TYRES & WHEELS
WHEEL AND TYRE CARE TRIPS Courtesy of ‘shine authority’ Meguiar’s
Meguiar’s has been cleaning and caring for wheels and tyres on the world’s planes, trains and automobiles since 1901. It says the below is what it has learnt in those 120plus years: 1. Wheels must be cool to the touch for cleaning. If they’re hot or even warm, you run the risk of damaging their finish. 2. Wash your wheels first – otherwise there’s a good chance crud from cleaning the wheels and tyres will splash all over your freshly washed paintwork. 3. Clean your wheels regularly. Brake dust left for too long will etch into the wheel’s surfaces – at which point it will be almost impossible to ever get them looking new again. 4. Avoid highly acidic wheel cleaners, when used incorrectly they have the potential to ruin your wheel’s finish. If in doubt, test on a small inconspicuous area. 5. If your wheels are heavily soiled, you’ll need a powerful wheel cleaner – like Meguiar’s Factory Equipped Wheel and Tyre Cleaner. Even then,
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Meguiar’s only recommend it for OEM wheels that are clear-coated or chromed. For regular wheel cleaning, as well as for polished/billet wheels, Meguiar’s says its Ultimate All Wheel Cleaner is its safest, most gentle wheel cleaner. It also has a colouractivated formula to help with the cleaning process. *Note: Wheel cleaning only removes contamination, therefore billet and/or uncoated wheels will need to be periodically polished to keep them shining. Wheel and tyre cleaning is always more effective with agitation. Meguiar’s says its Wheel Face Brush and Universal Wheel Brush are ideal for getting into every surface and into all those fine detail areas. Use an old chamois or drying towel to dry your wheels. This is especially important with polished/billet/un-coated wheels, as they’re quite prone to water spotting. Compressed air, or an electric leaf blower are also great for drying wheels. After scrubbing the tyres clean, apply a tyre
dressing to improve appearance. A premium dressing will also protect against UV attack, cracking, browning and premature ageing. Beware of cheap dressings, they wash off at the first sight of water and have a horrible tendency to sling residue up the side of your car. 10. Meguiar’s has three different dressings for a few different looks. Long lasting Endurance Tire Gel will give your tyres that ‘new’ look through to moderately shiny. Whereas, Insane Shine (aerosol) and Hot Shine (pump pack) deliver a deep, dark, ultra wet-look that Meguiar’s says lasts for weeks. For more information, visit www.meguiars.com.au
MEGABUS SOFTWARE DELIVERS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Megabus Software’s Marlin Blue is said to be transforming the Tyre and Auto industry For many years, Tyre and Auto Workshops have relied on Megabus software to manage day-to-day operations like estimating, invoicing, workshop planning, stock control, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, STP compliant payroll and eCommerce. “The product mix, service offerings and sourcing of customers for your workshop have changed – prepare for the future with one solution - Marlin Blue,” Megabus Software Sales Executive, Gary Garner, said. “Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of your business. It fundamentally changes how you operate, deliver value and interact with your customers.” “In the Tyre and Auto industry, what we are describing is elimination of paper, manual entry, double handling, and the use of mobile technology.” “Using technology such as SMS, e-mail, eCommerce, online vehicle look-up, online parts catalogues and web carts, website integration, tyre fitment finder, visual business planner – we are on the road to digitally transforming the way we work, setting new experiences for your staff and customers.” So what does digital transformation look like? Megabus Software says an element of digital transformation is the transition to SaaS and cloud 88
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine July 2022
platforms. Overhauls of process, operations and customer experience are all essential components of a digital transformation.
Transforming processes Digital transformation means using digital technologies in reshaping processes to gain efficiency. An example is eCommerce – a process sending information between trading partners. Here you generate a purchase order, which travels instantly to the supplier’s eCommerce system. The supplier then sends a Delivery Docket or Invoice back then accepted with one click on delivery, updating inventories and general ledger immeaditely. Employees no longer spend time drafting and submitting purchase orders; and your inventory is accurate, you know what you owe your suppliers, and your Back office will be in better shape, flowing through to your P&L.
Transforming operations An example here can be found in your online parts portal. Here, your customer needs brake pads. From Marlin Blue you move to your portal, find the correct parts, understand how long the job takes – and order whilst there. Parts will be returned to your customer quote, and your supplier sends a document via eCommerce – eliminating errors and delays, ensuring the customer experience is best as possible.
Transforming the customer experience Digital transformations change the way that we interact with customers. Digital interactions with customers include: • accepting enquiries and bookings into your Business Planner via website; • emailing quotes and setting follow ups; • sending SMS to confirm booking and pick up times; • sending real-time information while a vehicle is in the workshop and gaining instant approval for additional work if required; • emailing your Invoice and accept payment via popular payment platforms; • staying in touch with your customer for maintenance; • sharing special offers to bring them back for regular checks and repairs; and • selling via online market places such as your website, Amazon, Facebook, EBay and Catch For more information, contact Megabus Software on info@megabus.com.au - quote AAA Magazine promo for implementation savings.
