6 minute read

Parts, Tools & Tips

from April 2023 autotechnician magazine

by Autotechnician magazine

from April 2023 autotechnician magazine, page 41

Article from: April 2023 autotechnician magazine

THE BIGGEST CHANGE TO THE AUTO...

New products, fitting tips & technical advice to ease fault-finding and installation

Protect Disc Brake Assemblies

Protective shields mounted behind disc brake assemblies protect the brake discs, pads and hoses from constant exposure to dirt and dust contamination from both the road and the friction material produced as the pads and discs wear. Febi says they also protect hot discs by reducing the amount of sudden cold water that can splash them and cause them to distort or crack whilst driving in wet road conditions.

They also protect electronic components, such as the wheel speed sensors, brake pad wear sensors and the associated wiring, from heat and debris, along with all steering and suspension components that are close to the disc brake assembly.

If the shields deteriorate due to corrosion or distortion, this can cause:

• Premature wear and corrosion of the brake discs

• Excessive contact with water and road debris

• Risk of damage to any of the fixings to the suspension and steering joints

• Noise due to distortion, causing contact with rotating or moving parts febi brake disc shields are manufactured from pressed steel and precisely formed to match OE. The steel is treated with a galvanized coating and then painted for anticorrosion protection.

• Excessive heat from the brakes affecting rubber or plastic components, causing melting or burning if the shield is missing or completely corroded.

The range of replacement disc brake shields can be found at: https://partsfinder.bilsteingroup.com/

Ntk Egr Valve Range Expands

NGK’s range of EGR valves – equivalent to their (OE) counterparts – have been joined by part number EGP0-N113 (stock number 93038) and part number EGP3-A111 (stock no. 97915).

Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said: “We are pleased to announce two new to range EGR valves which are now available to the aftermarket. They will cater for thousands of popular cars and LCVs on the UK and Ireland’s roads and further improves the comprehensive coverage and convenience that we provide to our aftermarket customers.” www.ngkntk.com/uk

EGP0-N113 fits a number of 3.0 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) including the Citroen Relay HDI 160, Fiat Ducato 160 Multijet, Iveco Daily models and Peugeot Boxer 250. While EGP3-A111 caters for BMW 2.0 models including 1 Series, 3 Series and Touring, 5 Series 520d and X3. EGP3-A111 will also fit variants of the MINI 2.0 models and is also applicable for the 1.6 Toyota Verso D-4D.

Originally developed in the early 1970s, EGR valves first started to be used in Europe in the 1990s in order to meet the ‘Euro 1’ emission standards. Today, 100 percent of diesel cars are equipped with EGR valves and 30% of petrol cars. Many new models will be even equipped with two EGR types (low pressure and high pressure), which means that the replacement part market for these types of valves is likely to grow.

PARTS, TOOLS & TIPS

A GARAGE WEBSITE IS JUST LIKE A MEMBER OF STAFF – PUT IT TO WORK!

Aftermarket website expert, Jim Lang, of Garage Services Online, has called for independent garages to stop viewing websites as online brochures and a form of advertising they don’t need. He said: “We talk to lots of garage owners who feel a website will only serve to bring in even more work to their workshops; work that they don’t need. But websites have come a long way and, done properly, the role they play in a business can be gamechanging. They’re effectively like an integral member of staff and absolutely vital for the profitability and long-term success of independent garages.”

Jim says that case studies show that with a correctly optimised website, a garage has the power to be selective when it comes to choosing what work goes on its ramps. And building a website that’s a beacon for the type of work a garage really wants, gives owners the confidence to say no to less desirable work. If a new customer enquires about a job that will hardly cover its costs, it makes perfect business sense to turn the work down in favour of something else, something profitable. Watch how in the 4-minute video above.

Jim continued: “There’ll always be loyal customers for whom you’ll have to take the low ticket work as part and parcel of looking after their vehicle. But that doesn’t mean it’s a strategy for every enquiry you get. It’s not how independent garages will make the profits they’re capable of.”

Customer Carl Regan at Arnold Garage in Nottingham said: “I’m not a businessman. I’m a mechanic with a great team and a good garage. We’re busy and through the website, we get even more enquiries. We can cherry-pick the work we want to do; the more profitable, faster turnaround jobs.” https://garage-services-online.co.uk/

Add A Bit Of Colour To Your Workshop

Ring’s MAGflex Mini LED Inspection Lamp, RIL6100, is now available in blue and yellow, as well as the classic black version, to help it stand out on a technician’s workbench.

The RIL6100 has a magnetic base, projects 250 lumens and is built to withstand tough working conditions. Users can rotate the lamp to point it at the exact spot needed and has up to six hours operating time on a single charge. A charge level indicator will let you know when a recharge is needed.

www.ringautomotive.com

PARTS, TOOLS & TIPS

Looking After Your Refrigerant Is Key To Cost Control

Hofmann Megaplan provide some cost-saving tips for AC servicing

During an AC service, the ‘recharge’ equipment recovers the existing refrigerant into the equipment’s internal tank and is cleaned on its way to the tank using complex filters and separators to ensure all impurities and moisture is taken out. Any oil recovered is disposed of into the AC machine’s catch tank.

Once the system is empty, the equipment generates a vacuum inside the refrigerant circuit for around 20 minutes, so that any moisture in the system evaporates and is drawn out of the system and expelled through the AC machine. A leak test is then carried out by closing the system and watching for any pressure drops. If any oil was recovered, it is replaced with new oil and the AC circuit is filled with fresh refrigerant (most of what goes back into the vehicle is the original refrigerant, just thoroughly cleaned).

Spring Clean Promotion

Points to note:

• It’s always worth checking the drive belt for the AC pump, just in case it needs replacing.

• Looking after your refrigerant is key to cost control. When you fill the equipment with new refrigerant, make sure you note how much has gone in (and when) and ensure the virgin gas is returned to a secure area.

• AC refrigerant is expensive. Remember to keep an eye on the amount of refrigerant being used to highlight any issues with working practices that may be costing you refrigerant.

• Don’t attempt to fill a system that has a leak, not only is it illegal to knowingly release refrigerant into the atmosphere, it’s also expensive. If you see the refrigerant leaking out, you will have lost a considerable amount before you manage to recover what’s left in the system.

For more information about the range of aircon recharge units available from Hofmann Megaplan, visit: http://bit.ly/3Z7ZC55

Over 100 new lines can be found inside the latest edition of Sealey’s Tool Promotion, valid from 1st April until 30th June 2023. There are deals on its new range of pressure washers and new additions to the SV20 One-Battery Series; including the Cordless Grease Gun and Cordless 10L Wet and Dry Vacuum.

Inside, you will also find details on how to enter their latest competition to win a 20V one-battery power tool bundle, comprising seven different tools worth over £725 – enter before 30th June for a chance to win. www.sealey.co.uk

New Engine Lube For Motorcycles

Castrol has an advanced new engine lubricant for motorcycles. Act>evo features Actibond molecules that cling to an engine’s internal components, designed to provide continuous protection across all stages of the ride – when starting up, running, and even when the engine is off.

Castrol claims the new formulation provides 50% better wear protection for bike engines during start-up (compared to a reference API SL oil in a Sequence IVA test), fights the build-up of deposits during operation and offers excellent corrosion protection, even when the engine is off.

Castrol Act>evo 4T 10W-40 is available in 4L and 60L pack sizes and the 20W-50 is also available in a 60L pack size, both are suitable for all fourstroke motorcycle engines where API SL (and below) and/or JASO MA2 specifications are recommended.

Solution For Tesla Pothole Damage

The latest vehicle spotlight bulletin from Comline Auto Parts highlights the varied steering and suspension components available for the Tesla Model S.

Within the range are seven track control arm references (CCA1418L, CCA1419L, CCA1420L, CCA2418R, CCA2419R, CCA2420R and CCA3083), three stabiliser links (CSL5124, CSL6124 and CSL7335) and one tie rod end (CTRE4028).

Comline track control arms are manufactured using ISO-approved techniques for long-lasting performance in all conditions. Meanwhile, stabiliser links and tie rod ends are supplied with all the relevant accessories for an easy, ‘fit-andforget’ fitment.

To download the Tesla Model S vehicle spotlight, click here.

Switch to Induction Heat

The Inductor® Pro-Max CE uses high frequency magnetic fields to generate Invisible Heat® in metallic car parts without the collateral damage of an open flame to nearby parts. Quickly and easily remove vinyl graphics, moldings, auto glass, windshields, mechanical and suspension parts.