Parts, Tools & Tips

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

TIME FOR A BEST PRACTICE INSTALLATION

First Line has added a range of timing belt kits supplied with the relevant water pump, pulleys, tensioners and all fixing components necessary for a complete installation, as it is now common practice to replace the pump at the same time. The range includes more than 40 references, for over 3,000 vehicle applications, including many popular manufacturers such as Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, Seat, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volvo. Technical layout drawings to aid the identification process can be found within its online catalogue, WebCat, where the full range can be looked up via application or cross reference. Meanwhile, the parts supplier has produced 2023 wall planners for workshops and one for those providing CV fleet maintenance. Global Marketing Director Jon Roughley says: “Our large dual-brand wall planners are highly sought after every year and continue to grow in popularity amongst factor staff and garage technicians.”

The company have made it easy to request their wall planners, simply visit: https://mailchi.mp/firstlineltd/ wallplanners and fill in the form requesting the design and quantity required.

GLOW PLUG SEASON

The sales of glow plugs spike in the winter months and their replacement should be part of the winter service as they play a leading role in a vehicle’s economy and emissions performance. NGK says that instead of changing one faulty glow plug, workshops should ‘upsell’ by replacing all of them. If one plug fails, it is highly likely the remaining plugs will shortly follow. With the glow plug being an integral part of the engine management system, replacing the vehicle set ensures the starting and cold drive performance is kept at its maximum.

Glow plug tips

NGK says that in some vehicles, glow plugs are more troublesome to remove than others. If you’re unsure whether a glow plug can be removed without damage, if accessibility and time permits, apply penetrating oil around it, then a squirt of engine oil. The vehicle should then be continued to be used and plan to tackle the job another day – to allow the oil to penetrate and do its work. Remove the glow plug whilst the engine is still hot.

To avoid damage to a new glow plug, follow the installation advice on NGK packaging. Always install on to the taper seat by hand, do not over tighten the glow plug or the terminal if the electrical connection is secured via a nut.

Because glow plugs are now a vital part of the engine management system it has never been more important to ensure that the installer is fitting the correct specification item. Avoid budget alternatives as the engine management system can pick up very quickly the fact that they are not to the correct specification. The glow/engine management light will illuminate, vehicle performance will suffer, and consequential damage could result.

www.ngkntk.com/uk

Following a summer of prolonged heat, garages are now experiencing a surge in battery failures and LKQ Euro Car Parts has relaunched its ‘Test to Earn’ initiative to encourage workshops to test batteries whenever any vehicle is brought in for service and repair to encourage customer loyalty and upsell opportunities. “This summer we saw prolonged spells of searing heat, which can have severe consequences on the life of a car battery. Extreme temperatures can weaken the battery plates, limiting the amount of charge they can hold or supply on demand, and making them less effective,” explains Marketing Director Colin Cottrell. “As it gets colder and vehicles’ engine oil becomes more congealed, the engine will require more power to start. And at the same time, we rely more on features like lights, heaters and windscreen wipers, which use a lot of charge. That’s why battery issues often don’t present themselves until winter comes around.”

Exclusively available to LKQ Euro Car Parts customers, ‘Test to Earn’ encourages garages to test batteries as standard whenever any vehicle is bought in. Those who sign up will receive a battery tester worth £400, which is theirs to keep if they achieve a preagreed three-month target for batteries sold. Cottrell adds: “Battery testing doesn’t take long to do and presents a win-win scenario for the technician: If the battery is in good shape then the customer can rest assured that they won’t be caught short, but if the battery is on its way out, the likelihood is that the customer will pay to have it replaced. Engaging customers in the process will go a long way towards building trust – and with statistics showing that one in three vehicles entering a workshop requires a new battery, it also represents huge earning potential.” LKQ Euro Car Parts partners with battery brands ERA, Bosch, VARTA and Exide, and recently announced the expansion of its own Starline battery range.

https://omnipart.eurocarparts.com/omnihub/garagesupport/batteries

The latest edition of Sealey’s Tool Promotion, valid from 1st January until 31st March 2023, includes 100 new lines and over 1,450 deals offering discounts of up to 80% off list price as well as a clearance section.

Savings can be found on the recent additions to its vehicle service range, including the VS0216 Brake Disc Lip Remover Set, designed to provide an easy method of removing the lip and corrosion build up on brake discs. A new modular storage range includes the 15 Drawer Mobile Trolley, Top Hutch and Side Locker. They are rust and solvent resistant, hi-vis green, have a gloss finish and contrasting black anodized heavy-duty drawer pulls.

www.sealey.co.uk

BEN LAUNCHES NEW TEXT SUPPORT SERVICE

Ben, the automotive industry charity, has launched a new text service to ensure people who are struggling or in crisis can access free and confidential help any time they need it, day or night. The text service offers support outside of Ben’s helpline hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm), in partnership with Shout. If you need support outside of Ben’s helpline hours, you can simply text the word BEN to 85258. You will then receive four automated messages which will connect you to the next available trained professional who will support you. You will then be able to chat over text about what is troubling you – be it feeling anxious, having relationship issues, experiencing problems with addiction or gambling, feeling lonely, low in mood or depression, dealing with bullying, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Whatever is on your mind, the Ben team is on hand 24/7 to listen and help you to reach a calmer and safer place and figure out a plan for how to move forward. Ben can help those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. If you would benefit from some support or if someone you know might need their help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via their free and confidential helpline: 08081 311 333, use the webchat at www.ben.org.uk or text BEN to 58258.

LIMITING RISKS TO ROAD SAFETY

Garages and workshops turn to personalised video to comfort motorists, drive increased footfall and ensure road safety as the cost of living crisis takes hold across the nation.

A recent poll by The Motor Ombudsman has shown that 91% of garages questioned said in order to curb costs motorists had cut back on taking their car in for its annual service with some motorists even skipping essential car maintenance such as replacing worn tyres and forgoing services. PECUVi, creators of My Service Trust, says personalised customer videos are one way workshops can ensure motorists see the value in having their cars repaired and well maintained, helping to turn the cost of living crisis into an opportunity for them and their customers. Providing personalised customer videos break down technical boundaries with customers and demonstrate trust and transparency. Using them improves the customer experience, they help to convert more work at a time when workshops are competing for fewer jobs and they save motorists money in the long term. Payment Assist is integrated into My Service Trust, which gives customers the option to instantly sign-up for finance and split their repair bill over four monthly instalments, interest, and hassle free.

WIPER BLADE REFRESH

In addition to wiper blade styles, sizes and applications, Denso’s new wiper catalogue also addresses attachment fixings on wiper arms and the differences between them.

The range includes OE quality flat, conventional, hybrid and rear blades, followed by a detailed explanation of the various arm type and fixings favoured by the vehicle manufacturers. After addressing how to diagnose common faults and spot signs of wear, and explaining how the part numbers are designated, the catalogue provides detailed fitting instructions. The bulk of the publication comprises detailed application tables that bring all the necessary specification requirements together, to ensure the correct replacement blade is identified and supplied to the customer.

The complete DENSO aftermarket wiper blade programme covers almost 95% of the European vehicle parc and, in addition to the printed catalogue, is also available as a free download via this link:

www.denso-technic.com/e-catalogue

Delphi Technologies, a brand of BorgWarner, is launching its Masters of Motion campaign following extensive consultations with technicians, to support and upskill technicians in today’s technology and set the foundations for future developments including connectivity and electrification. The suite of content will kick-off with a new digital portal, housing how to videos, graphics, and guides. “At Delphi Technologies, we are striving to support the technician who is ultimately the backbone of the aftermarket. We want them to feel heard and understood as the experts that they are, and so Masters of Motion was born,” remarks Jean-Francois Bouveyron, VP and General Manager Aftermarket EMEA BorgWarner. He continues; “What was clear from our time with workshops is that they want assistance for new unfamiliar technology that’s coming, but they need that support to start with what is in their vehicle bay today. We don’t need to be afraid of the future, we just need to be prepared! We are delighted to launch Masters of Motion across Europe and move closer to a sustainable long-term aftermarket.”

100% End Of Line Testing

Sustainable Remanufacturing

PARTS, TOOLS & TIPS

The X-PROG3 from Launch Tech UK is a new vehicle programming tool that provides strong anti-theft system coverage and engine and gearbox reprogramming capabilities. Working in conjunction with Launch diagnostic tools, including the PRO 5/PRO 5 Link and Euro Tab ranges, X-PROG3 can be used to read and programme Volkswagen Group, BMW and Mercedes-Benz immobilisers, and more, and rewrite data to new keys. It supports engine ECU replacement or cloning, reading engine data directly from the key, for Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes MQB platform ECUs, and can backup and restore programming data for Bosch and Siemens ECUs.

All necessary adaptors and connectors are supplied and it features a vehicle key slot, DB26 used to connect to each anti-theft cables, key matching function, infrared slot, power supply status indicator and DC 12V used to connect to the power supply.

www.launchtech.co.uk/oem-level-vehicle-diagnostics/launch-x-prog-3-immobilizer-programming-tool

STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE

For more than three-and-a-half decades, Autoelectro has embraced rotating electrics and championed the environmental benefits of extending the life of components via its in-house facility, to produce starter motors and alternators of all generations. As an increasing number of hybrid and electric hybrid enter independent workshop doors, Autoelectro has developed a programme of references for manufacturers such as Peugeot, Audi, Fiat, Mercedes, Ford, BMW and Volvo. All of its parts include fitting instructions and, with certain part numbers, technical notes. Customers can search for part numbers, organise old core returns, chat to its in-house experts and track deliveries in real-time via its website:

www.autoelectro.co.uk.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF AUTOTECHNICIAN MAGAZINE…

We focus on 'Fighting the Fakes' within our technical features: Ignition & Engine Management, Filters, Oils & Additives, Exhausts & Cats, and Braking.

Gareth Davies provides a case study on a faulty Audi A3 and we introduce Julia Crawford from People Pillar, who begins a series of articles, providing pragmatic HR advice on all things people related – including contracts of employment, employment policies, recruitment, absence management and redundancies (plus a whole lot more).