MOT replacement items & services MOT WAVE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE WHO ARE PREPARED The last 18 months have turned the traditional MOT demand curve on its head but after the initial uncertainty this caused last year, there is now significant opportunity on the horizon, says LKQ Euro Car Parts. Nearly three quarters of MOTs that were due in the first months in the pandemic were deferred to the autumn, and will soon be due again, on top of those that have always fallen later in the year. With demand set to spike, Anthony McAteer, trading director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, outlines the opportunity for garages and explains how to prepare. Anthony said: “We expect that demand for MOTs will begin to surge come September – garages that get ahead of the wave will be best placed to manage demand and maximise revenue. “A simple first step is getting in touch with customers whose tests are due in the coming weeks. Not only does this allow you to plan resource in the most effective way; spreading out the work is a great way to get more tests booked in overall. “Data and technology have a big role to play in helping to map out demand, too. Solutions like HaynesPro allow garages to accurately estimate labour costs and identify the right parts, making it easier to manage capacity and cashflow during times of high demand. Our Garage Management Solution, CarSys, is fully integrated with HaynesPro – and has stock management, parts ordering and quoting and invoicing features to streamline
“We’re committed to helping technicians maintain outstanding levels of service with the IMI-approved MOT training we offer through our AutoEducation Academy. Garages can opt for either the full annual CPD programme or routine refresher courses, which can be accessed online or in our classroom-based sessions.” https://omnipart.eurocarparts.com
ISN Garage Assist is a relatively new name to the aftermarket, possibly better known by its previous name, AMN Garage Services, and is now part of the ISN Europe family, providing access to a greater range of products, services and resources, including a dedicated team to support all aspects of MOT test provision. From handling the initial application, planning, installation and post installation phases of the project, the team can take an MOT bay from initial concept to reality, providing workshop owners with as much or as little support as they require, throughout each stage.
MOT SERVICES
LKQ Euro Car Parts is also highlighting the need for garages to ensure they are on top of the latest training and skills requirements. MOT testing standards undergo vital changes every year to help guarantee maximum safety and drive quality. Anthony continued: “Technicians who are on top of their training are also more likely to win their customers’ loyalty and trust. Sharing product knowledge and recommendations following an MOT can help customers to avoid repeat problems in the future, or stop small issues from becoming serious – and generates opportunities to upsell.
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processes throughout the garage and enhance the overall customer experience."
The ‘Total Project Management’ service includes administrating the paperwork, ensuring the test lane requirements are right for the business, fully planning the layout and equipment using computer aided design and ensuring that all the correct information is submitted to the DVSA. They then complete the build either using its own team of specialist builders or one chosen by the workshop. If a particular brand of MOT equipment is desired, ISN Garage Assist will happily install it but, through their
close ties with sister company Hofmann Megaplan, they can recommend and supply vehicle lifts, brake testers, headlamp testers, emission gas analysers, diesel smoke meters, decelerometers, play detectors and jacking beams. Once installed, all equipment is calibrated and the necessary certification provided. Ongoing management and maintenance of MOT equipment is scheduled via its online portal, Protean. The team of certified engineers have the knowledge, skills and tools to calibrate all MOT equipment and most leading hand tool brands. Using the system, you can check the calibration status of your equipment, view and reprint certificates, equipment maintenance reports, equipment service history and scheduled maintenance plan on-demand. www.garage-assist.com/services/mot-bay-management 01480 884 885
