Services

JAX TYRES AND AUTO LAUNCHES INDUSTRY-FIRST VIDEO VEHICLE CHECKS

This remote customer service is now available for NSW and VIC customers

JAX Tyres and Auto is one of Australia’s top tyre retailers and mechanical service providers. In 2020, JAX launched its Video Vehicle Checks service for its Melbourne customers facing Stage Four lockdowns, enabling these drivers to address vehicle maintenance concerns in a safe way. Now, JAX is expanding this industry-first program to NSW customers that would like to take advantage of remote video vehicle checks. JAX Video Vehicle Checks are now available across Victoria and New South Wales for customers who are taking health precautions, living with or near vulnerable members of the community, facing stayat-home restrictions, or wanting a convenient initial vehicle check. This service is only a preliminary visual diagnosis of the vehicle and is not intended to be a substitute for a complete in-store vehicle examination by a qualified mechanic. “It’s certainly been a strange and stressful time in recent memory, so we understand that many of our customers are seeking support and surety on top of the ease and convenience that our core services provide,” JAX Tyres and Auto Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Steve Grossrieder, said. “The JAX Video Vehicle Checks combine the best capabilities of our digital platform and knowledge of our store teams, so all of our customers regardless of their circumstances can get the expert help they need.” JAX says that New South Wales and Victorian-based drivers can book and access JAX Video Vehicle checks via the webchat to SMS functionality on JAX Tyres and Auto’s website. Customers will then be connected with a qualified JAX Tyres and Auto technician who will conduct remote visual inspections and provide one-on-one expert mechanical and tyre advice and information. “We are proud of the warm response and interest that the JAX Video Vehicle Checks received from Victorian customers in lockdown last year and from industry peers both in Australia and abroad,” Steve said. “Giving our customers peace of mind about vehicle maintenance, especially in the current environment, drives every business decision we make. “We remain committed to delivering high-quality, innovative and flexible retail services through new technologies and first-rate industry expertise within our franchise network.” To book a JAX Video Vehicle Check, visit www.jax.com.au

SERVICING EV BATTERIES

Electric vehicle battery types

There are typically two batteries in an electric vehicle – a lead acid 12V accessory battery and a lithium-ion high voltage traction battery. While you are no doubt familiar with 12V batteries, isolating or handling the traction battery of an electric vehicle can be dangerous to those not familiar with these high voltage systems that are generally above 48V. When handling either type of battery for workshop servicing or wrecking, care should be taken to ensure the ignition is switched off, bearing in mind you won’t hear an engine running. Prior to attempting to isolate an EV traction battery, you should always review the manufacturer instructions and ensure you have appropriate high voltage-safe PPE, including fire resistant clothing and gloves to Australian Standards. To avoid short-circuiting, insulated tools should also be used to handle the traction battery, and a multimeter is a vital tool to check voltages. One of the main risks when working with EVs is thermal runaway, particularly in vehicles that have been involved in an accident where the traction battery casing has been breached. Moving an EV around a workshop should be done with extra care, and it’s important to note that EVs should never be hoisted on a scissor lift that may impact or damage the traction battery. Ensuring you have the right safety measures in place is essential for anyone servicing EVs, so EVUp has helped develop a simple one-hour online course for mechanics through the EV Alliance at www.evalliancetraining.thinkific.com Charging an electric vehicle in your workshop

Providing a reliable charge to your customers will soon be an expectation, rather than a value add. Following the servicing of an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, a 7kW single phase or 22kW three phase portable charging unit that can be easily maneuvered around your workshop will be a valuable tool for your team. A portable unit removes the need to move EVs in and out of a fixed parking space and also avoids stretched charging cords creating a trip hazard or a fire risk. The Melbourne-made AURIGA unit available through our website has been designed as a durable portable charger for exactly this purpose, and starts at $2900 per unit. EVUp can also help with public charging infrastructure that will attract EV drivers to your location and future proof your business as the transition to electric transport accelerates. Data driven insights

Want to get a handle on the future of passenger and commercial transport? Download EVUp’s free Australian EV Ownership pack for the latest electric vehicle registrations and heatmaps. Contact Emma Sutcliffe for information about workshop EV charging and training for your team by emailing emma@evup.com.au or calling 0409 040 499.

WHY YOU NEED AN ECU REMAP ON YOUR 4WD

Diesel Performance Tune says there are four “irresistible” reasons why you need an ECU remap today

ECU (Engine Control Unit) remaps are amongst the most popular upgrades for your 4WD experience in today’s market. ECU remapping is when your original 4WD’s computer software file is replaced. This vehicle remap replaces the standard manufacturer’s software in the ECU, overwriting it with new updated software which can be programmed to optimise your 4WD’s overall performance. Diesel Performance Tune believes that with the right tune and qualified technician, an ECU remap will take your 4WD to the next level for the following reasons. Increased power and torque

When you replace the default computer software with a fully customisable ECU remap file, Diesel Performance Tune says you remove the limitations which were set by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Diesel Performance Tune says its qualified tuner adjusts the parameters with new levels which suit your driving needs. When it comes to how much increase you can expect, Diesel Performance Tune says every car is different and therefore the results will be different, but a power increase between 25 to 35 percent is quite common – although the team does state it sees some vehicles with “huge” increases between 40 and 60 percent. Better fuel efficiency

With the correct tuning, the engine can achieve more power with less throttle, so your overall fuel economy could improve. Improved overall performance

With an ECU remap, Diesel Performance Tune says your 4WD drivability will improve significantly in all aspects from accelerating, cruising, towing, braking and all off-road driving. Tailored and customised to your 4WD needs

Diesel Performance Tune knows you didn’t buy a 4WD just to do one thing, and so its qualified tuner will customise your tune to suit your exact needs. Diesel Performance Tune also states something to consider before you opt for a cheap tune is the fact that unfortunately, like any updates on your mobile phone, not all of them improve it. Diesel Performance Tune says ECU remapping also works this way and not every person who can offer you an ECU remap will necessarily update your files for the better. Because of this, Diesel Performance Tune says it is extremely important you have someone with experience and the right equipment carry out your ECU remapping. Diesel Performance Tune says its qualified technicians only use the best equipment including the latest Dyno Dynamics 4WD Dyno and Alientech tuning equipment and have extensive training to ensure “100 percent customer satisfaction.” For more information, call 07 5527 7207 or visit www.dieselperformancetune.com.au