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