Professional Motor Mechanic March 2021

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PROFESSIONAL

MARCH 2021

MOTOR

F R T E R E A

T T O H E

D E

S E R V I C I N G ■ R E P A I R ■ D I A G N O S T I C S ■ M O T

THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR SERVICING AND REPAIR PROFESSIONALS

MEASURING UP FOR MOT The latest equipment, services, and software to help you get ready for the season ahead Also inside...

Insight into the IMI’s latest online learning platform Why it’s important to have a professional culture within the workshop TECHNICAL TIPS AND CLINICS ‘HOW TO’ GUIDES AND BEST PRACTICE ADVICE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS AND TRAINING UPDATES

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Contents Regulars 6-7

NEWS & VIEWS

8

TROUBLESHOOTER

10

CLUTCH CLINIC

13

BELT FOCUS

17-20

TECH TIPS

22-26

BUSINESS & TRAINING

28

SPECIAL REPORT

47

GIVEAWAYS

48-49

WHAT’S NEW?

VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2021

Features 31-36 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

39-42 EXHAUSTS & EMISSIONS

Editor’s Picks 9

PMM NEEDS YOU! Launching the 2021 PMM reader survey!

22

SHOULD YOU STICK TO THE PLAN? Hayley Pells’ guide to business strategy

26

HOW TO CREATE YOUR WORKPLACE CULTURE Examining the role of a professional culture within the workshop

28

44-46 MOT

A PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS PMM investigates the IMI’s new online learning platform

Total Average Net Distribution 59,921, 1st July 2019 – 30th June 2020

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VIEWPOINT

All part of the plan

Editor DANIEL ARON Digital Manager KELLY NEWSTEAD

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Account Manager ALEX DILLEIGH Group Manager ROBERT GILHAM Magazine Designer GEMMA WATSON Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Production Assistant STEPHANIE STAPLETON Distribution Manager KARL CLARK Publisher BRYAN SHANNON

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.

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: www.pmmonline.co.uk

t seems like barely a moment ago that we were singing the praises of DVSA’s ‘Beat the Rush’ campaign as the industry readied itself for the knock-on effects of last year’s MOT extension. Businesses were warned that they should expect an extreme increase in the number of MOT requests as concerned and impatient customers emerged from their homes after months of seclusion to find that they desperately needed to catch up on their life admin.

Six months later, the ‘Rush’ has certainly left a mark. What many hadn’t truly appreciated was the state of disrepair these vehicles would be in when they arrived for their check-up. The year of immobility has taken its toll, with garages seeing repair after repair trundling through their doors, and technicians stretched to the limit trying to make these neglected cars roadworthy once again.

The surge in demand for MOT tests and subsequent repairs has meant that parts of a garage business that would usually be a priority at this time of year have been sidelined. The IMI certainly believes this to be the case on page 6, as CEO Steve Nash voices his concerns that MOT testers are not able to find the time to complete their annual training and assessment: “What concerns us [IMI] is that our industry professionals, who are already under considerable pressure, may leave taking the assessment to the last minute. And, with the higher pass mark now required by the DVSA, this will give them no room for retakes.”

Thankfully, there is still time. DVSA has moved the cut-off date for completion of the assessment to 30th April, but that does not mean that MOT testers should sit back and relax. If MOT is a usual revenue stream for you, then it is well worth factoring in the completion of the assessment into any business strategy that you may have, sooner rather than later.

No doubt strategy has taken a back seat recently; understandable given the increased workload. Nevertheless, having a plan in place may just be the ticket to navigating these rocky seas. On page 22, PMM regular Hayley Pells notes that the first lockdown back in March 2020 provided businesses with the opportunity to assess their situation and create achievable goals. A year later and Hayley suggests it’s time for you to review this plan if you haven’t done so already. I imagine that the 2021 MOT annual assessment was the furthest thing from your mind back then in the throes of ‘the new normal’, but now, as the April deadline fast approaches, perhaps it’s time to factor this into your strategy?

At PMM, we are also in a period of review, and for us, that means the annual reader survey!

As loyal readers, this is your opportunity to voice your opinion on what we are doing right, what we are doing wrong, and what you would like to see more of. Given the pressures on garage businesses at the moment, this year there is an added incentive for you to complete the survey as you will have the chance to win a spectacular prize! All you need to do now is turn to page 9 for more details.

Facebook: /ProfessionalMotorMechanic Twitter: @pmmmagazine

Enjoy the issue and have a great month.

Copyright © 2021

Associate member

Daniel Aron Editor

The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication.

Front Cover: ©RewilWarsaw/AdobeStock

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NEWS

& VIEWS

GET YOUR DAILY FIX OF INDUSTRY NEWS AT WWW.PMMONLINE.CO.UK

The Motor Ombudsman appoints Chair of Board of Directors

IMI voices concern over deficit in MOT assessment completion The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has identified a significant deficit in the number of MOT testers who have so far completed their training and assessment for 2021.

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teve Nash, CEO of the IMI believes that the government’s MOT test extension in 2020 is having a huge knock-on effect on MOT testers’ workloads. And, combined with the restrictions on numbers of technicians who can be in the workplace at any one time in Lockdown 3.0, this could result in a serious reduction in DVSA approved MOT testers in 2021.

“The bottom line is that if the MOT test market shrinks, this presents a real risk to road safety,” explained Steve Nash.

“We welcomed the announcement by the DVSA just before Christmas that the

6 MARCH 2021 PMM

deadline for completion of the assessment for this year was going to be extended to 30th April 2021. However, what concerns us is that our industry professionals, who are already under considerable pressure, may leave taking the assessment until the last minute. And, with the higher pass mark now required by the DVSA, this will give them no room for retakes, meaning that they could lose this important income stream for their business.”

Addressing the current heavy workload of many MOT testers, the IMI MOT Training and Assessment package has a focus on e-Learning. The three-hour training module can be completed in bite-size chunks.

Uniquely, it also gives technicians the opportunity to retake the assessment up to three times if they’re not happy with their score on first or second attempt. This is particularly important as the DVSA now requires a pass mark of 80%.

The Motor Ombudsman, the Ombudsman dedicated to the automotive sector, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Gainsford OBE as Chair of its Board of Directors.

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on has served on the Board as a NonExecutive Director of The Motor Ombudsman, and its predecessor Motor Codes since 2013. He succeeds outgoing Chair Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Ron brings a wealth of experience to The Motor Ombudsman, thanks to a career in the field of consumer protection which has spanned more than four decades. During this time, he has held several senior leadership positions, including CEO of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, and is currently a Vice President of CTSI. Ron has also represented UK interests on several European enforcement and influencing groups, and has been an adviser to several overseas governments on public protection and market surveillance issues. Ron was awarded an OBE in the 2010 Queen’s birthday Honours List in recognition of his services to consumers and to business.

Ron will be responsible for leading The Motor

“I am excited to be embarking on this new chapter in my work with The Motor Ombudsman.”

Ombudsman Board, ensuring that it meets its statutory and corporate obligations, whilst also overseeing the effectiveness and impartiality of its decision-making.

Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I am very proud to have been given the prestigious role of Chair of the Board of Directors. After having been a member of the Board since the Ombudsman was founded, and Motor Codes prior to that, it was perhaps a natural progression to now lead the team of which I have long been part. I am excited to be embarking on this new chapter in my work with The Motor Ombudsman, and to help the organisation achieve its short and long-term objectives.”

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NEWS

& VIEWS

Record number of emissions MOT fails Almost 1.3 million vehicles failed MOT tests last year because of faults relating to exhaust emissions, finds BookMyGarage.com.

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iesel vehicles have seen the greatest surge in failures due to emissions, with a huge rise of 240% compared to just 37% for petrol vehicles. The Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVSA by the MOT and service price comparison site found more cars have failed on emissions in the last two years than any other before it.

Overall failures last year were up by more than 70% compared to 2017/18 levels – the final year before the new regulations were introduced.

Financial Year

Diesel

Petrol

Total

2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019* 2019-2020

118,302 122,838 123,596 397,991 420,537

748,465 690,247 620,247 910,620 849,740

868,115 814,684 745,308 1,311,841 1,273,771

Table 1: Class 4 annual MOT failures due to an emissions related fault *New MOT regulations introduced from 20th May 2018

In May 2018, the government introduced tougher MOT regulations to clamp down on vehicles producing excessive emissions which led to a significant rise in failures.

The large increase in diesel failures was caused by a change

to rules for cars equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Any car equipped with a DPF will fail an MOT if there is either evidence it has been tampered with or if smoke of any colour can be seen coming from the exhaust.

Ben launches fast-track access to digital mental health platform Automotive charity Ben has launched fast-track access to its digital mental and wellbeing platform, offering immediate support to those in need.

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ilverCloud is a leading digital mental health and wellbeing platform which can support people to better manage their mental health and wellbeing. The SilverCloud programmes use an evidence based, Cognitive

Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach which focuses on the relationship between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The platform also helps individuals to develop positive coping strategies.

A number of different

programmes are available, including some on topics such as stress, anxiety and depression, as well as supporting issues such as money worries, sleep and resilience. Each programme features a range of interactive tools such as videos, activities, quizzes, audio guides as well as a personal online support journal.

SilverCloud is completely free for anyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry. Sign up and get started today: WWW.RDR.LINK/AY001

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TROUBLESHOOTER

What was causing the suspension critical warning?

In its first contribution to PMM, the IVS 360 team explains how it went about supporting a workshop with a 2013 Range Rover showing a critical suspension fault warning.

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pus IVS OEM-trained Master Technicians support customers in the automotive aftermarket via its IVS 360 diagnostic support service delivered from its head office in Oxford. Using the DrivePro’s diagnostic software and extensive product knowledge, the IVS 360 team identifies the cause and steps needed to fix vehicle faults.

The experts remotely dial-in directly and in real time to vehicle communication systems to diagnose, program and calibrate vehicles.

A recent IVS 360 case during lockdown involved a Range Rover 2013 model, with a suspension fault. Using his extensive Land Rover expertise, IVS 360 Master Technician Terry Oakfield supported the customer with the following advice:

Vehicle information Brand: Land Rover Model: Range Rover L405 Year: 2013

Using Opus IVS diagnostic software and his extensive product knowledge for Jaguar/Land Rover, Terry provided the necessary steps to find the fault using the fault codes and the initial information provided.

Terry suggested some initial ‘first checks’ to begin the process of identifying the fault.

These checks are based on the fault codes stored in the Dynamic Respose Module, and are as follows:

A ‘suspension’ fault displayed on the instrument panel cluster with a ‘critical warning message (red)’. A red triangle with an exclamation mark in red was showing, signifying a critical warning and therefore needed to be looked at immediately. Details of the warning can be seen in the message centre.

C1041-22 Front Axle Piston Pressure Sensor - Signal amplitude > maximum.

■ Dynamic response front actuator pistonside pressure regulating valve coil negative circuit – short circuit to ground/open circuit ■ Sensor fault ■ Dynamic response front actuator piston-side pressure regulating valve – internal failure

Fault codes

First, check the dynamic response front actuator piston-side pressure regulating valve coil negative circuit for short circuit to ground/open circuit. After inspection and should it be required, repair the circuit, clear

Sensor [Signal Amplitude > Maximum] ■ C1043-22 Rear Axle Piston Pressure

Sensor [Signal Amplitude > Maximum]

8 MARCH 2021 PMM

C1043-22 Rear Axle Piston Pressure Sensor - Signal amplitude > maximum ■ Dynamic response rear actuator piston-side pressure regulating valve coil negative circuit – short circuit to ground/open circuit ■ Sensor fault ■ Dynamic response rear actuator piston-side pressure regulating valve – internal failure

Recommendation

Symptoms

■ C1041-22 Front Axle Piston Pressure

the DTC and then retest. If the fault persists, then check and install a new dynamic response valve block as required and reset the adaptive data. Once again, clear the DTC and retest.

To address this fault code, refer to the electrical circuit diagrams and check the dynamic response rear actuator piston-side pressure regulating valve coil negative circuit for short circuit to ground/open circuit. Again, repair the circuit if it is required, following this up by clearing the DTC and carrying out a retest.

If this fault persists, check, and install a new dynamic response valve block as required and reset the adaptive data. Finally, clear the DTC and retest.

Next steps Terry continued the diagnostics process by explaining to the customer that there was a response valve block located on the underside of the LH centre inner sill. He went on to ask the technician to check the wiring on the valve body but specifically for the front axle piston-side pressure regulating valve coil.

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Terry provided the following information for the circuit that needed checking: Connection detail C3CL54E: Module-Control-Dynamic response Location Right A-pillar Brown with 23 cavities C31-M1: Main harness to valve block harness Black with eight cavities C1CL41H: Valve Block-Dynamic response Location Beneath vehicle – Left Hand Front under the plastic tray between inner sill and floor pan Black with four cavities C3CL54E-02 White-Brown to C31-M1-08 to C1CL41H-04 Power supply C3CL54E-03 White-Green to C31-M1-02 to C1CL41H-01 Ground supply Check for a short circuit to ground, short circuit to power, short circuit to another circuit, open circuit, resistance, and with connectors undone at each end load test the wiring with a suitable bulb (21W or 55W H7).

With this completed, Terry asked the technician to check the wiring on the valve body but specifically for the rear actuator piston-side pressure regulating valve coil, providing the following information for the circuit that needed checking: Connection detail C3CL54E: Module-Control-Dynamic response Location Right A-pillar Brown with 23 cavities C31-M1: Main harness to valve block harness Black with eight cavities C1CL41G: Valve Block-Dynamic response: Valve Block-Dynamic response Location Beneath vehicle – Left Hand Front under the plastic tray between inner sill and floor pan Black with four cavities C3CL54D-05 Black-Violet to C31-M1-10 to C1CL41G-04 Power supply C3CL54D-04 Black-Grey to C31-M1-04 to C1CL41G-01 Ground supply

Check for a short circuit to ground, short circuit to power, short circuit to another circuit, open circuit, resistance and with connectors undone at each end load test the wiring with a suitable bulb (21W or 55W H7).

Terry explained that as the code states negative circuit short to ground/open circuit, the code is pointing towards the Black-Grey and the White-Green wires being shorted to the vehicle ground or open circuit.

Repair The customer reported back that the fault lay within the connector C31-M1, pins 02 and 04.

These pins were loose in the connector body and backed out, creating an open circuit. To remedy this, pins were fitted correctly in the connector and checked for integrity. The fault codes were cleared and the vehicle road tested.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE IVS 360 SUPPORT TEAM, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY002

PMM NEEDS YOU! Take part in our 2021 reader survey and you could win an amazing prize!

Our 2021 Professional Motor Mechanic Magazine reader survey needs you, and you could win a fantastic Bosch BAT 131 Battery Tester, Starting and Charging System as a thanks for your time.

Professional Motor Mechanic is committed to providing you with the very best monthly magazine in the automotive aftermarket. We want to ensure that our content continues to meet the needs and expectations of UK independent garages, so in order to keep providing you with the latest technical updates, business advice and product information we need your help!

WIN A BOSCH B AT 1 31!

We’re conducting our annual reader survey and would love to hear from you and get your views and opinions on the title. This is your opportunity to tell us what you like about Professional Motor Mechanic and what you would like to see more of. One lucky respondent will then be drawn at random to win the Bosch BAT 131 Battery Tester, Starting and Charging System!

YOU CAN FIND THE SURVEY BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: WWW.RDR.LINK/AY003

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CLUTCH CLINIC

HOW TO Replace a clutch on an Audi A4 In this month’s Clutch Clinic, Charles Figgins, Technical Marketing Manager at Blue Print, presents a step-by-step guide to replacing the clutch on a 2008 Audi A4 Avant B7 2.0 TDi.

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raditionally, vehicle manufacturers have configured their engine and transmissions within the chassis by mounting them transversely for front-wheel drive and longitudinally for rear-wheel drive cars.

However, for many years and for many of its models, Audi has opted to fit its engines and transmissions longitudinally using a front-wheel-drive transaxle. This arrangement is also used in the four-wheel drive ‘Quattro’ variants, which feature in most model ranges.

The model featured in this article is a 2008 A4 Avant B7 2.0 TDi fitted with a 01X front-wheel drive six-speed transmission. It was reported that the vehicle had clutch judder – when cold – and a rattling noise coming from the transmission area. This required the transmission to be removed and the clutch and flywheel to be inspected in order to fully diagnose the fault and rectify it.

Replacement process Once the vehicle was brought into the workshop, the bonnet was opened, and the engine cover was removed. After checking that the ignition was switched off, the battery was then disconnected.

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10 MARCH 2021 PMM

Pro tip: Whilst working in the plenum chamber, where the battery and fuse box are located, it is advisable to check the water drain outlet. On this model, it is very common for the outlet to be blocked up with tree debris.

If blocked, the battery area fills up with water which can lead to many electrical issues!

The vehicle was then raised up to a working height in order to gain access to all other items that required removal from under the vehicle.

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Then, the engine and transmission under trays were removed, along with the under tray retaining bracket (note: this saves it from being damaged when the transmission is removed).

All but two of the bell housing bolts (including the two that retain the starter motor) were located, undone and secured as necessary. At this point, it was important to make a note of where each bolt came from because the bolts vary in size and length.

Pro tip: Be advised that the engine and transmission used in this application are used in many other configurations within the VAG range. This means many spare mounting holes are not used.

The heatshield (above the right-hand driveshaft) was then removed. Following this, the original position of each driveshaft was marked before all of the bolts that retain them to the drive flanges were undone. After marking, they were positioned to one side (Fig 1a and 1b).

On the right-hand side of the transmission the reverse lamp switch was located. The wiring loom was unclipped and then secured.

Above this switch was one end of the gear selector rod. The retaining bolt was removed and put to one side (Fig 2).

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��� On the left, the clutch slave cylinder and the other end of the gear selector rod was located.

The hydraulic hose was clamped to the slave cylinder to prevent any fluid loss. The pipe was then unclipped from the slave cylinder and capped at the end to reduce dirt ingress.

The retaining nut from the gear selector was then unfastened and removed (Fig 3).

Next, with the transmission supported, all of the retaining bolts for the transmission cross member were undone as this component also required removal.

Pro tip: This can be achieved by lowering the exhaust – either by unbolting it from the manifold or by removing the exhaust hanger (located in the middle of the exhaust), in order to give enough room between the exhaust and the floor of the car (Fig 4).

With the transmission slightly lowered, the gear selector steady bar was unfastened. Then, before attempting the removal of the transmission, it was important to check that all retaining bolts were removed and that all electrical cables and pipes were free. With everything checked and clear, the transmission was removed away from the vehicle.

With the transmission removed, the flywheel was locked in place to stop the engine from turning. The original selfadjusting clutch and dual-mass flywheel were unbolted and removed for inspection after 225,000 km (140,000 miles) of use. First, the flywheel was checked, where some bluing on the friction surface was discovered. This was due to the excess heat created by the worn clutch. As a result, a rock test was also carried out on the flywheel, however it subsequently failed the 2.9mm limit.

Turning our attention to the release mechanism, the release bearing was removed from the clutch release lever; this had become dry and noisy with usage and age.

After inspecting all of the parts of the clutch mechanism, the conclusion was that the clutch kit and flywheel were in need of replacement.

Blue Print’s SMARTFIT Solution Clutch Kit, ADV1830146, was selected to replace the original self-adjusting clutch.

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The advantage with this kit is that it has no sensitive adjustment mechanism, which means it doesn’t require any initial set-up with a special tool. The SMARTFIT solution kit also replaces both possible clutch kits that could have been originally fitted to this

vehicle, making it easier for the workshop.

Before fitting any new components, all mating surfaces at the rear of the engine and the transmission bell housing were cleaned in order to be free of all grease, dirt and old friction fibres from the previous clutch. The new dual-mass flywheel, ADV183508, and retaining bolts, ADV183315, were fitted to the engine along with the new clutch. All of the bolts were then tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended tightening figures, evenly and in sequence, before all components were secured and correctly aligned (Fig 5).

Before refitting the transmission to the engine, the new release bearing was assembled with the release lever and then fitted with pre-greased pivot points to ease operation (Fig 6).

With all of the clutch components replaced, the engine was supported with an additional transmission jack. All cables, pipes and the gear selector linkage were secured so as not to foul when refitting the transmission. With everything secured, the transmission was refitted to the engine. This was followed by refitting all of the parts at the top of the transmission, followed by the cross member (to support its weight), before the jacks were removed.

All of the other parts that were removed in the process (during removal of the transmission) were refitted, and all of the bolts and fixings were tightened accordingly.

The vehicle was then carefully lowered, and the battery reconnected. Following this, the brake/clutch fluid reservoir was topped-up with fresh fluid, the slave cylinder was bled of any excess air, and the clock and onetouch window operation were reset. Finally, a road test was carried out to check the clutch operation, which proved that the clutch fault had been fixed.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BLUE PRINT RANGE, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY004

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BELT FOCUS

HOW TO Replace a timing belt and coolant pump on a Ford Kuga In the latest Belt Focus, Schaeffler REPXPERT Alistair Mason replaces the timing belt and water pump on a 2010 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi that has covered 82,000 miles.

Scheduled time: 3 hours Workshop equipment required: ■ Vehicle lift (two-post is ideal) ■ Engine support ■ Engine timing/locking kit ■ Coolant vacuum bleeder

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he timing belt replacement interval for this vehicle is 125,000 miles or 10 years, and as the vehicle had reached its 10year birthday, the vehicle was booked in for the job, at which point the replacement of the water pump was also advised. An INA timing belt and water pump kit was the obvious choice for this repair, as it contains all the components required to successfully complete the installation.

To further assist independent workshops undertake a profitable repair, the full repair

instructions, torque settings and repair times are available on the REPXPERT information portal and app, and as the same 2.0 TDCi engine is also used by Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot and Toyota, there are many opportunities for this repair. It is essential with every timing belt installation, to always follow Schaeffler’s 4T rule: ■ Temperature – Always carry out timing belt replacement on an engine that is at ambient temperature, as this can affect belt tension ■ Tools – Timing/locking tools are essential for correct and accurate timing on today’s engines ■ Torque – Ensure all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications ■ Tension – Always tension the belt correctly, ensure the tensioner is fastened in the correct rotation, the tension marks align and pulley movement is available where required

Timing belt removal process With the vehicle placed on the lift, open the bonnet, remove the engine cover, unclip the coolant expansion tank and stow on top of the engine, then disconnect and remove the two plastic fuel pipes by the upper timing belt cover. A spanner can now be placed on the auxiliary belt tensioner to release the belt tension and allow the belt to be taken off the alternator and tensioner pulleys. Now mount the engine support and remove the O/S engine mounting (Fig 1) followed by the upper timing belt cover.

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BELT FOCUS

Slacken the O/S/F locking wheel bolt, raise the vehicle lift, remove the O/S/F wheel and wheel arch liner (Fig 2), and then the auxiliary drive belt and inspect for wear and replace if necessary. Remove the bottom pulley bolt, which can be done using either an air gun or by holding the flywheel ring gear and slackening the bolt with a socket and bar, then with the bolt removed, take off the bottom pulley and engine speed/position sensor ring.

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At this point, it is now possible to see that the keyway in the timing belt crankshaft pulley is wider than the key in the crank (Fig 3), this is to allow the belt to tension correctly without moving the cam or crankshaft. Remove the lower section of the timing belt cover, refit the bottom pulley bolt and rotate the engine until the camshaft locking pin can be inserted to lock the camshaft (Fig 4), then insert the crankshaft locking pin by the starter motor (Fig 5) and slacken the bottom bolt.

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and tensioner pulley. When fully aligned, tension the tensioner in an anti-clockwise direction until the pointer aligns with the cut out on the tensioner (Fig 8). Once aligned, tighten and torque the tensioner bolt to the manufacturer’s specification.

��� With the camshaft and crankshaft locked, slacken the timing belt tensioner and remove the belt. Remove and replace the idler supplied in the timing belt kit and torque to the manufacturer’s specification. Drain the coolant using the radiator drain plug and once empty, remove and replace the water pump assembly (Fig 6), using only the new paper gasket supplied – the gasket does not require any sealer as it may contaminate the new water pump seal.

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Timing belt installation Ensure the timing belt area is dry and free from contamination. Fit the new tensioner and bolt, ensuring the tensioner is located correctly (Fig 7), then tighten the bolt finger tight, so that the tensioner is still free to be adjusted.

Fit the lower timing belt cover, remove the bottom pulley bolt and fit the engine speed/position sensor ring and bottom pulley, and then the new bottom pulley bolt and torque to the manufacturer’s specification.

Remove the cam and crankshaft locking tools, rotate the engine four times, check the tensioner is still in the correct position and refit the locking tools to ensure the timing is correct.

The remaining installation is in reverse order of the removal, but in this instance, following best practice, we replaced the auxiliary belt and tensioner (Fig 9). Finally, vacuum fill and bleed the cooling system with new coolant. Always carry out a full road test to ensure the heater works correctly and the correct coolant level remains.

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��� Install the new timing belt starting at the crankshaft, ensuring that the crankshaft pulley free play is rotated anti-clockwise, then fit the timing belt to the water pump pulley and idler pulley. Finish this off by easing the timing belt onto the cam pulley

14 MARCH 2021 PMM

INFORMATION ON SCHAEFFLER PRODUCTS, FITTING INSTRUCTIONS, LABOUR TIMES AND MUCH MORE CAN BE FOUND ON THE REPXPERT WORKSHOP PORTAL – WWW.RDR.LINK /AY005 – THE REPXPERT APP, OR BY CALLING THE HOTLINE ON 0872 737 0037

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THE POWER INSIDE Did you know every VARTA battery has a POWERFRAME grid inside? But, what does this mean and why is it important?

See the video

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS 씰Patented design for optimum current flow 씰Full frame keeps shape for long life 씰Strong materials for minimum corrosion (Lead grid contains Silver, Calcium and Tin) Whilst most batteries look the same from the outside, it’s what’s inside that really matters. The POWERFRAME grid is the strongest type of grid available and features inside every VARTA battery. It is more durable than other types of grids, due to the full frame and the patented design.

As a technician, you can be sure you are fitting to each vehicle a like-for-like replacement with the original battery, as VARTA has the POWERFRAME in its Original Equipment batteries as well as its aftermarket batteries. By fitting a high-quality battery made with the best components, you will keep your customers moving for longer.

ONLY WITH VARTA, DO YOU GET THE POWERFRAME GRID

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TECH TIPS

AUTODOCTA ���

��� MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS – BOOT LID WILL NOT FULLY OPEN OR CLOSE, ABNORMAL BOOT NOISE PRESENT

OPEL/VAUXHALL ZAFIRA-B – ENGINE STALLS AT IDLE WITH TROUBLE CODE STORED

As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of technical information to the automotive aftermarket, Autodata has over 65 skilled technicians with a comprehensive understanding of those common problems that take up valuable garage time to investigate. In this regular column, Autodata’s Technical Team share their fixes to common problems raised through Autodata’s technical helpline, available to all UK customers.

FAULT: FAULT: We have a 2017 Mercedes E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet (238) with a faulty boot lid that will neither fully open nor fully close. When the boot lid is opened or closed, we hear a rubbing or rustling noise from the interior.

There is no obvious obstruction and the client would like the issue resolved as part of their service.

What’s the best way to go about diagnosing and resolving the issue?

FIX: We’re aware of this issue, which affects EClass Coupe/Cabriolet models from 2017 onward. The cause is an unsatisfactory design of the boot lid LH hinge support strut bush.

Remove the LH boot lid hinge cover. Fit a modified boot lid LH hinge support strut bush, available from the Mercedes-Benz parts department, as shown (Fig 1.1). Fit a new LH boot lid hinge cover, if necessary.

We have a 2010 Opel/Vauxhall ZafiraB 1.9 CDTi which is stalling at idle.

The trouble code stored in the engine control module (ECM) fault code memory is P0340. This appears to be a generic powertrain code indicating an issue with the Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor circuit. Can you provide any guidance on what the cause might be and how to resolve it?

FIX: This sounds like a known issue for the Zafira-B. Opel/Vauxhall has released a technical bulletin about it. We’ve also seen this issue in the Opel/Vauxhall Astra-H (2004-2010), Vectra-C (2004-2008) and Signum (2005-2008), all with engine codes Z19DT and Z19DTL. The cause is incorrect valve timing due to crankshaft sprocket keyway failure. To verify and resolve this, remove the crankshaft sprocket and check the keyway for damage (Fig 2.1). Replace parts as necessary, then tighten the crankshaft sprocket bolt to 340Nm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ONLINE, GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/AY006

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TECH TIPS

10 steps to diagnosing faulty glow plugs Denso explains how identifying a faulty glow plug becomes relatively simple when you use your trusty multimeter.

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he basics of a glow plug are easy to explain. They are essential for ignition in diesel-powered engines as they heat the air/fuel mixture in the engine, so it ignites easily under compression and are built to be long-lasting and work reliably no matter what happens.

However, occasionally external factors or faults with other components can lead to issues with glow plugs, which owing to their rarity, can easily be missed or wrongly identified.

It is important to regularly check and maintain glow plugs/ignition components, especially before the winter season. If a technician, or the customer, has spotted a potential sign that their glow plugs are faulty, or at the end of their lifespan, the next step is to accurately establish whether replacement plugs are needed. Thankfully, this is easier than ever to do, and can usually be achieved without removing the glow plug from the engine. All that’s needed is a multimeter and the following 10 steps.

1 Get to know the multimeter In essence, a multimeter is a box of electronic circuitry that can be used to run a variety of tests on electrical wiring or devices and most technicians will be extremely familiar with their model of multimeter already, but if not, here is a refresher: ■ The large dial in the centre of the

multimeter is used to adjust the settings.

■ The leads that come with the multimeter

are used to test electrical current and resistance. These leads will be black (negative) and red (positive), and usually have metal clamps or pins at the end of them.

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■ A multimeter may be analogue or digital.

Analog multimeters have a changing display, which means they can show the current fluctuation. Digital multimeters show a definitive figure, which means they have a difficult time measuring current that is constantly changing. However, digital multimeters are more accurate overall than analogue meters. Analogue meters can also apply higher voltage to the circuit digital meters, so use them with care.

It is best to use a digital multimeter for this test. It will show the exact result of the test, while an analogue meter will list a range of results, making it harder to read/conclude. If an analogue multimeter is being used, make sure to choose one with at least 20k ohm/V sensitivity.

2 Set the multimeter to ohms On the multimeter, only ohms are needed for this test. The ohms setting will be denoted by the omega symbol (Ω) resembling a horseshoe. Unless an auto-ranging multimeter is being used, set the maximum range for the test. It can, however, be changed during the test if it isn’t providing a useful reading.

3 Find the resistance value of the multimeter

Connect the two leads of the multimeter together, making sure the metal clamps/pins on the leads touch each other, and record the result. If a digital multimeter is being used, the precise reading will appear across the screen. At this point, it may be possible to use the multimeter’s calibration function to adjust the reading to zero.

4 Test the voltage of the battery Put the multimeter in DC-volt-reading mode.

The symbol denoting DC is ⎓: two lines, one solid and one dotted. Place the negative lead onto the negative terminal of the battery, and the positive lead onto the positive terminal.

The reading should be close to 12.5V when the car is off and close to 13V when the car is running. If this is not the case, check the battery or alternator before proceeding, since they may be the cause of the issue rather than the glow plugs. Glow plugs only work correctly if they have the correct voltage running into them.

5 Locate the glow plugs The location of the glow plugs in the engine will vary based on the make and model of the respective vehicle. Consult the manufacturer’s handbook for the vehicle to find the correct location.

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6 Remove the caps or connectors to the glow plugs There is usually a cover or cap over the glow plugs, so removing it will allow the multimeter clamps to be applied to the glow plugs.

However, look at the connector and pins and check for any signs of rust, corrosion or looseness. Take the opportunity to clean them as this alone could have a beneficial effect.

7 Connect the multimeter’s negative lead to a ground point in the engine The main two ground points can be found by following the wire that leads from the negative battery terminal into the engine wall or following the wire that leads from the alternator into the engine wall. Again, consult the manufacturer’s handbook to find the exact locations of the ground points. The wires will be attached to bolts. So, clip the negative lead onto one of these bolts for grounding.

8 Connect the multimeter’s positive lead to the top of the glow plug The multimeter should now give a reading.

This is when the range setting can be adjusted on the multimeter to give more significant figures, if required.

9 Evaluate the multimeter’s reading Refer to the repair manual to determine the acceptable resistance range for glow plugs for the vehicle – it will usually be no more than 6 ohms. Subtract the resistance value of the multimeter from the resistance value of the glow plug. For example, if the plug’s resistance measured 0.9 ohms and the meter’s resistance measured 0.2 ohms, the real reading for the plug is 0.7 ohms. If the multimeter’s resistance was zeroed earlier, then do not subtract anything now.

All the glow plugs in the engine should have

similar readings. One glow plug with a higher resistance can affect the engine’s performance – even if the plug appears functional otherwise.

10 Replace the glow plugs If one or more of the glow plugs gives an unusually high reading, it should be replaced.

However, best practice is to replace every plug – not just the one that appears to be faulty!

If the area around the glow plugs has dirt or build-up, clean it first. Some manufacturers offer special tools (‘reamers’) to clean out the bore where the glow plugs are inserted into the cylinder head. These tools clean out carbon build-up inside the combustion chamber or pre-charge chamber, as well as the threads that the glow plug screws into.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DENSO GLOW PLUG RANGE, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY007

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TECH TIPS

BEST PRACTICE Caution in cold weather Part of a technician’s skill is to prevent a customer’s vehicle from breaking down in the first place. In the case of cold weather, flat batteries are the greatest danger, but to prevent this from happening technicians need to advise motorists on careful battery maintenance, as Exide Technologies explains…

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atteries lose a lot of their cranking power in cold weather, which is why battery failure is most common in winter. Poorly performing batteries often continue for months, still able to start the engine, but then fail the first time they are exposed to a cold night on the roadside. Unexpected battery failures are expensive and inconvenient, but they can be avoided with the right approach to maintenance.

Those batteries that are more than four years old are particularly susceptible – they already have reduced capacity because of aging, and they are more likely to have issues cranking the engine in lower winter temperatures if only partially charged. Car batteries are known to work best at a temperature of 27˚C. By the time the temperature falls to 0˚C, even a fully charged battery has lost around a third of its starting power.

Longer journeys are key Explain to your customers that short journeys may not be enough to keep the battery in a healthy state of charge. The alternator ideally needs at least 10–12 miles on the motorway to fully recharge the battery, so those short trips to do the groceries may not be enough.

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BATTERY MAINTENANCE ADVICE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS ■ Make longer journeys of at least 10 to 12 miles regularly to keep the battery in a healthy state of charge

In fact, smaller trips are often bad for the battery, as they may not offset the energy cost of starting the engine and powering on-board electrical equipment during the trip.

■ Recharge the battery every four to six weeks to keep it in optimum condition if the vehicle is off the road

Keep the battery charged

■ Do not let the battery voltage drop below 12.5V

If your customers don’t have a reason to go on longer trips, a great alternative can be to use a charger, such as the Exide 12/7 or 12/15. They are designed to also work as a maintenance charger once the battery is recharged, which preserves its lifespan and keeps it in a proper state of charge. Advise customers to recharge their battery at least every 4–6 weeks if their vehicle is off the road.

If customers don’t have access to a charger, encourage them to visit your workshop. You can test the battery using an Exide EBT965P, and have a recharger on hand in case it’s needed. If the voltage is lower than 12.5V, measured with key off at battery terminals, the battery must be recharged straight away.

■ Consider high-performance batteries as they can offer reduced risk of breakdown

starting power. Fast recharging means it reaches a healthy state of charge quickly, reducing the risk of battery failure and vehicle breakdown. The company also provides AGM and EFB batteries with exceptional electrical performance that are specially designed to support the start-stop powertrain. Of course, regardless of what battery technology you fit for your customers, the right approach to maintenance is the best way to preserving battery lifespan.

Consider the type of battery Exide’s Premium Carbon Boost is good at handling extreme weather. It supposedly recharges up to two-times faster than a conventional battery and offers 30% more

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EXIDE’S RANGE OF BATTERIES, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY040

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BUSINESS

& TRAINING

Should you stick to the plan?

Hayley Pells, Director at Avia Autos, explores the role of business strategy against the backdrop of the pandemic.

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f you are in business, you will have heard of ‘strategy’ and that it is important, no matter which industry you operate in. But, what to do about it? One trialled and tested option to develop that strategy and then communicate it, is to write a business plan. This idea can sound daunting and often quickly becomes one of those things that is put on the back burner, especially if you have a busy workshop and there is money in the bank. However, the events of the past year may have marked a shift in this attitude.

A chance to strategise The first lockdown saw unprecedented amounts of fiscal support, distributed through the business rates framework to organisations throughout the country. A blunt tool, it was a fast method to identify businesses that would require cash flow scaffolding, and to swiftly determine their rough size. Guidance was issued from Westminster, which meant that the devolved nations had to customise the offering, and then this was further interpreted at local government level. Frustratingly, such a rapid response left some behind, but it did enable a lot of workshops to thoroughly examine their processes, develop forecasts

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and create a business plan to adapt to the unfolding situation.

The grants and lending available reassured many workshop owners that they could continue to develop their business. It became evident through social media and other peerto-peer support groups that there was an appetite to use this resource to the fullest advantage. Future-proofing equipment investments was popular, as was spending to improve the presentation and organisation of the workshop. Investments like these naturally feed into the social media marketing aspect of a business, allowing garages to present the reasoning behind the costs of maintenance and repairs for modern vehicles to their customers.

It is never too late to employ a strategy and it does not need to be a highly polished document. If it develops your thoughts and is clearly communicated, it is fit for purpose.

Finessing the plan can come later if required.

Assess the situation The strategy of no strategy is not necessarily a bad thing. If it has served you well, then there is no harm in it. However, if you do have a plan in place, have you planned to review your plan? This sounds like an awful

lot of planning, but it can be as simple as setting a reminder in your diary to review.

Working out where you are and how that corresponds to any previous plans is an important place to start. If the current situation is not in line with the original strategy, working out why can be useful for developing the next step.

Developing the strategy Firstly, decide on your goals. A popular method is to decide what you would like to achieve in the short term, medium term, and long term. The short-term goal could be as simple as making sure you finish early this Friday to have more leisure time, which means you would have to ask yourself what you can do earlier in the week to make this happen.

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can keep a business agile and perfect for reacting to a changing environment. Quickly responding to demands can be a highly profitable and a satisfying way of working.

Once the goals are established, working out how they are going to be achieved is the next task. Investment in expensive equipment can benefit from this approach. By thoroughly examining the timeframe that the investment requires to pay for itself, you should be able to ascertain whether the cost of the equipment may outstrip the potential benefit. Analysis like this could lead to wiser equipment investment.

Takeaway points

You don’t have to do it alone Peer-to-peer support groups on social media, such as the Automotive Support Group UK (ASG UK) on Facebook, have a wealth of free resources available that have been produced by experts in the subject. For example, Andy Crook, Director at Gotboost Performance Tuning, has provided business planning advice that is available to members of ASG UK – WWW.RDR.LINK /AY008.

The pandemic has stifled face-to-face instruction, but has thankfully provided opportunity to develop digital skills and then

use those skills to access further guidance on how to improve business processes.

Another aspect to consider is how you want to involve the rest of the team. If you develop a strategy and then clearly communicate what it is to your team, it invites others to the process of working out how to achieve any goals you might have. By making your goals a team effort, you will inevitably reduce the wasted resources that can result from people pulling in different directions.

This being said, the strategy of no strategy

In conclusion, only the person responsible for the organisation knows what might work and what might not, be it an organisation of one or 100. However, the need to review remains the same, even if you choose to remain without a strategy as your strategy. The first lockdown almost a year ago gave many the opportunity to evaluate their businesses to a level that they may not have reached before, perhaps now would be a good time to reflect back on those plans and refine them further?

TO VISIT THE FACEBOOK GROUP MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE ABOVE, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY009

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BUSINESS

& TRAINING

Built with the garage in mind The TechMan garage management system has come a long way since its launch in August 2015, as it has now grown to over 3,000 users across the UK. But, how did it all begin?

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echMan was born from the desire of In Town Automotive, a Bosch Car Service Centre in Northampton, to be able to have the clearest view possible of its operations. Owner Terry Dorney and his team built the system from the ground up due to their frustrations from what was available to them on the current market and the need to have a tighter grip on the day-to-day running of the workshop.

What started as an internal project that had not been designed for commercial resale, soon became a disrupter in the marketplace as it had been specifically built with the garage owner in mind. Using In Town Automotive’s workshop as a proving ground, the team was able to accurately test for new features, whilst simultaneously inviting prospective new clients to view the software in a live environment. It quickly became a hit with independent workshop owners looking for a new way to run and manage their operations.

Fast forward five-and-ahalf years and TechMan continues to disrupt the market by focusing on the needs of workshop owners by pioneering new features and presenting ways to automate and reduce daily admin tasks; in turn, enabling independents to maximise their profits. Many of these ideas are a direct result of listening to its customer base and interacting with its online community.

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What can users expect today?

Always building

Digital transformation is a huge focus for TechMan. From the use of tablets for job cards and service sheets, to ordering parts and tyres online directly from the garage management system, ensuring that businesses are able to embrace paperless working has featured high on the priorities list. Yet, there is more to it. The system also enables garage owners to track technician efficiency and analyse which jobs are the most profitable. It does this by recording the input of jobs in real time and alerting the owner to work that has overrun.

With over 75% of users now operating a paperless workshop, garages have been able to streamline communications with technicians and their customers by providing images and videos of vehicle defects.

The platform is always keen to work out where it can add the most value to the end user. Its most recent development is the perfect example.

The start of February saw TechMan users granted seamless access to the full suite E3 technical data from Haynes Pro, giving them repair times, fault diagnostics, technical drawings, service maintenance schedules, torque settings and more.

However, instead of workshop users fighting over single user licenses or wasting valuable time queuing up around an office PC, TechMan has made the data available to every login user through their tablet.

By embracing the digital transformation, independent workshops have greater control when improving overall business efficiency, profitability and competitiveness in the marketplace.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TECHMAN'S SOLUTIONS, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY010

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BUSINESS

& TRAINING

APPRENTICESHIP The role of the mentor ANSWERS In this month’s column, Gemma Westlake explores the role of the mentor and how it relates to the progression of an apprentice.

introduced that changed the role from ‘assessor’ to ‘mentor’.

With the new standards, apprentices are allocated a mentor who maintains regular contact with the learner.

However, the mentor no longer carries out the assessments. Instead, apprentices are given access to an online logbook. Through this system, learners complete questionnaires and upload photographic evidence, along with job cards signed and dated by both the learner and employer (or allocated workplace mentor/supervisor) to cover tasks set out by the awarding body.

Alongside the practical elements, exams are also taken.

You see, it is now the employer’s responsibility to decide when their team member is competent and ready to move forward. This makes a lot of sense considering it will be their business and reputation on the line when the apprentice becomes a qualified technician. A mentor today is there to ensure that the learner has completed all the tasks correctly, taken and passed any relevant exams, and uploaded evidence of this. They are a means of support for both the learner and employer, liaising with the garage in order to agree when the learner is ready to take a gateway assessment.

©Monkey Business/AdobeS tock

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ell, what a crazy start to the year we’ve had! I hope you are well and have managed to stay safe and happy. It feels like a lifetime ago, but last month we looked at the Apprenticeship Levy, trying to understand what it is, and what it could mean for you and your business.

This time around, we are looking in a little more detail at the role of the mentor and what to expect of our apprentices.

You may have experience of workplace assessors. Previously, their job was to visit your apprentice on a regular basis and assess their progress through the observation of set tasks. I remember the day my assessor turned up to watch me remove and replace a timing belt on a Transit (I started my career in a van centre), although my assessor was lovely and did everything to put me at ease – as a level one learner I was extremely nervous. He arrived with the Automotive Head of Department from my college and the EQA (External Quality Assurer), and it remains a day that I remember well when I visit apprentices.

There is a bit of an art to making someone feel comfortable while you are scrutinising how they work, and this was a critical aspect to the job of the assessor. However, the role has changed. Over the last few years, employers have become much more involved in the outcome of their apprentice, and after discussions between the government and several employers, new standards were

So, what tasks can an apprentice expect? As a newbie, they will be expected to show soft skills and behaviours such as effective communication and working as a team member. After that, they will start to gather proof of simple workshop tasks such as servicing. Moving forward will then involve simple remove and refit tasks, as well as simple diagnostics and repair, before completing complex processes. There are gateway assessments to complete along the way, and when all the evidence is gathered, including F Gas, English, and Maths, an agreement can be made between the mentor and employer for their apprentice to be booked in for their EPA (End Point Assessment).

Please do join me next time where we can look at the EPA in more detail along with the impact that COVID has had/is having on apprenticeships.

Until then…stay safe!

Gemma is a lecturer at Basingstoke College of Technology. To find out what goes on there, GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/AY011 PMM MARCH 2021 25

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BUSINESS

& TRAINING

How to create your

workplace culture Tina Drayson, Operations Manager at independent garage CCM, discusses how business owners and managers can create a motivational and nurturing culture within the workplace environment.

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workplace culture is an idea more commonly associated with big corporations, but can this be extended to the independent garage sector? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’. Culture is about having a place of work where every member of staff feels valued and respected. How do we achieve this? It is not just about giving them Christmas parties, Christmas bonuses, and breakfast on a Friday.

These things are important, but it is not the whole story. You need to tap into the workforce’s emotional side.

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Continuous learning

Have a vision

Take a step back

A vision will define you, your passion and your values, whilst also providing every member of the team with motivation to match your expected work ethic and your commitment to your customers. It is vital that you have a positive company culture if you want staff to be at their best; having a vision sets the standard.

Do not micromanage! If you cannot trust someone to do the job that they have been employed to do, then you have the wrong person. Sure, put parameters, processes, and measures in place. However, ensure that you create conditions that give staff autonomy; I would even go so far as to ask them to set their own goals. Such a move will empower them,

Our industry is rapidly evolving. No matter who you are, nobody can ever say that they are fully qualified. There are always things to learn, and it’s important to make sure your staff understand that. You should do your best to enable your staff to keep learning, giving them every opportunity to train and learn new skills. If needed, let them do this during your time. Why not? After all, it is for your benefit. Quality family time is scarce enough as it is, let alone if your staff have to train outside of work as well.

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and staff are far more likely to strive to achieve if they are reaching for goals that they have set themselves, rather than those set for them.

“Culture is about having a place of work where every member of staff feels valued and respected.”

Always listen

long way. Small gestures like saying ‘thank you’, show that you are empathetic and approachable. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results of these simple steps.

Staff carry out their roles daily. They are the ones with the best knowledge of the processes, and therefore understand what is and isn’t working. A manager should therefore listen to their views and admit that they do not always know what is best.

Embrace ideas and viewpoints in order to allow staff to reach their full potential. It will not only make them feel valued, but it could save time and money in the process.

Communicate There is no such thing as too much communication. It’s important and motivating to know how the business is performing, even if it’s not going well. Otherwise, the workforce will only speculate. Also, say thank you! They are two short words that go an exceptionally

Mistakes happen It’s only natural that mistakes occur, but it’s how we deal with them that is crucial.

Embrace the concept of ‘Assume Positive Intent’. Do you want staff to be so afraid that they try to cover up their mistakes? I very much doubt it. The alternative is to generate a positive place for staff to be open and honest about mishaps, ensuring that they use those instances as opportunities to learn.

Put your trust in people Some of you will be thinking that some staff would take advantage. That may be the case,

but by having a good culture, these people will soon show their true colours. The real question is: Do you want a member of staff that ticks all the boxes in relation to skill set, but has a negative approach? Or do you want a member of staff that fits the culture? New skills can be learnt, but changing a person’s mindset has to come from them.

At CCM, we are not perfect, but with help and guidance from others, we are continuously striving to give our staff a better culture. The pandemic has shown that this is paying off. Our team have been great. They stepped up, going above and beyond what we asked of them because they wanted to give something back.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CCM, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY012

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SPECIAL REPORT

A platform for success Towards the end of last year, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) announced that it had agreed a partnership with digital training provider, VOCANTO, as part of the push to make electric vehicle education readily accessible to all who need it. Although still in its infancy, the new platform has huge potential, as PMM finds out.

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or some time now, the IMI has been stressing the need for automotive technicians to undertake suitable training so that they can work with electric vehicle technology safely and professionally. Part of this drive manifested as the organisation’s IMI TechSafe initiative, which prompted the industry into realising that this was not a trend that should be ignored.

Of course, 2020 saw the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. As with all industries, this required a radical rethink about how people could still access valuable training resources. The IMI got to work and secured a partnership with renowned e-learning platform providers,

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3D visuals of key components are used as learning aids for many of the platform's modules

VOCANTO, to ensure technicians could progress with their EV education. Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, pointed out: “The challenge – especially while social distancing remains such an important factor for everyone’s health – is how to make this training as accessible as possible to those who need it.”

Phased launch

“The challenge – especially while social distancing remains such an important factor for everyone’s health – is how to make this training as accessible as possible to those who need it.”

The IMI has announced that the platform will be launched in two phases. Phase one will mean access is granted via an annual licence scheme. Organisations, such as colleges, training schools, repair networks, etc., that are keen to provide their employees/students with the information included on the platform will receive a number of ‘redeem codes’ that each individual can input into the system to gain access.

This will be the primary method of access for now, however, phase two will be rolled out later in the year and will enable participants to sign up to individual modules.

Towards the end of January, the IMI held a webinar to showcase the platform to all who had expressed an interest. One of the speakers, Chris Cotterill, UK Business Development Manager at the IMI, highlighted: “The pilot schemes carried out by our varied customer demographics will mean the platform works for any customer that wants to engage with it. We are now looking to build momentum within the industry, and to these ends our business development team has been working hard to contact those who have expressed their interest.”

It is important to note that IMI membership does not automatically enable access to the VOCANTO portal. For those interested, it will come as an additional cost, but one that is well worth the investment.

However, the institute has expressed that

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there will be the opportunity for combined offers to go alongside IMI membership.

Content is key During the pilot, the IMI made both light vehicle and EV lessons available to the participants. For the time being, the breakdown of the EV module offering is as follows: Intro to Electric & Hybrid Vehicles, Safety, EV Technology & Components, and EV Batteries & Charging. As you would expect, the light vehicle options are considerable, with most processes and component categories covered.

Once a learner accesses the platform, the nature of the questions and tutorials varies from multiple choice questions, through to interactive 3D visuals highlighting the specific components of a vehicle. What’s more, gamification has been integrated into the platform in order to appeal to younger participants. Learners gain experience points and rewards as they make their way through the modules, which not only provides an incentive for them to complete

their work, but also serves as a valuable source of data for any trainer looking to keep an eye on the progress of their students.

What’s next?

Although the platform will encompass a comprehensive breadth of content upon launch, the potential for later additions is almost limitless. The focus groups that were used by the IMI to launch the platform will continue to advise on the content that will be uploaded, which means that there is the opportunity to

include further modules on any number of automotive topics, such as ADAS, accident & repair, and diagnostics, just to name a few. It’s this adaptability and flexibility that the IMI really wants to present to the industry, setting up the VOCANTO platform as the ideal solution for the future of automotive learning.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VOCANTO PLATFORM, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY013

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TOOLS

& EQUIPMENT

Staying PMM discovers how the development of WD-40 Flexible has led to the ideal lubricant solution for automotive technicians.

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D-40 Multi-Use is often thought of as a staple, goto product for any mechanic or skilled craftsman/woman caught in a tight spot and needs little introduction. Famously developed during the early 1950s, where the initial ‘Water Displacing’ solution was first used in the space race, it has since found its way into the hands of almost anyone tackling most, if not all, mechanical roles.

For all technicians, WD-40 Multi-Use product is known for its problem-solving capability when faced with anything from releasing seized and rusty bolts, removing impurities, helping to eradicate water from electrics and cleaning dirty tools, to safely lubricating any moveable part. WD-40’s own website claims its famed blue and yellow cans are good for 2,000+ uses.

Question is, how could the company improve on a product that’s served countless so well for almost seven decades? Far from resting on its laurels – there’s a whole raft of specialist lubricant products in its portfolio including spray on grease, silicone lubricant, fast-acting contact cleaner and PTFE lube along with a range to help motorbike mechanics with chain cleaner and wax, chain lube and brake cleaner to name just a few – it has now improved on how to deliver its solution so it hits exactly the right spot.

WD-40 Flexible is the evolution of the iconic red straw taped to cans. It is a hardwearing, heat resistant, pliable ‘straw’ that maintains its ability to feed WD-40 to exactly the right spot even if curved round the tightest of bends. Affixed to a taller, thinner, 400ml can that cleverly reduces overuse and waste as well as allowing for the longer flexible straw, the new system enables even the tightest of corners to be precisely targeted without any waste.

The designers have incorporated ‘Spray 2 Ways’ technology that, with the flip down of the flexible straw, turns the precise and direct flow into a wider spray that can cover larger areas; useful when mechanics opt for WD-40 Multi-Use to clean an engine cowling or rocker cover. Its 360° valve ensures that users can reach the area they intended even when the cannister is upside down.

The development of Flexible, the combination of the straw’s strength and ability to be twisted and bent into position to ensure precision, along with its wider spray to cover larger areas, has surely secured its place as the go-to method of mechanical lubrication for automotive professionals.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WD-40 FLEXIBLE, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY014

PMM MARCH 2021 31

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TOOLS

& EQUIPMENT

Get a GRIP David Barnes, Knipex UK Marketing Manager, looks at the latest trends in hand tools for professional automotive technicians.

I

t would be easy to think that pliers have not changed all that much over the years. However, innovations and new features are designed and incorporated into tools on a regular basis to save time and effort for mechanics. Today, tools have to be more robust than ever, providing reliable performance and, depending on the job, extended tips to get into hard-to-reach areas, or specially designed joints to make the pliers even more user friendly.

New tool designs for the automotive industry are developed, in Knipex’s case, by a team of dedicated designers and engineers in state-of-the-art workshops at the headquarters in Wuppertal, Germany. Looking closely at the applications the tools are used for, as well as any changing working practices, our designers are working hard to make repair processes easier for professionals.

Hose clamp pliers are perfect for applications such as, air intakes, water return flow, thermostats, fuel and heating.

Fit for precision Specialised tools, such as precision circlip pliers, are a popular choice in the workshop.

The pliers hold the circlips firmly in place thanks to a large contact area and tips that point outwards, with an inserted spring steel tip providing a tight fit on the circlip, capturing it.

A neat feature is an adjustable stop screw which prevents the overstretching of the circlips, meaning there is little damage and you can reuse the clip. Using this feature, you can also set the diameter just once and then work on a series of circlip removals or additions without any stretching or damage.

Circlip pliers are designed to hold circlips firmly in place

32 MARCH 2021 PMM

These pliers are also very tough and durable, so they can be used over and over again, giving mechanics and engineers reliability, too. The Knipex assortment of circlips ranges from 1 to 300mm in diameter.

Intricate options For the more intricate workshop jobs, long reach needle nose pliers can be invaluable.

These are especially suitable for gripping, and work where a higher prehensile power is needed in hard to reach areas. Knipex produces versions with transverse profiles that offer careful yet reliable gripping, holding and guiding of small copper pipes, screws and cables, as well as other round parts thanks to milled grooves with smooth surfaces. The head of the pliers even has versatile gripping zones for different tasks, including a serrated pipe grip, a wave profile for smooth surfaces or gentle gripping, holding and guiding, a section for gripping angular components and at the tip, slim, half-round tips.

Intricate jobs can also be carried out with compact tools such as the Cobra XS, reportedly the smallest pump pliers in the

Needle nose pliers help to reach otherwise inaccessible areas

world with full functional capability, measuring just 100mm long. The tool can adapt to eleven adjustment positions and grip nuts up to 24mm in width. They also look great, and tools like these are becoming more sought after as professionals look for improved ease of use and functionality. The size of these pliers means that they can fit into the tightest of spaces to get the job done and can be kept in workwear for easy access.

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Power potential Even though innovation in hand tools is alive and well, one feature that has always been essential is power. For instance, the high leverage diagonal cutter has high cutting capacity for tackling really hard materials.

The precision cutters are additionally induction hardened to give them even more strength. In fact, these will require 20% less energy compared to conventional diagonal cutters of the same length. The tool also has an integrated forged joint axle to withstand the toughest, constant use. Much like the circlip pliers, the tool is available in different grip and shape versions.

Gaining leverage Working on clamps is a common practice for mechanics, and the spring hose clamp pliers is a single tool suitable for standard, spacesaving and wire clamps, and for spring band clamps up to 70 mm in diameter. The pliers feature rotatable, universal grip inserts for

SEE THEM IN ACTION! To see how the tools mentioned in this article perform, follow the links below: Precision circlip pliers:

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY015 WWW.RDR.LINK /AY016

Long reach needle nose pliers: Spring hose clamp pliers: Cobra XS:

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY017

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY018

reliably gripping the clamps in all positions, providing extremely good leverage, which allows clamps to be opened easily without great effort, especially in confined areas.

Some of the application areas where the pliers come into their own, include air intakes, cooling, charged air, water return flow, thermostat, fuel and heating. It is a very versatile tool and a must for workshops.

FOR MORE DETAILS, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY019

The Cobra XS may be the smallest pliers in the world, but they play a big part in a technician’s toolbox

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TOOLS

& EQUIPMENT

PRODUCT FOCUS Hy-Carbon Connect PMM investigates the latest solution from engine carbon cleaning specialist, FlexFuel: Hy-Carbon Connect.

T

he beginning of March sees FlexFuel Energy Development UK (FFEDUK) launch its latest engine carbon cleaning via hydrogen injection machine, Hy-Carbon Connect. The system is fully automated, intelligent, digitally connected, and is claimed to be the only carbon cleaning machine that includes integrated diagnostics.

By using hydrogen gas, the machine is able to break down the carbon deposits that are responsible for low returning fuel economy, reduced power, increased emissions and the premature failure of engine parts.

Connected technology The engine cleaning process is entirely chemical free, and simply requires deionised water to produce hydrogen gas that acts as a natural solvent on carbon. However, it is the system’s digital technology that separates it from the competition. The Hy-Carbon Connect station comes with a touchscreen, which acts as a wireless user interface, and through its automated functionality, has the ability to analyse a vehicle’s state of health, presenting the number of miles driven, fault codes and driver habits.

Over time, the system is able to learn the characteristics of engine makes, fault codes, models, age, and the number of miles driven from the other machines in use around the world. The more data on engine types it collects, the more targeted the cleans become.

Put simply, the machine is said to get better the more it gets used, forming a better understanding of the treatment specific engines will need.

Connected control Through its OBD connection, Hy-Carbon Connect is able to establish automatic control of the engine and its key components, allowing engine parts to be automatically ‘set in

motion’. Once the treatment has been completed, the system produces a treatment report showing levels of carbon build up in the engine pre-clean and post-clean. Additionally, automated emails and SMS reminders can be sent to the customer every 12 months or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Connected network Since coming to the UK in 2018, FlexFuel has established 300 garage partners. One such garage partner is Neil Chapman, Owner of Offmore Road Garage in Kidderminster and one of the very first adopters of HyCarbon in the UK. He commented, “I have been a FlexFuel customer for nearly two years. In only a few months, I could see that this would be the most profitable machine in my workshop. It is near autonomous; it does not take a technician away from other jobs and can be left to run in the corner of the workshop. Importantly, there are no consumables or chemicals, which reduces running costs and stops toxic emissions associated with traditional

chemical engine cleaning. The feedback from customers has been fantastic to date.

“I have a strong service customer base, and many are now having an engine clean as part of their annual service plan. They are all reporting improved mpg, better engine performance and generally smoother running. At a curative level, it is being used on sticky EGRs, turbos and blocked DPFs. For vehicles failing emissions on their annual MOT test, it is also proving to be highly effective in reducing emissions and ensuring a successful pass.”

The Hy-Carbon Connect is available to the UK from March 1st at a monthly cost, but is being offered at a reduced rate to the first 1,000 customers to sign up. Alongside the machine, FlexFuel also provides full training, a full marketing pack, five-year warranty and continued ongoing support whenever required.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HY-CARBON CONNECT, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY020

PMM MARCH 2021 35

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TOOLS

& EQUIPMENT

Battery transparency

M

otorists have certainly been going through the mill for the last year and it is vital that workshops prepare to be a source of assistance and exceptional customer service to them if there is to be hope on the horizon. Much has been written about how to best care for customers whose cars have been sitting doing little on their drives for months. Less has been written about the technology required to do that.

Developing the technology The best options for battery testing, and to ensure that your customers can receive proof of a test without being in the workshop, include the CPX900 Conductance Profiling Battery and System Analyser, which will service contemporary vehicle and battery technology showing reserve capacity (RC) problems.

The CPX900 is ideal for independent garages dealing with inspections, MOTs and servicing, and can be used at any opportunity for testing stop-start applications where the battery is integral for getting a vehicle from A-B. Some of the product’s features include conductance profiling, WI-FI and Bluetooth connectivity, wireless updateable software, elective connectivity to Rotronics’ ROBIS Online Portal (subscription based), stop-start battery testing, electrical system tests, a built-in temperature sensor and an optional integrated printer. The CPX900 comes with either 1.1m or 3m cables; the 3m cables enable a single-handed full system test from the driving seat of the car.

36 MARCH 2021 PMM

Rotronics, the battery management expert, presents how the newly developed CPX900 can help alleviate the woes of your customers.

Keeping up with communication Importantly for the current restrictive climate, test results can be emailed to your customer due to the wireless interface. This provides several benefits: you have instant visibility concerning the condition of your customer’s battery; it will tell the customer if they need to replace the battery and when next to charge the battery; it will also provide an overall decision about the battery, with a full health check, measurement of the cranking ability, and status regarding the reserve capacity.

The technical experts at Rotronics have been making important changes to the existing CPX900 technology and this will be available in a more intuitive package, which is a real bonus for independent workshops and their customers.

Ken Clark, Managing Director at Rotronics, said, “This is a fantastic tester for independents, and we have worked hard over the past months on a screen layout that is much more user-friendly. We are creating some shortcuts to the testing process and modifying the software to determine why the test is being done, who is doing the test and include the workshop’s logo on the printout.

“This is an ongoing technology development and our team will be delighted to receive any feedback from PMM readers. Please send an email to me at ken.clark@rotronicsbms.com.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY021

OR CALL KEN CLARK ON 0121 526 8185

CPX900: WHAT’S INCLUDED? ■ The diagnostic report wording is more customer friendly ■ It will recall customers at regular intervals for a battery test ■ Linked to the ROBIS portal, it provides historical testing visibility ■ The customer can see how the battery is performing over time ■ It shows how the drive cycle is affecting the battery ■ Gives workshops the ability to provide expert advice, such as: ■ Recommending more frequent charging ■ Additional customer service offerings ■ Vehicle usage and improvements that can be made

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EXHAUSTS

& EMISSIONS

How low can it go?

Ultra-low viscosity lubricants are making a sizeable contribution to reducing vehicle emissions from modern vehicles, according to Andrew Goddard, Chairman of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS).

E

ngine technology has evolved significantly over recent years. To meet government requirements for reduced emissions and consumer needs for economy and performance, smaller engines are running at higher temperatures to maximise efficiency, power output and fuel economy. Less viscous, synthetic oils have been developed to support this improved engine performance and fuel economy.

Higher mpg has been an important target for vehicle manufacturers, as getting more miles per gallon means more efficient use of fuel, less fuel expended per mile and therefore lower emissions per mile.

These changes in engine design have triggered an update to the ACEA sequences, which identify relevant performance standards for lubricants specifically tailored to the European market. The current series that lubricant marketers are blending to were produced in 2016. Revisions were expected in 2018 and 2020. Now anticipated to release later in 2021, the upgraded sequences for light-duty engines are likely to include performance changes required by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) together with the replacement of four key tests. Three important new tests are likely to be included, reflecting the introduction of new engine technology and the challenges facing today’s high-performance engines.

A report commissioned in 2019 highlighted the significant contribution already made by engine lubricants to improving fuel economy

and lowering CO2 emissions. The study, produced by independent Global Engineering & Environmental Consultancy Ricardo, estimated that: ■ The direct benefit from engine lubricant technologies would deliver 1.2–3.9 Mt CO2 e/year of avoided emissions in 2020 (compared to 2005 lubricant technology) and will continue to reduce emissions by a further 0.9–2.7 Mt CO2 e/year by 2030.

■ When indirect benefits are also considered, total avoided emissions were estimated to be 17.8–33.4 Mt CO2e/year in 2020 and additional reductions could reach 6.0–9.0 Mt CO2 e/year by 2030.

■ Lubricants have delivered an important portion of the decarbonisation of the EU; avoided emissions account for 2.2 up to 4.1% of reduction per year in road transport CO2 emissions to 2020. The expectation was this could lead to an additional 1.0–1.3% reduction by 2030.

These highly efficient, ultra-low viscosity lubricants may be doing an important job to help reduce emissions, but are they suitable for the ageing vehicles being serviced in your workshop? Will they become the norm for servicing? Traditionally, when newer oils were developed, they were designed to be ‘backwards compatible’. This meant that if they claimed to meet a particular standard, such as GF-6A, they would be compatible for applications where oils meeting GF-5 or

earlier gasoline engine oil standards are recommended. However, this is becoming increasingly difficult as modern engines develop so quickly.

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), 2021 ‘Vehicles in Use’ report, the average age of vehicles on the UK roads is eight years old.

With the economic impact of the pandemic and the huge reduction in new car sales, we can expect to see that number rise. On the one hand, this is good news for workshops.

With more older vehicles on the roads, there is more demand for servicing, repairs and MOTs. However, as the average age of the vehicle parc increases, special attention needs to be paid to regular maintenance and servicing to ensure the vehicle stays in optimum condition and does not start to produce higher emissions. Engine oil choice can also become more difficult.

Using the wrong oil risks accelerated wear to gears and bearings. Left unchecked, it could lead to eventual engine failure, meaning higher maintenance costs for your customers and potential damage to your business’ reputation. If you are in any way unsure of which oil to use, get in touch with the OEM or use an online database where you can type the vehicle number plate in to receive specific oil recommendations.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VLS, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY022 OR CALL 01442 875922

PMM MARCH 2021 39

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EXHAUSTS

& EMISSIONS

Knowing when to trust PMM hears from the exclusive UK distributor of JLM Lubricants products, Kalimex, about what it takes for a garage to truly put its trust in an emissions brand.

It’s not uncommon to hear ‘I bet that's expensive’ followed by ‘Is that all?’ Every line we stock has become so successful in the area it’s tailored to fix or improve that our customers are talking to others who then come to us for JLM products. The highly advanced emission systems fitted to current vehicles in the marketplace have major repercussions for many vehicles. Without these products, they would simply end up having costly parts replaced to rectify the issue. There doesn't seem to be any scenario that JLM products can't cover when it comes to DPF running issues or faults, whether that’s rough running, MIL light on or limp mode.

Martyn Escritt, General Manager, Essex Motor Factors.

40 MARCH 2021 PMM

C

hoosing the right products is important for any garage business. But with the market full of brands, keen for you to buy their products, who can you trust to do the job right? Chances are, if you try one product from a brand then the likelihood is that you will find the confidence to try other products from the same company knowing they’re likely to meet your standards.

Mike Schlup, Managing Director of Kalimex, explained why trust in suppliers and brands has become so important over the past year: “The pandemic has hit the automotive sector hard, but with new car sales plummeting by 33% in 2020 (SMMT data) motorists are hanging on to their existing vehicles.

“A minority may be overlooking vehicle servicing and with the MOT smash-and-grab largely behind us, some garages could be experiencing quiet periods. However, motorists can’t ignore faults and breakdowns. So, the independent technician is not going anywhere, but to attract new customers and keep existing ones happy they must demonstrate value.

Repairing rather than replacing whenever possible is crucial, which is why I believe JLM Lubricants products tick the box.

“The JLM range has been developed for the trade and tested by the trade. We’ve been

JLM Lubricants makes high quality DPF products that, when combined with our experience in diagnostics, enable us to offer a premium service to our customers.

We work closely with JLM to evaluate products before they reach the stockist.

Darren Darling, DPF Doctor Network Founder and JLM brand ambassador

supplying these products to mechanics predominantly via motor factors for 10 years.

Demand has gone through the roof, with sales in December 2020 eclipsing those of our global bestseller K-Seal for the first time ever. We discovered the following DPF Doctor member case study which says more to a technician about the real value of JLM products than I ever could.”

Doctor’s approval Stuart Dawson of The DPF Doctor Autotech Cumbria, is one such member of the network.

Here, he explains how JLM products fit into his work: “I recently had my most heavily blocked DPF to date. The Qashqai in question had been recovered by a breakdown service.

The DPF was so badly blocked it couldn’t sort itself, so we had to work in reverse order.

“The first step was the JLM 3-stage ‘on car’ DPF clean in order to reduce the exhaust system back pressure. After completing the

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TOP FIVE REPEAT PURCHASES Here are the top five repeat purchase JLM products ordered by garages on a prevention and cure basis:

assessment, we found another issue which would have caused ��� DPF Cleaner problems if left undetected. ��� DPF Refill Fluid With the DPF cleaned and ��� Professional DPF Cleaning Toolkit repairs made, the final step and Flush Fluid before releasing the vehicle ��� Petrol Emission Reduction Treatment back to its owner was the ��� Engine Oil Flush extended road test. Incidentally, the measurements we had taken meant that the the road test revealed that the DPF pressure had gone from ‘off the charts’ to ‘as new’ condition. Stunning results as always from the clean. We saved the customer unnecessary work which would have been well into four figures.”

Without the JLM DPF products and Stuart’s expertise, this vehicle would likely have been taken to a dealership with a hefty price tag at the end. It just goes to show how you can benefit from the JLM DPF range. It opens a new, ongoing revenue stream with TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE RANGE OF JLM PRODUCTS, the potential to sell maintenance products in WWW.RDR.LINK /AY023 between DPF servicing and repairs.

Life can throw the odd curved ball no matter what stage of life you're at: money worries, illness, mental health issues, social isolation. It can create a downward spiral for you and your family. It's why Ben's here. At these moments our support and care services can be life-changing. Ever since there's been an automotive industry Ben has been helping its people and their loved ones keep life on track. Together we’ll tackle the challenges that get in life’s way and make sure they don’t, for life.

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EXHAUSTS

& EMISSIONS

Rising cost of raw materials Mark Blinston, Commercial Director at BM Catalysts, maps the rising prices of precious metals and the subsequent effects on the production of catalytic converters.

2

020 caused an enormous number of challenges for manufacturers of catalytic converters, with both rising raw material costs and COVID-19 putting pressure on the markets.

As you might expect, 2021 will see more of the fallout from the pandemic and the ongoing price rises of precious metals – but also the start of a recovery.

Over the past two years, precious metal prices have increased significantly. Rhodium for example, is one of the most expensive precious metals. It’s also one of the rarest elements on Earth and arguably one of the most volatile pricewise, having begun 2020 with a value of just over £4,000 per t oz before increasing a huge 157% over the following 12 months. It is now trading at well over £15,700 per t oz. At the time of writing, it remains volatile with sudden rises now common, and the price having increased by 30% since mid-December alone (Fig 1).

Rhodium currently trades at around nine times the price of gold (at time of writing).

Palladium meanwhile has experienced a less spectacular rise, although has still seen a 20% increase.

FIG The price of rhodium (£/t oz) from 23rd Dec 2020 to 20th Jan 2021

42 MARCH 2021 PMM

Why is it so pricey?

There are many factors influencing this sharp rise in precious metal prices, in particular rhodium, which has left the price of gold in its wake. The global drive to improve air quality, particularly in areas like China and Europe, has seen demand surge for rhodium and palladium. Furthermore, the trend of moving from diesel to petrol puts additional pressures on rhodium which is not used in diesel applications.

Another reason its price is sky-high is the tightness of supply. More than four out of every five ounces of rhodium are mined in South Africa, extracted in minuscule quantities alongside more abundant metals such as platinum, palladium and gold.

Despite South Africa's COVID-19 alert level, some production activity has increased, but existing barriers have also prevented them from restarting all activity. With deficits in supply, some experts are predicting rhodium price rises until 2024. In 2008, rhodium touched £5,560 per t oz as the global financial crisis hit, which then saw the metal price crash by 90% just weeks later (Fig 2).

FIG The price of rhodium (£/t oz) from 22nd Jan 2006 to 22nd Jan 2021

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FIG The price of rhodium (£/t oz) from 22nd Jan 2011 to 22nd Jan 2021

This was an artificially high price and is unlike the price rises we see in the market today.

The current price of rhodium has never been seen before and with that brings the risk it could crash again like in 2008. With so much uncertainty over the future of the price of this rare metal, 2021 is likely to be another volatile year with either regular price increases or a sudden drop, as seen between 2017 and 2020 in Fig 3.

Although the automotive sector is the primary consumer of platinum group metals (PGMs), demand also comes from buyers such as jewellery makers and commodity investors.

An increased cost of the PGMs used in the making of catalytic converters has to be reflected in their sale price – it’s unavoidable. The price of the PGMs used can be up to 90% of the overall cost of producing a catalytic converter, underlining the fact that the price of parts is dictated almost entirely by the market performance of these metals.

In anticipation, BM Catalysts has moved to a shorter-term purchasing strategy to ensure it remains competitive if the metal prices drop significantly.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT London Police are reporting a 50% increase in the theft of catalytic converters compared to the same time last year as PGM values continue to soar.

Motor insurer, Admiral, says it received 400 claims in one month alone in 2020 for damage caused to vehicles from the theft of catalytic converters. It also says that thieves are focusing on hybrid cars as the catalytic converters found on these vehicles contain a higher concentration of precious metals and are generally less corroded. Thieves are also becoming more and more brazen, pulling up in broad daylight to commit the theft and being able to steal converters in as little as 60 seconds.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BM CATALYSTS, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY024

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MOT

Here to

Assist ISN Europe recently announced the launch of its installation, service and repair branch, ISN Garage Assist. With MOT season soon upon us, PMM discovers how the service can help garages navigate the coming months.

T

he name ISN Garage Assist will be unfamiliar to many and that’s not surprising as it’s the new name for the installation, service, and maintenance side of ISN Europe.

The new venture provides a wide range of workshop equipment services for garages of all shapes and sizes. The bread and butter of the business involves the installation of new or replacement equipment in existing workshops, as well as the routine, preventative maintenance of all garage equipment. ISN Garage Assist also provides a breakdown service for when things go awry, and can design and install a new workshop from scratch, managing architects, planners and contractors. However, its key strength is its MOT bay service.

Managing MOT Mark Bristow, Technical Director at ISN Europe, explained, “What’s unique about ISN Garage Assist is the ability to offer a one-stop shop for everything you need to install and operate an MOT service that remains compliant with DVSA requirements.

From installation through to routine inspection and maintenance, calibration, and unexpected breakdown repairs, we aim to ensure you’re never out of action.

44 MARCH 2021 PMM

“We use a process management system that tracks service and calibration deadlines, so you don’t need to worry about it; we call you to plan a visit from our engineers, who are fully trained and certified, ensuring you remain fully compliant with DVSA requirements.

“If you’re thinking of getting into MOTs for the first time, or maybe moving premises, we can provide a complete workshop design and installation service. If you want us to, we’ll even liaise with your architects and manage your contractors, leaving you free to run your business. Then, when the site’s ready, we’ll professionally install your equipment and give you all the training you need to confidently operate it.”

DVSA compliance Mark continued, “We provide any, or all of these services. It absolutely depends on what you need, but one of the key issues with operating an MOT station is remaining compliant with DVSA regulations. So, a service and maintenance support contract with ISN Garage Assist is a great, hassle-free way to ensure you remain compliant and minimise the risk of disruption to your business through avoidable breakdowns. What’s more, ISN engineers are qualified to service all the machines you have, not just the ones we supply.”

PREPARING YOU FOR MOT SEASON ISN Garage Assist has a number of services that can help you make the most of the MOT season: ■ The maintenance and calibration of all MOT equipment: vehicle lifts, brake testers, headlight beam testers, emissions gas analysers, diesel smoke meters, decelerometers, play detectors and jacking beams.

■ The calibration of most hand tool brands, which includes a fully traceable calibration service history, ensuring that you are always up to date and in line with DVSA standards.

■ An emergency breakdown service.

ISN engineers use a tracking system to log and manage every job to completion; asking questions to get to the root of the problem when you call, so that the engineer has all the information before arriving on site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ISN GARAGE ASSIST, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY025

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MOT

Tipping the

O

ver the past few years, I have been inundated with vehicle testing station (VTS) owners who claim they have not seen or heard from a DVSA Vehicle Examiner (VE) in years. This laissez-faire attitude may have been fuelled by a reduction in site visits, but should not be taken as a sign of a lack of accountability or of weakness.

We live in a digital world where every piece of MOT-related information is readily available to the bright young minds working at the DVSA. No longer do we need the traditional VE pounding the workshop floors of MOT bays nationwide. Modern techniques allow hardened DVSA enforcement teams to guide computer analysts and electronically profile the ‘bad eggs’, whom they must seek to remove from the industry. So, if they have the information, surely all they need is the power to enact their will? Welcome Special Notice 3-20. First, please read the following extract carefully: ‘DVSA will stop testing at a site if the shortcomings found, impact the quality of testing. The site will be prevented from testing until the shortcomings are rectified.’

This line alone should be enough, but let’s take it one bite at a time.

‘DVSA will stop testing at a site if the shortcomings found,impact the quality of testing.’

©sergign/AdobeStock

Due to the DVSA Special Notice that arrived on 21st December 2020, Barry Babister, Managing Director of MOT Juice, believes the balance of power has shifted.

Here, he sets out why.

Here’s the scenario…

At the MOT Juice offices, our support teams are focused right now on ensuring that all our clients have a full five-year training record that can be produced on demand.

Let us assume that a VE pulls into your VTS, and straight away requests to see the mandatory five-year training log for each of your testers. Only one out of three testers can supply it, so you have not met the mandatory requirements, and you cannot prove your testers have been properly trained, and as such, the less than impressed VE closes your VTS. The VE has no interest in leniency, so let us imagine that they keep on looking…

They find three diesel emissions printouts that do not have the correct engine temperature, and therefore identify multiple shortcomings that could impact the quality of testing, which results in immediate temporary cessation. They find three tyre tread depth gauges in your MOT bay, but you can only supply a calibration record for one gauge. Again, multiple shortcomings, and therefore cessation.

They find that you have no QC check records for a few of your testers, resulting in shortcomings of a mandatory task which could then be argued could affect the quality of testing.

It does not really matter if your testers are any good, it just matters whether the VE considers that your ‘shortcomings’ could

affect the testing standards. These shortcomings are literally anything that does not meet the standards as set out by the DVSA, and the updates and guidance are becoming increasingly frequent, and sanctions that lead to the disciplinary process more severe.

Now, read and understand this: ‘A formal disciplinary repute case will start when multiple occurrences of the same shortcoming(s) are found over a five-year period.’

Please do not dismiss this lightly. It means that a VE is looking at your performance over five years.

If you don’t have your own house in order, then get a quality management system in now, and at least start using it so that you can display contrition and willingness to try to comply. If you have ever upset your local VE then I wish you luck.

And, remember that it is a combined responsibility that you need to demonstrate to the VE; does the business owner or the AE have control and are the testers within working correctly? Time to hold hands and work together!

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MOT JUICE, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY026

PMM MARCH 2021 45

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MOT

Let the platform do the work for you With an effective garage management software (GMS) solution in place, coping with an upswing in MOT demand can be made much simpler. MAM Software's Autowork Online system could be the platform to help you do this.

A

utowork Online is used by thousands of garages and MOT centres across the UK as an effective way of managing MOT bookings. Not only can it reduce the administrative burden of taking bookings, but it also makes sure the entire process is as streamlined and profitable for you as possible.

Sending out SMS reminders The first challenge for garage businesses is ensuring that customers remember to book their MOT. While for some people this will be as simple as adding a yearly reminder to their calendar, others may need an additional prompt, which is where Autowork Online can help. With this particular GMS, you can automatically send out reminders via text message when the time comes for a customer to arrange their MOT. SMS reminders serve two purposes.

Not only do they encourage repeat custom by encouraging customers to return to your business year after year, but they also increase the likelihood of being able to accommodate a vehicle before its MOT certificate expires.

46 MARCH 2021 PMM

Allow your customers to book online Customers have come to expect being able to make online bookings for a range of services over recent years – and their MOT is no exception. Autowork Online includes a module that can be integrated into your existing website, which enables customers to see which time slots are available to be booked. As the module is directly linked to your GMS, and the slots updated in real time, your customers can enjoy a hasslefree experience when the time comes to arrange an MOT.

Meanwhile, you can continue to take bookings digitally, reducing the likelihood of errors arising from manual entry, and allowing you to focus on other areas of running your business.

Remote access: a cloud-based solution The past 12 months have been fraught with challenges for garages, but Autowork Online has helped many users continue trading in even the most unusual of circumstances. As a cloud-based solution, the system can be accessed from anywhere with a suitable internet connection, which makes it easier for businesses to operate during periods of national lockdown.

One particular success story is Hill Street Garage, which implemented the system shortly before the initial restrictions were brought into force.

Garage Owner David Koscielny noted that the installation “really couldn't have happened at a better time”, as it enabled the team to continue trading remotely.

“During lockdown, I could sit at the computer and deal with any

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enquiry that came through as if I were in the office,” David explained. “I was able to give them a price on a service, tell them when their MOT was due, or look back on their history and advise them on what the issue could be.”

Retrieving details on demand The system also has functionality that enables garages to retrieve MOT information on demand. MAM Software introduced the MOT history button to provide users with direct access to a vehicle's previous test records without having to leave their GMS. Not only can this save a garage valuable time, but it also ensures the accuracy of information, as the button automatically retrieves details from the DVSA database. It is possible to recall MOT histories dating as far back as 2006 on vehicles tested in England, Scotland or Wales.

The details you can retrieve include a full MOT history, current expiry date, any advisories that were issued and the reasons for failures, providing a flexible and convenient means of accessing information.

Maximising profits through deferred work An MOT test is likely to generate advisory notices for customers, which means any management system needs to make it easy for you to follow up and remind them of work that needs to be carried out. The software’s deferred work feature automatically sends out SMS and email reminders of jobs that will need to be completed in the near future. Ultimately, the work will need to be booked in at some stage, and by using deferred work, you can ensure your business is at the forefront of your customers' minds when the time comes.

Not only does this give your garage the opportunity to maximise profits, but it also cuts down on the man hours needed to follow up with your customers.

“The past 12 months have been fraught with challenges for garages, but Autowork Online has helped many users continue trading in even the most unusual of circumstances.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AUTOWORK ONLINE, WWW.RDR.LINK /AY027

OR CONTACT MAM SOFTWARE ON 01226 352902

The best things in life are free...

Check out the fantastic freebies on offer this month.

To enter the prize draw, and to see what other competitions are currently running, go to

WWW.RDR.LINK/AY028

20 DESK PADS BM Catalysts is offering readers the chance to win a 2021 desk pad calendar. There will be five winners in total, with each person receiving four desk pads. The desk pad calendar can help you plan appointments, meetings and customer bookings.

12

3

CANS OF SURFACE SANITISER

WATERPROOF JACKETS

Hi-line Industries is giving away two cans of HI-KLEEN, its highly effective surface sanitiser, to each of the six winners. A single, quick application of HI-KLEEN ensures full sanitisation of all contact surfaces, providing at least five hours of protection from further contamination once applied.

Wiper blade specialist, TRICO is giving away waterproof, hooded jackets to three lucky readers this month. These branded jackets are ideal for technicians braving the conditions whilst checking and replacing wiper blades, but are also excellent to use outside of the workshop.

PMM MARCH 2021 47

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WHAT’S NEW?

■ THERMAL EXPANSION VALVES ■ ADAS CALIBRATION KIT BUNDLE Delphi Technologies is now making it easier for garages to cater for ADAS technology with the availability of some bundle offers on its recently launched modular ADAS calibration kit. Available until the end of the year, the bundles enable independent garages to tap into the additional revenue potential that being able to maintain the advanced technology provides.

Nissens Automotive, the automotive system components provider, has expanded its range of air conditioning (AC) parts with the introduction of thermal expansion valves (TXV). Along with the compressor, condenser, receiver-dryer and evaporator, the TXV is one of the AC system’s key components, and it is now available through leading replacement parts distributors. Adding the expansion valve to the already wide variety of the climate system components is part of the company's strategy to be a one-stop shop for AC components.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY031

The company’s ADAS modular kit works with the existing DS diagnostic tablet and software. It provides an initial provision for 284 models with camera calibration and 146 models with radar calibration.

More applications will continue to be added.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY029

■ ENGINE OIL Exol Lubricants has added the Optima C5 LSOV 0W-20 oil to its expanding passenger car product range. This is a next generation, fully synthetic, low SAPS, fuel economy engine oil designed for use in a range of modern petrol and diesel engine applications. It provides Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) protection and delivers significant levels of fuel economy in the latest OEM tests.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY032

■ CABIN AIR FILTERS ■ VACUUM TESTER AND SUCTION BRAKE BLEEDER KIT Laser Tools has released this automotive test, tune-up and brake bleed vacuum pump with adaptor kit (part number 8018). It is ideal for a wide variety of automotive applications, such as tune-ups, diagnostics and testing, one-man brake and clutch bleeding, liquid siphoning, and fault diagnosis on internal combustion engines – the hand-operated vacuum pump in combination with the accurate vacuum gauge enables the monitoring of actual manifold vacuum, an invaluable aid to troubleshooting engine faults.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY030

48 MARCH 2021 PMM

The MEYLE-PD cabin air filter uses a highquality filter media enhanced with specially impregnated active carbon and can thereby provide a particularly high adsorption of NOx. They offer a high filter efficiency and a high capture of fine dust, making the filter suitable particularly for large cities with high traffic and levels of fine dust pollution and ensuring seamless airflow with minimal loss in pressure. The company is offering 38 references for its recently released cabin air filters.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY033

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■ WORKWEAR RANGE Ballyclare has extended its Category III ‘Life-Saving’ workwear range by launching a range of multi-hazard protective workwear designed to meet the needs of wearers in a wide variety of applications.

■ LED WORKING AND DRIVING LIGHTS Osram has expanded its product portfolio of LEDriving working and driving lights with 18 types, now providing customers with approximately 30 products for the front and rear vehicle lighting.

The ProTec range includes a comprehensive selection of arcprotection, flame-retardant garments which offer protection against different hazards such as electrical arc flashes, static discharges, welding sparks, molten metal, and many more. The range comprises trousers, jackets, coveralls, long sleeve polo shirts, sweatshirts and bib-and-brace garments.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY036

The expansion includes products for rear lighting, round headlamps and a road legal light, which can be installed individually. With a brightness of 8,000 lumens and a range of up to 635m, the LEDriving working and driving lights offer high output that illuminates larger areas around the vehicle. More light means improved vision and visibility, and therefore, increased safety on and off-road.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY034

■ WORK GLOVES Connect Workshop Consumables has just introduced two pairs of reusable professional mechanic gloves.

■ PROMOTIONAL CATALOGUE The winter 2021 edition of Alliance Automotive Group’s Workshop PRO Garage Equipment Catalogue is out now, with 28 pages of professional garage equipment. From MOT and lifting, to diagnostic equipment, the catalogue provides the complete solution for all workshops.

Featuring over 80 products across 11 different categories, the range boasts brands such as Bosch, Autel and EAE Lift. Follow the link below to view the catalogue today.

The first is a pair of cut resistant gloves that have been manufactured from 15-gauge nylon plus spandex liner with a SKINTEK coating, and conform to EN 388:2016 for abrasion, cut, tear and puncture resistance, and are silicone free. They come as a set of three pairs.

The second is a pair of thermal gloves. These come supplied as a single pair and feature a 13-gauge, terry-brushed acrylic liner with fully dipped, smooth latex palm with sandy finished latex coated glove. They also conform to EN388:2016, EN511:2006, and EN407:2004 standards.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY035

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY037

■ WINDSCREEN ADHESIVE Teroson Bond 120 is a recently launched windscreen adhesive from Henkel that has a two-hour safe drive away time (with airbags).

The product is a cold-applied, one-component polyurethane adhesive with good sagging and little stringing. The comprehensive pre-treatment and application system within the product range makes the application process easy, clean and fast. Its lower conductivity ensures compatibility with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and hassle-free re-calibration to minimise delays for the workshop and its customers.

WWW.RDR.LINK /AY038

PMM MARCH 2021 49

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ADVERTISEMENT INDEX

AC Tronics Ltd .................................................. (page 42)

NGK Spark Plugs UK Ltd .................................. (page 4)

Autotech Recruit .............................................. (page 23)

Osram ................................................................ (page 33)

Ben .................................................................... (page 41)

PMM Online ...................................... (inside back cover)

BG Products ...................................................... (page 37)

Prologics Europe Ltd ........................................ (page 37)

BM Catalysts .................................................... (page 38)

Ring Automotive .............................................. (page 29)

Bowmonk Ltd .................................................... (page 37)

Rotronics .......................................................... (page 19)

Dayco Europe .................................................... (page 21)

Schaeffler (UK) Ltd .......................... (inside front cover)

Exide Technologies (Transportation) Ltd ........ (page 16)

Shaftec Automotive Components Ltd .............. (page 27)

Jack Sealey Ltd ................................................ (page 34)

SP Diagnostics .................................................... (page 7)

Kalimex Ltd ...................................................... (page 37)

Tool Connection/ Laser Tools .......................... (page 30)

Morris Lubricants .............................................. (page 12)

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