Autotechnician magazine June 2024

Countdown to Autotechnician’s Workshop Takeover & UK Garage & Bodyshop Event

Dear reader,

Preparations and anticipation builds as the trade counts down the days to the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 5-6 June at the NEC Birmingham where those both on the tools and managing a garage will convene with peers and suppliers to explore the latest training, tools and business opportunities. Autotechnician will be hosting the Meet the Expert Lounge on E70, where guests can receive free, tailored advice on HR, Marketing, design and branding on Day 1, courtesy of our expert contributors. On both days, trainers Andy Crook & James Dillon will be on-hand to provide insights between their presentations. Please do swing by and take advantage of these free business and technical clinics. Register for your free ticket here Don’t miss out on the last few tickets available for our Workshop Takeover in Cheltenham on Saturday 15 June, turn to page 8 for details or click here to grab your cost-price ticket!

In this issue, we provide the latest training news and resources to stay ahead of the game, consider Electric Vehicles, Hybrids & Alternative Fuels and head back to the future with Classic car servicing and repair.

We hope you enjoy the issue & hope to see you soon.

Nicola St Clair Editor

Nicola@autotechnician.co.uk

facebook.com/Autotechmagazine x.com/autotech_mag

* View and download previous digital issues at: www.autotechnician.co.uk

On-stand training and live workshops

Exhibitors have announced a comprehensive selection of hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions taking place 5th- 6th June at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, NEC Birmingham.

Hella will be showing visitors the latest features of the Mega Macs X which can help speed up fault diagnosis, as well as the MacsRemote unit for programming and coding tasks, and ADAS calibration. LKQ Euro Car Parts will outline its 1TEC Auto Hub Concept on its fully interactive stand, providing access to its training and EV solutions. The Techman team will highlight the features of its garage management system – designed to simplify tasks such as job bookings and invoicing.

Castrol & The Race Group will showcase its Castrol webshop and Brand Digital Store, where attendees can discover dual-branded workwear and social media templates. Bosch Mobility Aftermarket will give demos on its ESI[tronic] Evolution Diagnostics software, o ering users direct access to diagnostics experts' knowledge and Secure Diagnostic Access (SDA), providing access to protected vehicle data. Bosch will also demonstrate its ADAS equipment.

Alex Jones, marketing director at organisers Messe Frankfurt, said: “Our goal is to equip technicians with the latest skills and knowledge to keep pace with industry advancements. The hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions will provide invaluable insights, making the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2024 a must-attend for anyone serious about their profession."

LKQ Euro Car Parts will o er advice on how to adapt technical capabilities and customer service provision in order to take advantage of industry trends. The latest tools, technology and resources will be highlighted within the ‘Modern Garage’ on Stand C30. Technical specialists will be on-hand to discuss areas of focus for garages looking to evolve their o ering, including training through the LKQ Academy, looking at electric vehicle infrastructure, remote diagnostics, digitalisation in the workshop, ADAS calibration, tools and equipment.

Visitors can register for a free ticket here and access the full event programme here

Last few spaces available for autotechnician’s Workshop Takeover

Trainers and guests will head to Cleevely Motors in Cheltenham on Saturday 15th June for a hands-on day of training. Autotehcnician’s Workshop Takeover will run from 9.30 to 4.30 in the heart of Cheltenham – providing delegates with three on-vehicle fault-finding tasks and just-in-time learning, hosted by Matt Cleevely and Alistair Finch, VAG specialist Gareth Davies and Atomic Success trainer Andy Crook. Matt & Alistair will guide a complete fault to fix on a Nissan Leaf, Andy and his group will dive into EOBD Mode 6 and Gareth will host a session on network faults.

Grab a discounted ticket here, whilst you still can. We hope to see you there!

Record number of vehicle maintenance disputes

The Motor Ombudsman has recorded the highest ever volume of service and repair cases brought by consumers to its dispute resolution service in a single quarter. Between 1st January and 31st March this year, 1,604 new cases about routine and ad hoc maintenance conducted by repairers, were logged by motorists under The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair. This equates to a 35% rise versus the opening three months of 2023. Similarly, 24,000 phone calls from consumers were received during the same period – an increase of 56% compared to January to March 2023.

The body believes that the significant year-on-year jump in demand is likely a reflection of the financial pressures on consumers from the heightened cost of living and using its Alternative Dispute Resolution service to recoup losses after encountering an issue with their vehicle.

When looking into the service and repair complaints brought to The Motor Ombudsman since the beginning of 2024, just over a third (37%) related to the drivetrain area of a car, transmission, fuel and exhaust systems. Concerns were raised by vehicle owners about the standard of work carried out by repairers, such as fuel injectors not being calibrated correctly, and overtightened oil sump pan drain plugs

stripping threads. In addition, complaints in this category stemmed from, amongst other factors, the premature and repeated failures of components, and gearboxes being reset without prior customer approval.

The standard of customer service delivered by businesses to consumers during a routine service or ad hoc remedial work accounted for the second highest proportion (27%) of service and repair disputes raised, with complaints of component supply problems delaying repairs, workshops not having the necessary tools to complete the required work, and the use of non-genuine parts causing recurring faults.

Commenting on the latest data, Bill Fennell, Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Routine and ad hoc maintenance is a vital part of running a car, and when something goes wrong, this can be a source of frustration and inconvenience for motorists, whilst they may also incur added expense if their vehicle is o the road for a prolonged period. Coupled with an economic backdrop where consumers are facing added strains on their finances, this has resulted in even greater demand by consumers for our-free-of-charge dispute resolution service to pursue remedies for the issues they have encountered.” www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org

IS YOUR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER GEA

Oil brand becomes preferred supplier to garage network

Comma has become a preferred supplier to Bosch Car Service workshops, providing garages within the network access to exclusive promotions when using its products.

They will also gain access to its free VRN lookup and Stock Profiling tool, designed to simplify oil selection and stocking.

Autonomous travel within the UK takes first step towards legislation

The Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 is set to receive Royal Assent, providing a pathway to the future of autonomous travel within the UK, yet the Institute of the Motor Industry believs there is still work to be done to ensure the funding is there for the upskilling required to work on and calibrate automated vehicles for safe use.

The IMI’s latest data shows that at the end of March 2024 there were 4,150 technicians qualified to work on vehicles with level 2 autonomy, representing just 2% of all UK technicians. Level 2 autonomy is the pre-cursor to fully automated vehicles and currently 12% of the UK car parc features some form of advanced driver assistance systems

(ADAS). Therefore, even before fully automated vehicles become available there is a serious road safety risk.

“The Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 addresses the liability issues of automated vehicles for manufacturers and insurers and provides a positive pathway for the introduction of this new form of mobility that could be empowering for so many”, explained Hayley Pells, Policy Lead at the IMI. “Clearly this is just the first step, and the IMI is keen to ensure that future legislation also takes into account the skills that will be crucial in the aftermarket for safe use of automated vehicles.”

Motor factor announces its first ever TechFest event at Wembley

GSF will hold its first ‘TechFest’ event on June 13 at Wembley, in collaboration with over 50 suppliers, including Schae er, Yuasa, Comma and Delphi.

TechFest Garage Technology Festival Wembley will connect independent garages and suppliers, providing hands-on product training, live demonstrations, new technologies and deals on tools and equipment.

The event will be held in a large, covered venue to showcase everything from workshop lifts to garage consumables and include tool vans and even supercars. The event is set to start at 4PM in Wembley’s vast enclosed parking area and is free to attend and also park. You can book tickets here.

REMANUFACTURING MAKES SENSE

WHY DISCARD FAULTY ELECTRONIC CAR COMPONENTS

At ACTRONICS, we specialize in remanufacturing a wide range of electronic car parts, including ABS modules, instrument clusters, TCUs, and more. By choosing remanufacturing, you not only save on raw materials but also benefit from significant cost savings. Our Plug & Play remanufacturing solution ensures top-quality service, backed by a 2-year warranty.

ACTRONICS is your trusted partner in sustainable automotive solutions. Say goodbye to unnecessary waste and hello to cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternatives. Contact us today to learn more about our remanufacturing services!

Countdown to Autotech 2024 Workshop Takeover

Don’t miss out –get your ticket while you still can!

Autotechnician’s team of trainers and technician/ garage owner guests will get together at this year’s Workshop Takeover at the impressive Cleevely EV facility in Cheltenham on Saturday 15th June and we invite you to join us to tackle live faults together. Guests can expect various vehicles, both ICE and EVs, and receive ‘justin-time’ learning to get to the root of the problem with minimum fuss.

The hands-on sessions with live faults within the workshop are guaranteed to get your diagnostic mojo flowing!

Numbers are kept to a minimum to ensure delegates receive an immersive experience and the chance to draw valuable insights and practical tips to take back to their workshop.

A limited amount of subsidised tickets are available to purchase at https://autotechnician.co.uk/training/

Don’t miss out on what will be an enjoyable day with a great bunch of people who are all committed to improving their first-time fix rate.

Tickets to the event are priced just £119.00 and include parking, refreshments, and lunch. Guests are welcome to head out with the team the evening before.

“I would recommend this to a friend as it was informative and there were many opportunities to get involved”

A limited number of tickets are available at https://autotechnician.co.uk/training/

EV Workstation – Matt Cleevely & Alistair Finch

A complete fault to fix on a Nissan Leaf. The delegates and trainers will discuss options and test plans, then set to work repairing the car, so there will be HV work, but non-qualified technicians can watch and learn.

EOBD 6 Workstation – Andy Crook

Where readiness means business... and diagnostics! We're diving into Mode 6, are you ready for readiness? Have you mastered monitors? Buckle up for this rollercoaster ride through EOBD mode 6. Andy will put the 'ready' in 'readiness' and the 'fun' in 'functional' as he combines diagnostics and business during his session at Autotechnician’s Workshop Takeover.

Network faults Workstation – Gareth Davies

“My philosophy given I’m still at the coal face of workshop life is to present a real-life broken car that as a team we need to fix. The car has a number of presented faults, some more challenging than others. The faults are based around network and communication faults. I’ve chosen this area as it’s a real-world scenario we see a lot in our workshop. It covers all facets of what state cars usually arrive in and will provide the opportunity for delegates of all skill levels to get involved, brainstorm, pool ideas and thoughts on what the fault may be.

In association with:

Timings for the event

Kick o 09.30

9.40 – 11.25

20-minute break

11.45 – 1.30

1 hour lunch break

2.30 – 4.15

4.15

Workshop Bay 1

Workshop Bay 2

Workshop Bay 3

Ra e & close

A limited number of tickets are available at https://autotechnician.co.uk/training/

"We’ll work together to decide how we should approach testing and then perform those tests to provide results that (hopefully) fix the car so I can drive home in it again! We’ll have a suitable diagnostic tool and other test and measurement equipment to gets hands-on, there will also be an opportunity for Q&A throughout the ‘doing’ process to cover anything that arises while performing the task. I look forward to welcoming curious delegates, all willing volunteer technicians head on over to my task.”

How can improved marketing and e ective comms help garages lock in additional revenue?

By Colin Cottrell, marketing director at LKQ Euro Car Parts

Consumers in the UK are still on the hunt for ways to save money – and while transport is considered an essential expense, it’s important to ensure that proper car servicing and maintenance goes hand in hand with it. That’s why it’s vital that independent garages are e ectively communicating the importance of not compromising on repairs.

Of course, it’s in the best interest of the garage to lock in revenues – but prioritising car maintenance is in drivers’ best interests too, as it will mean small problems can be nipped in the bud, and more costly fixes can be avoided later down the line.

Maintaining a dialogue with customers through e ective marketing and communications will help them to appreciate the benefits of using a quality local garage for their servicing and maintenance needs, rather than choosing to ignore a problem or attempting a DIY repair they’re not qualified to carry out.

In our view, quality garages can more than justify what they charge, such as by highlighting their investment in training and specialist qualifications for their technicians, or in advanced equipment designed to deliver better outcomes –not to mention celebrating real examples of the work they do and customer service they o er.

Investing in communication strategies

Communication is key when it comes to building relationships with customers. As well as proactively securing bookings, it’s an opportunity to explain why going to the garage is money well spent.

Garages can improve or expand their marketing and communications strategies by considering some of the following options:

Email marketing – regularly sending out emails to your customer base with updates and o ers, as well as reminders for annual servicing and MOT tests, can help them plan ahead – managing budgets and taking advantage of any special o ers. Utilising Garage Management Systems, like Garage Hive and Carsys, also make it easy to send out reminders – as well as managing online booking systems, quotes and invoicing, to ensure customers feel they are receiving attentive, professional service.

Build a social media presence – using platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be useful to reach a wider audience and share updates. Posts can shine a light on

the added value that visiting your local garage brings, be that access to advanced technology and highly trained technicians – e.g. with specialist knowledge of hybrid and EV repairs – or deals and special o ers. Social media is also great way to build trust, show o your work and reassure customers you’re up to date with the latest industry standards.

Invest in a search engine optimised website – having a prominent digital presence like a website can help increase visibility for a garage, making it easier for customers to find location, hours of operation and contact information as well as its services and the training credentials of sta . It can also be used to provide customers with online estimates, online payment and fixed prices – improving customer convenience and trust in the garage.

Customer reviews and testimonials – encouraging customers to leave reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google and TrustPilot can be a great way to enhance your garage’s reputation and increase its visibility online.

Many drivers are unaware that incorrectly performed repairs can void a vehicle’s warranty, cause complications that will result in more costly repairs later down the line, and in

some cases lead to serious safety issues. We always advise focussing on the solution rather than the problem when communicating with customers, but this can be worth gently pointing out.

For garage owners and their sta wanting to make more of their marketing and communications, we o er courses through our LKQ Academy. The Service Advisor Customer Interaction BRTS (social media) course is specifically designed to help garages secure new customers and grow their business by harnessing the power of e ective social media marketing.

Listening to customers

As the UK’s largest and leading distributor of parts and accessories, we can also help garages provide their

customers with great parts at a price that suits their vehicles and budgets – another important way to build trust and secure repeat business.

We o er a variety of parts in every key product category, so that garages can tailor their quotes should their customers need them to.

And it’s important not to overlook solutions like Payment Assist, which allows customers to only pay 25% of a repair bill upfront, with the rest divided into three equal parts and paid over three months – with no fees and no interest. This can be particularly helpful when dealing with customers that need a costly or emergency repair that shouldn’t be postponed.

We’re passionate about the great quality, great value service independent garages provide in local communities up and down the country, and we want to work with garages to ensure their customers feel the same.

We’re not for one moment encouraging people to spend more than they’re comfortable with on something that’s not necessary. Proper servicing and maintenance is an essential expenditure – not to mention being safer and more coste ective than cutting corners, even when money is tight.

Our message is to keep investing in your business – be that through training, equipment or wider recruitment – and to be proud of what makes you great, telling your story to keep your customers engaged and happy to support you.

febi Starters & Alternators

Staying on track

As vehicle systems and repair procedures rapidly evolve, training and continuous skills development has never been more important. We highlight resources and tools to help stay ahead

It is a rite of passage, and inevitable, that there comes a time when every child rolls their eyes at their parents’ inability to grasp the latest technology. Most things we buy and use in daily life are destined to become increasingly connected, faster, lighter, sustainable, and more interactive, and automotive technology is one area that evolves apace, and it takes determination and commitment to keep up.

O ering bespoke services is a viable move as it becomes increasingly di cult and costly to remain a one-stop repair shop for all marques, with many independents now making the decision to become a brand specialist, or expert in EV repair before others follow suit, to di erentiate from the competition and focus on the skills, equipment and software required for this one arena.

The trade is su ering, like many other industries, from a skills gap and the ongoing misconceptions of modern vehicle repair results in a deficit of young people choosing to begin a career in automotive, compounding the problem of being able to find workshop sta . An inquiry on skills and training is currently underway, which will work with industry stakeholders to evaluate the e ectiveness of current apprenticeships and training policies. "We commend the Industry and Regulators Committee for launching this vital inquiry," says Hayley Pells, Policy and Public A airs Lead at the IMI. "As technology continues to transform the automotive sector, it is imperative that we prioritise skills development to ensure the resilience and adaptability of the workforce.”

AT acknowledges the many technicians and workshop owners who manage to set aside time in their busy workshops for training and development – we hope you find this feature useful. We focus on the training available to hone your diagnostic processes, increase your knowledge of specific vehicle systems, dealer diagnostics, and knowledge sharing for workshop owners. Information on preparing for EV service and repair can be found from page 22 onwards

Tool to support continuous learning

Autolearn is a new online learning platform from Autotech Training, developed to support the continuous upskilling of technicians, ensuring compliance and proficiency in repairing and maintaining EVs and ADAS-enabled vehicles.

Modular, bite-sized e-learning courses support IMI TechSafe recognized Continued Professional Development, CPD, useful for the estimated 8,000 individuals who need to complete 18 hours of CPD training before next April to remain IMI TechSafe registered and compliant.

"With the automotive landscape shifting towards highly sophisticated technologies, it's imperative for vehicle technicians to continuously adapt and upskill," comments Alistair McCrindle, Autotech Training’s Director of Operations. "Autolearn is not just a platform; it's a commitment to lifelong learning and industry excellence. It signifies our dedication to equipping technicians with the skills set to manage vehicles today while helping them remain compliant.”

Cost-e ective online training

Niterra UK, home of NSK ignition and NTK vehicle electronics brands has teamed up with training experts Our Virtual Academy to provide cost-e ective training through the NGK Academy.

This provides a blend of learning formats including quick tests and includes more than 270 technical training videos on topics such as petrol and diesel engine management, hybrid, vehicle electrics and HVAC. Becca Knight, Marketing Manager, said: “NGK Academy is created by technicians for technicians to provide practical, interactive training at your fingertips with easy access to technical information without a ecting workflow.” www.ngkntk.com/uk

Autotech Live Tickets now on

Saturday 15th JUNE

Autotechnician’s team of trainers and top-notch technicians will be taking over Cleevely Motors in Cheltenham on Saturday 15th June and invite you to join them to tackle live faults together. Guests can expect various vehicles, including petrol, diesel and EV, and receive ‘just-in-time’ learning to get to the root of the problem with minimum fuss.

Andy Crook, Matt Cleevely, Gareth Davies, and Alistair Finch will be on-hand to guide guests through the fault- nding process and potentially join in with some head-scratching! All faults will be live and should make for an interesting challenge for all.

3 groups will get hands-on with Petrol, Diesel & EV faults

Are your systems and processes robust enough? Come and nd out…

Don’t miss out on what will be an enjoyable day with a great bunch of people who are all committed to improving their rst-time x rate.

Tickets to the event are priced £119.00 plus VAT and include parking, refreshments, and lunch.

“

“As a small group, we’ll look at the real-world faults that have been presented, with some added customer twists and turns for good measure and we’ll use a variety of dealer and aftermarket tools”

Gareth Davies

“Delegates can learn how to gain con dence on repairing and diagnosing HV circuits”

Matt Cleevely

A limited number of tickets are now available at https://autotechnician.co.uk/training/

Double clutch training comes to Devon

Schae er is set to deliver REPXPERT 2CT training 16-17 July at the South Devon College Skills Academy in Newton Abbot, Devon.

The two-day course combines theory and hands-on practice, ensuring attendees have the skills and confidence to undertake VW double clutch system repairs.

Double clutch transmissions consist of two clutches, arranged on two drive shafts in a gearbox housing. Each sub-transmission functions like a manual transmission, with its own clutch. While driving, all gear changes are automatically controlled, with one of the two clutches operating the oddnumbered gears, while the other controls the even-numbers and reverse.

Day one of the IMI-approved course puts the focus on VW dry clutch systems before moving onto VW’s wet clutch systems on day two. Training covers clutch and mechatronics removal, gearbox disassembly, repairs solutions and reassembly, mechatronic repairs and common issues, before concluding with clutch operation, installation and setup.

Spaces for the REPXPERT 2CT training course are available for £349 + VAT. Further information and registrations details can be found here

Investing in the future

Tightening Euro standards has resulted in various OEM exhaust designs, with diesel particulate filters (DPFs), select catalytic reduction (SCR) and petrol particulate filters (PPFs) and aftermarket exhaust manufacturers having to adapt to develop, test and deliver a wide range of OEM equivalent replacement systems. Klarius Products has nurtured a successful apprenticeship programme to meet the multitude of industry challenges.

“We take immense pride in our commitment to apprenticeships, 4.5% of our workforce are foundational level apprentices, which is 1 percentage point above the national average,” says Sarah Ratchford, Head of HR, “and we have a further 1.3% pursuing degree level apprenticeships. This ensures that we have a mix of dynamism, experience and capacity in our team, helping us to deliver more quality products to our customers.”

Read ‘Training for a next generation aftermarket’ here.

Autotech Training o ers IMI-accredited ADAS training at its centre in Milton Keynes, which can also be delivered on the site of any garage across the UK. The Institute of the Motor Industry, IMI, last year reported that by 2030 the industry is projected to require 106,000 ADAS-qualified technicians yet the trade is facing a shortfall of 51,000 qualified individuals based on current trends in training.

"Not having ADAS-trained technicians will result in potential work lost or increase repair costs using third party companies invalidate business insurance”

JLR dealer diagnostic tool training feedback

Tiana Fear of K Motors recently attended Jaguar Land Rover Diagnostic Tool training over two days at the IMI-accredited facility in Wrexham, delivered by Maverick Diagnostics.

The hands-on instruction focuses on using JLR tools e ectively and is taught within the classroom and workshop. The curriculum covers TOPix access, program selection, diagnostic procedures, symptom selection and navigation, warning lamp selection, diagnosis of DTCs, vehicle specifications, data logging, oscilloscope basics, car configuration files, health checks, vehicle networking, and TOPIx Cloud.

Reflecting on why she signed-up, Tiana said: “Every day is a challenge; I never know what vehicle is going to arrive in the workshop, nor the issue that I’m about to encounter, and with vehicle technology evolving, I need to ensure my skills continues to evolve too.

love fault-finding; it keeps me active and gives me immense satisfaction when I’ve found a solution to a problem. It’s a di cult but incredibly rewarding job.”

“Being young, my company is keen on retaining me and is actively supporting my pursuit of knowledge. Hybrids and EVs, for example, are specific areas where I want to bolster my knowledge and skills."

Tiana’s journey into the sector was down to her passion for cars, a legacy passed down from her father. Tiana reminisced: “It was a passion of my dad’s. He loves his cars, particularly motorsport, and that enthusiasm ignited my own interest. I

Maverick Diagnostics Managing Director, Laura Hall, said: “Through our partnership with ATA, we’re committed to investing in professionals, like Tiana, to ensure they embrace evolving automotive technologies. Tiana is a superstar; her dedication to continuous learning reflects the spirit of innovation that is required to protect and drive our industry forward.”

Maverick Diagnostics is running a EV2 & 3 combined training course on 5th and 6th June, followed by a VAG course on June 8th and 9th. Online training is always available at https://automotivetraining.info/online/

TRAINING

Do better in business

AT contributor, workshop owner and trainer Andy Crook created The Garage Owners Network Facebook group to help garage owners become more successful in business, providing a free 15-minute training topic each week. These are based around one of the five pillars of business –Planning, Finance, Performance, Systems and Marketing.

Inside the group there are all the usual Facebook group features, but what sets this group apart is the strict no spam, no promotion policy.

A discussion area is somewhere where you can ask garage business related questions and get answers from your peers, without being spammed with product o ers or self-

Library of technical assets

Nissens o ers training via onsite sessions and online selflearning courses, and also provides technical marketing material to boost knowledge in the fields of air conditioning, engine cooling, e ciency and emissions.

Free online training is available through its portal https://ntc. nissens.com/. A series of free, live webinars conducted by product specialists are available to join and the recordings are available on its Facebook page or on the Nissens Experts portal – which currently has a library of more than one hundred assets – including tips, bulletins and tools for technicians.

Here are a few examples of recorded webinars:

Everything you need to know about the flushing procedure of the AC system

Turbo Fundamentals

Top 10 reasons why AC system does not work properly ECV valve compressors (Variable displacement), the ups and downs!

promotion. The guide section contains over sixty videos and PDFs. These are transcripts that you can download and keep for future reference. The events section is where you can easily find the next event and any past training topics –there are over one hundred topics so far, so use the search function to find any training on the topics you are interested in.

Watch this brief, two-minute video, where Andy explains the benefits of his Garage Owners Network Group on Facebook.

If you own a garage, visit www.facebook.com/groups/ garageownersnetwork

Free training with The

Garage Inspector up for

grabs!

The first 15 garages that sign up for a website with Garage Services Online between May and July will receive free training with Andy Savva, The Garage Inspector.

Garage Services Online states that its websites are proven in being able to change the profile of work and enquiries for garages and coupled with the skills learnt from Andy Savva, garage owners will be placed in the best position to select the type of work they want to attract and run their garage business in the most profitable and stress-free way.

Garage owners will be able to choose from any of The Garage Inspector’s courses which run throughout the year and include: Financial Understanding and Marketing Essentials; Leadership and Quality Management; and Customer Excellence and Front of House Essentials. These can be attended either in person as a two-day course, or online for FREE while the o er is available.

https://garage-services-online.co.uk/ thegarageinspector/

ZF o ers workshops free registration to [pro]Tech start

ZF’s online knowledge portal [pro]Tech start provides vehicle-specific installation instructions for over 15,000 vehicle models, up-to-date knowledge direct from the manufacturer, technical tips and a service hotline. All you need to do is register to receive the benefits, using Code 296 393 at www.zfprotech.com, or by scanning the QR code above.

Registrants will gain access to ZF Aftermarket's Online Portal Service campaigns for all vehicle manufacturers, vehiclespecific fitting instructions, and special training o ers, including upcoming hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration.

Technicians will also have access to ZF's comprehensive online product catalogue, installation and product hotline for technical support, and a wide range of advertising materials, promotional gifts, and workshop equipment via the advertising material shop.

Those who register will receive a discount on any training, including the following dates:

Gen transmission and EVD 4 at Solihull 1 day 26th June

8HP transmission at Nottingham 2 day 2nd – 3rd July

9HP transmission at Nottingham 1 day 4th July

8HP transmission at Nottingham 2 day 23rd – 24th July

9HP transmission at Nottingham 1 day 25th July

IMI L2 EV at Solihull 2 day 13th – 14th August

IMI ADAS L2 at Solihull 2 day 25th – 26th September

The HELLA Academy: Completing the circle

While Hella's reach extends far beyond lighting, the company views its foray into training as completing its aftermarket services, leading Rob Marshall to visit its UK HQ in Chipping Warden, Oxfordshire, to find out what is new.

Presumptions can be dangerous. Underestimating people, be they friends, or foes, is a common mistake. Yet, compartmentalising companies is even easier. Out of all the corporations that support VMs and the aftermarket, Hella is, probably, one of the easiest firms to presume is a one-trick pony. This assumption is a mistake.

Casting the light

Perhaps its proficiency in the OEM and aftermarket automotive lighting arenas has resulted in many of Hella's other products and services being left in the dark. It is not easy to appreciate just how vast its OE-quality replacement electrical component range is, which varies from trailer tow bar modules to radiator temperature switches and from exhaust gas pressure sensors to air mass sensors.

Yet, Hella realises that supplying quality parts alone into the aftermarket is a vital but incomplete part of the picture, without the necessary diagnosis. Its first serious statement of intent arrived in the mid-1990s, with the mega macs 55 tablet, the granddaddy of a dynasty that culminates in today's WiFi hotspot-generating mega macs X. Even this powerful equipment is pointless, if the correct parts cannot be identified and technicians informed of any fitting peculiarities. Hella realises this too, responding with the comprehensive Tech World platform: www.hella.com/techworld/uk/.

Yet, the world is changing and the obsession with anything that a human driver can do, technology can do better, has the downside of serious security holes that red-faced OEMs have had to plug. The resultant manufacturer security gateways have given the aftermarket grave headaches, especially all makes/models repairers. With di erent carmakers developing

Should this be all you think about, whenever you think of Hella, you may be missing out

individual security solutions, keeping up to date with access data is not always straightforward. This is before costs come into the equation, which, again, vary considerably.

By leveraging its OEM contacts, Hella's all-in-one Cyber Security Management solution is GDPR compliant and involves no extra fees payable to either OEMs, or Hella. A single registration fee gives aftermarket garages access to Fiat, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Kia and all marques within the Volkswagen Group. Hyundai, BMW, Nissan and JLR are expecting to join shortly.

Despite this powerful information being at your fingertips, even the latest update might not contain the most recent data, or provide access authorisations for new, or nearlynew, cars. To relieve aftermarket workshops from stress and lost labour time, Hella has created macsRemote, a gapfilling service between new vehicle information arriving on OEM servers and being added to the mega macs software. Currently, three full-time UK engineers conduct at least 75

After 125 years, 65 in the UK, Hella opened its new Academy as a contribution to help reduce the skills gap in our industry. Putting the facilities together was only part of the story; Hella also had to assemble suitable people to deliver quality training.

The Hella Academy was welcomed as a formal IMI Approved Centre at its opening ceremony on 17th April. Pictured are Stephen Fox, Hella's UK Technical & Training manager, and Michelle Barrett, the IMI's Business Development Manager. Hella has since joined the SMMT to help raise awareness about how new technology is changing vehicles, and the wider industry.

remote tasks daily, varying from coding, software activation and calibration. Bodyshops are especially popular users, where coding replacement headlamps, ADAS hardware and new keysets are typical requirements. Even garages conducting routine maintenance make use of the facility, too, such as resetting BMW/MINI service reminders. Hella reports that macsRemote is not restrictive solely to mega macs users – but you will need a macsRemote VCI ( ~£900) and a stable internet connection. Costs are dependent on the task but they are quoted upfront and operate on a pay-per-job principle. So far, Mercedes-Benz has been the service's most popular marque.

The missing link

So, Hella can help you diagnose the fault. It can assist with identifying the right electrical replacement OE-quality part. It provides fitting instructions. It can help you negotiate manufacturer security gateways but, should you be unable to unlock new component software, Hella's remote team can do this task for you. When viewed in isolation, other providers can also do these things but few of them can o er everything from start to finish. Neither could Hella – until now.

Training was the missing piece to Hella's portfolio but now it o ers the aftermarket a one-stop service. Its HQ has been revamped to not only include a 'Customer Experience Centre', to promote the company's range of products and services, but it also is home to the new Hella Academy.

Comprising a bespoke training classroom and practical workshop, the Hella Academy is IMI-approved. Boasting a resin floor, the workshop has been designed to future-proof the company's training o erings, by boasting an earthed copper grid beneath it, to protect electrostatic sensitive equipment.

Considering Hella's prowess with ADAS, it o ers a pair of IMIaccredited courses, the ADAS AOM 230 (https://tide.theimi. org.uk/learn/qualifications/ACC-ADAS-2-21) and an ADAS Level 2 calibration award, costing £500+VAT per applicant. Calibrations are conducted with the company's latest CSCTool digital, for which the targets are downloaded via the dedicated app and displayed digitally.

Two high-voltage courses are also being o ered: the IMI Level 2 in Hybrid/Electric routine and maintenance, plus the IMI Level 3 in Electric/Hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement. Hella Academy also intends to provide extra flexible training and support for aftermarket repairers, varying from business advice to advice on producing social media material as well as day and evening courses that earn Hella Academy certificates.

To find out more about the Hella Academy, or to book training, email: hlgb.academy.hella@forvia.com

You can also stay updated with training announcements, along with workshop tips and advice, by signing up to the Hella Tech World newsletter: www.hella.com/techworld/uk/Newsletter-44320

Most aftermarket users of Hella diagnostic tools employ either a mega macs 56 (launched in 2015), or a mega macs 77 (2017). Pictured is Riccardo Sorano (National Key Account Manager) with the current mega macs X. It emphasises that garages need to consider hard and software upgrades to keep up with the latest vehicle features.

Hella's ADAS calibration portfolio comprises the app-based CSC Tool Digital (Pictured being demonstrated in the Hella Academy workshop), the flat-packed CSC Tool mobile and the tailored CSC Tool SE, which is ideal for marque specialists.

EV, Hybrid & Alt Fuels

Tools, training & support available for those entering the arena of EVrepair & maintenance, plus a look at the role of hydrogen as an alternative power source and electrifying classic cars

The UK has the second largest new electric car market by volume in Europe with businesses driving the uptake through fleet sales, which are now filtering down to the used car market and into independent workshops for maintenance and repairs.

Figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) earlier this year showed Britain’s millionth battery electric car (BEV) joined the road – a milestone that’s been more than 20 years in the making. In April 2024, 16.9% of all new car registrations were electric cars, and it is expected that BEVs will represent over a fifth of the market in 2024.

The SMMT states that the rate of growth has slowed and EV market share stabilised, with growth being sustained by fleets and businesses, which benefit from compelling tax incentives. Private retail uptake has been in decline since 2022 –accounting for fewer than one in four new EV registrations, compared with one in three previously.

Increasing numbers of BEVs are entering the used sector, with Q1 sales up by more than two thirds to 41,505 – making BEVs the fastest growing powertrain as more buyers are attracted to the potential cost-saving and environmental benefits. Hybrids (HEVs) also continued to sell in greater volumes, with 74,502 changing hands in a 49.3% rise. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), too, grew in popularity, with sales up 42.5% to 22,065.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A reinvigorated new car market is delivering more choice and a ordability for used car buyers and, increasingly, they are choosing to go electric. To enable even more drivers to enjoy the benefits of zero emission motoring, ensuring both supply and demand remains robust is essential. Incentivising new EV uptake and investing in a chargepoint network that is accessible, available and a ordable to all will drive the nation’s net zero transition.”

Steady growth in EV skills

The latest EV TechSafe data from the Institute of the Motor

At Ease with EV: Matt Cleevely & Alistair Finch have launched a training course to build the confidence of technicians who have IMI Level 2, 3, or 4 qualifications

Industry (IMI), reveals a shift in the point when the number of technicians qualified to work on Electric Vehicles (EVs) falls below the minimum number required.

Previous projections suggested a shortfall would appear in 2029 and reach 13,000 by 2032, however the latest analysis predicts the skills gap will only materialise in 2032 with a gap of 5,670. At the end of January 2023, there were 52,000 qualified EV technicians in the UK, representing 22% of all technicians in the country, this figure stood at 45,300 just six months earlier.

Emma Carrigy, Research Manager at the IMI, comments: “It is encouraging to see the steady growth in EV qualified workforce, especially as the market need is now expected to be met for a least another five years. Of course, attracting

Data shows most repaired hybrid & EV models in UK garages

Autodata recently published data on the EV and hybrid vehicle models that technicians are using its platform to make repair searches for over the past 12 months. Within the UK, the Mitsubishi Outlander, followed by the Toyota Yaris, came out on top. In the electric vehicle arena, the Nissan Leaf is the undisputed leader with over 20,164 searches carried out by UK garages, with the Renault Zoe, Tela Model 3, Kia e-Niro and the Jaguar I-Pace completing the top 5 most-repaired EV models.

new talent and training technicians to work safely on electrified vehicles does take time, so the industry must not be complacent or take its foot o the recruitment or training pedals. After all, a skills gap is still forecast and could have a significant impact on drivers’ ability to maintain and repair their electric and hybrid vehicles safely.”

The IMI predicts that by 2030 the sector will need more than 107,000 EV trained technicians, increasing to 139,000 by 2032, and 185,000 by 2035. If current training trends continue, it is expected that there will be a shortfall of 30,000 EV qualified technicians by the time the ban of new ICE vehicle sales comes into force in 2035.

“Sales of used electric vehicles continue to grow at a fast pace, further prompting the aftermarket to retool and upskill, to capture and retain the business of plug-in drivers – and to ensure good value servicing and maintenance is readily available outside of the dealer network.

“Pressure is mounting for meaningful policy change to enable a smoother EV transition. Support for independent workshops shouldn’t be overlooked in any new policy approach by an incumbent or incoming Government. The UK car parc is bracing itself for a major influx in plugins, and it’s crucial the capacity is there to service, maintain and repair them.”

Kevan Wooden, CEO at LKQ UK & Ireland

Hybrid case study: Audi Q7 e-tron

Electrical Fault with Charging Socket A: What it Means and How to Fix it

What does the Audi error code P33E100 mean?

This error code typically appears on the Audi Q7 e-tron plugin hybrid models manufactured since 2015. It indicates an issue with the connection between the charging cable and the car's onboard charger, which converts alternating current (AC) from the mains to direct current (DC) for the battery.

What are the symptoms associated with the P33E100 error code?

The most common symptom is that the car won't start after charging. Even after disconnecting the charging cable, you might see a message or warning light on the dashboard

indicating it's still connected. This message might disappear when you restart the car the next day, but it will likely reappear on the next charge.

What causes the P33E100 error code?

This issue usually stems from a faulty onboard charger, commonly referred to as the OBC. The original part numbers for these chargers are typically 5QE 915 681 AA or 5QE 915 681 G.

Solutions for fixing error code P33E100

The remanufacturing process at ACtronics e ectively resolves malfunctions and fault codes, o ering a remanufacturing service for these specific chargers as an alternative to replacing them entirely.

www.actronics.co.uk

Opportunity to practice EV skills in the workshop

EV repair pioneers Cleevely EV have created a new training course to build the confidence of technicians who have IMI Level 2, 3, or 4 qualifications but lack regular opportunities to practice EV skills in their workshop.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn from the best,” said Sean Savage of Springwell Motors in West Yorkshire, having attended the course earlier this month. “The tasks we were given replicate what you’d get in your own workshop. It gave us the self-assurance that we can work on EVs and that they’re not something we should be shying away from. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to embrace EV.”

Attendees to the hands-on training course engaged in a wide range of practical activities involving a 2018 Nissan Leaf and a Tesla Model Y Performance. Topics covered included interlocks, charging issues, testing and fixing high-voltage batteries, EV servicing, common problems, and an in-depth demonstration of Tesla's service mode.

“We aim to bolster the confidence of technicians who lack regular opportunities to practice EV skills in their workshop,” said Matt Cleevely. “It's remarkable to witness the light bulb moment when technicians realise that working on EVs isn't as daunting as they once believed.”

The next ‘At Ease With EV’ training course takes place on Saturday 20th July. The course will be repeated on Saturday 12th October. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for £295 + VAT per delegate.

Technicians can get a taster for this training & much more at Autotechnician’s upcoming Workshop Takeover on Saturday 15th June, where attendees will get hands-on with network

faults on a petrol vehicle, delve into Mode 6 diagnostics with Andy Crook and undertake a fault to fix with Matt Cleevely & Alistair Finch. Access at-cost tickets, just £119 each, at https://autotechnician.co.uk/training/

Plugging the EV supply chain gap

The unique pressures on EV steering & suspension components make their replacement a frequent job, according to Cleevely EV.

“The Tesla Model S and Model X are prime examples,” said Matt Cleevely. “These are big, heavy cars and we’re regularly replacing camber arms, anti-roll bar links and suspension bushes.”

By 2020, the independent EV specialist was attracting custom from across the UK and were struggling to get hold of the parts which led to Cleevely EV launching its own EV parts department. “We haven’t looked back since,” said Matt. “We’re now supporting other garages with the supply of EV parts too.”

The steering and suspension range includes high quality suspension arms, ball joints and bushes for the UK’s most popular EVs. Orders placed before 10.30am are packed and dispatched for next day delivery.

“We deliberately only stock parts for EV-specific models,” said Matt. “If it’s a steering and suspension part for a petrol or diesel derived EV, these are readily available from your local factor.”

Garages can order parts from Cleevely EV online at: www.cleevelyev.co.uk/ev-parts-shop/

XTRA LINE

SUPERIOR STYLE, XTRA PERFORMANCE

The Xtra range draws quality and expertise from the highest technical standards of original equipment production. Sleek design, superior style and excellent sports performance with enhanced comfort and durability.

Brembo Xtra and Brembo Max discs are the very essence of advanced technology. The holes in the Brembo Xtra and the slots of the Brembo Max break the water veil for maximum performance even in wet conditions. They also promote optimal air circulation and unparalleled heat dissipation, thus ensuring e ective cooling for decisive braking in any situation.

Composed of a fusion of 30 di erent components, the range also includes Brembo Xtra brake pads, a synthesis of innovation. Their exclusive friction material guarantees excellent performance without compromising durability and comfort, ensuring unrivalled precision. These pads work in perfect synergy with Brembo Max and Brembo Xtra discs, for total control of the braking system.

Completing the package are Brembo X-Style calipers, an elegant statement of style for premium models. Made of aluminium, they combine the timeless elegance of Brembo calipers with a unique touch of colour, allowing you to best express your personal style.

The advantages of the Xtra line are evident: with superior grip, excellent performance in wet conditions and maximum friction even at high temperatures, every journey will become a safe and unprecedented driving experience. And when safety is at stake, the tests don’t lie: the Brembo Xtra range has been subjected to rigorous tests, overcoming challenges both in the laboratory and on the road - proving it to be the superior technical choice that ensures exceptional peace of mind.

PERFORMANCE

Comparison tests carried out between the Brembo Xtra range and significant competitor o erings of drilled/ grooved disc and pad combinations, confirm that Brembo Xtra is the best performing technical solution, manufactured to pass the most demanding road and bench tests for unparalleled safety guaranteed.

EV, HYBRID & ALT FUELS

EV & ADAS training

In response to growing demand for expertise in hybrid & EV repair and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration, ZF’s [pro]Tech garage network has introduced a Nissan Leaf training vehicle to facilitate the delivery of IMI

E-Axle repair kit for e-Golf

A new repair kit for the E-axle fitted to the Volkswagen e-Golf VII is available from Schae er.

As existing EVs age, they increasingly appear in independent workshops. “Schae er’s E-Axle RepSystem-G is a unique repair system” said Sales and Marketing Director. “This enables workshop experts to repair the E-Axle instead of replacing it completely. The associated repair costs for the driver amount to only about one fifth of the cost of installing a completely new E-Axle.”

The Schae er E-Axle RepSystem-G includes all the necessary components for a repair, including ball-bearings, angular ball bearing, cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, locking ring, oil seals, o ring and end caps. “This kit enables independent workshops to carry out a full repair,” said Mathew.

Level 2 and 3 qualifications for hybrid and electric vehicle repair, as well as calibration and diagnosis of ADAS systems.

Training sessions will be conducted at ZF Aftermarket’s Blyth Valley state-of-the-art facility in Shirley, West Midlands.

An opportunity in thermal management expertise

Thermal management within new energy vehicles (NEV), which include hybrid and full electric cars, is more advanced than those within ICE vehicles and Nissens believes this provides independents with an opportunity in o ering the appropriate level of service and replacements parts required.

"Many NEV’s thermal systems rely on heat pump solutions, which are more advanced than a typical air conditioning (AC) loop and these systems are crucial for the electric car's mobility, range, battery, charging and driving comfort,” explains Nissens Marketing Manager, Jan Zieleskiewicz. The supplier has a comprehensive product range for NEVs alongside its AC programme, catering for the majority of makes and models on the UK roads, as well as in-depth technical knowledge it shares with technicians.

www.nissens.com/nev

Robert Llewellyn, AKA Kryten of Red Dwarf, host of The Everything Electric Show speaks with HEVRA founder Peter Melville, to find out how their network of skilled EV garages and technicians are providing a valuable service and reassurance to the growing number of EV owners here in the UK and overseas.

HEVRA expands vehicle support

The Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Alliance, HEVRA, has added Dacia to its roster of brand support, with coverage now available for 40 automotive brands.

Its extensive database now encompasses a range of 361 models, providing technicians with the latest repair and maintenance insights. Alfa Romeo and Abarth have also recently been added to its growling list of supported manufacturers.

In other news, HEVRA has partnered with the National Conciliation Service to o er Alternative Dispute Resolution to its members, as a proactive and collaborative approach to resolving their legal disputes.

https://hevra.org.uk

EV, HYBRID & ALT FUELS

EV chassis parts

ZF states that EV suspension components are not only subject to normal wear and tear but can be due to car park accidents, a result from their enormous acceleration. New additions within its Lemforder range include Audi Q4 (axial joint, control arm, tie rod, etc.), BMW i7 (control arm, stabiliser link) and Jaguar I-PACE (control arm, wheel joint) and correspond 100 per cent to the specifications of the respective car manufacturer. Installation instructions, technical data and information are supplied with each component.

Bespoke braking

Allied Nippon has developed a bespoke EV+ range of brake pads as the EV share of the vehicle parc steadily rises. “The EV market demands specialised solutions, considering the unique challenges posed by the increased weight and speed of these vehicles, says EV+ Project Lead, Matt Ellis. “EVs are known for their rapid acceleration and substantial weight due to large battery packs, necessitating a need for a dedicated brake pad specification."

Due to the increased vehicle weight, a new friction compound is used, which is heat-treated through scorching for enhanced stability, coupled with a Brakeboost layer, promotes superior stopping power. With EVs being quieter than their internal combustion engine counterparts, EV+ brake pads achieved an AA-rating during testing, with a peak output of just 88dB.

Matt underlines the upselling opportunity that EV+ provides for garages: “EV+ presents a chance to not only meet the evolving needs of EVs but also to elevate the customer experience and drive additional revenue. By e ectively communicating the benefits of enhanced stopping power and ultra-low noise, EV+ premium brake pads o er a genuine opportunity for aftermarket businesses to increase their EV revenues.”

www.allied-nippon-eu

The case for retrofitting existing vehicles to alternative fuels

‘Retrofitting a hydrogen system into an older vehicle is a much more feasible task than trying to implement vehicle changes via batteries. Retrofits of this kind can be done using most of the same components, processes and tools as a typical combustion engine, meaning this alternative could be rolled out more quickly and on a wider scale.’ – Todd Anderson, CTO, PHINIA

Read the full article from PHINIA, who retrofit a 1976 Jeep Cherokee with a H2ICE system to prove the point.

The evolving role of the 12V battery

Nearly all EVs and hybrid vehicles require a 12 Volt power supply, powering comfort and critical safety features, including ADAS, while driving, parked and when the highvoltage battery is disconnected from the drivetrain.

Clarios states it is the number one supplier to OEMs with its VARTA brand, providing 12V batteries to over 60% of new vehicles in Europe, for the likes of Mercedes, VW and BMW.

Air suspension in EVs

Arnott Europe says that due to the similar suspension set up, you can replace suspension components in an EV as easily as an ICE vehicle, with no specific tools or training required as it is not part of the high voltage system.

EVs carry extra weight due to the battery packs and have an alternative weight distribution to ICE vehicles and air suspension’s auto-leveling capability is the reason why VMs design EVs with air suspension to maintain driver comfort and obtain the desired ride and handling features. It can also lower the drag coe cient, increasing the travel range.

Find out more and access installation manuals and videos here

Heat exchangers for Audi and Porsche platforms

UFI Filters has developed the transmission oil-cooling system on Audi and Porsche’s Premium Platform Electric, PPE, intended for use on a large number of premium and luxury battery electric vehicles, BEVs. Each new mid-range model, as well as the RS versions, will feature a UFI cooler on transmission mated to the front and rear e-motors.

Battery E-Learning is now live on its Partner Portal to complement its face-to-face training, which also provides a battery finder, fitting instructions and technical articles.

Login and click the ‘menu’ in the top left of the screen to get free and unlimited access to the VARTA E-Learning at https://varta-partner-portal.com/

EV, HYBRID & ALT FUELS

Circular supply

Ecobat Solutions UK has opened an on-site EV charging facility for sta and visitors – and the power for the chargers comes from an unexpected source.

The Darlaston-based company employs over 85 sta in the UK and its EV battery diagnosis and disassembly centre opened in January 2021 and has already repaired, re-engineered or recycled more than 5,500 batteries, in partnership with vehicle and equipment manufacturers.

Ecobat collects EV batteries, including end-of-life, damaged, defective and critical units, from across the UK. Batteries are analysed for state of health and discharged prior to re-engineering or recycling. The power from this discharge process is entirely captured and deployed within the facility, including the new EV charging points.

Elliott Ethridge, Vice President of Global Sales at Ecobat Solutions, explains, “When we welcome customers on site,

EV specialist tools

Thinkcar UK o ers a variety of specialised tools for those involved in EV servicing and repair – including diagnostic tools, battery chargers, specialist lifts and more.

“Thinkcar's Master CE EVD is a dedicated EV diagnostic tool,” said Alex Gillbanks, MD of supplier Impact Diagnostics, “providing comprehensive support for electric vehicles. Then there is our Bolt-On EV Kit. This massively expands the ability to diagnose o -the car for the Thinkcar Euro Max and Euro Master X, both of which are already o er comprehensive coverage for EVs.”

“The Thinkcar EVC 201 is a purpose-built EV high-voltage insulation tester, designed for safety and reliability when working with EVs. Meanwhile, the Thinkcar EVP 802 Battery Pack Equaliser Balancer is invaluable for servicing and maintaining battery packs in a wide range of EV vehicles, ensuring they operate e ciently and have a longer lifespan.”

On the charger front, there is the Thinkcar EVP 902 Battery Charger. “Designed for charging high-voltage batteries in various EVs,” said Alex, “the Thinkcar EVP 902 is tailored to meet the unique requirements of these vehicles.” www.thinkcar.uk

Ecobat EV Battery disassembly

they are invited to charge their electric vehicles with energy derived from the very batteries we are recycling. Energy capture is an integrated part of our system and it’s yet another demonstration of circularity in action here at Ecobat.” www.ecobat.com/solutions

Early summer dates for technicians and non-technical sta

Several training courses will take place at Pro-Moto in Ash Vale throughout June and July, including its new ‘Tech for Non-Tech’ – for front-of-house and non-technical sta , which covers: Vehicle Types, Vehicle drive formats, Battery Technology, the Legal Stu , Regenerative Braking & Self-Charging, Charging Methods & Customer Relationship Management.

Upcoming dates:

Tech for Non-Tech – Hybrid/EVs Explained on 17th June

IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement, 25th – 26th June

IMI Level 4 Award in the Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components, 27th – 28th June.

Pro-Moto have three additional courses to complete after all accredited IMI Hybrid/EV Courses, as below. Course attendees must have completed their IMI L4 Hybrid/EV Qualification.

Electric Vehicle HV Battery Analysis, Diagnosis & Repair – 15th-16th July

Electric Vehicle System Problem Solving, Analysis, Diagnosis & Repair – 17th- 18th July

Electric Vehicle Charging Systems Operation Types and Troubleshooting – 19th July

Detailed course information can be found at www.pro-moto.co.uk/.

Hydrogen – Future Fuel or Folly?

By Andy Crook, GotBoost AAT AAE FIMI

In his previous article, Andy Crook of GotBoost explored Zero Emission vehicles and the role of electrification. Here, he examines the various uses of Hydrogen as a fuel and an energy carrier for transportation.

The UK Government Hydrogen Road map suggests that the demand for Hydrogen in the transport sector is likely to increase rapidly in the late 2020s and mid-2030s.

Hydrogen demand for the transport sector is predicted to be via derivative fuels for maritime and aviation; HGV, rail, and light vehicles are not expected to drive significant demand. However, should the HGV sector decide that electrification is not the only option then the transport energy landscape could look very di erent to the Government’s roadmap.

The Government’s decision to push back the deadline of the sale of new internal combustion vehicles to 2035 is an indication that alignment with our European neighbours is necessary for the survival of the UK Automotive industry. Meanwhile, the EU is under pressure to consider alternative strategies to electrification due to environmental, economic, and social concerns.

What are the alternatives to battery vehicles?

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are currently the dominant Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) technology, but the percentage of new BEVs registered reduced in 2023 – due, in part, to the Government ICE sales push back but also the economics of EV ownership and the lack of charging infrastructure.

But there are growing concerns over the green credentials of BEVs due to the use of rare earth materials, lithium mining practices and the extra weight of the batteries.

In my previous article, Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) were used to compare the CO2 impact of the various fuels from manufacture (cradle), in-use period and recycling (grave), see Figure 1. The results suggest that Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) have a similar CO2 impact to BEVs, and that you need to drive around 90,000 or 120,000 kms before BEVs produce less CO2 than fossil fuel (petrol & diesel combustion) equivalents.

These assessments and other economic and environmental factors have resulted in some German Automotive manufacturers investing in E-Fuel technologies (synthetic fuels), while Korean and Japanese OEM’s have extensive R&D projects in the use of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Internal Combustion. Suggesting that Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) is far from a one-horse race.

Alternatives to electrification are available, but none are yet in widespread use. Sectors where batteries are not a viable solution, such as maritime and aviation, are considering the use of alternative fuels such as ammonia and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

EV, HYBRID & ALT FUELS

E-Fuels

E-Fuels, also known as synthetic fuels or electro-fuels, are created in a unique way. Hydrogen is combined with CO2, which can be captured from the air or from industrial processes, using a process developed in the 1930’s called Fischer Tropsch Synthesis to produce a liquid Hydrocarbon fuel. This liquid fuel is chemically similar to petrol or diesel and is therefore a drop-in solution. Although burning E-Fuels releases CO2, if the CO2 was taken from the atmosphere to make the fuel, the process can be close to carbon-neutral if the electricity used comes from renewable sources.

E-Fuels and SAF are a way to keep existing technologies and infrastructure while reducing the harm to the environment. However, E-Fuels still produce particulate emissions which means they are only seen as a bridge to a cleaner transport future.

Fuel Cells

A Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) doesn't burn hydrogen; instead, it uses a device called a fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity. This electricity then powers the electric motor that drives the car. A FCEV is a hybrid vehicle, that still uses a battery to store energy recovered during braking (regenerative braking) and to provide extra power during high-demand situations, like acceleration.

The fuel cell consists of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons. The key to

this process is that the fuel cell only allows protons to pass through the electrolyte membrane. Electrons can't pass through this membrane and are forced to flow through an external circuit. The electricity generated in this external circuit is what powers the vehicle's electric motor.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the membrane (in the cathode), oxygen from the air is combined with the protons that have passed through the membrane and the electrons that have travelled through the external circuit. This reaction produces water and heat as byproducts. Therefore, the only emissions at the point of use are water vapor. The advantages of FCEVs over BEV are the quick refuelling time and the long driving range, similar to conventional cars.

Hydrogen Combustion

Hydrogen is di erent from the usual fuels we use in internal combustion engines. These di erences in physical and chemical properties make designing and operating hydrogen engines challenging.

The wide flammability range allows for e cient and clean combustion, especially if you use very lean mixtures. This cuts down on NOx emissions. The high ignition temperature means higher compression ratios can be utilised, making the engine more e cient. However, it means that using hydrogen in compression ignition engines (like diesel engines) requires unrealistically high compression ratios.

Hydrogen burns very quickly and at much higher temperatures than fossil fuels, which results in rapid energy release rates and higher thermal loads, which may damage pistons and deform the exhaust valves. Hydrogen is corrosive to various engine components, including some metals and plastics, making it tough on the engine's fuel and lubricating systems, possibly resulting in premature wear.

Hydrogen has a low heating value on a volume basis, therefore there is a need to turbocharge the engine or increase the capacity by 40-60% to achieve the same power as an equivalent petrol/diesel engine. Because hydrogen is easy to ignite, it can cause engine problems like pre-ignition (burning too early), backfiring (burning outside the engine), and knocking (abnormal combustion). These issues happen because hydrogen can ignite from hot spots in the engine before the spark event, leading to damage and e ciency losses.

While there are engineering solutions for many of the challenges presented by Hydrogen, it is not a drop-in solution for internal combustion engines.

Ammonia

Ammonia (NH3) has been considered as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines for decades. In fact, using NH3 as a fuel in internal combustion engines can be traced back nearly a century, where it was used to run buses in Belgium during the 2nd World War.

It has many beneficial properties – high hydrogen content, ease of storage, and availability of infrastructure. However, ammonia also faces challenges when used in engines due to its high autoignition temperature, low flame speed, corrosiveness, and tendency to produce NOx emissions.

Figure 1

Figure 2

However, Ammonia seems well-suited for low-speed engines such as those used in maritime applications.

A glimpse into the future… What technologies will be competing for market share of light vehicle transport in 2050?

I believe there will a mixture of fuel types used in the future, much as there are now.

Comparing these future technologies requires assumptions to be made.

In 2050, all hydrogen used for light vehicle transport will be produced from renewable sources, the energy mix of the national grid results in the minimum amount of CO2 possible. Liquid E-Fuel as a by-product of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

(SAF) production o ers motorists a low carbon alternative to fossil fuels (at a price – it is expected that duty on E-fuels will be high) therefore, ICE vehicles are still in use.

In this future scenario, BEVs are the most carbon intensive mode of transport (although this is almost half the current level of CO2 impact) due to the size of the batteries required for adequate range and the trend of ever-bigger vehicles, see Figure 3. FCEVs emit 52,000 tonnes of CO2 during a 200,000 km life cycle. Petrol E-Fuel and PHEV emit a similar amount of CO2 (44,000 & 46,000 tonnes) over their lifecycle, while diesel is shown, in reality, the Particle Matter (PM) emissions have resulted in diesel being legislated out of passenger car use and is now only used in commercial vehicles outside of town and city limits.

Hydrogen combustion and Ammonia are not yet in widespread use in passenger vehicles, they are used in HGV’s, o -road and maritime applications. Improved battery technologies have resulted in increased range but there is still concern over the rare earth materials used in the batteries and the motors. The next generation of EV’s promises to use a fraction of the Lithium of the current technologies however, they are not expected until 2075. Vehicle ownership is increasingly seen as unnecessary, and most young people use a Mobility on Demand Service, MODS.

In the next issue, Andy discusses the safety implications of working with Hydrogen.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Are you courting a nightmare, by welcoming classic cars into your workshop?

Classic cars o er variety to your workshop, bolster repute and serve as useful revenue earners but they can also be profit killers. Rob Marshall looks at the basic considerations of welcoming them.

'What goes around comes around' is such a truism with cars. When new, they are coveted possessions, before they fall into the ignominy of unloved bangerdom, skipped servicing and part-worn tyres. Those examples that survive the crusher see their lowly worth increase beyond their weigh-in values, before becoming treasured possessions, once more.

Traditionally, many cherished vehicles tended to have their maintenance and repair needs attended by owner enthusiasts. Yet, in recent years, this appears to be changing and garages are reporting an increasing number of customers approaching them with classics. The reasons are varied. Longer-term owners may have given up on DIY, due to time limitations, illness, or lack of enthusiasm to lie on their driveway, while getting splattered with hot sump oil.

A new band of enthusiasts is fast growing, too, attracted to the romanticism and individuality of owning an older vehicle. The financial draws are strong, too. Historic vehicles are exempt from road tax (VED), Low Emission Zones and even MOT Tests. Insurance is also inexpensive, compared with mainstream cars, their values are increasing and any gain on sale is Capital Gains Tax free.

Unfortunately, an increasing proportion of these owners lack the time, skill, or inclination to indulge in DIY, meaning that they are approaching garages to not just do the work but also to advise them on how to keep the car safe.

A missed opportunity?

Many of these garages turned the work away. Their reasons for doing so di er. Several workshop owners told us that they

were too busy to take on anything that might be 'too much trouble'. After all, in the old car world, all that glistens may not be golden; it could be chicken wire and filler. One garage proprietor (ironically, a classic car owner) pointed out that he did not wish to take the blame for over 40 years of someone else's bodges and that his workshop was busy enough already. Ironically, some garages and even technicians admitted to skills shortages, where older cars are concerned. While the motor industry, quite rightly, remains focussed on electrification, ADAS, et al, there is a skills shortage at the other end, especially with so much experience exiting the industry. One senior technician admitted to us that his youngest colleague, aged in his late 20s, was extremely capable with EOBD-based diagnostics but his assessment of mechanical components, even on modern vehicles, was relatively poor. The tech explained that, in his view, he would not want him to work on a classic vehicle. Yet, training is available to correct this. Organisations, such as the Federation Skills Trust, and even the IMI, realise that there is a viable career in older vehicles and provide courses for classic car maintenance, repair and restoration to prove it.

Protecting yourself and your customer

MOT testing on historic vehicles that have not been modified substantially is optional, meaning a car coming into your workshop may not have been inspected independently for many years. Therefore, making extra checks of safety-critical components is a prudent move.

If you have not worked on older cars for some time, if at all, you will have to review your tooling, or consider even going back to basics. Sealey highlights that most British cars employed imperial fasteners until the 1980s, dictating imperial-sized sockets and spanners. Should you delve back even further, many pre-1950s vehicles employed Whitworth sizes. You may need other tools too but, fortunately, they tend to be relatively inexpensive, compared to other workshop capital investments.

Restorations can take a long time, hogging space and profitability, unless you handle the situation properly and communicate with the customer before you take on the job.

Parts also pose a significant problem, because many factors (let alone dealers) are unlikely to have, for instance, a handbrake cable for a Citroën GSA, let alone an oil filter. Some OEMs have a classic spares line but availability can be variable. Citroën, for instance, has a French-based site, from which you can order your GSA's handbrake cable:

Even so, OEM parts coverage is patchy, meaning you are likely to have to rely on the aftermarket, where quality varies from good to appalling. Some specialists use companies that produce parts to OE quality – a typical example of which is Heritage Parts of Shoreham-by-Sea, which sells Meyle tie rods for Type Two Volkswagen camper vans ('69-'78). Yet, alternative parts, from unknown far-eastern manufacturers, may not be so good and the idiom 'buy cheap, buy twice' should be in your mind.

Perhaps the market is to blame. Several British classic parts suppliers, which wish to remain nameless, expressed to AT

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Even when tackling routine maintenance, obtaining accurate data is not always easy. Often, registration/chassis numbers are useless for parts identification. It may be worth asking the owner for this information, if your usual trade sources cannot help. (Thanks to Volvo Cars).

a frustration that cheaper but comparatively lower quality components in their ranges fly out the door, while far superior and longer lasting identical parts gather dust on their shelves. You should also be wary that the quality of many cheaper parts can be extremely poor, with rubber steering/suspension components and electric parts (such as rotor arms) being particularly low-quality.

Owner reliance

An advantage to dealing with owners of cherished, historic, classic and youngtimer cars is that they are invested

Just as modern cars are harmed severely by incorrect lubricants, so too can classics. Garages should select quality brands that use formulations designed for classic cars, such as gear oils containing extremepressure anti-wear additives that do not attack soft metals.

emotionally. They can also be incredibly knowledgeable. While many garages do not want to be overseen by the extreme 'You don't wanna do it like that' type of owner, consider tapping into this enthusiast anorak, especially when querying quality parts suppliers – you will save a lot of time. Whether you decide to fit customer-supplied parts remains your personal choice but it may be your only option – especially when some car clubs have had their very highquality parts made but will sell only to club members, for liability and taxation reasons. You may have to fit secondhand components. For example, some gearbox rebuilders prefer to install good used synchromesh parts, because the

Basic theories, which are not relevant in real-world repairs, such as dwell angle measurements as a more accurate means of establishing contact breaker point gaps, are relevant for classic car servicing. Fortunately, measurement tools are still available.

Many fuel-injected youngtimers lack an EOBD port. Naturally, access to 30+ years-old OE equipment that can piggyback into the ECU for diagnostic purposes is not easy. However, we have visited long-established garages that have mothballed their old hardware.

Parts quality for classic cars can be very hit-and-miss. The pictured suspension bush was fitted less than 18 months ago.

reproduction new components are made so poorly. Lowgrade bearings pose another problem; seek known quality parts, such as those from the FAG brand, but be wary of fakes. Alternatively, you could also be confronted with a newbie to cherished car ownership, who looks to you for advice.

This feature may leave you with the impression that dealing with older cars is too much hassle. Yet, consider the facts. Older skills are being lost and owner demand is increasing. By embracing the older car movement, you open yourself up not just to variety for your social media posts but, potentially, a whole new business opportunity. The key to this is researching how cars of yesterday can be used on modern roads, using modern fuels, lubricants and parts. To help, AT shall be investigating all of these issues, and more, so you can keep looking to the future, by maintaining the past.

What is a classic car?

There is no strict designation of what comprises a classic car. Therefore, the definition varies. Some organisations define a car as young as 15 years-old as a classic. Owners of certain exotica, especially rare and high-performance models, may refer to their car as 'cherished'. The DVSA's Historic Vehicles is a formal taxation class for vehicles over 40 years-old, with some exceptions. Many worthy retro cars are aged between 20-40 years, which tend to be called Youngtimers, a term borrowed from continental Europe.

Coolant Leak Repair

First Line Ltd gears up for heightened demand in classic car clutch solutions as warmer weather approaches

As warmer weather beckons retro car enthusiasts back onto the roads, First Line Ltd. is gearing up for an anticipated surge in demand for classic car clutches. With the COVID-19 pandemic prompting a resurgence of interest in classic cars, the trend is expected to continue as classic car enthusiasts have found a renewed love for their pride and joy. Synonymous with classic clutches, Borg & Beck, a brand under First Line Ltd., maintains its reputation for quality and reliability within this community.

Rising interest in classic cars

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed the way we live but has also influenced our hobbies and interests. With restrictions in place and social distancing measures in e ect, many individuals turned to outdoor activities and solo pursuits. For automotive enthusiasts, this meant rediscovering the joy of classic cars. As people sought ways to escape the confines of their homes, classic car ownership surged, driving demand for essential components like clutches.

Kelvin Olds, Product Manager at First Line Ltd., acknowledges this trend: “We've seen a notable increase in enquiries for classic car clutches over the past few years. And as springtime approaches, drivers are eager to get their pride and joy back on the road, looking to soak up the sunshine.”

With classic car ownership on the rise, technicians and enthusiasts alike are reminded to ensure their vehicles are properly prepared for the road, including any necessary clutch replacements.

Continuing growth in classic car enthusiasm

The resurgence of interest in classic cars is not merely

a passing trend but a cultural shift towards appreciating automotive heritage. As individuals seek out unique experiences and connections to the past, classic car ownership has become more than just a hobby; it's a lifestyle. From the sleek curves of a Jaguar E-Type to the iconic design of a Morris Minor, classic cars evoke nostalgia and evoke a sense of adventure.

This renewed enthusiasm for classic cars has fuelled a growing demand for essential components like clutches. As classic car owners dust o their vehicles and prepare for the warmer weather, the need for reliable and high-quality clutch replacements becomes paramount. First Line Ltd. recognises this trend and is committed to supporting enthusiasts with a comprehensive range of Borg & Beck Classic Clutch Kits.

Borg & Beck: The trusted choice for classic clutches

When it comes to classic clutches, Borg & Beck stands out as a trusted and reliable brand. With a heritage dating back to 1910, Borg & Beck has been at the forefront of clutch innovation for over a century. Originally the supplier for British-manufactured cars, the brand continues to uphold its legacy of quality and excellence. Today, Borg & Beck o ers a comprehensive range of classic clutch kits, ensuring that enthusiasts can maintain the heritage of their vehicles.

Expanding the classic clutch range

Classic car ownership comes with its own set of challenges, from sourcing rare parts to maintaining originality. However, with the Borg & Beck Classic Clutch range, owners can rest assured that their vehicles are equipped with heritage parts that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. With

its wide range of clutch kits Borg & Beck o ers a solution for every classic car enthusiast.

Borg & Beck Clutch Kits cater to a wide range of classic vehicles, ensuring that owners can find the right parts for their beloved cars. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to authenticity, Borg & Beck Clutch Kits provide a seamless fit and optimal performance, allowing classic car owners to enjoy their vehicles to the fullest.

Automotive aftermarket specialists First Line Ltd. has recently expanded its Borg and Beck Classic Clutch range, featuring further innovations to meet today’s exacting quality standards. With over 60 clutch kits applicable to more than 250 British vehicles dating back to 1935, Borg & Beck remains the go-to option for classic car enthusiasts globally.

Olds explains the significance of the expansion, saying: “Our commitment to providing quality and assurance remains unwavering. With the addition of new clutch kits, we ensure that classic car owners have access to reliable components that meet modern-day driving demands.”

Technical expertise and support

In addition to expanding their product range, First Line Ltd. is committed to supporting technicians and enthusiasts with expert advice and technical support. To educate the aftermarket on best-practice clutch installation, the company launched a campaign designed to provide greater access to information on choice, quality, and technical support.

The campaign emphasises key aspects such as education, installing with confidence, identifying clutch failures, correct alignment, and promoting choice. By equipping technicians with the knowledge and resources they need, First Line Ltd. aims to ensure that every clutch replacement is carried out with precision and confidence.

Technical innovation and expertise

In addition to o ering a comprehensive range of clutch kits, First Line Ltd. is dedicated to providing technical innovation and expertise to support technicians and enthusiasts. With advancements in materials and design, Borg & Beck Clutch Kits are engineered to meet the demands of modern driving conditions while maintaining the authenticity of classic vehicles.

Olds added: “Our engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries of clutch technology to ensure that our products meet the evolving needs of classic car owners. Whether it's upgrading materials for durability or refining design for optimal performance, we strive to deliver clutch solutions that exceed expectations.”

Educational initiatives and support

As part of its commitment to supporting the aftermarket, First Line Ltd. has launched educational initiatives to provide technicians with the knowledge and resources they need to perform clutch replacements with confidence. Through training programs, technical seminars, and informative

resources, the company equips technicians with the skills and expertise to tackle even the most challenging clutch installations.

In addition, First Line Ltd. o ers technical support and guidance to help technicians troubleshoot common issues and ensure that every clutch replacement is carried out correctly. By partnering with industry experts and providing access to valuable resources, First Line Ltd. aims to empower technicians and enthusiasts to maintain classic cars with precision and care.

Looking to the future

As classic car ownership continues to grow in popularity, First Line Ltd. remains committed to supporting enthusiasts with innovative clutch solutions and expert technical support. By staying ahead of industry trends and investing in research and development, the company ensures that Borg & Beck Clutch Kits remain the preferred choice for classic car owners worldwide.

From vintage roadsters to timeless classics, Borg & Beck Clutch Kits uphold the heritage of iconic vehicles while meeting the demands of modern driving. With a legacy of excellence and a dedication to quality, First Line Ltd. is a trusted partner in preserving automotive history for generations to come.

As classic car enthusiasts prepare to hit the road this summer, First Line Ltd. is ready to meet the increased demand for classic car clutches. With an expanded range of Borg and Beck Classic Clutch Kits and a commitment to providing expert technical support, the company remains the preferred choice for enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether it's preserving the heritage of a Jaguar E-Type or maintaining the performance of a Morris Minor, First Line Ltd. is dedicated to keeping classic cars on the road for generations to come.

Contact information:

Email info@firstline.co.uk

Sales +44(0) 1869 248 484

Technical +44(0) 1869 329 709 www.borgandbeck.com

Keeping classics on the road

“Keeping a classic on the road is all about passion, care and getting your hands dirty,” says Mike Schlup, MD of Kalimex the distributors for K-Seal, JLM and Quiksteel in the UK. “The older the classic, the more di cult it becomes to replace worn out parts, so looking after a classic is critical to ensuring that it keeps running and stays in good condition. Finding solutions to both help prevent problems and also solve issues, especially when sourcing parts becomes increasingly di cult, will help the classic car owner to enjoy their pride and joy for many years to come.”

“Modern fuels and classic cars don’t go well together, especially since the introduction of E10 petrol. Using a dedicated fuel additive such as the JLM E10 petrol treatment will help to stabilise the fuel in the tank, especially important for low mileage vehicles such as classics. It will also help prevent corrosion and clean contamination, all of which combines to extend the life of critical fuel system components in classic cars.”

Mike continues, “Moving on to the oil system it is critical that this is kept clean and in good condition. Regular oil changes are important, even in low mileage vehicles, and combining an oil change with an oil flush such as the JLM Engine Oil Flush will help to remove contamination and protect and prolong the life of the engine. Inevitably there will be issues with oil leaks on older vehicles and the JLM Oil Stop Leak and Oil Stop Smoke treatments can help in such cases, avoiding the need to strip down an engine.”

“E cient engine cooling is critical for classic cars and despite advances in technology over the years, the fundamental principle of circulating coolant around an engine in order to transfer heat via the radiator remains the same. Any leak or problem with the cooling system can quickly lead to serious and often expensive mechanical failures. K-Seal Coolant Leak Repair is suitable for use on all water-cooled engines, including classic and vintage vehicles, and has even fixed leaks in a 1906 Darracq, a 1930s Alfa Romeo Grand Prix racing car and most famously a 1913 Type 22 Bugatti, the oldest running example in the US. With original parts virtually impossible to come by, these vehicles were saved with a simple treatment of K-Seal. It is worth noting that the K-Seal formula is compatible with all types of antifreeze including the ‘waterless’ formulations such as Evans.”

Inevitably things do break and fail on classics and making repairs, particularly when on the road, is vital to keep enjoying the vehicle. Quiksteel Epoxy Putty is suitable for anything from leaking fuel tanks, cracked sumps and blowing exhausts to rebuilding worn or damaged components. Keeping a stick of Quiksteel in the classic car repair toolkit is an essential part of any road trip, in fact, it’s what the nation’s leading roadside recovery groups use to keep their members on the road.”

www.kalimex.co.uk

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PARTS, TOOLS & TIPS

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

Mobile wheel aligner introduced

Supertracker’s laser wheel aligner is now available for vans o ering mobile wheel alignment. It features a compact, robust bracket system and can be securely stowed inside vans.

The STR1 green laser wheel aligner features a locking nut system to hold the measuring heads and scales in place when on the move, with foam inlays on the base to protect the equipment. They are designed as 2 separate brackets with a measuring head and scale on each. They can be separate to create 4 brackets, where the scales can be hung separate to the measuring heads.

The system operates green lasers, which use less power than red. Once fully charged outside the van with the charging unit, the heads can operate continuously for over 15 hours.

Update tackles cyber security

The latest software update for Hella Gutmann’s range of mega macs diagnostic devices, provides 879 specific models with Cyber Security Management (CSM) coverage, adding Hyundai to the marques available, which includes Audi, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz and more.

Version 73 software is compatible with mega macs X, ONE, 56 and 42SE, as well as mega macs PC.

“With vehicle security coming under increasing scrutiny, and vehicle repairers progressively needing to deal with these systems,” said Julian Goulding, Hella Gutmann’s Head of Sales, “this new software further strengthens Hella Gutmann’s cyber security coverage. Version 73 of the mega macs software o ers an expansion in CSM coverage that is both timely and crucial. The addition of Hyundai continues our rolling extension of the vehicle makes and models covered, which is absolutely crucial for our customers, who continue to face an ever-widening array of vehicles.”

Further diagnostic functions have been added for Tesla vehicles, in addition to expanded ADAS support.

www.hella.com/techworld/uk/Workshopequipment-80601/

Clutch

replacement kits

NAPA 3-piece clutch kits include discs, covers and the appropriate release mechanism, alongside highperformance grease. Extra accessories are included in some kits where necessary, including spigot bearings and alignment tools.

The new range features 217 at launch, backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile, no-quibble warranty.

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Refreshed power lube for two-wheelers

Castrol introduces a new 3-in-1Formula to its POWER1 lubricant range for motorcycles and scooters, to promote smooth riding, excellent protection and acceleration.

In benchmark acceleration tests during the product’s development, motorcycles using Castrol POWER1 could travel eight metres further than motorcycles using a generic market oil for bikes and scooters and was found to provide 50% better wear protection.

Growing sensor range

Meyle has added over 300 references to its electronic and sensor spare parts programme, including 100 new ABS sensor references. New components for Park Distance Control have also been added.

It now has an extensive range of 1,300 references in engine and transmission management.

"We have very high standards when it comes to the quality of our electronic spare parts. Each sensor undergoes strict control procedures, including OE-compliant specifications and 100% functional testing. With the new references in key areas such as assistance systems, engine and transmission management, as well as the expansion of our range for modern electric vehicles," says Dimitri Knorr, Head of MEYLE Electronics.

Ben launches health check service

Automotive industry charity, Ben, is launching new health checks for automotive people, giving those who work in the industry the chance to have a personal MOT for their physical and mental health.

Ben Health Checks can be booked by any automotive employer wanting to invest in the health and wellbeing of their employees. Prioritising employee health and wellbeing has never been more important for any business; Ben’s Health & Wellbeing survey indicates that 99% of respondents said they had experienced an issue with their health or wellbeing over the past 12 months.

The health checks involve one-on-one conversations about physical and mental health with a qualified health professional. The health checks also identify potential issues and also suggest making positive changes so people can live and work well.

Ben is o ering two types of health checks; one focusing solely on physical health (20 minutes) and another that is a full MOT, checking both physical and mental health (30 minutes). In the physical health check, four tests are carried out including resting heart rate, blood pressure,

body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. The health professional will then discuss results with each employee and compare them with national health guidelines to provide a clear understanding of their current physical health. In the physical and mental health check, employees will undertake the same physical health tests as well as a mental health check-in to see how they are feeling in terms of levels of stress, mood and worry and coping day-to-day.

To start the roll out of Ben’s Health Checks, the team will be attending the upcoming UK Garage & Bodyshop Event from 5-6th June at the NEC, o ering attendees the opportunity to learn more and have their very own health check.

To learn more about Ben Health Checks and schedule a session for your employees, visit www.ben.org.uk/ healthchecks. All health checks are delivered on site to allow for minimal disruption to the working day and they are private, confidential, and carried out on a one-to-one basis with a qualified health professional.