

IN THE NEWS The DVSA has confirmed that MOT testers who are currently rated red should not change how they are operating, as long as they know they are practising correctly.

FULL STORY 14

See bencollinstestsbg.com

As Tested & Recommended by the Former Stig Ben Collins sted Ben Te cts du ro P G B own is h on over!

R Land

√

ND A ED DED T S TE EN M M O REC

Get on board with BG Products today!

• Increased Customer Visits • Customer Retention

• Customer Satisfaction • Increased Profitability

After Service Before Service

Before Service

After Service

After Service

BG Fuel Saving Service • Deposits affect injectors & ring compression • Service restores Performance & Economy

Fuel Save Guarantee* for purchasers of BG Fuel System Cleaner and BG EPR® Compression Restoration Flush

Free Engine Protection Plan also available! - Speak to your BG Rep or call 01284 777934

* Subject to vehicle been driven at least 500 miles & claim made within 3 months of purchase

Leaders in automotive solutions and improving garage profitability www.bgprod.co.uk | T: 01284 777934 | Email: info@bgprod.co.uk

15

ON THE ROAD

How WhoCanFixMyCar.com could benefit your business

Online marketplace connects 1,000s of potential customers with garages every day

Website oversees 60,000 quote requests nationwide every month, prompting 13,000 garages join the network.

MORE DETAILS 16

17

HOT TOPICS

What's being done to protect the reputation of independent garages?

GW readers slam fast fit sales target culture after Trading Standards sting and say quality garages need more support Halfords Autocentres fined £28,000 Company said iT relies on its techs and that sometimes they ‘cut corners’ Stratford-upon-Avon branch failed to rectify or report 11 faults

Until there are proper checks by either DVSA or Trading Standards, with fines and even temporary revocation of testing licences then it will keep happening.

Alan commenting on GW.

FULL STORY 18

febi ENSURES SUSPENSION PERFORMANCE WITH QUALITY STRUT TOP MOUNTINGS Strut top mountings must provide both flexibility and stiffness in order to perform efficiently, and reduce noise and vibrations.

febi strut top mountings are made from OE grade rubber and follow the precise specifications of the vehicle manufacturer, ensuring optimum performance. With over 500 strut mountings in range, febi’s extensive coverage includes all major European makes. Many strut top mountings are available as part of a kit, including bearings, screws and nuts where applicable.

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

SOLUTIONS MADE IN GERMANY™ www.febi.com

19

BRAND NEWS

Big UK Garage Event to launch at Automechanika Birmingham Exclusive show offers and giveaways plus free parking and breakfast on arrival

Exclusive show offers and big giveaways Free training and demos from top industry speakers

Meet over 100 leading suppliers

FULL STORY

Carlyle adds further tools to its portfolio New tools added to brand's nine existing tooling categories

FULL STORY 20

.

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

E G A R A G E H T R O F PERFECT w available in the UK! no is g in ol to ive ot m to au sted brands in 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

21

GRAHAM STOAKES OPINION

OPINION: Embrace lifelong learning or risk being left behind

Industry author, lecturer and GW columnist explains why training should be recognised as an investment We’re at the start of the biggest technological shifts in vehicle operation since the introduction of complex engine management systems.

FULL STORY 22

TECH TIPS

The importance of cabin filter replacement explained Workshop poster available to GW readers to help inform motorists about cabin filter replacements

FULL STORY

Carbon clumps and timing chain fragments removed during EDT clean Images show engine contaminants extracted during unique engine cleaning process

FULL STORY

Common Renault Clio alternator problems you need to know about Autoelectro shares technical tips on Clios built between 1996 and 2007

FULL STORY 23

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.

24

PICO AUTOMOTIVE ANSWERS YOUR PICOSCOPE QUESTIONS

Question: I’ve been using Pico for a while and noticed serial decoding under the tools tab – what does it do?

Pico Automotive explains serial decoding and how it'll change the way you diagnose faults View network messages as numbers

Messages are broken down into their component parts

See which messages are present, whether they are valid messages and what data they carry

Once you have peered into this particular matrix, you will never see things the same again.

FULL STORY

ASK A QUESTION 25

Can your scope do this?

• Connection guidance

Give you guidance to test over 150 vehicle components

• Help with diagnostics • Waveform notes

can!

To view all our guided tests visit

www.picoauto.com/A286 Email: sales@picoauto.com. Errors and omissions excepted.

Please contact Pico Technology for the latest prices before ordering.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch guided test videos and more!

Search for PicoScope Automotive

26

SURVEY: Battery awareness is the minimum voltage a lead acid battery must be at prior to installation

93%

answered correctly

Difference between lead acid battery ‘state of charge’ and ‘state of health’ ‘State of health’ is the measurement of cold cranking amps available for engine starting.

‘State of charge’ is the measurement of the battery voltage used to push the cranking amps through the starter circuit.

37%

answered correctly

WHat causes an increase in battery failures during winter months when the starter motor needs more cranking power to achieve crankshaft breakaway torque?

Around 30% of cranking performance is lost from a fully charged battery at 0°C

48%

answered correctly

FULL STORY 27

BRAND NEWS

New OE turbos added to growing BTN range Volvo and BMW applications covered in latest additions

FULL STORY

R90-approved brake pad references added by Comline 24 products added to support vehicles from Ford and Vauxhall

FULL STORY

Blue Print highlights all-makes clutch range for European and Asian models More than 1,100 repair kits cover around 30,000 passenger cars and light commercial vehicle applications

FULL STORY 28

Comline air, oil, fuel and cabin/carbon filters deliver crowd-pleasing performance to customers in more than 40 countries worldwide. With over 1800 references covering all popular European, Japanese & Korean vehicles, Comline is your first choice for filters.

For more information visit www.comline.uk.com

29

Institut de la Filtration et des Techniques SĂŠparatives

READER REVIEW

CarVue garage management system review

Carl Wilcock of Wilco Autos in Kenilworth explains how CarVue has helped revolutionise his business

5.0

CarVue is idiot-proof and it’s perfect for my business.

30

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

31

READER REVIEW

Swarfega Stop Quick, Jizer and Duck Oil review Wood Lane Garage in Derbyshire tries out three of Swarfega’s most popular products from its degreasing and maintenance range

5.0 I think everyone’s heard of Swarfega and if they haven’t, they’re missing out.

Dave Earnshaw of Wood Lane Garage.

32

BRAND NEWS

Frank Massey to deliver diagnostics seminars With OESAA at AutoInform LIVE Practical demos aim eliminate guesswork

to

FULL STORY

Before and after pictures show benefits of BG255 diesel induction system cleaner BG Products offer a solution where technicians can avoid replacement parts

FULL STORY

Apec Braking adds magnetic ABS rings to range Part numbers cover wide range of popular applications

FULL STORY 33

AARON PHILLIPS OPINION

Block Exemption is useless if motorists are unaware of it GW columnist, Aaron Phillips concerned motorists are being told they will void warranty if independents service their car I honestly felt like taking it further because what is stopping them doing it again?

FULL STORY 34

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

New flywheel locking tool Multi-application tool to fit wide range of engines

FROM: Laser Tools MORE DETAILS

VIDEO

Battery booster promotion

Save over £80 and get free Accu‑Smart battery charger with Pro‑Start 800 booster pack

MORE DETAILS

FROM: SykesPickavant

Over 650 products available at special prices in latest SIP brochure Lifting equipment, automotive tools, air compressors and air tools featured

MORE DETAILS

FROM: SIP Industrial Products

35

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

36

Competitor (non-OE) Hub Unit

Genuine FAG Original Equipment (OE) Hub Unit

QUALITY IS NOT JUST SKIN DEEP. Wheel bearings with a genuine heart.

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 better still - 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 | www.schaeffler.co.uk/aftermarket

37

BRAND NEWS

Independent Garage Association to launch Trust My Garage TV campaign Year-long campaign aims to drive customers to independent garage network

FULL STORY

SIP reveals cleaning range expansion Promotion features pressure washers, water pumps, vacuum cleaners and valeting machines

FULL STORY

TRICO set for title challenge in 2019 Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship Brand ambassador hopes to retain historic title in Tockwith Motorsports TRICO-liveried Ginetta G50

FULL STORY 38

READER’S EMAIL

Reader email: Why’s it taking so long to better protect roadside technicians?

GW reader concerned at lack of progress to improve safety for breakdown and recovery operators Why isn't more being done to implement new regulations to protect us?

Cars pass “too close for comfort” Slow Down and Move Over campaign helping to raise awareness But when will new regulations be introduced?

FULL STORY 39

The digital home for independent garages

SUBSCRIBE Get your garage featured in GW Views CONTACT GW EDITOR MIKE RUFF 40