THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR SERVICING AND REPAIR PROFESSIONALS FREE TRADE TO THE SERVICING ■ REPAIR ■ DIAGNOSTICS ■ MOT MOTOR OCTOBERgreaterspecialisationfleece,shewondersPICKALANE2022AsHayleyPellshangsupherredwhetherthefutureoftheindependentworkshopliesin LET’S GET TECHNICAL WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF TYRE WEAR? REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS ON ARENAULT TRAFIC II EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MODERN ENGINE OILS
Contents VOLUME 23 ISSUE 9 OCTOBER 2022 Features Total Average Net Distribution 54,319 1st July 2021 – 30th June 2022 PMM OCTOBER 2022 3 6-11RegularsNEWS & VIEWS 12-13 CLUTCH CLINIC 15 BELT FOCUS 16-24 TECH TIPS 26-29 BUSINESS & TRAINING 30 PRODUCT TEST 31 MYTHBUSTER 32-36 SPECIAL REPORTS 47 COMPETITION 66 WHAT’S NEW? Editor’s Picks 15 PERFECT TIMING For technical information on Ford’s EcoBoost ‘Fox’ engines, make sure to read this month’s Belt Focus from Dayco. 30 PUT TO THE TEST Find out what Tony Powell, owner of A P Autodiagnostics has to say after spending a month using Traction Charger’s MPL50-Li. 34 A SECRET STRENGTH After being diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, Andy Brooke, the managing director at Maverick Diagnostics, talks to PMM about the role this has played in his career. 62 YOUR SPECIAL SKILL Have you considered ditching the ‘jack of all trades’ approach and focussing on becoming a ‘master of one’? Hayley Pells takes a look at what benefits specialisation could bring to your workshop. 38-47 OILS, LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES 49-53 MOT 54-64 THE MODERN WORKSHOP
KARL CLARK
It’s an ongoing debate in the world of publishing – when will print finally give up the ghost and allow its much grown digital heir take what’s rightfully theirs. Well, in this game, the answer could be “When motor factors lose the trust of their local customers”. Ours is a magazine whose fortunes are more tightly bound to that bond between factor and workshop than most. Should we be worried, then, at the rise of digital and online parts sourcing? Not in the slightest.
Kieran Nee Editor PMM OCTOBER 2022 5
Now, I’m not advocating a traditionalist stance here. After all, I grew up in tandem with what my teachers called the World Wide Web: my memories of a time before the internet and mobile phones mostly consist of collecting Merlin football stickers and poring over the Guinness Book of World Records. The internet and modern technology have provided some wonderful things. For instance, since the pandemic, the rise of online training has provided modern workshops with a fantastic opportunity to upskill without having to take whole days out of work to do so. Also, I can listen to almost every song never recorded by Neil Young at the press of a touchscreen.
It’sa ‘factor’ life
R ecently I have been calling in at factors across the UK to see how they’re getting on with spreading the word –the word being, of course, PMM magazine. I must say, so far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. What we always suspected –that PMM has become the monthly goto read for workshops –has been borne out by the responses. It seems the dawn of each month sees our loyal readers berating motor factor staff from John O’Groats to Land’s End for the newest issue, waiting eagerly for the nervously wielded box cutter to liberate the tightly packed bundle of paper gold… okay, that’s enough! We will update you about our ongoing research into how our magazine reaches you in a later issue, but for now, it’s the factors themselves I want to talk about.
VIEWPOINT
As long as they’re there to help you, we’ll be there too, delivered along with your parts, handed to you with your invoice or even just sitting there on the counter – if there are any left, that is.
Subscriptions PROFESSIONAL MOTOR MECHANIC is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the motor trade. It is published eleven times a year and is available nationally FREE to the trade through leading motor factors. It is also available through the post at a cost of £30.
On a slightly unrelated note, Andy Brooke’s engaging discussion of his dyslexia and the prevalence of the condition within the motor trade this month got me thinking – are we doing enough to make the magazine accessible enough for our readers? Whether you have dyslexia or not, please get in contact with us to let us know if there’s anything you think we could change.
EUROPE and OVERSEAS 1 year (11 issues) £50 Airmail 1 year (11 issues) £65 Printed by Walstead Peterborough Published by HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Tel: Watford (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 E-mail: pmm@hamerville.co.uk Sales enquiries: pmmsales@hamerville.co.uk Website: TheCopyrightTwitter:Facebook:www.pmmonline.co.uk/ProfessionalMotorMechanic@pmmmagazine©2022publishersandeditordonotnecessarilyagreewiththe
Technology companies (and vehicle manufacturers, for that matter) would have us believe that reinventing the wheel on a constant basis is necessary and beneficial for all involved. The old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has yet to reach the standing desks of the sleek, modern, fastpaced technological solutions provider’s office. And yet, I’d bet most of our readers could point to a hundred “developments” in modern vehicles that create more problems than they solve.
Perhaps you would prefer to read online with larger text, or maybe you would like to check out our new podcast and listen instead? Whatever your preferred method, give us a shout – we’d love to hear from you!
ALEX DILLEIGH Magazine Designer GEMMA WATSON Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Production Assistant CLAIRE SWENDELL Distribution Manager
But through all this, we need to remember that sometimes what we lose to digitalisation and the internet is the human bond that creates trust between two people. Each of you reading this will know the staff at your local factor: their names; when they’re working; their personality; and how much trust you can place in each of their suggestions. And they will know you: what work you do; where you are based; what your normal preferences are. They will be in a position to offer advice, share industry news and suggest alternatives to help you run your business better.
views expressed by contributors,nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication. Associate member
Editor KIERAN NEE Editorial Assistant FREYA COLEMAN Digital Manager KELLY NEWSTEAD Group Manager ROBERT GILHAM Account Manager
The fact that we can now back up our print offering with a weekly newsletter, online video content and an online archive of back issues means that essential content has never been more accessible – enabling you to do your job more easily.
CASTROL has announced a new Premier League scratch card campaign with prizes such as matchday hospitality, footballs and official team shirts.
As part of safety trials in advance of a wider roll-out, self driving vehicles could be hitting UK motorways as early as next year.
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In pictures: Congratulations go to the winners of theIndependent Garage Association’s inaugural awards show. You can see the winners of the British Independent Garage of the Year Awards 2022 (BIG Awards) pictured here, including Cleevely Motors who won a trio of awards including the Overall Independent Garage of the Year and Hayley Pells who won the Individual Contribution award.
GARAGESNEAR.ME has refreshed its website to ensure it is SEO optimised and user friendly for both customers and garages. Signing up for this consumer garage booking platform is fast and free, a process which has been made even quicker by the website redesign.
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PMMNEWSINBRIEF with Freya Coleman
■ As a result of this summer’s heatwaves, with parts of the UK reaching over 40°C, BOOKMYGARAGE saw a 10-fold surge in air conditioning re-gas bookings. With systems often struggling in high temperatures, the company recommends servicing air conditioning systems at least every two years.
The Wrexham-based training centre is delivering IMI courses from levels one to four. The company sees demand growing for technicians to work on EV and hybrid aspects. Andy Brooke, Managing Director: “The safety aspect is pivotal because if you’re not properly educated in how to work on EV and hybrid vehicles then you can’t go near them, and the majority of garages are nowhere near ready to do so.” Andy added: “We will be the first centre to deliver the IMI Level 4 courses – vital for anyone working on electric vehicles – and building on the aftermarket diagnostic services we provide, from professional technicians to smaller workshops wanting ourChecksupport.”out Andy’s appraisal of his own dyslexia and how he feels it has benefitted his career on page 34.
Maverick diagnostics is gearing up for expansion after unveiling a new skills centre. The launch of the Autmotive Training Academy, coupled with the firm’s recent launch of an aftermarket Tesla diagnostics tool, could potentially see Maverick Diagnostics double the size of its workforce.
■ Self-driving vehicles could be on UK roads by 2025 under government plans.
■ A petition on CHANGE.ORG to scrap two year MOT plans as proposed by transport secretary Grant Shapps is gaining traction amongst the industry and the public alike. At the time of writing, the petition has just over 15,000 signatures.
6 OCTOBER 2022 PMM
New skills centre opens
NEWS
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■ The podcast has been taking us ever further afield recently – down to Kent to chat to Neil Pattemore and up to Wrexham to chat to his UK AFCAR mate Andy Brooke. Both gave cracking performances, naturally.
This year the seminar area will be hosted by Hayley Pells and Tom Denton, who will guide attendees through the talks, picking up on interesting points and facilitating debate on the many relavnt topics discussed. Expect talks from Neil Pattemore, Darren Darling, Autotech and many more!
■ The next MECHANEX show is set to take place on the 8th & Wednesday the 9th of November 2022 at Sandown Park in Surrey. Exhibitors will include Varta, Dayco, Continental and Autowave among many others.
■ The IGA’s BIG Awards were our highlight of the Motor Show weekend in Farnborough, especially enjoying BoJo sound-a-like Mark Durden-Smith’s off-the-cuff comic rambling.
The PMM team caught a rare glimpse of the high life this summer visiting newcomer to the UK, SMIC Autoparts, who have set up camp in Knightsbridge. Under the guidance of the charismatic Mandhira Kapur, the family firm is seeking to replicate its success in India on these shores. However, beyond distributing components, the team remained resolutely tight-lipped regarding its UK plans. Watch this space!
To register for free use the URL below. WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP001
■ Topping off another month of gruelling work, we soaked up the sun at the Silverstone Classic –thanks Motul! Out and about
MESSAGE ME YOUR NEWS AT FCOLEMAN@HAMERVILLE.CO.UK
A FORTHE DIARY
73 % of motorists say speed limiters should be fitted to new cars. This is according to a recent Startline Used Car Tracker. These devices are compulsory on new cars released in the EU. 51 % of motorists are happy to consider premium-quality aftersales products if the benefits are explained, according to a recent survey by Castrol. job vacancies are said to be faced by the automotive industry by 2031 according to the IMI’s Automotive Sector Employment report.
with Freya Coleman NEWSINNUMBERS
160,000
NGK is giving UK workshops an even bigger incentive to fit its Iridium and Platinum ‘precious metal’ spark plugs in a special fivemonth promotion.
8 OCTOBER 2022 PMMPMM NEWS
The company is offering members of its BoxClever independent garage loyalty scheme extra points when they purchase the spark plugs until December 31st, 2022.
10.2% of all car insurance enquiries for EVs were from retirees, according to research from Money Super Market. The company also found that Reading had the highest insurance enquiries for EVs, relative to its population. According to new research by BookMyGarage.com, electric vehicles have higher MOT failure rates than equivalently aged petrol and hybrid vehicles. However, diesel vehicles have the highest MOT failure rate. Furthermore, tyres are responsible for 22 per cent of all electric vehicle MOT failures, compared to just 12 per cent for all fuel types. The DVSA data, obtained via an FOI request, showed electric vehicles have a MOT failure rate of 11.4 per cent for three-year-old vehicles, which rises to 21.8 per cent for six-year-old vehicles. At 11.2 per cent, three-year-old hybrid vehicles are marginally less likely to fail but six-yearold vehicles are some 29 per cent less likely to fluff their MOT than EVs. Petrol vehicles have a failure rate of 10.7 per cent after three years, meaning they’re 6 per cent more likely to pass than electric vehicles of the same age.
BoxClever members will receive thirty points each time they collect and return the NGK single boxes the spark plugs come in – three times more than normal during the not-to-be-missed promotion – with members able to exchange the points for prizes of their choice. Its iridium spark plugs feature an iridium-alloy on the middle electrode. One of the world’s hardest metals, iridium starts melting at a temperature of 2,450°C and is therefore very resistant to spark erosion. Consequently, the service life is doubled on average in comparison to standard nickel spark plugs. Platinum spark plugs have a platinum plate on the middle electrode ensuring a more constant output of the spark plug over the entire service life, even under difficult conditions. Precious metal spark plugs may be more expensive, but when specified by vehicle manufacturers and used during service and repair they will prevent possible problems.
NGK launches winter points promotion
Higher MOT failure rate for EVs
Here at PMM we often receive emails from you, the readers! It’s always insightful to hear what you guys have to say about what is going on in the industry so we’d love to hear from you – email either fcoleman@hamerville.co.uk or pmm@hamerville.co.uk.
with Freya Coleman
“ The industry faces its biggest skills challenge of the last two decades. We have been lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector for a long time to invest in addressing the shortage in qualified EV technicians, and the majority have stepped up to the challenge. But our latest report worryingly reveals that the UK’s lack of EV skills are just the tip of the iceberg.”
PMM OCTOBER 2022 11
Another correspondence we have recently received is from a reader concerned about the motor industry lacking skilled mechanics and technicians. He argues that the issue comes from lack of pay, very poor retirement outcomes for senior trade members of staff and no decent sick pay. He claims that a total reform is required to make the motor industry more appealing to workers, starting with pay and conditions.
WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP002
PMM NEWS
NEWSINQUOTES
With buying a new car being one of the most important purchases someone can make, second only to buying property, The Motor Ombudsman offers their tips for motorists looking to buy a new car as “72” registration nears. Choosing a retailer that is accredited to The Motor Ombudsman is their top tip, as consumers have free impartial and independent dispute resolution service to call on should any problems arise. Their tips include to shop around and do your research, budget for running and maintaining the car, keep EVs in mind, be prepared to wait for delivery and remember that technology varies by make, model and fuel type. Lastly, they remind motorists that warranties come as standard for new cars.
Tips to pass on to customers
Dear editor…
Steve Nash, IMI CEO, following the publishing of their Automotive Sector Employment report. “ We have been working closely with Carbon Footprint to assess our company carbon footprint and offset our emissions to achieve a carbon neutral status. We are now supporting two incredible projects in India and Brazil, that are using solar and renewable energy to massively reduce carbon emissions and deforestation, whilst supporting the local communities where they are based.”
To read the these tips
Mark Hamblin, director U-Drive, on the company’s first steps towards sustainability
Andrew and Karen Carter from Carters of Vowchurch wrote recently to voice their concerns about the potential plans to extend MOTs from one to two years. They believe it to be a “cost cutting exercise, which we believe will have a negative impact in the long run. Cutting corners for the sake of spending a bit of money. Or instead of preventative maintenance, always chasing the latest items which had broken.” They go on to say how shocked they were after the six month MOT extension post-covid at how worn tyres were.
20151.7CRDi KiaClarens HOW TO 12 OCTOBER 2022 PMM Vehicle Information Make Kia Model Carens Year 2015 Engine 1.7 CRDi Mileage 112,000 In this month’s Schaeffler LuK Clutch Clinic, REPXPERT Alistair Mason is replacing the clutch on a 2015 Kia Carens, fitted with a 1.7CRDi engine that has covered more than 112,000 miles.
ReplaceCLINICtheclutchona
With the vehicle placed on the ramp, open the bonnet, remove the air ducting to the air filter and then the air filter assembly, followed by the battery, engine control unit (Fig.1) and the battery carrier, which then gives good access to the top of the gearbox (Fig.2).
The owner of this particular vehicle had reported clutch slip; after the vehicle was road tested and a clutch replacement was diagnosed, the vehicle was booked in and the parts ordered in advance. With a book time of 3.9 hours, little investment in workshop equipment and all the technical information available on the REPXPERT workshop information system, this replacement makes a great repair for any independent workshop.
Disconnect both multiplugs on the top of the gearbox, then the gear cables and remove the cable support bracket and the crank sensor on the back of the gearbox, followed by the upper bell housing bolts. Then remove the grommet in the N/S inner wing to gain
K
ia launched the Carens compact MPV in the UK and Ireland in 1999 and it has proven to be a popular model for the company, now spanning four generations.
CLUTCH
Gearbox removal
In addition, to ensure a successful repair, always carry out a thorough road test.
to drain the gearbox oil. Whilst it’s draining, lower the ramp to waist height and remove both front wheels and then the N/S/F splash guard (Fig.4). The next part of the process is to detach the driveshafts, so remove both hub nuts, release both bottom ball joints, ease the shafts out of the hubs and, once free, the driveshafts can be levered out of the gearbox and removed from the vehicle. Remove the lower gearbox pendulum mounting and then disconnect the bottom intercooler hose, remove the small bottom bell housing plate, then the lower bell housing bolts, leaving an accessible bolt to support the gearbox until the point of its removal. At the Clutch Replacement Remove the clutch assembly from the flywheel, inspect the back of the engine for any leaks, and rectify if required, then clean the back of the engine and flywheel with brake and clutch dust cleaner. As a solid flywheel is fitted, remove the glaze from the flywheel face using some emery cloth and clean again with brake and clutch dust cleaner. Remove the release bearing and arm from the gearbox and closely inspect them for any wear on the release arm, pivot point and especially the release bearing guide tube, as these can be prone to wear and cause release bearing issues. Finally clean the bell housing area with brake and clutch dust cleaner. Fit the release arm and bearing, but be aware of the rule that if it is plastic/nylon running on metal – no lubrication is required, whereas metal running on metal – lubrication is required, and a light smear of high melting point grease is advised. Apply a light smear of the grease to the gearbox input shaft splines, mount the new clutch plate onto the input shaft, which will confirm the clutch plate is the correct fitment and it will also on the alignment dowels. When in position, fit two easily accessible bell housing bolts and tighten, then refit all the components in reverse order of their removal and torque all bolts to the manufacturer’s specification.
PMM OCTOBER 2022 13 WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP003INFORMATION
After the battery lead has been reconnected, reset all electrical consumers. Note – if the locking tabs break off during their removal, new hub nuts may be required.
Maintaining the timing belton a Ford 1.0l EcoBoost ‘Fox’ engine
“On a practical level, there are also some best practice guidelines that technicians can follow to help them assess the condition of the belt in between the specified replacement interval, the first of which is to assess the condition of the oil. “This is easier than it might appear as the presence of petrol in the oil is generally noticeable due to its strong odour, so rather than undoing the drainplug and walking away, whenever carrying out a scheduled oil and filter change technicians should check for the smell of petrol fumes. If this is detected, further investigation must be made as the failure of the belt will have catastrophic consequences to the engine.
“Naturally, should the belt need to be replaced, as the original equipment supplier for both the timing and oil pump drive systems for these engines, Dayco has replacement kits – either KBIO02 or KBIO03 – in its aftermarket range.
“Finally, we’d encourage workshops to be proactive with their customers and, in addition to highlighting the necessity of the belt checks and replacement interval, make them aware of the consequences in terms of the damage to the engine and the cost to repair it, should the belt fail.”
D ayco, the company that pioneered the belt in oil (BIO) innovation on behalf of vehicle manufacturers such as Ford and VW, is highlighting the importance of regular maintenance in line with the VMs’ scheduled service intervals, to ensure the ongoing reliability of these engines.
“Unfortunately, checking the condition of the belt is not straightforward, but a sensible starting point is to check the strainer that the oil will have passed through when draining from the sump, because it’s possible that fragments of the belt or deposits of material that have been dislodged as the fuel attacks the belt material, will be left behind.
In this month’s Belt Focus, Dayco shines a light on the belt-in-oil system on Ford’s EcoBoost ‘Fox’ engines.
“If any evidence of debris is found, the next step is to remove the camshaft cover as this is the only practical way to properly assess the belt’s condition as it allows technicians to examine the back, which will reveal whether the contaminated oil has begun to degrade the surface of the belt. At this point it’s important to state that some moderate increase in the width of the belt, commonly referred to as belt swell, is not an issue, unless of course it’s so excessive as to cause the belt to foul, but this will be evident if there is damage to its edges.
PMM OCTOBER 2022 15 BELT FOCUS WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP004INFORMATION
BEST PRACTICE
Taking the Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost ‘Fox’ engine, which is used in multiple Ford applications including the B-Max, C-Max, Ecosport, Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo, as an example, according to the manufacturer’s service schedule, the timing belt must be replaced at 150,000 miles or every 10 years, whichever comes soonest. When it comes to the Tourneo Connect and Courier however, the replacement mileage is slightly lower, at 140,000“Althoughmiles.the BIO innovation is a fantastic solution, which helps this small and efficient engine to deliver incredible levels of power, alongside exceptionally low emissions and excellent fuel economy, depending on the quality of the fuel it uses and the type of journey it undertakes, the engine can sometimes be prone to oil contamination, which has the potential to affect the belt,” explains Dayco’s National Sales Manager, Steve Carolan. “It is therefore imperative that workshops highlight the importance of following the VMs’ scheduled replacement intervals to their customers.
requirements To
Watch a detailed video from febi showing the automatic transmission oil and filter being replaced on a Mercedes 722.9 by scanning the QR code below.
TRANSMISSION OIL/ATF AND GEAR OILS
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Only the right oil can ensure continuous lubrication of both manual and automatic transmissions. High-quality gear oils and Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF) from febi are therefore precisely matched to the special requirements set by vehicle manufacturers. Gear oils from febi consist of the most efficient base oils and modern additives. Thanks to their thermal stability, the oils are ideally resistant to ageing and provide maximum wear protection in all operating conditions. In addition to their desirable friction behaviour, febi gear oils are characterised by their optimal resistance to low temperatures and guarantee the best possible corrosion protection. febi's ATFs have been developed for the latest generation of 7, 8, and 9- speed automatic transmissions. febi? High freezing, corrosion and cavitation protection Excellent lubricating properties, high resistance to ageing and high wetting and sticking of deposits with vehicle manufacturers find out more WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP005
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16 OCTOBER 2022 PMM WATCH!
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Like the engine, the transmission also needs oil for lubrication and cooling.
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In the automatic transmission, particles are generated by friction clutches, which must be effectively filtered out of the oil. If the gear oil is not clean, this may lead to problems with shifting gears. High-quality filters ensure that the gearbox remains clean and that shifting gear is trouble-free for a long time. febi has a comprehensive range, providing over 180 high-quality Transmission Filter products for popular vehicle models, including patent-free workaround oil pans with integrated Transmission Filters for popular BMW models. All febi Transmission Filters are validated through fitment tests in the gearbox to avoid any installation to sure of Fit &
Even if a customer doesn’t want their car to be any cooler than it is, you should recommend they run their air conditioning system at least every couple of weeks for a short spell on full-cold which will allow the oil within the system to circulate through the system. The reason for this is because the oil actually contains a lubricant that helps to keep all the rubber seals, O rings and pipe work in good condition. Failing to use your air conditioning for a long period means the coolant will not be able to lubricate the rubber seals and O rings within the system and cause them to become brittle and ultimately break up. When this occurs, depending on the damage to the seal or O ring, the loss of coolant can occur quickly or over time. However, when the system is completely void of gas, the system will need a complete regas and the seals and O rings within the air conditioning loop may need to be replaced.
Looking after your customers’ air conditioning
BEST
Stephen Knight, Product Manager for Valeo Service UK, talks us through the importance of keeping on top of A/C maintenance in your customers’ vehicles.
Where does the gas go?
Servicing
WANT TO KNOW MORE? MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP007INFORMATION PRACTICE
It’s recommended that a car’s air-con be checked at least once a month and be serviced every 12 months to two years. If temperatures have just started to hit high figures like they have in previous months and the air-con hasn’t been used for some time, then this is an ideal time to suggest an inspection to customers. It’s important to realise that air conditioning systems in cars will lose performance over time. It is estimated that around 10 per cent of the gas refrigerant used in a car’s air-con is lost every year through natural seepage. Without any sort of proper maintenance or without using a vehicle’s aircon on a regular basis, drivers could be losing an above average amount of gas from their air-con. When refrigerant gas is lost from the aircon system it actually increases a car’s fuel consumption. With less gas to use in the aircon system, the car’s engine will have to work harder to keep the system functioning properly. Eventually, when the system has lost a sufficient amount of gas, drivers will begin to notice the air-con does not expel cold air anymore.
Another common issue that can occur with an unused or unmaintained air conditioning system is that mould can build up in the vehicle’s evaporator (typically located inside the vehicle dashboard). The evaporator is a key component in the air conditioning loop and allows freezing refrigerant to pass through it. The cold air coming off the evaporator is then blown into the vehicle cabin when the air conditioning is activated. If you’ve noticed an unpleasant odour ever-present inside your own car, then mould in the air-con could be the cause. In the worst case scenario, an air-con unit with mould in the evaporator can spread bacteria and allergens around the car’s cabin. Without frequent use, moisture can build up within the air vent ducts that the system uses to pipe cold air to the air vents. This moisture can cause mould and bacteria to form, which are then blown into the car when the system is started again after weeks or months of inactivity.
FOR
TECH TIPS 18 OCTOBER 2022 PMM T he majority of vehicles that roll off production lines today now include air conditioning as standard. As this summer has shown us, it’s a luxury feature few vehicle owners could now do without, not only for keeping us cool on hot summer days but also for demisting windows during the frosty winter months. However, what many of your customers may not realise is that the air conditioning system could also do with regular checks to ensure it operates at its optimum capacity. That applies especially if it hasn’t been used for a while. Failing to keep on top of the state of air-conditioning systems could potentially cost drivers money and even prove bad for their health as well.
KYB advises to check the wheel alignment after the shock absorber is fitted to the vehicleKYB also recommends that shock absorbers and coil springs are always fitted in axle pairs. To see the video showing exactly how to replace the suspension on the front of the Renault Trafic, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro and Nissan Primastar, have a look at the fitting video on the PMM website Simply scan the QR code above WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW. R D R . L I N K/AA P 0 0 8 Watch! To watch the video showing this replacement scan the QR code below
vehicles: Renault Trafic II; Vauxhall Vivaro; and Nissan Primastar, each from 2001 onwards. he estimated fitting time for front shock absorber replacement is 1 hour for the pair The KYB part number is 335803
KYB guides readers through the replacement of the front shock absorbers on the following
T
STEP-BY-STEP
Loosen stabiliser link, then remove ABS sensor and brake hose Disconnect the top of the stabiliser link
Loosen the bottom bolts from the strut housing Support the weight of the axle from below Remove the bolts from the bottom bracket of the Macpherson Strut Then support the weight of the corner unit Under the bonnet, unscrew and move the coolant tank, to allow access to the top nut
HOW TO Repla ce the f r ont shoc k absor bers on a Re n aultTraficII T E C H T I P S 20 OCTOBER 2022 PMM
Loosen the top nut of the strut Hold onto the strut under the wheel arch and remove the top nut Dismantle the strut assembly, using a coil spring compressor Begin to re assemble the new parts Ensure the top of the dust cover aligns with the top of the widest part of the piston rod Pressthebearingunit intothe rubber mounting. Take note of the lip on the spring seat of the strut and ensure that the end of the bottom of the coil spring sits flush against it
Take note of the lip on the spring plate cap and ensure that the end of the top of the coil spring sits flush against it
Tighten the top mount to the correct torque Re attach the top of the shock absorber on the vehicle finger tight. Relocate the strut housing and reconnect the bottom bolt, using the correct torque Re attach the stabiliser link to the correct torque Re attach the various sensors and hoses Replace the wheel Return to the top of the shock absorber and tighten to the correct torque. Replace the protective cap, pipe cover, then re attach the coolant tank
GUIDE:
Veh i c l e C a se Fi les PROBLEM:
ASSESSMENT: Diesel vehicles that are primarily driven short distances can easily develop problems with their diesel particulate filter This is because the soot particles are filtered out of the exhaust gas in the first step During normal operation of the vehicle, the soot is then burnt off again However, this automatic regeneration also requires a minimum temperature of the filter And this is often not the case on brief journeys, so that regeneration is not completed or does not even begin The result: The filter clogs and the car goes into limp home mode or stops completely The workshop can provide a quick remedy here with the DPF Cleaning Kit from LIQUI MOLY It can be used to unblock filters clogged with soot without having to remove the filter at all The kit includes a spray wand with five different tips, a pressurised spray gun, the cleaning liquid and the purge fluid It s easy to use: All you need to do is remove the pressure or temperature sensor of the exhaust system Then the probe can be inserted through the opening and the cleaning agent sprayed directly into the particulate filter Its active ingredients dissolve the encrusted soot After a few minutes of exposure time, the next step is to spray in the purge fluid The whole thing only takes half an hour After that, the regeneration cycle of the filter must be activated manually in order to burn the dissolved soot in the filter In this series of articles, Liqui Moly investigates common vehicle problems and proposes a solution. Clogged DPFs SOLUTION: Liqui Moly’s DPF Cleaning Kit
WA N T TO K N OW M O R E ? FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N G O TO W W W. R D R . L I N K / A A P 0 0 9
VARTA Partner Portal Includes: ✓ BATTERY FINDER & SELECTION For every vehicle make & model, the portal recommends the correct technology and part number to intall (powered by Original Equipment data) ✓ BATTERY LOCATION + JOB TIME Includes the location of the battery (including if there is a second, auxiliary battery) on board. PLUS how long it should take to remove the old battery / install the replacement ✓ FITMENT INSTRUCTIONS Includes detailed, step-by-step fitting guides, with images to help illustrate complex fit procedures ✓ RE-PROGRAMMING INFORMATION If the vehicle needs the new battery initialising with the battery management system, guidance is also included THE PARTNERVARTAPORTAL Ever had a car arrive in the workshop and not sure where the battery is located on board? Have a vehicle turn up and unsure how long it will take to change the battery? Not sure which battery technology to install? The solution to all these challenges is the VARTA Partner Portal ACCESS TO THE VARTA PARTNER PORTAL IS FREE AND INCLUDES UNLIMITED USE, AVAILABLE ON ANY INTERNET ENABLED COMPUTER OR MOBILE DEVICE To ensure you have full support during the whole replacement journey, register today at: www.varta-partner-portal.com/en-gb VARTA SUPPLY ALL LEADING OEMS WITH AGM FITTED WITH VARTA ENGINEERED IN GERMANY POWERFRAME GRID IN EVERY BATTERY
PMM OCTOBER 2022 23
With the current state of the roads, suspension systems are working harder than ever. For readers of PMM being asked to change bushes, Polybush offers a useful guide to its fit and forget products.
Polybush designs bushes to reduce deflection whilst providing vibration absorption qualities; the material used has a natural ability to internally damp high-frequency vibration created by rough road surfaces and potholes.
ailing and failed bushes can not only wear tyres quickly but in many cases cause poor handling, vague steering, as well as causing significant damage to arms. They can also manifest themselves to vehicle owners as knocks and noises when driving.
Polybush’s bushes are designed to be unaffected byoil,petrolorroadcontaminants so leaks and spills are no issue for these products.
Strength and performance
KNOW bushes
YOUR PARTS Replacement
Fitment provides safer, more controlled handling, with a more comfortable drive that also improves turn-in and vehicle stability, prolonging tyre life and reducing MOT costs.
How to fit
F
TECH TIPS WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP010INFORMATION 40CV being fitted to a V362 Ford Transit. 40CT being fitted to a V362 Ford Transit leaf spring. 44EU being fitted to a VW Caddy 2k
Polybush requires no special tools to fit, simply remove the old bush with your favoured method and press in the new bushes with a vice or with a G-clamp. Unlike other manufacturers, Polybush are friction fit, meaning no grease or oil is to be used on installation. If lubrication is required, using washing-up liquid or tyre soap will allow the part to dry and ensure a tight fit guaranteeing long trouble-free life.
With over 34 years of both OE and aftermarket experience, Polybush has developed a large product range which aims to offer a cost-effective, “fit and forget” solution that outlasts the life of rubber bushes. The good news for independent workshop is there are no profit-eroding tools required to fit them.
Traditional rubber bushes degrade over time and can suffer with compression set. This slowly ovalises the bush, reducing performance and wearing components as suspension alignment changes. Using highgrade polyurethane, Polybush offers a bush that retains its shape. Keeping alignment is key to safety, performance and cost reduction. Many garages have a real challenge with rear beam bushes (especially on the Ford Fiesta MK7) as disgruntled customers are being required to replace these bushes time and time again. With only two points of attachment to the chassis, the bushes act as pivot points, reacting against all the loads from the rear of the car. The original rubber bush quickly suffers a compression set, misaligning the rear wheel geometry resulting in poor handling as the beam is out of its optimum alignment and grip is lost. With some OEMs not offering replacement bushes, a new beam can be a very expensive outlay; with Polybush you can just replace the bush.
24 OCTOBER 2022 PMM
The main components of an air suspension system, the air springs and air struts, contain rubber sleeves. Rubber is a natural product prone to wear and tear causing the air sleeve to be the first component to wear out. Often, the rubber will dry out and small cracks form where the air sleeve continuously rolls up and down the rolling piston during the spring movement. When the vehicle is being inspected, it is recommended that the air sleeves are checked for these small cracks and, if present, replaced to avoid the cracks developing into a bigger leak over time.
Replacing in pairs is commonly advised for conventional shock absorbers to avoid a difference in dampening efficiency on the same axle. This dampening functionality difference between new and old is also the case for air suspension struts. If not replaced in pairs, the ride, handling, and stability of the vehicle is substantially impaired which could lead to unpredictable driving behaviour and dangerous situations.
Typically, a high-quality air spring should be replaced every six to ten years. Outside conditions including climate, road conditions, and constant abrasion of dirt and road debris also influence the functioning and life span of these air suspension components. Additionally, colder temperatures make the rubber stiffer and less flexible while hotter conditions will make the rubber dry out faster. Both hot and cold temperatures can give an already worn air sleeve the final push to burst. Quality is of key importance when it comes to determining the product’s lifespan. In addition to rubber, other components, including crimping rings, O-rings and piston material, are also important. Although some cheap aftermarket air springs might look identical to the original part at first glance, the differences can be quite substantial! Making concessions such as using inferior rubber, lower grade parts and/or consolidation in piston design can result in lower burst pressure, difficult fitment, impaired damping comfort and more NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). Arnott wants to ensure a safe drive with long-lasting products and therefore chooses to use the highest quality rubber (Continental ContiTech) and other Tier 1 components for their air springs and struts. When the air spring/strut is finally worn out, replacing in pairs is highly recommended. Even if the leak only occurs in one corner of the vehicle, it is still recommended to replace the other side as well. The rubber of the air spring/strut on the opposite side has most likely been exposed to the same road and weather conditions as the failing side and has therefore faced the same wear and tear. Thus, there is a high probability that the air spring/strut that has not failed will have similar issues to the one that has in the near future if not replaced.
IT TAKES TWO WANT
Being the aftermarket air suspension specialist, Arnott is keen to make sure all installers feel confident and are well informed when working on air suspension systems. In this article, we provide you with some advice on why you should always replace air suspension components in pairs.
Although replacing in pairs is not mandatory for most Arnott parts, it is still highly recommended. It will not only ensure a safe, comfortable ride but likely also save your customer another trip to the workshop. TO KNOW MORE?FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP011
The initial live and interactive training is presented as a 12-part course delivered over three weeks at the rate of four two-hour sessions per week. For the time-pressed technician this bite-sized learning can be integrated with ease into the working day. The live sessions start at 9 am UK time. Workshops are encouraged to attend refresher training sessions at least once every six months so they can remain up-to-date with everything DPF-related and stay at the top of their game. The Video Guides section helps in this regard. It all adds up to workshops working in an efficient, lean and customer focused way with their first-time fix rate a testament to this.
How the training is structured
‘Live Training’ broadcast in full HD from Darren’s HQ in Ashington. Delegates can ask questions and Darren will answer them live.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP012INFORMATION
Darren’s training is based on real-world experience: real faults, real fixes in his workshop. New faults create new training content. So, if a fix is covered in training it has been proven in the workshop beforehand.
s lockdown loomed large, Darren Darling made the decision to move his DPF training programme online, which has proved to be one of the best business decisions he has ever made. Today, technicians in every corner of the globe can benefit from his DPF expertise and knowhow without leaving the country, or even their workshop. The reaction to his live and interactive online training has been incredible with technicians in Australia queuing up to be DPF Doctors and workshops in many countries benefiting from his knowhow and the incredible resources on the Training Portal. Here’s a snapshot on how it works.
GOING GLOBAL
“It puts technicians in the top 5 per cent so they attract even more DPF business.” Darren Darling on his online training programme
‘Training Reruns’ section where every training session is uploaded so it can be viewed 24/7. Members can catch up on training and keep up to date at their own convenience. There are over 90 two-hour training‘Videosessions.Guides’ section – a searchable series with 100+ short training videos offering ‘just in time’ training. This is useful when a technician has a job in their workshop and they need guidance. Members can access the portal 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can also attend as many live training sessions as often as they like, with no pressure to learn everything to perfection first time around.
The Training Portal
“Fantastic” feedback Darren himself is delighted with the progress the training network has made since going digital: “The feedback from our UK and international members has been fantastic with the first annual subscribers signing up for an additional 12 months. They tell us regularly how their business has benefitted from the training. It delivers a genuine ROI in a short space of time, and it keeps on delivering. World class training, available anytime, anywhere. And it puts technicians in the top 5 per cent so they attract even more DPF business.”
We follow up on last month’s Q&A with the DPF Doctor Darren Darling to find out a little more about his DPF training programme.
A
There are three sections to the portal. Every workshop signing up for Darren’s training has unrestricted access to this for 12 months.
26 OCTOBER 2022 PMM
BUSINESS & TRAINING
The new BILSTEIN B6 Camper high performance shock absorbers already dramatically improve driving performance That’s because the shock absorbing properties have been tailored to the parameters of motor homes (semi integrated as well as panel vans) based on thousands of hours of road tests The special set up provides added safety in crosswinds and on bends thanks to optimum grip and a more intense driving experience thanks to high traction and precise handling At the same time, campers can look forward to a more comfortable driving experience: thanks to the reduction of driving noise through better shock absorption as well as the increase in comfort due to the optimised rolling behaviour on cobblestones and at level crossings The one thing that could make this even better would be a shock absorber that could change its characteristic curve depending on the situation BILSTEIN presents the B6 Camper Advanced with amplitude selective shock absorption based on the DampMatic® principle The BILSTEIN B6 Camper Advanced has a soft characteristic setting when cruising and a tight setting during evasive manoeuvres. The shock absorber selects one of two characteristic curves completely automatically based on a mechanical process using the vibrations transmitted by the road In the “soft setting”, the shock absorber oil flows through both the main piston and a special DampMatic® bypass. If the vibration amplitude becomes greater due to the driving situation, the control piston moves to its stop due to the sudden excitation This closes the bypass and the complete volume flow is handled by the main piston. Since the flow is thus reduced, the shock absorber behaves “tighter” Want to know more? For more information WWW.R DR.LINK/AAP013 A M P E R S H O C K A B S O R B E R I N A C L A S S O F I T S O W N T
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F R OM THE M O TOR HOME B O OM
A D V E R T O R I A L B WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BILSTEIN.UK D WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/BILSTEIN F WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/BILSTEINDE
The motor home industry has experienced an unprecedented boom in recent years. According to the German Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD) for example, a total of 81,420 new registrations were recorded in 2021 alone, a figure that has more than doubled in the past four years. And that is just the German market without the European figures The BILSTEIN B6 Camper Advanced high performance shock absorbers developed specifically for this segment gives workshops the opportunity to move into this exciting market and enjoy the associated benefits or to expand their motor home portfolio with an attractive new option As an additional feature compared to the also recently released BILSTEIN B6 Camper, the Advanced includes the BILSTEIN DampMatic® This automatically adjusts to one of two characteristic curves depending on the situation, giving customers two shock absorbers in one all without complex and expensive electronics. This exciting shock absorber concept fits in perfectly with the new WAY AHEAD brand claim and provides genuine added value Campers, both panel vans as well as semi integrated vehicles, based on the Fiat Ducato (from model year 2006) and the largely identical vehicles from Citroën and Peugeot are covered Designed specifically for motor homes Based on the current figures from CIVD, the average price of a German motor home is 77,500 euros. Despite these steep prices, motor homes still tend to “rattle” off on their holiday adventure on simple van suspensions supplied by the platform sponsor This leads to a lack of travelling comfort, poor stability in bends or annoying driving noises, which do not exactly make the journey all that relaxing. In defence of van suspensions, from a technical perspective, it must be said that they are simply not designed for use in a motor home because the loading situation is completely different. For example, while the additional load in a delivery van is constantly changing, the heavy fittings in motor homes mean that they are constantly loaded near the permissible weight limit
BILSTEIN B 6 CAMPE R ADVAN C E D : BENE F I
Benefits of BILSTEIN B6 Camper and Camper Advanced
O
ne of the lesser known Brexit outcomes is that Britain actually has a more ambitious target than the EU in banning the future sale of petrol and diesel vehicles. Here the ban is set for 2030 and there is now a massive challenge to find 90,000 electric vehicle qualified technicians to keep our EVs on the road. As the biggest UK trainer of EV technician apprentices with several global brands as our employer clients, Remit Training is at the forefront of meeting this challenge and three aspects of it currently stand out: Ensuring a regular pipeline of young talent is coming through Apprenticeships are our preferred form of training because they give young people the right blend of knowledge, skills and behaviours to thrive in the automotive sector. Unfortunately the government approved standards for technicians haven’t kept pace with the rise of EV and so one customised solution for our employer partners is to bolt on commercial Level 3 EV courses accredited by IMI at the end of a 3-year apprenticeship. Supporting young trainees after the pandemic Completing a three-year apprenticeship requires the right training and support. For example, our 16 to 18 year old apprentices missed school during the pandemic and can sometimes find their new work-based environment bewildering. The last thing we should be doing is to play this down and be telling them just to get on with it. Remit’s response has been to invest considerably in mental health awareness provision for staff and apprentices with positive results.
Good quality EV training requires ongoing investment Remit has two state-of-the-art training academies in Derby which are attended by apprentices and commercially funded trainees on block release from all over England and we now plan to open another in the south to meet increasing demand. Scottish apprentices receive their training at our academy in Motherwell. Much of our income is invested back into the business to ensure that we can meet employers’ expectations as the technology including that for EV keeps advancing, and vehicles and trucks at the academies need replacing. We also need dedicated trainers for EV and the salaries on offer must be competitive. Our employer partners are fantastic in helping us source rigs, vehicles and kit at competitive prices, but costs and rising inflation are a real issue. Support from the manufacturers in the form of discounted or gifted equipment or vehicles has therefore never been more appreciated to help maintain up-to-date training for the next generation of technicians.
Remit Training’s CEO, Sue Pittock discusses the shortage of EV technicians opening up.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP014INFORMATION BUSINESS & TRAINING
28 OCTOBER 2022 PMM
Facing up to a potentially unregulated technician market Only 6 per cent of the current 250,000 technicians in the automotive sector are EV qualified. The danger is that in the rush to catch up, the industry becomes too reliant on unregulated commercial EV technician training which has serious implications for both technician safety and the amount of time that EVs spend in a garage compared with petrol cars. In the meantime, the answer is for training providers to work closely with the manufacturers to encourage growth in apprenticeships and properly regulated commercial training. We have benefitted first-hand from the forging of strong partnerships and this is the way forward.
SHORTup
Coming
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Once registered, the system will automatically award points for every qualified Bosch automotive product purchased from selected distributors A workshop’s points total is updated daily and can be tracked easily through an online dashboard Points can be redeemed for rewards at any time, with each pound spent returning one reward point. Rewards can be claimed for purchases throughout the Bosch automotive range of products, including wiper blades, lambda sensors, brake pads and discs, filters, ignition coils, fuel pumps and more Only workshop owners may participate in the programme WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW. R D R . L I N K/AA P 0 1 5
P O IN TS
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Bosch has now made it easier for workshops to claim free rewards through the relaunched, fully online eXtra loyalty programme, with 500 welcome points being given to newcomers mean I Z
The initiative gives workshop owners the opportunity to collect points every time they purchase a Bosch product from a select distributor. These points can then be transferred into a range of high value rewards covering technology, home and garden, toys and games, sports, and leisure, as well as jewellery and beauty products Examples include Bosch power tools, an Apple iPhone, cookware, Swarovski earrings and more The programme is now fully online and automated to make collecting and redeeming points easier than ever Workshop owners simply need to sign up to the scheme at www.extra rewards.co.uk
osch has relaunched its ‘eXtra’ loyalty programme, making it even easier for independent workshops to claim rewards every time they purchase qualifying Bosch automotive aftermarket products To mark the occasion, new workshops to sign up to the scheme will benefit from 500 welcome reward points
B AT T E R I E S & I G N I T I O N 30 OCTOBER 2022 PMM
PRODUCT TEST
My first impression has been proven wrong in a big way and the light, compact machine has outperformed all my expectations The size and weight are both impressively small and the added bonus of long leads that can be disconnected from the charger for storage etc all go in its favour
The battery support option is also a bonus as these days you simply cannot do without it: all modern vehicles need their battery supported when doing diagnostic or programming work or you risk a flat battery at the worst possible time, usually half way through an expensive ECU reprogramming that is a one attempt only unit A normal battery charger does not provide a stable enough power source to support a system in this way Not using a support unit like the MPL50 LI whilst undertaking ECU reprogramming is simply madness It is a
Trac tion Char ger MPL50-Li Tony Powell AEE MIMI, owner of A P Autodiagnostics has spent a month with Traction Charger ’s MPL50 Li Here’s how he got on O n first opening the box and on first sight of this charger my expectations weren't high, purely down to the compact size of it You automatically assume that a small unit with low weight just won't have the power or grunt to do the job Once in use, though, this very compact and light charger has proved to be a little diamond It has coped with everything we have thrown at it from totally dead batteries on Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar vans that have been parked up for extended periods of time awaiting repair to Jaguar F Types with the low battery warning on and lithium batteries What’s more, dead flat batteries are something we come across regularly when travelling out to do injector removal and replacement work This charger is very simple to operate and most of the time it just needs connecting to the battery, plugging in and turning on You have a choice of LiFepo4, Ca/Ca, Ca/Ag, AGM, GEL and conventional lead acid batteries (PB) and it gives a constant 13 4 V in battery support mode
A c c o rd i n g t o re c e n t re s e a rch f r o m e py x , t h e i d e a t h a t f ra n ch i s e d e a l e r s a re re q u i re d m o re f o r e l e c t r i c v e h i c l e s e r v i c e, m a i n t e n a n c e a n d re p a i r t h a n t h e i r i n t e r n a l c o m b u s t i o n e n g i n e c o u n t e r p a r t s i s a c e r t i f i e d M Y T H .
W H A T W E ’ V E H E A R D : S o r t i n g o u t f a c t f r o m f i c t i o n i n t h e w o r k s h o p W h i l s t m a n y j o b s o n E V s w i l l r e m a i n t h e s a m e a s o n I C E v e h i cl e s b r a k e s , t y r e s e t c . t h e r e i s s t i l l a g r e a t o p p o r t u n i t y f o r i n d e p e n d e n t w o r k s h o p s t o t r a i n u p a n d g e t q u a l i f i e d t o c a p i t a l i s e o n t h e “ j u i c i e r ” a s p e c t s o f E V maintenance and repair. Don’t let the dealers take your work!
T h e f i r m ’s s t ra t e g y d i re c t o r, C h a r l i e B r o o k s , re i n f o rc e d t h e m e s s a g e : “ T h e re ’s b e e n s o m e t h i n g o f a n a c c e p t e d n a r ra t i v e i n re c e n t ye a r s t h a t b e c a u s e E V s re p re s e n t a n e w t e ch n o l o g y, t h e y w i l l s t re n g t h e n t h e S M R l i n k b e t w e e n f l e e t s a n d f ra n ch i s e d e a l e r s “ We ’ v e n ow g o t a s u f f i c i e n t n u m b e r o f e l e c t r i c c a r s a n d va n s o n t h e p l a t f o r m t h a t w e c a n s e e f a i r l y s o l i d t re n d s e m e rg i n g a n d o n e o f t h e m o s t o b v i o u s i s t h a t t h i s s u p p o s e d re l a t i o n s h i p i s s o m e t h i n g o f a m y t h .
W H A T YO U ’ V E H E A R D : T h e i d e a t h a t f r a n c h i s e d e a l e r s a r e r e q u i r e d m o r e f o r E V S M R t h a n I C E i s a “ m y t h ” , n e w r e s e a r c h s h o w s .
W E S AY: G E T I N T O U C H H e a rd s o m e t h i n g i n t e re s t i n g i n t h e wo r k s h o p ( o r e v e n t h e p u b ) l a t e l y a n d w o n d e r h o w m u c h t r u t h i s i n i t ? G i v e u s a s h o u t a n d w e ’ l l d o o u r b e s t t o s o r t o u t t h e f a c t f r o m t h e f i c t i o n . E m a i l u s a t p m m @ h a m e r v i l l e . c o . u k “Not using a support unit like the MPL50-LI whilst undertaking ECU reprogramming is simply madness.” must even for simple diagnostic work like code reading where cars now insist on having their headlights and ignition on, draining a minimal sized battery The build quality is high and we don't have a single complaint on that front It comes in black with bright LED indicator lamps and an LED countdown in 10s for amperage readings from 50 to less than 10 All from a company that has been around for years with an excellent reputation for quality and reliability Having used it on Vauxhalls, Renaults, Nissans, Peugeots, Volvos, Fords, Mercedes, Jaguars and Range Rovers without issue, we couldn't find any reason to knock it down and are full of praise for this little unit. All in all, I would have no qualms in purchasing the MPL50 Li for general day to day use in the workshop or even one of our mobile vans (where the low weight is an added bonus) The prices I have seen are not out of step with other machines and based upon our experience are in fact relatively cheap WANT TO KNOW MORE? MORE INFORMATION WWW R D R L I N K/AA P 0 1 6
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Mythbusters E V s a r e b a d n e w s f o r i n d e p e n d e n t s a s y o u n e e d t o t a k e t h e m t o t h e d e a l e r f o r s e r v i c i n g a n d r e p a i r s .
S t a t i s t i c s t a ke n f r o m t h e c o m p a n y ’s s e r v i c e n e t wo r k p l a t f o r m , u s e d t o m a n a g e S M R f o r m o re t h a n f o u r m i l l i o n c o m p a n y v e h i c l e s ( l a rg e l y o p e ra t e d by l e a s i n g c o m p a n i e s ) , s h ow h a rd l y a n y d i f f e re n c e i n t h e s p l i t b e t w e e n f ra n ch i s e a n d i n d e p e n d e n t u s e f o r E V s a n d I C E s
A l s o c l e a r i n t h e d a t a i s t h a t E V s p re s e n t a g re a t e r o p p o r t u n i t y f o r t y re re p l a c e m e n t , w i t h t h e a d d e d b a t t e r y w e i g h t re s u l t i n g i n h i g h e r w e a r a n d t e a r.
Getting the lighting right Mechanics work on various elements of a vehicle, and at times, in unique settings –because of this, certain types of lighting will be required at different times. Often, mechanics use portable handheld lights for convenience such as torches to be able to see areas of a vehicle in detail. However, headlamps allow workers to work hands-free, and complete the job at hand seamlessly rather than shining a torch in the designated area, taking away the use of one hand. Headlamps provide direct lighting which makes visibility of particular parts easier when repairing vehicles. Some headlamps also have multiple light settings which is useful when switching between different tasks. Other things to note when purchasing portable lighting is beam distance, light output and whether the product is water-resistant.
According to a study by the University of Greenwich, workers who worked under ‘blue-enriched’ lighting, which would measure between 6,000-7,000 K, reported feeling “happier, more alert and had less eye strain”. To create uniformity in your workshop, we suggest using the same colour temperature. Alternatively, as mentioned above, if your workers are using portable lighting equipment, selecting lighting which has multiple settings that allow for different coloured lighting might also be beneficial.
Energizer manufactures a range of handsfree, lightweight, and versatile lighting products specifically designed for tasks that require two hands, for both indoor, outdoor and everyday Ultimately,use.lighting has a far greater impact than you may have otherwise assumed. Making smart, informed choices when it comes to lighting in your workshop can dramatically increase your workforce’s productivity and safety. By adequately lighting your workshop, you’re saving lives –it really is that important. It is vital that you monitor the lighting in your workshop but also consider portable lighting which can make individual tasks much easier to complete.
Portable lighting can really help workers to perform more efficiently especially if they work in demanding environments.
As the darker months approach, Energizer is stressing the importance of correct workshop lighting to avoid eye strain.
In the WORKSHOPLIGHTINGspotlight:32 OCTOBER 2022 PMM
echanics can’t work efficiently if they’re unable to see what they’re working on –eye strain can produce several problems for anyone in their line of work. It can increase downtime by causing headaches, tired eyes, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, so it’s imperative this is avoided.
Into the blue The colour of light is also an important factor when selecting appropriate lighting for your workshop. The colour of light is measured in Kelvin (K). A warm or yellow light would measure around 3,000 K whilst a sunny day might measure 5,500 K.
A common choice of lighting is LEDs.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP017INFORMATION SPECIAL REPORT M
LED technology is famous for its energy efficiency and long service life, it uses 70 per cent less energy compared to incandescent lighting and bulbs can have a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours. As well as this, LED lighting is flicker free, and generates less heat which prevents burning. For the general health and well-being of workers, LED lighting is highly recommended for use in workshops.
Let’s investigate how these health and safety matters are best avoided and explore some of the options when it comes to lightingLightingworkshops.istheone thing that affects everything you do in your workshop. Appropriate lighting can prevent workplace accidents by increasing the visibility of safety hazards. Detailed visibility is needed in any working environment, but it is particularly important when working with moving machinery. Not having enough lighting is a problem, but too much lighting can also cause health and safety problems which can lead to low productivity, poor quality work and mistakes in the workplace. As well as physical difficulties, poor lighting in workshops can take its toll on workers’ mental health, causing stress and anxiety in high pressure environments.
I now feel that dyslexia has made me a far better technician; it has forced me to be very methodical and I’m now able to think laterally and carefully about all sorts of situations.
34 OCTOBER 2022 PMM WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP018INFORMATION
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I’ve found the ideal way around this: There are so many helping hands these days from text-to-speech software and, vice-versa, speech-to-text software, such as Nuance, which helps you with grammar, spelling and, well, everything. It’s so useful, in fact, that I used it to write this article!
SPECIAL REPORT
I find a lot of vehicle technician learn simply by kinaesthetic methods i.e. hands-on practical work, outside of the classroom. Unfortunately, as vehicles advance, we will all need to have a certain level of electrical knowledge, which will inevitably involve reading and writing.
This month, Andy Brooke, managing director at Maverick Dignostics, explores an issue he only discovered in later life has played a major part in his life – dyslexia.
blessing?“WhenI’mreadingdiagnosticsinstructions
DYSLEXIA in the workshop: Curse or
on a screen, I must read through them many times, to make sure I’m not going to “brick” the car.”
ost of us ask ourselves at some point: “Why did I ever become a workshop technician?” The answer normally goes back to when you were a small child. I, for one, was an addicted fixer of anything at an early age; I was addicted to Lego, Meccano, even Stickle Bricks. Later, I became a keen builder of cars and motorbikes and there are pictures of my two year old self trying to fix a pedal car –I’m sure it will pop up publically somewhere eventually. I got my first car at age 13: a Mini 1000 and started autograss racing in the junior class. In short, I’ve been a committed petrol head for as long as I remember. My love of cars and car repair to one side, the truth is that I struggled at school. My reports invariably said things like “Andrew is intelligent but cannot concentrate”. Just to rub things in, I come from a family of published authors and journalists, with my own sister being an excellent writer with a masters in English and lots of other similar qualifications. Obviously, this put further pressure on me. At 16 I applied to the RAF to become an airframe technician, but I failed to get in. Interestingly, they thought I had cheated on the IQ test, as my results were fantastic – especially when compared to the “miserable failure” of my English test. Struggle to write I was almost 25 before I discovered the potential reason for my difficulties in academia: I’m dyslexic. Even today, it’s a hellish struggle for me to write these words in the correct order. Fortunately for us in the 21st Century, computers now correct our errors automatically, or at least highlight them with a handy red zigzag line. Also I’m lucky enough to have lovely proofreaders to check I’m making any sense at all. So, I hear you asking: “What has this got to do with the motor industry?” Well, the truth is many technicians I speak to also prove to be dyslexic, including some of the very best. Perhaps they find it easier to naturally understand how things work? I was inspired a few years ago when my daughter bought me a book by the genius F1 chassis designer Adrian Newey. Adrian is dyslexic and just understands naturally how things like complex aerodynamics should work. After reading this, it turns out so was Steve jobs and so is Richard Branson. Not impressed by them? Well, try John F Kennedy, George Washington, Steven Spielberg… the list goes on! I now look at my dyslexia as a blessing, not a curse. Here’s the rub: I work mainly with dealer diagnostic tools, software, computer, and network systems and have done for too many years to count, so I feel I’m well placed to understand the struggles many have. For example, when I’m reading diagnostics instructions on a screen, I must read through them many times, to make sure I’m not going to “brick” the car. When you’re under pressure to get a diagnostic job done it can be stressful.
THE REGIONAL TRADESHOW FOR AUTO REPAIR PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONAL MOTOR MECHANIC MECHANEX 2022 SHOW DETAILS Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9AJ, 8 th & 9 th November It’s an unmissable opportunity to attend FREE seminars, sample the latest products on the market, and take advantage of exclusive show special offers. So, why not bring the full workforce along and make a day of it? GET SOCIAL To keep up to date with all things MECHANEX in 2022, be sure to visit WWW.MECHANEX.INFO, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! REGISTERMECHANEXShow@MECHANEXShowFORFREETICKETS WWW.MECHANEX.INFOAT: The UK’s only regional businessesdedicatedtradeshowtogarageisbackagain in 2022, with a fresh approach and a host of exciting new content. LET’S MAKE 2022 THE BEST MECHANEX YET!
This year we are proud to announce the seminar area will be hosted by two titans of the aftermarket, none other than Hayley Pells and Tom Denton!
The dynamic duo will be keeping the information going and the conversation flowing in the dedicated seminar area this November. They both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, with each of them ideally placed to foresee and engage with the most up-to-date industry developments.
SEMINARS WHO’S EXHIBITING? And many more
Alongside talks from Hayley and Tom we have lined up Neil Pattemore, Darren Darling, Autotech, the IGA and more!
Ester technology is delivering improved engine performance and economy for Mannol’s customers.
One of the other benefits of Ester technology is that the molecules are plantbased, meaning the products are more eco-
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ADDITIVES
LUBRICANTS
OILS, &
T raditionally restricted to the aerospace industry, Mannol development scientists have harnessed Ester technology and apply it economically to automotive oil and additive applications, offering a range of benefits to both workshops and motorists.
The aerospace industry has long been recognised as cutting edge when it comes to technological development and it was the first to fully utilise the benefits of Esters. These are fully synthetic group V base oils which are commonly used in aviation technologies to boost engine oil performance. The addition of V esters into an oil formulation enhances the functionality of the lubricant and provides the highest level of protection for engines at extreme loads and heat. Drawing inspiration from the aviation industry, the Mannol research and development team have been able to identify the key to the balance of economically viable use of Ester technology and have formulated Ester-based oils that offer a huge step forward in terms of performance and longevity. The oil company has also created a range of Ester additives that effectively offer the benefits of Ester technology to the whole of the automotive aftermarket. This also means motorists can get the most out of their engines in terms of performance, economy and emission reduction. Ester molecules are, due to their polarity, attracted to positively charged metal surfaces. This means that within the engine chamber they can effectively create a film on the moving parts. This in turn means better lubrication, improved combustion and lower energy consumption, which results in reduced emissions, and reduced engine wear. The molecules are also less volatile and so do not evaporate as quickly, meaning the oil will last longer. Ester also acts as a solvent and dispersant, clearing impurities that might otherwise form as sludge in the system.
“The molecules are also less volatile and so do not evaporate as quickly, meaning the oil will last longer.”
The range Mannol Ester Additive (MN9929) is an oil additive engine protection product, based on synthetic esters, suitable for all types of engines and oil. The magnetised ester molecules increase load capacity and reduce wear, thus extending the life of the engine and transmission components, saving fuel. The additive also has anticorrosive and antioxidant properties and can prevent the build-up of dangerous sludge, which reduces performance and reliability.
Mannol Benzin Ester Additive (MN9950) is a lubricating fuel additive for all types of petrol engines, including those with direct fuel injection into cylinders. This balanced package of additives meets the very latest engine requirements, boosting fuel quality and improving performance. It contains a friction modifier and an ignition promoter, which improves combustion and reduces the formation of carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. With regular use, engine performance improves and significant fuel savings of 2-5 per cent are achievable. For diesel engines there is Diesel Ester Additive (9930), which offers a similar level of protection and performance boosting properties and is especially effective in high pressure diesel injection systems. Mannol Burning Booster (mn9939) is a fuel combustion activator for petrol engines, designed to reduce fuel consumption and protect the engine. The advanced formulation of Catalytic Ester Additive (MN9202) can clean and improve the efficiency of catalytic converters without the need for expensive dismantling, while also optimising the operation of oxygen or lambda sensors. By increasing the combustion temperature of the engine and releasing active oxygen, it removes deposits from the entire exhaust system and optimises the composition of the fuel-air mixture, which in turn increases engine power and efficiency. These simple Ester additives have quickly made their mark with independent workshops who recognise the problem-solving and preventative maintenance benefits they offer.
The Mannol Ester additive range includes seven easy to use products, with engine additives and fuel additives for both petrol and diesel vehicles. The most recent addition to the Ester additive range is Ceramo Ester Additive (MN9829). This is an anti-wear and antifriction product that takes engine protection to a new level. It is based on synthetic compound esters and hexagonal boron nitride micro-particles and offers extreme pressure resistance, allowing the engine and transmission to operate at increased loads without negative consequences. It has excellent anti-wear and antifriction properties which can also help to significantly increase the life of the engine and transmission unit, while also reducing fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and engine noise. The product is especially popular with tuning and highperformance car enthusiasts due to its excellent performance benefits.
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This has made the Mannol SCT Ester Additive range a firm favourite with everyone from individual car enthusiasts, to major vehicle fleet operators.
friendly, both in production and in recycling and disposal due to faster biodegradation.
Motor Life Extender (MN9943) is an engine protection lubrication system sealant, based on complex synthetic esters and is suitable for all engines and oils. It is specially designed to eliminate leaks caused by mechanical wear of engine parts by adding modifiers. It also penetrates and restores seals and will increase oil viscosity and reduce oil consumption, while offering increased protection and boosting fuel economy.
By utilising the range, a workshop can boost customer satisfaction by making their engines more efficient and reliable, while also adding to the business revenue stream. From the motorist perspective, feedback from the marketplace indicates that when these additives are used, drivers really notice a marked improvement in vehicle performance. They are then pleasantly surprised by the fuel savings these product can bring and the long term maintenance and reliability benefits the additives can offer.
There are three main sources of NVH in a vehicle, which revolve around the interaction of the tyres with the road surface, the movement of airflow around the car as it travels forward, and the car’s engine and drivetrain components.
In 2022, road surfaces are quieter, car shapes are more aerodynamic, and – possibly offering the biggest NVH challenge of them all – electric-operated vehicles are about to transform the automotive industry. It means that all those small and insignificant noises around the cabin of the car that would normally be drowned out by the noise of the engine, are now easily heard.
What causes NVH?
A s a professional in the vehicle manufacturing industry, you will be all too familiar with the ongoing challenges faced in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues with cars when driving. NVH is a measure of how much unpleasant aural and tactile feedback the car delivers as you drive. Put simply, the noise is what you can hear, the vibration is what you can feel, and the harshness is how much of an effect bumps, noise and vibration have on the cabin and its occupants. Originally the preserve, and concern, of the most premium motor brands, NVH reduction is now a globally recognised issue across all motor brands and car manufacturers, spurred on by consumers who want increasing insulation from the environment they’re driving through. Today, car drivers expect even sporty convertibles to be NVH minimal. To minimise NVH as much as possible, we need to firstly establish what causes the issues.
OILS, LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES
A SMOOTHER
The primary reason for NVH issues results from the car’s mechanical and electrical systems – and their origins can be as varied as combat it?
Automotive companies are in a constant battle to reduce NVH in these areas and spend millions of pounds annually to help achieve this. As technology advances, motor car design has become more complex too, with car design engineers needing to take more factors into consideration when designing a car. Not only do they have to cater to the more discerning customer who already demands a quieter cabin and a smoother ride, they now must consider the future of automotive propulsion. 30 years ago, if someone was travelling at high speed, for example at 70 mph, in a two-litre diesel car, they wouldn’t have been able to hold a conversation in the cabin of the car let alone worry about lowlevel squeaks, vibrations and rattles.
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Ian Holt, Univar Specialty Consumables, explores. drive
The brand’s greases and anti-friction coatings (AFCs) can reduce stick-slip between dissimilar materials and help eliminate squeaks, rattles, and vibrations. Other examples include noise-reducing greases for motors and actuators, lubricants for friction events involving cockpits, consoles, and interior trim and dry film as well as antifriction coatings for lock mechanisms, catch plates, and seatbelt components.
the challenges they present. Anywhere where there is friction between two materials there is the possibility of noise and vibration. Sliding components, for example windows, seats, sunroofs, switches, electrical actuators, and all other interactions between surfaces and components as the vehicle travels down the road can present an NVH challenge. The ideal situation would be to design these issues out at source. However, this is virtually impossible. The only way to mitigate NVH issues is by using highly specialist, carefully designed products specifically for noise, vibration and harshness reduction. Combatting NVH There are many NVH solutions on the market but it’s important that you do your homework and invest in the right one, that’s appropriate to the type of vehicle. At Univar, we work closely with specialist partners and manufacturers, including DuPont, a scienceled provider of technology-based products and solutions to the automotive industry. One of DuPont’s leading brands is Molykote, a widely recognised specialist industry lubricant brand specifically designed to reduce NVH. From our experience, and our feedback from car manufacturers and aftermarket professionals, Molykote lubricants enhance tactile feel and can add smoothness to operator-adjustable components such as mirrors, visors, cup holders, and gloveboxes.
The world of NVH is going to become more prevalent in vehicle design as consumers demand more from their car, electric-powered motors become mainstream, and vehicles get quieter. It’s vital, therefore, that vehicle manufacturers and specialists across the aftermarket research the range of solutions that are at the forefront of NVH reduction with smart lubrication technology that includes oils, greases, pastes, semi-dry fluids, and dry film coatings. They must choose wisely and, despite working under pressure and to tight deadlines, not hastily.
All the noises around the cabin of the car that would normally be drowned out by the noise of the engine, are now easily heard...
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FUTUREthe? Mike Bewsey, Chairman of the industry trade body, the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), discusses recent changes at ACEA and the future of the ACEA sequences.
OILS, LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES
Slow to respond
Meanwhile, the International Fluids Consortium is forging ahead with its mission to develop and maintain fluid specifications which keep pace with vehicle technology to maintain momentum towards the future. Their agile, proactive approach seems quite in contrast to ACEA. However the future unfolds for lubricant specifications, VLS will continue to work closely with members to support them in the transition to new, even more sophisticated lubricants and fluids. We will continue to investigate complaints against products to ensure that end users can make informed decisions and be confident that a lubricant is suitable for use in its application.
Over recent months two of the leading OEMs have announced their departure from ACEA for different reasons. In June 2022, Stellantis announced it was leaving ACEA and setting up its own "Freedom of Mobility" event. Just one month later, Volvo announced that it too was leaving ACEA as it disagreed with ACEA's climate goals. In a statement, Volvo said: "After much consideration, we have concluded that Volvo Cars' sustainability strategy and ambitions are not fully aligned with ACEA's positioning and way of working at this stage. We have one of the most ambitious plans in the industry, but we can't realise zero-emission transport by ourselves."
For now, the ACEA sequences are very much relevant. But the question is, for how long?
So, where does this leave ACEA and the Engine Oil Sequences it produces?
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The ACEA sequences themselves have faced a challenging few years. New LightDuty sequences were finally introduced in 2021, replacing the 2016 sequences. These sequences were first expected to be introduced in 2018, but the industry was left waiting as ACEA struggled to modernise the sequences and take account of modern engine test developments. The Heavy-Duty sequences were finally introduced in 2022. With national governments legislating to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and other low emission technologies, does this mean the focus for OEMs has permanently shifted away from internal combustion engine vehicles?
All this comes to a market grappling with the move to zero emissions, including the increased market share of electric and hybrid vehicles and the different fluids that these vehicles need. Tests and specifications for these fluids barely exist, or are at least in the very early stage of development. One might expect ACEA to be leading the way in developing acceptable market standards, carving a path for the industry to follow. Yet so far, ACEA's main standpoint is the worrying lack of charging infrastructure across Europe to allow electric vehicles to become a reality. At this point, there has been no dialogue from ACEA on the development of specifications for EVs. ACEA specifications continue to focus purely on combustion engines.
Fit for
escribed as the voice of the EU auto industry, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) represents many of Europe's major car, truck, van and bus makers. Yet recently, it has been hit by the news of two significant departures.
Toyota's recent spearheading of the International Fluids Consortium (IFC) has highlighted how slow ACEA has been in responding to market changes as Far Eastern manufacturers lead the way to ultra-low viscosity fluids.
One of the key roles of ACEA has been to publish the ACEA Engine Oil sequences. First published in 1996, these sequences identify relevant performance standards for lubricants, specifically tailored to the European market, based on the engine type. When selecting the right oil to use in a customer engine, the ACEA sequences are an essential piece of information, providing reassurance that a particular engine lubricant meets the minimum quality levels for the vehicle and is suitable for use in that application.
D
Regular city driving with frequent stopping and starting due to heavy traffic can impact the performance of your vehicle’s engine. Multiple short journeys can result in water and other contaminants entering the engine and reacting with the oil, causing sludge and deposits to build up within the components and affecting engine health. How does this affect engine protection? Engine sludge that builds up over time in an engine, and is not removed during a standard oil change, can have big consequences to the engine. It can clog vital oil passageways, reducing the power, efficiency, and overall engine life. Vehicles that are taking shorter journeys or stopping regularly due to driving in heavy traffic, will experience an increased potential for sludge build-up in the engine. Do multiple short runs mean that an oil flush is more necessary? If so, why? Yes. Engine oil can degrade at very high temperatures and over time this can manifest as a build-up of sludge, which is not removed during a standard oil change. This process is exacerbated by frequent short journeys or by late or missed oil changes. An oil flush helps to maintain engine power and efficiency by dissolving and flushing out sludge to maximise the cleanliness of the engine internals, ensuring the new engine oil can perform at optimal levels.
PMM catches with Castrol to get an answer to a recent question from a reader: “Do you need to change oil more frequently if you make regular, short journeys?”
Currently, the engine cleaner market is dominated largely by solvent-based products, which can degrade engine seals and dislodge sludge in larger, denser deposits. This can cause blockages in vital oil ways and lead to oil leaks. Castrol Engine shampoo reduces this risk by dissolving and flushing out sludge during the oil change process, helping to maintain engine power and efficiency. The product can be used safely in both gasoline and light diesel engines, as well as in motorbikes and light commercial vehicles. One bottle of Engine shampoo is effective for vehicles that use 3-6 litres of engine oil. It is recommended for use at every other oil change, mainly for older and high mileage vehicles. However, it can also be used for new vehicles as a preventative measure.
Castrol’s Engine Shampoo is an effective remedy that mechanics can offer to their customers whose car engine has experienced a build-up of sludge. The pre-oil change treatment reduces engine sludge by up to 85 per cent , and provides a deep clean of the engine but – importantly – is solvent-free.
PMM OCTOBER 2022 43
OUT AND ABOUT ON THETOWN
“Engine oil can degrade at very high temperatures and over time this can manifest as a build-up of sludge.” TO KNOW
MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP022INFORMATION
What can workshops offer to customers to help?
OILS, LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES WANT
How do multiple short journeys, or a lack of use, affect engine oil chemistry within the sump?
Influences on lubrication specifications First a blend of base oils is made in a large blending vessel – according to their properties. These are oily hydrocarbons or synthetic chemical liquids. Over its history, Motul has pioneered the use of the latter, being the first lubricant company to bring both semi-synthetic and fully synthetic oils to the automotive industry, with its introduction of Motul Century 21, the first semi-synthetic in 1966 and five years later, with Motul 300V, the world’s first fully synthetic motor oil.
OEM engineers design their machines mindful of the type of oil needed. In most cases the oil required is characterised by a specification – usually a detailed technical document describing, in exact terms, the key pertinent properties of the oil.
but most users –such as the average motorist – rely on product information provided to them by the company that built the machine, and the oil suppliers.
This base oil mixture – typically comprising about 70- 90 per cent of the final product –largely defines the important physical properties, notably the lubricant’s viscosity (ability to flow) at different temperatures, which is usually selected to suit the dimensions and power of the machine it will be used in.
ach moving part in a machine will require some form of lubrication. Simply put, therefore, a lubricant is a substance introduced between two moving surfaces to reduce friction and wear between them.
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Lubricating oil is a blend of base oils and additives – coming together like pieces in a puzzle. Base oils are petroleum products derived by distilling crude oil in a refinery; additives are specialty chemicals added to base oils to improve/impart specific properties.
PMM Motul provides readers of PMM with the inside scoop on the lubricants used in the garage.
There are many types of machine/application, and a wide range of variables that affect a lubricating oil, such as: speeds, temperatures, loads (power/energy), operating conditions, composition of the machine parts, etc. Consequently, there are many different types of requirements for lubricating oils and many different oils.
The oil companies then determine how to make their products comply with said specification. Accordingly, the lubricant companies’ Research and Development departments work to determine the right mix of base oils and additives. This, once decided, is commonly referred to as the formulation or recipe. “Consider wine makers who want to produce a fine wine to suit the palate of someone eating a particular type of food. They will mix together specific amounts of the different varieties of wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chablis, Merlot, etc.) and then taste the blend,” explains Motul UK’s Technical Manager, Has Tahier. “In the lubricant industry, in place of a wine's colour, aroma and taste, the engineers and chemists use more exacting scientific techniques, although the principle is the same.”
Skilled technical engineers determine which oil should be used for which application, depending on the specific requirements and the parameters/characteristics,oil
Additives are blended into the mix, each of which imparts additional specific properties to the final oil. Some examples are: ■ Anti-oxidants that prevent the oil from degrading under high temperatures. ■ Anti-wear additives to protect metal surfaces from excessive wear caused by mechanical friction. ■ Detergent and dispersants, used to keep the machine clean and suspend dirt particlesin the oil, so they can be trapped in a filter. These important chemical additives are used from several parts per million to a few percent. They have to be added in precise quantities, even too much of one additive can impair the function of another, so getting the blend’s composition just right is important.
Insider’sguideto LUBRICANTS
OILS, LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES E
Any deviation from the desired target or specification will then be adjusted with the addition of small quantities of the component in question pretty much as a good cook will taste his food and adjust the amount of salt or seasoning in order to achieve the desired overall taste
There is one other important function in the process testing! Once the production team has thoroughly blended all the ingredients, a sample is sent to the laboratory There, the key parameters are carefully tested to ensure the oil contains the correct amount of each component
Once completed, the final formulation is passed to the Lubricant Blending Plants, who make the oil to the defined formulation The required quantities of each component are measured, added and blended together, before it can be sent through to the filling lines where the bottles and drums are filled
Lubricants come in different grades of viscosity ie how easily they flow Monograde and Multigrade Their rating tells you how they are designed to work in different conditions Ratings are devised by the Society of Automotive Engineers hence the SAE letters at the beginning of an oil rating Monograde oils tend to be used over a relatively small temperature range They break down into two categories: those with a W and those without The W stands for Winter and these are lower viscosity oils
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All the incoming raw materials are also tested before they can be used and the oil is tested both before and after filling the packs
Decoding the ratings
because, the lower the viscosity, the less hard the oil pump has to work during start up so the W ranges tend to be from 0 25: eg SAE10WOilsfor Summer don’t have a W and they tend to be thicker to ensure the engine is properly sealed and protected during warmer months so, for example: SAE50 Most oils commonly in use are Multigrade something which Motul brought to the automotive market in the 1950s, shepherding in oils for the modern era of vehicles Multigrade designations are a logical progression from Monogrades in terms of designation So if you encounter SAE10W50, the first number before the W indicates the Winter viscosity grade and the number after represents the Summer viscosity grade
One other aspect of working with lubricants suppliers and waste management services that garages do not always think about is potential to help you in the war for talent Attracting and retaining people is one of the most pressing challenges for garages across the UK Demonstrating your focus on sustainability across the board can contribute to improving staff morale Moreover, your suppliers may well offer additional staff training that can help bring new team members onboard quickly. Modern drivers are becoming more sustainability minded and the garages that serve them have to reflect that focus Fortunately, doing the right thing for the environment can also help improve operational efficiency and retain talented people a win win in side the b ox
Selecting oils that come in more eco friendly packaging has the potential to make an important contribution to reducing emissions in your business It is important to think step by step about the journey of the product from when someone in your team places an order to the day waste oil leaves the workshop What shape is the packaging? Does that allow for efficient transportation or does the shape of bottles lead to wasted space in delivery vehicles? How much room do products take up once they are in your garage? In short, do not just order the familiar looking bottles you have always stocked push your suppliers for more information and options To give you a sense of what some of the options out there are, we at TotalEnergies now use the QuartzBox This is a new type of packaging with a durable inner bag inside a recycled cardboard box The QuartzBox approach reduces the use of plastics, meaning less waste It also saves space because the boxes can be stacked efficiently when full and folded flat when empty, freeing up space in the workshop
Packaging matters
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WANT TO KNOW
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O I L S , L U B R I C A N T S & A D D I T I V E S
he passenger car lubricant market is an incredibly diverse one, with an ever greater number of options to choose from to help increasingly powerful and compact engines operate at their full potential Mechanics are confronted daily with different and evolving manufacturer standards and are having to stock an increasing number of lubricant references in their workshop This, in turn, leads to challenges around available space, logistics and waste. Choosing the right oils clearly has to take performance and costs into account but sustainability considerations are also increasingly coming to the fore as mechanics have to serve increasingly climate conscious customers As the UK continues on its ambitious journey to reach net zero by 2050, motor transport is increasingly in focus Garages have to look at more than just the technical characteristics of the specific oils they stock but also packaging, logistics and challenges such as waste and recycling that all contribute to carbon emissions
The other piece of the puzzle is waste management Old motor oil qualifies as hazardous waste, of course, meaning strict rules and regulations about its disposal by businesses Often, the best option is to work with a waste management partner your lubricants supplier might even be able to offer you that support for free Expert waste management can help can take the paperwork and headache off mechanics as well as help cut emissions, ensuring used oils are recycled Specialists can also help with oil spillages too, a well known issue for workshops and garages. Spillages are a problem both in terms of health and safety and carbon footprint so be sure to ask about emergency spill responses and site clearance help in discussions with partners
Think
Reuse and recycle
MORE?
Could you be offering your eco conscious customers a better alternative when it comes to car engine oils? Here, TotalEnergies’ business development manager David Valentyne discusses the role eliminating plastic and packaging can play in reducing emissions.
he compact HD 4/10 X Classic high-pressure cleaner from Kärcher UK is an ergonomic, mobile and powerful pressure washer. This machine impresses with its durable and reliable components such as the three-piston axial pump and an induction motor, as well as its compact and robust design. The automatic pressure relief system effectively protects the hydraulic components, thus ensuring a long lifetime and low repair and maintenance costs.
Ergonomic The ergonomic and user-friendly HD 4/10 X Classic is extremely easy to use and, thanks to its integrated hose reel and retractable pull handle. The built-in hose reel reduces set up time and aids the user in moving around the vehicle to get a closer overall clean. This is ideal for tackling stubborn dirt that might require cleaning close-up to the vehicle to dislodge unwanted dirt-build-up. The machine comes with robust D180 wheels that are designed for tough applications. The stable wheels ensure for simple transportation and high mobility at the site of use. Aided by an extendable handle, the lightweight machine can be transported up stairs and easily wheeled to the cleaning site from wherever it may be stored. Its compact design makes it straightforward to store as it takes up limited space, perfect for busy workshops.
High pressure With a working pressure of 100 bar, and an hourly water volume of 400 litres, the HD 4/10 X Classic high-pressure cleaner is suitable for diverse applications including vehicle and workshop cleaning. Featuring an adjustable pressure switch control, the HD 4/10 X Classic can reach a maximum 145 bar pressure, ideal for the removal of tough dirt. The HD 4/10 X Classic high-pressure cleaner is a good solution for vehicle cleaning in an ergonomic, reliable, and mobile manner. With its high-pressure output, durable components and compact size, the HD 4/10 X Classic could be a great addition to any workshop.
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PMM OCTOBER 2022 47 COMPETITION
WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP026INFORMATION How do you enter? To be in with a chance of winning the Kärcher HD 4/10 X Classic, all you have to do is WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP025 and answer the following question. Q.The Powerduction 39 LG can produce up to how many kilowatts of heating power? A)90 C)100B)150barbarbar Deadline for entries is 10/11/2022 WIN!SILVER MACHINE Keep the dirt away from your workshop and your customers’ cars this winter courtesy of PMM and Kärcher. Up for grabs this month is a Kärcher HD 4/10 X Classic pressure washer.
“Whether you are an Independent VTS or part of a large group, MOTsafe is truly access all areas and provides the right information, in the right format to the right person, in real time, helping you stay compliant and keep on testing ” MOTsafe can be purchased as a stand alone product or as part of an audit service A NARROW ESCAPE
utotech Training has launched MOTsafe a web based platform which will help MOT Site Managers and garage owners improve MOT Testing standards and help them remain compliant. A simple to use online tool, MOTsafe analyses and simplifies DVSA data and is set to save busy garage owners significant time. It will be particularly valuable to those managing multiple sites
Providing a snapshot of all the vital data of everything relating to MOTs via a highly visual dashboard, MOTsafe will help managers quickly identify any high risk issues and enable them to gather evidence for the DVSA to safeguard compliancy
To remain compliant, a VTS needs to ensure that their MOT tester data is regularly reviewed with a Site Manager appointed to manage this process
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An investigation revealed that an MOT tester, employed by the company, had carried out an MOT test over a weekend and falsified information to pass the test, which was performed on a vehicle not part of the site’s brand remit In addition, the site in question did not have a site manager in situ After spotting the issue on the MOT testing station’s data, the DVSA immediately visited the site, where a lack of SM only made things worse Autotech’s Colin Gleghorn: “There were several red flags which the testing station should have spotted If spotted immediately, they would have had time to respond and alert the DVSA, negating any serious action This essentially illustrates the fact that complacency doesn’t equal compliance The only misdemeanour on the part of the garage was not looking at the MOT data frequently enough and checking emissions print outs as part of their outine ”
The dashboard includes a traffic light system which provides a risk measure regarding all areas from MOT testing time length, CPD, calibration and quality control it effectively provides total quality management “MOTsafe is aimed at busy MOT Site Managers who need to provide evidence of best practice and continuous improvement in the way they conduct MOT tests,” comments Colin Gleghorn, Managing Director of Autotech Training
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The MOT tester ’s employment was immediately terminated by the company and all Site Managers across the business were put on a two day IMI course
Autotech Training has helped a family run vehicle garage, operating eight sites, narrowly avoid the closure of its 100 year old business due to a rogue MOT tester. The company owners were first alerted to the seriousness of the situation when they received a disciplinary action letter from the DVSA, which stated that they were facing a five year company wide ban leaving the company with a possible loss of over £7 5 million
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Don’ t get complacent abou t COMP L I A NCE
Autotech Training launches web based tool to help MOT stations remain compliant
Acting on behalf of the company, Autotech immediately investigated and compiled evidence: “It is vital that, when responding to such serious allegations, the right language is used, and the correct procedures implemented ”
Organised and delivered by Autotech Training, the course was held onsite at one of the company’s garages to raise awareness and help the site managers remain compliant in the future As a result of Autotech Training’s intervention and support, the company avoided a full closure, but they were still given a five year suspended sentence, enabling them to continue trading
One-stop shop Eurosystem controls the brake tester, but where this intuitive software comes into its own is that it can access, test and report tests from other modules, allowing the MBT 2250 to transform into an allencompassing workshop platform. These include headlight testers, such as MAHA’s MLT 300 or a sideslip mat. The firm’s UK sales manager, Nick Austin, explains: “Eurosystem comes as standard on all our brake testers and is one of our unique selling points. Its user-friendly software and on-screen graphics allow the technician to get on with the job quickly and, considering it can be used on several workshop stations, get on with the job efficiently.
“[The system] configures a test report, including all the measurement and evaluation results of the tests performed, onto one single print-out. Ultimately, it turns our brake testers into futureproof workshop test and diagnostics platforms, making life easier for the user.”
Relationship with the Garage Equipment Association
For instance, the MBT 2250 Eurosystem is fitted with a consistent speed motor. These motors/gearboxes are assembled in house and are designed to withstand extreme torque and stress –giving a longer lifespan of the assembly.
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Check out the latest MOT testing equipment launched by MAHA UK.
The criteria for meeting DVSA specification is becoming more stringent; therefore, MAHA UK needs to stay on top of its game to ensure everything required to be ‘green coded’ – equipment that is current and fully compatible for use in MOT sites – is met, like up-to-date technical requirements, calibration, level of instruction manual and identification.
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AHA UK’s 2250 Eurosystem is a roller brake tester approved by the DVSA for MOT testing and which can be found on the Garage Equipment Association’s handy list of approved equipment. Designed for class 4 and 7 vehicles, the MBT 2250 Eurosystem is appropriate for cars and vans with an axle load up to 3.5t. Built for high volume and repeatability, this piece of equipment aims to provide MOT testers and technicians with consistent and clear results. After racking up a quarter of a century as a UK subsidiary of MAHA, the manufacturer is aware of the need and demands from existing or prospective customers for reliability, longevity and accuracy.
The GEA upholds industry standards by handling the approval process on behalf of the DVSA, and MAHA UK is in regular dialogue with the GEA to help maintain its own standards and, therefore, offer the best equipment and service to workshops.
There is a list of approved DVSA roller brake testers on the GEA website.
Are you getting vehicles presenting with worn tyres? Shock absorber specialist Monroe has produced a handy guide for the MOT period for workshops looking to get the bottom of worn tyres.
SHOULDER WEAR Shoulder wear is often the result of low tyre pressure, overloading the vehicle, or the use of undersized tyres.
CAMBER WEAR Camber wear occurs when the tyre is not vertically aligned properly with the surface of the road. Camber wear can be caused by a weak, broken, or incorrect spring. Excessive negative camber typically results in inside edge wear. Excessive positive camber typically results in outside edge wear. CUPPED WEAR Cupped or scalloped dips appearing around the surface of the tread could indicate loose, worn, or sometimes bent suspension parts. Worn shock absorbers or unbalanced tyres/wheels/brake rotors can also cause cupping, but the cupping would typically present a more concentric pattern.
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TOE WEAR Toe wear occurs when the tyre is not aligned parallel to the centre-line of the vehicle. Basically, the tyre may point “Toe In” or “Toe Out.” Since toe can cause rapid wear, it is considered the most important alignment angle. Excessive toe results in a “saw-toothed” pattern of wear across the tread surface. How many of these tyre wear patterns have you seen on customers’ vehicles during the MOT period?
WEAR When a tyre slides across the road surface, it will scuff away the tread in one area. This generally happens as a result of the brakes locking up due to brake malfunction or the driver aggressively applying the brakes in an emergency situation. Flat spotting can also occur if the tyre has been standing in oil, fuel or chemicals, or if the belts of the tyre have shifted internally.
COMMON FAULTS
Heavy shoulder wear (typically feathered tread front to rear) can be caused by hard driving. Inspect antisway bar end links and springs for wear. A performance tyre, or one with a stiffer side wall, can reduce high speed feathering of tyres.
PMM OCTOBER 2022 53
MOT
CENTRE WEAR Centre wear is typically due to overinflation. The maximum inflation pressure, listed on the tyre, is for when the vehicle is fully loaded. Centre wear may also be caused by mounting oversized tyres onto narrow rims.
Worn shocks and brakes can wear down tyres
BRAKE SKID/FLAT SPOT
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HIGH SPEED FEATHERING
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THE MODERN WORKSHOP
That being said, busy workshops can be physical and sometimes chaotic environments, with equipment frequently knocked off surfaces, dropped, and subjected to all kinds of dust, fumes, and spillages.
Sure, it’s quick and easy to collect data this way, but as the automotive industry becomes increasingly digitised, the drawbacks of sticking with manual processes are becoming impossible to ignore. Today’s customers want better service, faster resolutions to issues, and to be kept informed every step of the way. This can only be achieved through digital information gathering and data sharing.
Many consumer-grade laptops and tablets simply aren’t built for this kind of use case and even a small drop or spillage can result in a hefty repair bill, or even total device failure, leading to costly unexpected downtime.
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By equipping teams with connected rugged solutions, businesses immediately get better visibility and transparency across all their operations, which can be invaluable if operating across multiple sites. Data is registered on digital databases, not on paper notebooks and team members can be easily reached without needing to look for them.
Fortunately, not all devices are created equal. Rugged solutions are purpose build to thrive in environments like workshops and garages, with special certifications like MILSTD-810H, MIL-STD-461G and IP66, to protect them from knocks, drops, spillages, vibrations and more. What’s more, they pack a serious technological punch, with powerful processors, extensive connectivity options and versatile touchscreen technology that enables businesses of all sizes to embrace the latest and greatest innovations in the industry. Below are six ways rugged solutions will help save time and money, reduce unexpected downtime, and provide an all-important edge over the competition: Optimise your workforce Picture the scenario – a technician heads out to help a stranded customer at the roadside, but the repair is trickier than first anticipated and they need extra support to get it done. If they are equipped with a rugged mobile computing solution, expert assistance is just a click away. The technician at the roadside can share real-time video with an expert back in the workshop and if necessary, get stepby-step instructions on how to solve the issue, avoiding unnecessary physical travel. See the whole picture
Comply with ever-changing processes and standards
W hen it comes to modern workshop operations, the days of the humble penand-paper are numbered.
Real-time updates can be sent to everyone at once and important customer/operational data is always on hand, meaning no more trips back and forth to the office all the time.
Sophie Silk, business development manager at Getac, explores six ways rugged digital solutions are changing the way workshops work.
With a rugged solution to hand, technicians and mechanics can quickly access everchanging rules, processes, and guidelines whenever they need to, straight through the device. Gone are the days of hefty workshop manuals that quickly get chewed up or lost, leaving team members to rely on memory or outdated documents. This approach helps to improve the speed and quality of workshop processes while simultaneously maximising health and safety and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Save money As mentioned, non-rugged devices simply aren’t built for busy workshop environments and unexpected accidents or failure can require significant time and money to rectify. Rugged solutions can significantly minimise this issue, resulting in much lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over their lifespan versus a non-rugged alternative. Furthermore, the added peace of mind they provide means team members can stay focussed on the task at hand, resulting in faster repairs and more jobs completed each day.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP030INFORMATION “The technician at the roadside can share real-time video with an expert back in the workshop.”
Improve customer service Modern day automotive repair work is all about keeping customers in the loop and informed at all times. By utilising rugged solutions in the workshop, technicians can easily capture videos and images of ongoing repairs, record voice memos, or request customer approval to carry out unforeseen maintenance tasks. They can then send them straight to the customer directly from the device, significantly streamlining the whole process and speeding up time to job completion. Stay ahead of the curve By adopting rugged solutions, workshops are perfectly placed to benefit from new applications and technologies as soon as they become available. Examples include the growing popularity of augmented reality and mixed reality automotive applications, as well as advancements in digital diagnostics for both standard and electric vehicles. Rugged solution allows workshops to quickly adopt these technologies, potentially gaining a major advantage over the competition. Like many other sectors, digital transformation is steadily transforming the way the automotive industry fundamentally operates. Those who embrace it are likely to gain many benefits in key areas like customer service, job completion times and day to day business operations. However, like every aspect of automotive repair work, having the right tool for the job is key. Unlike consumer laptops and tablets, rugged solutions are built to thrive in workshop environments, letting technicians focus on getting the job done.
How can storage improve profitability? “Efficiency coupled with a proactive approach is a potential profit driver,” says Paul Booth. He adds: “A garage has two profit centres, the workshop and the parts department. Investing in stock can increase margins and accelerate the turnaround of repairs and services. It could mean two extra cars a week going through the workshop and that can only improve profitability.
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Linco is spreading the word on the role a professional storage system can play in your workshop.
WealthPMM on the SHELF
Paul and his fellow director Lee Satloka, who together have more than 50 years’ experience in the industry, make it their company’s mission to provide future-proof, tailored storage solutions that optimise their customers’ valued resources of space, stock and time. Lee Satloka: “Professionalism and perception go hand in hand. If a customer perceives a garage is a professionally run establishment, it gives them confidence in the service they’re receiving. Smart exteriors, good customer facilities and a well-ordered workshop can make a big difference. Reinvesting a small amount of profit to improve perception will pay dividends.”
aking your mark as a successful business can be greatly enhanced by four Ps –perception, professionalism, proactivity and profitability, especially when surplus revenue is re-invested to improve perception and completes the equation.
THE MODERN WORKSHOP M
Being proactive to fuel efficiency
Paul Booth: “All jobs are timed in a modern workshop, and every car is monitored for how long it spends on a ramp. The speed of getting parts and tools to that car is essential. If you have a storage system that allows you to retrieve what you need quickly, then that’s key.”
Linco Automotive holds approved shelving and racking supplier status for 11 of the top 25 motor groups in the UK, operating domestic and commercial vehicle dealerships for brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, Ferrari, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes Benz.
Lee Satloka explains the benefits of being proactive: “A lot of cars have common parts. The ability to store a healthy stock of those parts is essential to save time. “The key for an independent garage is what it can pick from stock and fit while the car is being worked on. The only way that can happen comes back to a well-stocked, efficient storage system. Without it, technicians face costly delays and turnaround times are slow.”
A modern workshop is the sum of all the four Ps, and a major variable is storage, which underpins the whole formula. “A modern workshop needs to be clutterfree, and where parts and tools are stored needs to reflect that,” says Paul Booth, Managing Director of Linco Automotive, an Oldham-based business specialising in storage solutions for the automotive aftermarket industry.
“Efficiency coupled with a proactive approach is a potential profit driver.” Paul Booth, Linco Automotive
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The pair also advocate taking account of the height of a premises Paul Booth: “In a relatively modern unit, a car on a ramp goes up to 4m If a unit is 6m high, that is 2m of wasted space We could put a floor in there We’ve done it at several dealerships Quite often we see garages with a row of offices and one ramp. By relocating the offices to a floor above will create extra repair space and the therefore extra profit.” Last word to Lee Satloka: “Storage is storage it’s all about how you configure and optimise it within your workshop footprint and that’s our expertise That’s what sets us apart from everyone else Anyone can fill a room with racking, but when they walk away from it, will it work efficiently?”
“Most garages know the number and types of vehicles they turn over most often By taking time to think ahead and ordering a good stock of the parts they use most often, they will become more efficient and potentially more profitable ” Providing the solution Linco Automotive is a specialist partner with SSI Schaefer, one of the world’s leading storage manufacturers. Its shelving and racking systems are specifically designed for the automotive aftermarket sector, and benefit from galvanised steel components that are both strong and durable, thanks to a protective coating that stops corrosion Critically, it is easily adjusted there are no nuts, bolts or screws and is totally scalable and adapts with your stock profile, making it completely user friendly and future proof Paul Booth: “A garage meeting all the criteria of a modern workshop needs to work out how much stock it wants to hold We have a formula of storage density per square metre, and once we calculate that, we can identify how much space a client will need to be efficient.”Theformula leads to design and layout, as Lee Satloka explains: “Each ramp needs a space measuring 4mx5m to enable safe and sufficient navigation You need to consider factors such as tool storage, reversing and driving space For example, depending on the floor plan, you can maximise space by rotating ramps or simply keep them perpendicular That’s when you start to build a bigger picture ”
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W hile the self driving car remains frustratingly out of reach, we’re beginning to see the first steps towards driving autonomy in the vehicles that frequent our workshops With Tesla leading the way on ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features, the ‘trickle down’ effect ensures these electronic aids appear on more mainstream machinery What does this mean for our workshops? As usual, staying on top of maintenance requirements requires investment in skills and equipment Advanced systems such as adaptive cruise control, park assist, road sign recognition, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking are fitted to family cars such as the VW Golf and Ford Focus, and all inevitably need maintenance, diagnosis and repair.
T H E M O D E R N W O R K S H O P
Driving aid Manufacturers are embracing these technologies for several reasons Firstly, the convenience and reassurance provided by lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control are often welcomed by drivers High mileage company drivers enjoy letting the computer take the strain in busy motorway traffic, but there is an important safety aspect to ADAS, too. Safety gurus at Euro NCAP are actively encouraging manufacturers to develop and fit ‘assisted driving’ features, by weighting their safety ratings towards vehicles equipped with electronic aids A poor Euro NCAP rating for any car is bound to negatively impact sales, thus the safety ‘arms race’ is driven forwards All of this means the vehicles frequenting repairers’ workshops can be bristling with new technology, inevitably subject to the same frailties and problems seen on more familiar mechanicals In short, ADAS represents a golden opportunity for aftermarket repair revenue, particularly when vehicles fall out of their warranty period A typical 2019 VW Golf, for instance, comes equipped with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto braking and predictive pedestrian protection and is now outside of the standard manufacturer warranty. Luke Garratt, technical services manager, Delphi Technologies Aftermarket, said: “It’s a minefield for repairers today, with a plethora of new features all requiring diagnosis and repair Getting your head around the technology is just one hurdle The new tools and software are also an essential part of your armoury “Tools such as Delphi Technologies’ DS Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) are essential in interrogating and identifying faults explores what the unstoppable rise of ADAS means for the modern workshop
Delphi
PMM OCTOBER 2022 59 in these complex systems. The VCI Diagnostic Software is constantly updated, with three major software updates included in a 12 month subscription That gives technicians the assurance that the vast majority of contemporary vehicles can be supported ” Pass Thru Proper diagnosis and repair of ADAS features often requires ‘pass thru’ capability This is effectively an OEM monitored network, ensuring vehicle control modules remain secure against hackers and correctly configured Delphi Technologies’ DS and Bluetech VCIs both support pass thru and provide a convenient dashboard for accessing the necessary ‘tokens’ for most popular OEM systems including VAG Group, BMW, MINI, Vauxhall, Chevrolet (Europe), Toyota, Lexus, Jaguar Land Rover and Ford For instance, if the forward facing camera requires replacement, pass thru capability is required to re calibrate it These components are no longer ‘plug and play’, that is, fitting a new unit requires registration and resetting with the relevant ECU, all controlled via the OEM pass thru portal “It’s no longer possible to simply replace components to effect a repair,” continues Garratt “To protect customers from malicious hacking attempts, access to vehicle ECUs is carefully controlled and monitored by the OEMs Authorised access is the only way to update an ECU when a component is replaced, and to remove any fault codes that might be present Delphi Technologies’ diagnostic tools and Pass Thru package removes the hassle of contacting individual OEMs for access tokens, and setting up unique accounts for each manufacturer ” Clearly, these automotive advances require a little adjustment for repairers. Fortunately, Delphi Technologies’ training academy can educate technicians quickly and conveniently via online learning. The Delphi Technologies Academy (https://academy delphiautoparts com) training list includes comprehensive coverage of modern ADAS diagnostics, including introductory courses as well as calibration of popular Type 1 and Type 3 radars Forward facing cameras and ADAS lighting systems are also covered, and all of the modules are less than ten minutes in length For technicians looking to boost their credentials, each module awards Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits More in depth training is available in a classroom/workshop environment Delphi Technologies operate a full suite of IMI CPD accredited courses from their Warwick training hub. The two day ADAS course covers ADAS features with brand examples of ADAS components such as cameras, radars, lidars, ultrasonics, infrared and night vision systems Alongside these electronic elements, the ADAS course teaches technicians about the importance of wheel alignment and thrust angle The course is recognised with a Master Technician award for successful completion, and equips technicians with the knowledge and skills required to tackle modern day ADAS repairs which represents a profitable revenue stream for garages ADAS repairs
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Even simple procedures like checking and correcting tracking are necessary for correct operation of many ADAS features. For example, the latest breed of LED and laser headlights rely on a carefully calibrated camera, as well as sound wheel alignment, to selectively dim the beam pattern for oncoming traffic Delphi Technologies’ Academy learning helps technicians appreciate the wider picture by focussing on each ADAS function in a simple, logical manner Ultimately, ADAS repairs will become as normal and familiar as brake pad changes As is the way with the motor industry, technology is continually evolving Keeping up can be a challenge, but the solutions offered by Delphi Technologies take the pain out of learning Garratt sums up: “Working on modern cars has become a highly technical affair. Because of our unique relationship with manufacturers, we’re able to offer the know how and support that was previously the preserve of OEMs. That experience pays off not just in the versatile tooling that accesses vehicle ECUs, it’s also in the learning about how these systems work, and how to fix them ” R
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The participants of this course will receive a certificate in English after successful participation and passing of the final exam. This certificate is based on the German DGUV regulations. In German workshops this certificate is mandatory to work on highvoltage vehicles. The requirements may vary by country and must be checked on an individual basis. The government in the UK signals that anyone who wishes to work on With its relevant online training content around the handling of high-voltage vehicles, Meyle wants to support workshops in the transition to e-mobility.
U nder the name Meyle Academy, the German manufacturer is offering workshops a wide range of digital training courses with relevant content free of charge. As one of the first in the market, the firm already offers a certified e-learning course on highvoltage vehicles for German speakers. To meet increasing needs, it has adapted the content for English-speaking countries.
Senior technical trainer Patrick Stuedemann stresses the relevance of the course for the international market: “The course content is not only highly relevant for all workshops in Germany but also across the globe, since the training covers all essential aspects, when dealing with a high-voltage vehicle. That is why we felt the need to develop an English version being accessible for everyone.”
E-LEARNING
THE MODERN WORKSHOP
Besides the digital training offer, the academy provides customised training with qualified trainers on-site at the customer's premises or also at the manufacturer’s own training workshop. Live training sessions can be held flexibly and at any location with specially created exhibits for practical use.
“With this new training, we are helping customers, no matter where they are, to prepare for the upcoming change, featuring innovative and practical solutions that make every day work easier,” adds Stuedemann.
All participants of the offered e-learning training are familiarised with the relevant safety and health aspects. In addition, the program includes differences between the various drive topologies, legal matters as well as hazards and everything to do with first aid in order to optimally prepare participants for customer requirements.
Regardless of the time zone, technicians can access the training course at any time and from anywhere. In addition to the topic of high voltage, Meyle also offers training courses on many other current topics, including brake systems, intelligent repair solutions or oil changes for automatic transmissions.
“Our goal is to drive the transition to e-mobility. That is why we are closely monitoring the market. We want to actively shape electrification and help workshops to prepare for the upcoming transition,” says Stefan Bachmann, head of steering and suspension.
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electric vehicles must satisfy the standards set, which would be implemented by an industry professional body. A competency-based standard would be designed with the objective of ensuring that technicians are competent to prevent electrical danger and injury and therefore possess the relevant technical knowledge or experience demanded when working on such vehicles. Get prepared As environmental awareness grows, the use of electric and hybrid vehicles is increasing, and with it the potential for mechanics in the automotive industry around the world to come into contact with electric drives and high-voltage equipment. Patrick Stuedemann is convinced that e-learning for highvoltage vehicles will offer added value to automotive workshops all over the world: “In order to keep up with the rising demand for electrified vehicles, expanding the expertise in the safe handling of highvoltage vehicles will make automotive workshops more competitive.” Thanks to its expertise in developing and manufacturing spare parts and in training workshop-staff, the Hamburg-based company is well positioned to meet the changing requirements.
A via Autos has long been a chassis tuning specialist, at certain points making large strides with new technology, but mostly relying heavily on training, experience, and reputation Avia started life as the Bach Garage, a small repair shop behind a fuel station, performing repairs and maintenance for the cars that were local to the premises It made a living and supported an interest in racing side car outfits As small businesses will, paths changed and merged over time, reacting to opportunity or local need, and the business began manufacturing single seater racing cars not far from the first premises All vehicles steer, stop, and stick to the road and getting those systems working in perfect union enabled drivers to stop later and therefore go faster. The start of specialisation began, and this fascination of chassis tuning continued for the next 40 years and remains very much part of Avia’s core business today attracting motorists from far afield as well as those local Avia (as it stands) started in 2000, once again relying on the chassis tuning skills from manufacturing and had a small repair and set up shop not far from where the current workshop stands The 1980s “Exacto Weigh” imported by my father from the states at great expense is still in regular use, gracing three workshops with its reassuring reliable green dot matrix screen, for although the kit added great convenience to the technician, the principles have not changed This 80s tech comfortably works with the modern computerised laser alignment equipment that replaced our axle stands and ball of string Examining the landscape in which a business operates can present an opportunity to fill a gap left by competitors, but it is quite a commitment for the owner operator to perform tasks that don’t interest them and for Avia, chassis tuning was what we were passionate about, so chassis tuning is what we did. Understanding what is desired from the business and how to find the market demand will give the best environment for a specialism to thrive.
Benefits of specialisation Cost focusing resources like time and money into key areas of application can then lead to a strategy to acquire the correct kit, training, and any accreditations That focus allows the return on that investment to manifest much faster than if those resources are spread thinly As the management of Avia Autos is passed to a fresh pair hands, Hayley Pells reflects whether the future of the family garage lies in greater specialisation LANE
Picka
T H E M O D E R N W O R K S H O P
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Customisation – mainstream media seems to be back in the 90s with its love of car modification content, perhaps this could spawn modification workshops?
Classics – a firm favourite, tried and tested, the classic car workshop may be on the rise, with Statista publishing projected growth of the global classic car market with some exceptional figures. Vintage cars are particularly popular in Europe and North America where the vehicles are considered as collectibles and the insurance premiums are typically lower than modern cars, meaning we may see them as a viable form of affordable private transport whilst the shift to more expensive electrification happens.
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"Difficult extractions provide a great opportunity for a specialist, especially a mobile one."
Here are some ideas to look at strengths you may already have in your own workshop, there are many more! AC – air conditioning expectation is continuing to grow, no longer just for luxury models, even basic models can boast an AC system as standard fitment. High voltage vehicles are highly maintenance dependent making refrigerant as important as engine oil is for their ICE cousins.
Portering – a development of recovery, taking vehicles to other specialists may become a role. Likely to emerge in the gig economy, this could develop from the work aggregators that already keyed into time poor motorists and wish to get vehicles to brick and mortar workshops that are suffering a skills shortage.
Development – a specialism can lead to a smaller learning curve and enables an organisation to stay up-to-date with new trends, best practices, and developments.
SEO – search engine optimisation is the term used to describe how easily your business is found on the internet. Although preferable to have a website, even businesses without one and no input from that organisation will have a digital presence. Specialisms tend to be searched for with specific terms and those can reap the most reward with a digital presence that can take advantage of this.
Lightening this load makes it easier to focus resources feeding the first three points! For Avia, a love of racing developed our specialism, which more by accident than design led to greater opportunity for modern vehicles which are sensitive to alignment issues. Understanding the basic principles of our specialism meant that technology advances had a firm foundation to build our development upon. As we see greater electrification of the UK car parc, I can see how alignment, and its natural bedfellow, ADAS, are going to present more opportunities for the workshop – it has been a very long time since we opened an engine! Ideas for specialisms
Reputation – the higher perception of authority on a subject cannot be underestimated. This can allow a higher charge for a specialist service, whilst accepting fewer clients – allowing greater satisfaction and attention to detail – whlst reducing risk.
Extraction – injectors, glow plugs, even spark plugs – difficult extractions provide a great opportunity for a specialist, especially a mobile one. Longer service intervals and missed maintenance make this potentially a great specialism.
Competition – becoming a bigger fish in a smaller pond means it reduces the number of companies that can compete. This also helps justify expensive equipment investment and time for training.
Updates – software updates are highly likely to become a reality, it is worth understanding how this fits with block exemption and what the legal standpoint is for this fast-paced arena.
“Just Fixes” instead of “Just Eats” for example.
MAM efficiencyplatformAutoworkSoftware’sOnlineisbringingandease to workshops.
Autowork Online is an intuitive and feature-rich, cloud-based garage management system from MAM Software, which includes all the features required for the end-to-end running of a garage or workshop, from estimate to invoice, every aspect can be managed using the one solution, without the need for additional third-party products helping businesses stay ahead of the competition, today, tomorrow and in the future. inautomotive
Reducing time When it comes to finding the correct parts, this can be difficult when looking at a vehicle with various fitment options. Autowork Online’s factor parts link will provide fitment information for each available part, so an informed decision can be made, an order placed without having to call a supplier and the ordered parts will be flagged in the diary against the relevant job, the job can also be colour coded to indicate at a glance whether or not parts have been ordered. There is a recorded trail for each part which makes returns easy should it be required.
An efficient and streamlined garage management system can save garages and workshops thousands of pounds while at the same time maximising potential profit.
S electing the right technology for garages and workshops can be vital to their success, it is the driving force behind a business’ efficiency and allows users to spend less time doing administration and more time working on jobs. Saving a few minutes on each stage of a job (estimates, ordering parts, invoicing etc.) all adds up and can lead to hours being freed up every week to focus on revenue generating activity. In today’s market, technology is a necessity to keep up with the competition and deliver the best experience possible for the customer. Customers expect more from workshops than ever before and this trend will only continue. Text reminders, online estimates and electronic health check forms are becoming an expectation and are all only possible with a garage management system like Autowork Online. Garages and workshops can be faced with many challenges every day which an intuitive software system can overcome, for example, managing schedules and vehicle services can be time consuming. Autowork Online includes a comprehensive repair times database featuring hundreds of common jobs and manufacturers recommended service schedules. Both times and descriptions can be easily incorporated in job cards using any of the pre-defined labour rates. The flow of vehicles through the workshop can also be enhanced using the Work in Progress board in system, it gives a high-level overview of every open job at once, minimising blocked ramps and increasing technician efficiency. Customers not arriving for scheduled appointments can be costly and cause disruptions to daily planning. Autowork Online has an automated reminder system, allowing SMS or email reminders to be sent to ensure customers are aware of their appointment.
If a customer has been provided with an estimate for a particular job they may want to proceed with parts of it but defer others. For example, if the customer had come into have their car serviced or an MOT but during the process it was found that the front brake pads were near the legal limit, the customer could choose to leave the brake pads until a later date. Having a garage management system that allows you to first defer this work, and then automatically send the customer a notification via SMS or email to remind them of the deferred work at a later date, can help drive sales, increase profits and minimise losses for the business.
THE MODERN WORKSHOP
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Switching to a new garage management software can be daunting but with a webbased solution such as Autowork Online which is available as a monthly subscription model, businesses can make the move quickly, easily and without the expense of onsite servers. Due to its simple but efficient systems, staff training times are drastically reduced, ensuring technicians are selling or completing jobs as soon as possible, fully equipped with all the information they need to maximise productivity and profitability.
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PMM OCTOBER 2022 65 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Wheel alignment IA900WA Cameras automatically track the height of wheel targets during lifting and automatically compensate for uneven surfaces in all directions. Built in software enables users to check the status of a vehicle before servicing, whilst instructions and required tools are presented alongside live data to guide you through the process. ADAS calibration In addition to the wheel alignment software, IA900WA can perform ADAS calibrations through guided instructions and fully electrical adjustments. Detailed colour instructions guides you through the calibration process. Features ■ HD cameras – precise optical measurement with six high-resolution cameras ■ Folding crossbar ■ Monitor – 24 in. touchscreen. WANT TO KNOW MORE? FOR MOREWWW.RDR.LINK/AAP036INFORMATION ADAS Autel’s new ADAS solution Autel has launched what it claims is the first tool to perform both wheel alignment pre-check and ADAS calibration on all vehicles. Adjustable height The crossbar adjusts automatically to perform correct wheel alignment. The height goes from a minimum of 15.2 cm to a maximum of 213 cm.
The advent of electro-hydraulic braking systems has meant that some motor manufacturers are specifying a need for pressure brake bleeders that can operate at a higher pressure than required with conventional systems. This new unit from Laser Tools (part number 8395), has been developed to meet this requirement as well as maintain the ability to be adjusted for lower pressure applications. This 12 V powered brake bleeder has an adjustable fluid pressure output from zero to 3.5 bar (50 psi). It is powered from the vehicle battery via the 12 V auxiliary socket or a suitable 12 V power source. For maximum portability, the unit has been designed to be used with a 5 l brake fluid container which is also included. Lastly, the brake bleeder features a durable, brake fluid safe paint finish with clearly marked switches and dial.
■ HIGH-PRESSURE BRAKE BLEEDER
For more information WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP041
■ EV TRANSMISSION FLUIDS
■ BEAM BLADE KITS
■ ALL-SEASON TYRE Davanti has launched their first ever all-season passenger car tyre, the Alltoura 4-Seasons. Key features include directional tread pattern to ensure reliable winter traction and specially-formulated compound to deliver an engaging drive with safe and stable performance across a range of temperatures experienced with the changing seasons. Also, sipe design to allow for efficient clearing of water and extra grip on snow and ice while maintaining tread block stability on dry roads ensuring driver focused, enjoyable driving characteristics. These main features are said to make these tyres suitable for snow and ice as well as the hot summer months. The range covers sizes 14-18 in.
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Castrol has launched Castrol ON EV transmission fluids specifically for use by independent workshops certified to work on electrified vehicle (EV) powertrains. Available in five-litre packs, the two new products – in D1 and D2 variants – suit a wide range of EVs, helping to extend the life of the drivetrain system and enable EVs to go further on a single charge. The product is said to be a high performance and high efficiency fully synthetic fluid for transmissions paired with dry e-motors, offering high levels of gear and bearing protection. This product is part of a broader family of advanced ON EV fluids. The range includes EV Transmission Fluids, EV Thermal Fluids and EV Greases that help with the mainstream adoption of EVs by helping EVs go further, charge faster and last longer.
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Packaged in an eco-friendly carton, the new range of beam blade kits from Trico is comprised of just 95 references – 73 direct fit kits for OE beam blade applications, and 22 ‘retrofit’ kits for hybrid and upgrade applications – in total covering more than 95 per cent of the beam blade vehicle parc. Due to the ‘superkit’ design that comes with an optional alternative connector, this is over 40 per cent less stock than competitor ranges, which often require in excess of 150 SKUs to attain the same coverage. The new kits contain two ‘X1’ design blades manufactured and packaged in Europe.
For more information WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP042
For more information WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP040
■ TOOL TROLLEY Kraftwerk have recognised the requirement of working efficiently, having tools to hand and neatly organised and so have just launched their new XXL trolley into their new BT tool trolley range. Complete with 377 high quality hand tools, neatly stored in nine EVA foam trays, it is an ideal solution for the workshop looking for a total solution or you can also order the trolley empty. Measuring just over 1.8m in length, the trolley avoids the hazards of extra tall stackable trolleys being wheeled around the workshop. It features 13 drawers, all fully opening as well as a central cupboard that can easily accommodate large 600 ml brake cleaner cans or 5 l Oil Cannisters.
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Sealey’s AK7500 wheel alignment tool is designed to easily lift road wheels and locate them onto the vehicle hub. The tool relieves the strain of traditional wheel changing methods, which pose a high level of manual handling risk. This reduces lifting effort and noticeably improves body posture. This simple to use device speeds up wheel fitting, while providing additional health and safety benefits. The alignment tool is manufactured from stainless steel and can be used on alloy or steel wheels up to 35 kg. Supplied with four CNC machined stainless steel adaptor pegs, this tool is suitable for most cars, light goods vehicles, motor homes and caravans.
For more information WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP037
66 OCTOBER 2022 WHAT’SPMMNEW?
■ WHEEL FITTING & ALIGNMENT TOOL
For more information WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP041
For more information WWW.RDR.LINK/AAP039
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Liqui Moly (page 33) www.rdr.link/AAP114 Lucas Oil (page 68/OBC) www.rdr.link/AAP115 Maverick Diagnostics (page 14) www.rdr.link/AAP116 Motul (page 41) www.rdr.link/AAP117 PMM Online (page 50) www.rdr.link/AAP118 Point S Tyre (page 21) www.rdr.link/AAP119 Powerflow/BG Products (page 45) www.rdr.link/AAP120 Primalec (page 51) www.rdr.link/AAP121 Ring Automotive (page 52) www.rdr.link/AAP122 Schaeffler Automotive (page 2/IFC) www.rdr.link/AAP123 Shaftec Auto Components (page 52) www.rdr.link/AAP124 SP Diagnostics (page 61) www.rdr.link/AAP125 TotalEnergies (page 63) www.rdr.link/AAP126 WD 40 (page 10) www.rdr.link/AAP127
Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Motor Mechanic. Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information
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Autowave Ltd (page 29) www.rdr.link/AAP101 Ben (page 57)
www.rdr.link/AAP102 Ferdinand Bilstein (pages 16,17) www.rdr.link/AAP103 Bilstein (page 27) www.rdr.link/AAP104 Bowmonk (page 57) www.rdr.link/AAP105 Brembo (page 35) www.rdr.link/AAP106 Carwood Motor Units Ltd (page 7) www.rdr.link/AAP107
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Karnetic Ltd/AUTEL (page 19) www.rdr.link/AAP113
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Clean Diesel Tech (page 45) www.rdr.link/AAP108 Dayco Europe (page 9) www.rdr.link/AAP109 Group Tyre (page 4) www.rdr.link/AAP110 Impact Tuning & Diagnostics (page 35) www.rdr.link/AAP111 Jack Sealey Ltd (page 25) www.rdr.link/AAP112
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T I N D E X
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Alliance Automotive UK Ltd/APEC .......................... (page 48) www.rdr.link/AAP100
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