Workshop Magazine Issue 23

AWARDS: CHANCE TO GRAB A GONG ON THE INDUSTRY’S GLITZIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

60 ISSUE 23 | AUGUST 2017

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NOT OUT Bellissimo! Under the bonnet of the Fiat 500 – the classic small car that’s been on a VERY big journey

OUR FLEET

Broken brakes, rusty sills and squeaks galore... a round-up of our latest disasters PROJECT CAR

The Aussie brute that needs more firepower to really go for glory

NEW FOR YOU

Four pages of the latest gear for your business

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BLACKBALL MEDIA HASLAR MARINE TECHNOLOGY PARK, HASLAR ROAD, GOSPORT, PO12 2AG T: (023) 9252 2434

EDITORIAL HEAD OF EDITORIAL REBECCA CHAPLIN

rebecca@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @believebecca

CONTENTS. 40

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PRODUCTION EDITOR DAVE BROWN

dave@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @CarDealerDave

FEATURES EDITOR JACK EVANS

jack@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @jackrober

SENIOR STAFF WRITER DARREN CASSEY

darren.cassey@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @DCassey

STAFF WRITER SIMON DAVIS

simon.davis@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @SimonDavisNZ

HEAD OF DESIGN GRAEME WINDELL

graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @graemewindell

Workshop Magazine Awards: Why Autologic is truly proud to be sponsoring a key category

Latest from Our Fleet: Darren faces a big bill – but isn’t downhearted

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Our Kev: Looking back on the biggest changes I’ve seen in my VERY long career...

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER JON HICKEY

j.hickey@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @cardealerjon

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The Judge delivers his verdict on the problems you have sent in

Expert view: Locking wheel nut removers rated and ranked

Let’s glow for it! How Bugatti and Hidria teamed up to enhance the world’s fastest production car

ACCOUNT MANAGER TOM ADAMS

tom.adams@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @_WorkshopTom

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION finance@blackballmedia.co.uk

SUITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JAMES BAGGOTT james@thebaize.com Twitter: @CarDealerEd

MANAGING DIRECTOR ANDY ENTWISTLE andy@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @CarDealerAndy CONTRIBUTORS John Bowman, Jess Ernerth SUBSCRIPTIONS If you know someone who would like a FREE copy of Workshop Magazine, email the details to subs@workshopmagazine.co.uk and we’ll do the rest.

DISTRIBUTION Workshop Magazine is distributed to a database of up to 10,000 service and repair sites, franchised car dealers, independents, car manufacturers and suppliers.

Company No. 6473855 VAT No. 933 8428 05 ISSN No. 1759-5444 Workshop Magazine is published by Blackball Media Ltd (Company No 6473855) and printed by Warners. All rights reserved. Conditions of sale and supply include the fact that Workshop shall not, without our consent, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated way or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to or as any part of a publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.

Workshop Magazine is fully protected by copyright.

Nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part without permission.

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New products: All the latest gear

Welcome

THERE are some design classics and huge sales successes that have lived out reasonably long and healthy lives on the market: cars such as the Mini, Volkswagen Camper and Beetle, with their revolutionary technology and, of course, those iconic looks. The latest one to celebrate a very special birthday is the Fiat 500 – now 60 years old.

It might have taken a short hiatus but it remains a hugely popular car around the UK, so we’ve taken a look at what makes it so great. If you’re more interested in supercars than superminis, however, we’ve also been finding out exactly what goes into the Bugatti Chiron.

Specifically the glow plugs it uses!

But – at the end of the day – how much does this all matter now petrol and diesel cars face being phased out over the next couple of decades?

It’s certainly a wake-up call for technicians and workshop owners, because if the government gets its way, we’ll be working on more electric motors and seeing a lot fewer pistons and exhausts in future.

The change will present a huge opportunity for the industry, as people move into newer cars and those who care about their classics will require help to keep them on the road. Whether the positives outweigh the negatives is certainly an unknown at the moment, but it’s something we’ll be following carefully.

BMW announced recently that an electric Mini will be produced at its Oxford plant – could Alec Issigonis ever have imagined what his small city car would become? And what does this mean for other internal combustion engine cars on the road?

Also this month, we’ve got an extensive products section, with four pages of new tools on the market.

Plus our trusty testers have been putting air impact wrenches and locking wheel nut removers through their paces! As always, I hope you enjoy the issue.

Rebecca Chaplin, Head of Editorial WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

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NEWS.

WHY ARE OUR READERS HAVING INVESTIGATION T

REBECCA CHAPLIN finds confusion, not clarity, surrounding the use of trade plates at the moment – and the DVLA isn’t exactly helping matters by contradicting itself over its official advice and guidance.

Workshop Magazine readers are unclear about the right way to display trade plates

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rade plates can be a boon to workshops and car dealerships. Saving businesses time and money by removing the need for them to register and tax every vehicle temporarily in their possession, they can definitely help things run more smoothly.

Recently, however, guidance on using trade plates has changed – but instead of introducing more clarity to the situation, there seems to be confusion ... certainly among our readers!

We have received several reports from people who have landed in trouble, despite following what they believed was the correct procedure.

A growing number of trade plate users have been caught out by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras recently – and according to research conducted by our friends at Lawgistics, it even seems as though the DVLA is at odds with itself when it comes to the advice that it’s dishing out.

Workshop Magazine is now calling on the DVLA to offer clear guidance on the subject.

Changes were made earlier this year to the rules relating to how trade plates should be displayed. It meant that, whereas previously those entitled to use them could only do so if they covered the existing registration plates, the DVLA now says that the car’s registration plates should be left uncovered.

Although we know how vital trade plates can be for moving unregistered cars between sites for mechanical work or until initial PDI checks can be carried out, some of our readers have been caught out, resulting in costly fines.

The issue was first brought to the attention of Lawgistics earlier in the year when the changes were introduced. Howard Tilney, legal adviser at the company, explained: ‘Many client members have raised concerns in respect of the current rules relating to the display of trade plates, so in

TROUBLE WITH TRADE PLATES? April we wrote to the DVLA seeking guidance for the display of trade plates clarification.’ The document that informs motor traders that trade seems to have led to the confusion plates must not cover a vehicle’s is a DVLA guidance note with the existing number plates and must snappy title VTL301G. be visible and vertical on both Tilney told us: ‘Section 4 of the front and rear of the vehicle the note, headed ‘‘Display of (rear only for motorcycles)’.

Trade Plates’’, states that a trade This sounds simple enough in plate ‘‘…must not cover the vehicle’s theory, but in practical terms many existing number plate (except of Lawgistics’ clients are still asking motorcycles)’’.’ for an explanation of precisely ‘Many client This seems to be a change to what is meant by having to members have raised the rule that existed previously, concerns in respect of the display trade plates in a which stipulated that trade ‘visible and vertical’ manner current rules relating to plates could cover up the while not covering the existing the display of ‘normal’ registration plate. plates. Tilney was further trade plates.’

Lawgistics could see that the perplexed when a Lawgistics guidance note was likely to cause member got in touch with the HOWARD TILNEY confusion so investigated further. company having received a letter It queried the policy with Gary Baker from the DVLA that seemed to fly in the at the strategy, policy and communications face of the information that Baker had provided. directorate at the DVLA. The recipient of the letter had recently got into Baker said: ‘The DVLA has changed the trouble for not covering up a vehicle’s ‘normal’ guidance on the display of trade plates after number plates with the trade plates he was using taking into account a wider legal requirement – and, what’s more, was being fined £113 for the surrounding offences for obscuring registration misdemeanour. marks whilst a trade plate is displayed.’

The letter said: ‘Trade plates should be This means, according to Baker, that ‘the new positioned on a vehicle in the same manner as ordinary registration numbers, ie, they should cover a vehicle’s registration at the front and rear.’

The DVLA was apparently unwilling to budge on its decision to prosecute the recipient of that letter, despite the fact that it was clearly at odds

with the rules as outlined by itself in its official advice and guidance and what Baker had said.

Tilney commented: ‘We at Lawgistics have heard of many cases where vehicles driven by those using trade plates have fallen foul of ANPR and been pursued by the DVLA Enforcement Centre for driving stock vehicles without VED. ‘Penalties for the improper use of trade licences/plates can be harsh.

‘These include a maximum fine of £5,000 and a possible prison term not exceeding two years.

‘Using or keeping an unlicensed vehicle on a public road is an offence punishable by a maximum penalty of £1,000 or five times the annual rate of duty, whichever is the greater.

The court will also impose an additional penalty equivalent to any outstanding arrears of duty.

‘We were surprised to be consulted by a member client who had received this letter.’

Tilney added: ‘Patently, the DVLA enforcement letter contradicts its own guidance note VTL301G and the advice of Mr Baker.

‘Is there any wonder that those working in this industry are confused and, more pertinently, facing criminal prosecutions?

‘We invite the DVLA to issue urgent, unambiguous and practical guidance on this critical subject to both the motor trade and its own enforcement officers.’

Workshop tried getting a definitive answer on the matter from the DVLA and will continue to monitor the situation and provide an update when the conflict is resolved.

‘The DVLA has changed the guidance on the display of trade plates after taking into account a wider legal requirement surrounding offences for obscuring registration marks whilst a trade plate is displayed.’

GARY BAKER OF THE DVLA’S STRATEGY, POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE

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NEWS.

So will we be ready for the ban on new petrol and diesel cars?

Politicians, commentators and industry bodies are wary of the government’s intention to end sale of internal combustion engine models by 2040

T

he recent announcement that the government will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 has been met with apprehension.

Environment secretary Michael Gove’s comments came as part of the government’s clean air strategy.

According to the Royal College of Physicians, air pollution in the UK contributes to around 40,000 premature deaths per year, and Gove told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘We can’t carry on with diesel and petrol cars, not just because of the health problems that they cause, but also because the emissions that they cause would mean that we would accelerate climate change, do damage to our planet and to the next generation.’ However, his comments generated a major backlash. Former Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: ‘Fear that new car petrol/diesel ban in 23 years’ time is smokescreen for weak measures to tackle 40,000 deaths a year from air pollution now.’

Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green Party, wrote: ‘Welcome start but need urgent plan to cut air pollution now – proper clean air zones, funded diesel scrappage, invest in public transport.’

Some, meanwhile, pointed out the change of heart in respect of diesel-powered vehicles.

Top Gear presenter and motoring journalist Chris Harris tweeted: ‘Government strategy: Buy a diesel. More diesel please. Diesel rocks.

Actually, diesel’s bad. Electric’s the way. Not sure how we do it yet.’

Quentin Willson, co-partner of Fair Fuel UK, a campaign group that fights for lower fuel duty and more transparent pricing at the pumps, wrote: ‘So by 2040 no fuel stations, no garage

by SIMON DAVIS @SimonDavisNZ repairs, no car parts suppliers and 15 million diesels scrapped. Cost will be trillions.’

Sue Hayman, Labour’s shadow environment secretary, said: ‘We have had seven years of illegal air pollution under this Conservative government who have only acted after being dragged through the courts.

‘Despite the scale of the problem, we are presented today with . . . no detail about how the government’s 2040 target will be achieved.

With nearly 40 million people living in areas with illegal levels of air pollution, action is needed now, not in 23 years’ time.’

Nicholas Lyes, RAC roads policy spokesman, said: ‘The government signalling the end of the sale of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 is a bold move but the reality is that the UK is nowhere near ready for such a sweeping shift to fully electric vehicles, and a huge amount of work will need to be done to meet this deadline.

‘There is little evidence to suggest that the UK’s energy infrastructure will be ready for the largescale shift to electric vehicles, and it’s vital the energy used to power these vehicles comes from the greenest possible sources.’

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: ‘Demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles is growing but still at a very low level as consumers have concern over affordability, range and charging points. Outright bans risk undermining the current market for new cars and our sector, which supports over 800,000 jobs across the UK.’

More investment needed in charging stations and training, says IMI THERE are a number of obstacles to overcome if the government is to achieve its aim of banning new diesel- and petrol-powered cars from UK roads by the year 2040.

The number of charging stations has only grown by 16 per cent since last year and the proportion of technicians trained to work safely on the technology remains at one per cent.

The Institute of the Motor Industry says Britain will fail to remove diesels and petrols and in turn improve air quality if

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significant investment isn’t made to the number of charging stations. The IMI also found insurance costs for ultra-lowemission vehicles could be much higher than for petrol or diesels and said they wouldn’t become more competitive until more people were qualified to work on them.

Steve Nash, chief executive at the IMI, called for a ‘greater and more rapid investment in the charging infrastructure and financial support to help those working in the service and

repair sector, most particularly the independent operators, to gain the skills to work on the new technologies’.

He said: ‘The IMI is continuing its campaign for the introduction of a licensing scheme for those working on the high-voltage vehicles, and we’ve asked the government to contribute £30 million to support the necessary training.’

The IMI has launched a new electric and hybrid vehicle qualification along with support materials.

Electric Mini on way in 2019, says BMW A FULLY electric version of the Mini is to be built in the UK. The firm’s German owner, BMW, said the new model’s electric drivetrain will be built at its plants in Bavaria before being integrated into the car at Cowley, near Oxford.

The car will be a variant of its threedoor hatch model and will go into production in 2019.

BMW said in a statement from Munich that electrification was one of the central pillars of the group’s corporate strategy.

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NEWS. | GYS |

New Smart Booster ‘safest charging pack’ GYS HAS announced the launch of the Smart Booster as its new addition to the battery-charging market.

Europe’s largest manufacturer of battery-charging products, car body systems and welding machines and tools, said that the move demonstrated GYS’s leadership in the technological advancement of battery-charging products.

Commercial director Neil Pulsford said: ‘The Smart Booster offers true innovation and safety-critical features which no other booster pack in the market can currently offer.

‘The GYSCAP 500 Smart Booster delivers twice the charging power of a standard booster and is the safest charging pack on the market today.’

| GSF CAR PARTS |

Digital approach to health and safety NATIONAL motor factor GSF Car Parts is to invest in a series of new training videos for employees as part of its annual health and safety review.

The digital training material will be used internally for new employees during the induction process and as refresher training for existing members of staff.

Phillip Hartley, health and safety manager at GSF Car Parts, said: ‘GSF takes health and safety very seriously.

‘We have a large number of employees and we’re committed to ensuring that all of them are trained and instructed appropriately.’

| CATACLEAN |

Special bottle design for system cleaner A BRITISH-MADE fuel and exhaust system cleaner is now available in bottles that will help workshops by cutting out evaporation and stopping odour leaks. Cataclean contains solvents that break down deposits in fuel delivery systems formed by oxidation and polymerisation of hydrocarbons. The result is an increase in the ability to remove harmful exhaust emissions and prevent the DPF from clogging. The product is designed for pre-MOT use or as a solution to MOT emissions test failures.

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Competition winner Damien Turlay, left, has been given the chance of a lifetime

Delighted Damien crowned Infiniti’s European winner Career opportunity of a lifetime for 23-year-old who feels ‘very fortunate’ to have triumphed

A

n engineering student has been awarded the career opportunity of a lifetime in automotive and Formula One, as Infiniti announces Damien Turlay as the European winner of the Infiniti Engineering Academy 2017.

Having been selected from thousands of entries and beating nine other finalists in an actionpacked event at Renault Sport Formula One Team Technical Centre, 23-year-old Turlay from Toulouse in France will move to the UK in October for the career opportunity of a lifetime, complete with travel, accommodation, access to an Infiniti company car, a salary and the possibility to work alongside worldleading engineers at the exciting cutting edge of the automotive and motorsport industries.

by TRISTAN SHALE-HESTER @tristan_shale Turlay, who is a mechanical engineering student at the University of Lyon, will spend six months working at the Renault Formula One Team’s UK Technical Centre (Enstone) and six months working at Infiniti’s European Technical Centre (Cranfield). He will play a key role in the ongoing transfer of technical knowledge and expertise between the Renault Sport Formula One Team and Infiniti.

Tommaso Volpe, global director, Infiniti Motorsport, said: ‘With every edition of the academy, we are more and more impressed by the amount of interest received from students all over the world and the incredible level of the talent attracted. Students have seen the accomplishments

of our former academy graduates, who have forged successful careers in both automotive and motorsport and, as a result, more students than ever before want to participate to get this once-in-a-lifetime engineering experience to launch their careers.’

Commenting on his win, Turlay said: ‘When my name was announced, I couldn’t believe it! I met nine other very capable and strong candidates in the final, who were all deserving of the opportunity, so I feel very fortunate to be the winner. I can’t wait to get started, it’s a dream come true!’

The Infiniti Engineering Academy, now in its fourth year, is a one-ofa-kind global search for the world’s best up-and-coming engineers.

For 2017, seven placements are available for candidates from different parts of the world.

Autofirst Network reaches 200-member milestone AUTOFIRST Network has reached the 200-member milestone, less than 18 months since it was set up. The association of independent garages was set up by Euro Car Parts and offers members a unique package of a national warranty programme,

marketing campaign, access to a web-based management system and technical partnerships providing training and support.

There are plans under way to continue to improve brand awareness across the country with a number of

marketing initiatives.

To support its growing membership, Autofirst Network has three sets of experts: specialist sales managers, a team of dedicated workshop equipment specialists and technical sales managers.

NEWS ROUND-UP. What’s been making the headlines at workshops around the United Kingdom?

BOLTON:

Construction of the University of Bolton’s new National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) is transforming a four-acre site in the heart of the town. The £13m, 45,000 sq ft building, designed by international architects Hassell, is on schedule to welcome its first intake of students this autumn.

Three floors overlooking a central atrium include formal classrooms, technology centres, display areas and space dedicated to businesses.

| COLLABORATION |

SOUTH YORKSHIRE:

Sherwood Truck and Van in Sheffield has invested £150,000 in a new bodyshop that includes a super-sized, state-of-the-art spray booth. The company, located in Highfield Lane, Handsworth, opened the workshop as part of plans to expand its services. Group managing director Robert Spittle said that as well as the new spray facility, the bodyshop also had the space to repair trucks, trailers, caravans and motorhomes.

HAMPSHIRE:

Senior service executive Ian Parker is celebrating 20 years of working with Snows Group. He joined as a vehicle valeter in 1997, working his way up to the position of service executive. Two decades on, and now senior service executive at the group’s Southampton Volvo dealership, Parker supports the aftersales operation and helps oversee the dealership’s 10-strong team of technicians.

CARDIFF:

Jenkins Suzuki Cardiff service adviser Owen Clarke has been named a ‘Suzuki saint’. The monthly accolade, which was launched last year by the vehicle manufacturer, is given to individuals who are deemed to have gone beyond the call of duty and received positive feedback from customers.

Clarke, 44, was nominated by Jon Murphy, the showroom’s aftersales manager, along with Suzuki owners, for his great customer service record.

Total Lubricants joins forces with Formula E DS Virgin Racing team TOTAL Lubricants has joined forces with French car manufacturer DS Automobiles as part of the DS Virgin Racing Team for season three of Formula E. Predominantly, Formula E races are held on street circuits, which allows spectators and fans to get much closer to the action than ever before. Events on the streets of Paris, New York and Berlin are particular highlights.

In a vehicle powered by batteries, you may question why a lubricant partner is involved but in a highperformance electric race car, with plenty of moving parts, Total Lubricants play a pivotal role.

Stephen Parker, marketing communications executive of Total Lubricants UK, said: ‘Not only is Formula E exciting and growing in popularity, but the development opportunities for Total are second to none.

‘The series will allow us to get a head start on electric car lubricants and coolants, which will help our everyday consumers.’

The Formula E season is long, but already the partnership has seen a podium result, with drivers Sam Bird and José María López looking to build upon their success as the year progresses.

| TYRESAFE AWARDS |

Double triumph for Bridgestone

CAMBS:

GSF Car Parts has hosted another popular trade evening event for garage customers. The latest, which took place at the Peterborough branch, attracted around 60 garage owners and technicians.

Attractions included food and drink, with a barbecue proving particularly popular, and there were plenty of freebies and competitions too.

Supporting suppliers included the likes of Bosch, Schaeffler, Brembo, ZF, TRW and Cataclean.

BRIDGESTONE’S unwavering commitment to road safety has been honoured with two prestigious accolades at the TyreSafe Awards 2017. The company was at the double to collect the Innovation and Use of Technology Award for its DriveGuard tyre, along with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

DriveGuard was commended for its ability to keep motorists moving after a puncture and removing the immediate burden and unsafe circumstances of a flat tyre. Bridgestone’s comprehensive and holistic approach to road safety throughout the year was then commemorated with the Outstanding Achievement Award just a few minutes later.

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NEWS.

Workshop Awards: We’re proud to be involved, says Autologic Don’t miss out on your chance to win at the inaugural Workshop Awards! You’ve got until Saturday, September 30 to submit your nominations for yourself, a colleague, supplier or customer, with the ceremony taking place on December 11.

W

e’re thrilled to announce that Autologic is sponsoring one of the key categories at the 2017 Workshop Awards.

The glitzy ceremony, to be held at The Brewery in London on December 11, will recognise the best workshop professionals and garages.

Autologic is backing the Specialist Garage of the Year category, for those businesses that specialise in a particular model or marque, or vehicles from a particular period or country.

Neil LePine, head of sales (ROW) at Autologic, said: ‘We are delighted and truly proud to be sponsoring Specialist Garage of the Year at this year’s Workshop Awards. Autologic was created in 1999 to provide the independent specialist garage with a diagnostic solution, enabling them to tackle and resolve the most complex of vehicle electrical faults efficiently and profitably.

‘Today, our team of close to 100 dealer-trained assist master technicians support around 6,000 workshops globally, and through expert information, knowledge and experience they are

Autologic has a team of almost 100 dealer-trained assist master technicians

able to effectively guide the customer through from fault to fix – fast.

‘With increasing levels of technology being introduced on vehicles, we appreciate how

challenging it can be for technicians to resolve complex faults in the modern vehicle and we therefore thoroughly applaud the winner and nominees of this award.’

The Workshop Awards are our opportunity to recognise the best and brightest businesses and individuals who are working in what is known for being a truly tough industry.

Why should you go in for the Workshop Awards?

The Workshop Awards are the gold standard for service and repair professionals and business owners alike. They give you a chance to demonstrate to your peers and customers why you are the best at what you do!

It doesn’t matter on which side of the fence you sit – if you work with your tools in a workshop or you’re a company that sells them, we want to recognise your talents.

It’s the first year of the Workshop Awards and therefore

definitely not to be missed. The setting for this glitzy awards ceremony is The Brewery in London – the same venue for sister publication Car Dealer Magazine’s Used Car Awards – and on the night, you’ll be treated to a cocktail reception, three-course meal and some top-class musical entertainment.

We will pull out all the stops to give you the credit you deserve too, with coverage of the event in this very magazine plus video interviews.

On the night, we’ll be handing over our exclusive gongs

to 20 winners! To be in the running, you’ll need to submit an entry for yourself or be nominated by a colleague, supplier or customer. It’s as simple as that. Then you could be well on your way to attending the most exciting, dazzling and all-round-boozy night for garages.

Rebecca Chaplin, head of editorial at Blackball Media, the publisher of Workshop Magazine, said: ‘Entries are rolling in for the inaugural Workshop Awards but there’s still plenty of time to get involved. The ceremony itself will be a fantastic occasion and we’re really looking forward to it.’

TO SPONSOR AN AWARD CALL THE WORKSHOP TEAM ON 023 9252 2434 10 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

AWARD CATEGORIES Car of the Year

There may well be other Car of the Year awards out there but this one is unique as it will be influenced by service and repair professionals. Which cars do mechanics enjoy working on the most? Which are easy to get parts for and which are the most straightforward to maintain and put right? Those are some of the criteria that will be considered here.

Lifetime Achievement Award

We’ll be looking for a big hitter in the service and repair sector who has been involved in the industry for many years and has enjoyed a distinguished career. Judging will be based on the nominations we receive, along with supporting statements.

Outstanding Achievement of the Year

This special award looks to recognise the personality in our sector who has achieved something truly remarkable, whether it’s a one-off act that really made a difference or a consistent effort that truly deserves this prestigious accolade.

Product Innovation of the Year

We’ll be looking for a great new product introduced to our industry over the past year that has proved to be a boon for the garages and workshops of the UK. If it saves time, boosts business and is clever and convenient, it could be our winner.

Workshop Manager of the Year

We’ll be looking for brilliant bosses who have really made a difference in their workshops. If they have driven growth in their department, helped turn around a struggling business or introduced innovation and new ideas to help things run smoothly, we want to hear more!

Technician of the Year

Brilliant with brakes?

Excellent with electronics?

That’s what our winner in this category will need to be. We know there are thousands of talented technicians out there – we’ll be looking for the best of the best. Nominate yourself or a colleague you know and respect.

Independent Garage of the Year

Five regional champions will be crowned in this category.

There will be awards for Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northern England, Southern England and Wales. Our winners here will have undergone a rigorous judging process involving analysis of feedback websites and mystery shopping.

Independent Garage of the Year (Overall Winner)

One of our five regional winners will take the overall crown and become our Independent Garage of the Year for the whole of the UK.

Specialist Garage of the Year

Do you focus on a particular marque or model, or perhaps cars from a certain country? Are you a specialist in your field? And is your business thriving and well thought of by its customers? We’re looking for operators who are efficient, technically competent and well organised to lift this particular trophy.

Trade Tyre Retailer of the Year

We’ll be looking for favourable online reviews, a user-friendly and responsive website, and easy availability of leading makes of tyres. Great customer service, the option of mobile fitting and great aftercare will all be part of the mix, too.

Classic Car Restoration Garage of the Year

With the definition of the word classic seemingly expanding to include more makes and models than ever before, the number of operators in the field has grown, too. Companies who really know their onions, and are prepared to go the extra mile for their customers, will excel here.

Workshop Website of the Year

Gone are the days when a homepage containing just words and pictures was enough to cut the mustard. That all-important and crucial information still needs to be there, of course, but customers these days expect much, much more – and rightly so.

Fast-fit Centre of the Year

Fast-fit centres occasionally attract negative headlines but we know they do plenty of work that is top quality and fairly priced. Their websites tend to be strong, with investment from national companies behind them, but which fast-fit centre is the best of the best?

Apprentice of the Year

Do you employ a youngster who is a possible star of the future in the service and repair industry? We’ll be looking for someone who is just taking their early steps on the career ladder but who already shows bags of promise and potential, is keen to learn and is willing to help.

Motor Factor of the Year

This one is for a supplier to the industry. Motor factors are invaluable one-stop shops for everything a workshop could need, from parts to tools to consumables. We’ll be looking for a company that really delivers – and we mean that quite literally! Quality products and efficient service will be key when the judges look at the entrants in this category.

Manufacturer Warranty Scheme of the Year

The best warranty schemes provide genuine peace of mind and turn promises into action when things go wrong. The factors the judges will be taking into account here include the duration of the warranty, the level of cover provided and any additional benefits that exist.

Most Reliable Car

Social media may be a dark art to some, but, used effectively, platforms such as Twitter and Facebook can really help build a business and take it to the next level. Using social media can be an amazingly effective form of marketing, too – and we’ll be looking for the best practitioners.

The judging in this category will be based on our research into the least repaired/recovered cars over the 12-month period leading up to our judging process. We’ll be comparing actual numbers with the overall parc of each model to get a totally accurate picture, analysing data from multiple sources to ensure our winner is truly deserving. One thing’s for sure, the winner of this category will be shouting about their success.

MOT Centre of the Year

Equipment Supplier of the Year

Social Media User of the Year

MOTs are the foundation upon which many a successful workshop is built. Of course, the rules and regulations mean everyone should adhere to the same standards, but there is still room for the best to stand out. As with other categories, we’ll be looking for great customer service, user-friendly websites and general all-round excellence.

Ramps, tools, protective clothing… there’s a lot to consider for any new workshop before the first car even comes through the doors. And of course, existing businesses may well be looking to upgrade and update their equipment on a regular basis. This is bound to be a hard-fought category – but who will take home the gong?

TO ENTER, FILL OUT THE FORM ONLINE AT bit.ly/WA-2017

(CASESENSITIVE)

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NEWS. | ACCOLADES |

Volkswagen Group honours best suppliers THE Volkswagen Group has recognised its best suppliers with the Volkswagen Group Awards 2017.

The 19 winners were honoured at a ceremony in the Motorwerk Berlin in front of an audience of some 270 guests from a total of 25 countries.

Matthias Müller, chief executive of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, and Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, group board of management member with responsibility for procurement, handed over the awards.

Müller talked about partnership and the transformation of the automotive industry in his speech, saying: ‘We must make further progress together and become better and better. Never before have not only the pressure but also the opportunities been as great as they are today. If we are willing to change, we can successfully master the transformation in our industry.’

And he underlined that e-mobility and

| GLOBAL APPEAL |

Davanti extends reach after sealing Middle East deal DAVANTI Tyres has landed an exclusive sales deal across the Middle East as it looks to expand further across the globe. The two-year-old firm, based in Haydock on Merseyside, secured what it calls ‘a significant distribution deal’ throughout South Africa late last year and now it has appointed the Hamburg-based international trading house Terramar GmbH to sell its tyres across the Middle East region.

Christian Nafzger of Terramar, which has more than 50 years’ experience of developing distribution channels in overseas markets, said: ‘Terramar is happy to announce our new Middle Eastern partnership with Davanti Tyres.

We are excited to successfully develop the Middle East tyre markets together.

These markets are challenging yet dynamic – a welcome addition to the global growth of Davanti Tyres.’

Terramar aims to cement Davanti Tyres as a key brand within Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman and Yemen.

12 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

battery technology, autonomous driving, digitalisation throughout the value chain and new mobility services were not passing trends. ‘That is the future of our industry – our common future. Thank you for your willingness to explore new pathways with us.’

Garcia Sanz said: ‘A strong and uncomplicated partnership network based

on a level playing field where information is exchanged almost in real time is essential to our success. And this must above all be a network that stands for transparency, openness and courage.’

This is the 15th time that the VW Group has honoured its best suppliers of the previous year for their innovative strength,

product quality, development competence, sustainability and project management.

‘On behalf of the Volkswagen Group, I would like to thank you and especially your employees for your commitment and performance last year,’ Garcia Sanz added. n See the full list of winners online at: bit.ly/VW-suppliers

Marques with the most warranty claims revealed Figures offer valuable insight for consumers whose vehicles are approaching four-year mark

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and Rover, Jaguar and Vauxhall are the three vehicle makes that have the most claims on postmanufacturer warranties, according to research by Warranty Direct.

The specialist warranty company analysed authorised claims on a variety of four-year-old cars, chosen because most manufacturer warranties last for three years.

Among vehicles of this age, Land Rover had the highest number of authorised claims, nearly 30 per cent of which were for Defender models.

A further 28 per cent of payouts were for examples of the Discovery, followed by the Range Rover on 26 per cent and the Freelander with 16 per cent.

Following Land Rover with the second, third and fourth-

by TRISTAN SHALE-HESTER @tristan_shale

highest numbers of authorised claims were Jaguar, below, Vauxhall and Renault respectively. However, the marque with the most expensive authorised claims was Bentley, with an average cost of £1,358 per claim.

Land Rover was a close second, averaging £1,324 per claim, and Nissan was third with £1,284.

The most common reason for these claims, at 21 per cent, was axle and suspension problems,

which become more likely after the manufacturer warranty has expired because of the increased mileage.

Gearboxes topped the list of the most expensive parts, because of their electronic complexity, intensity of labour and expensive diagnostic equipment. Second and third were engines and steering respectively.

Simon Ackers, the chief executive of Warranty Direct, said: ‘Our latest information on the most common costs and claims for vehicles postmanufacturer warranty should offer valuable insight for consumers whose vehicles are approaching the four-year mark.

‘Those who currently possess certain brands would be wise to consider purchasing an extended warranty once their manufacturer’s runs out.’

| IAAF |

| WARNING |

Omega Tools is given warm welcome to expanding network

Danger sign with a difference . . .

THE Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has welcomed workshop tools and equipment wholesaler Omega Tools to its ever-growing network.

Omega Tools will now have access to the vast array of IAAF benefits, including merchandise and promotional workwear, lifestyle protection plans, alternative dispute resolution cover and fleet management solutions, as well as all the latest industry information and networking opportunities. As the sole UK importer of Omega hydraulics and hand tools, Omega Tools offers customers a market-leading range supplied from its purpose-built warehouse in the heart of the Lake District.

Kevin Meacham, Omega Tools managing director, said: ‘We’re delighted to become a part of the IAAF network. This exciting opportunity will enable us to connect with a wider range of industry professionals and brands, helping us to grow our business further and showcase our excellent opportunities to new and existing distributors.’

Wendy Williamson, IAAF chief executive, said: ‘It is with great pleasure that we welcome Omega Tools to our network. Each month we continue to experience growth with more and more aftermarket specialists recognising IAAF’s important and beneficial activity.

We’re certain that our newest member will be a great asset to the network.’

| PARTS ALLIANCE |

Guide contains 76 product-filled pages THE summer 2017 edition of Garage Essentials, the industry-leading tools and equipment brochure from The Parts Alliance, is landing at independent garage workshops.

Printed copies will be available from The Parts Alliance members Allparts, Bromsgrove Motor Factors, Car Parts & Accessories, CES, GMF, SAS Autoparts, SC Motor Factors and Waterloo as well as GSF Car Parts.

Running to 76 product-packed pages, the latest Garage Essentials contains a wealth of tools and equipment for garages investing to develop their business.

The danger sign at Oasis Auto Services

SAFETY in the workshop is of paramount importance – especially with all that powerful machinery around. And one garage in New Zealand is ramming home the danger message with a certain element of black humour . . .

This sign was spotted on a South Korean-made hydraulic ramp by expatriate James Smith when he took his 1999 Toyota Corolla GL to Oasis Auto Services in Papamoa, a coastal suburb of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty region, for its Warrant of Fitness – essentially New Zealand’s equivalent of the MOT test – and he couldn’t resist grabbing a picture of it and letting us know.

He told Workshop Magazine: ‘The sign made my day. Kiwi humour at its best!

‘I had a good laugh with another customer who was also in the workshop while his car was up on the ramp being inspected.’

Smith, who emigrated from Southampton in 2002, is a loyal customer of the garage, where customers have to walk through the small workshop to get to the office. ‘It’s quite quaint and you can chat to the mechanic as he works on your motor. It’s great to be able to see the guy who’s at the sharp end of sorting out your car. You just need to take care you don’t touch any machinery or you’ll face Picture: James Smith the consequences!’ he said.

Lying grandmother loses £200,000 garage claim Relief as business’s name is cleared and the truth comes out after five-year legal battle

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grandmother has been ordered to pay £70,000 after falsely claiming that a garage valeter tripped her up with a hosepipe.

Yvette Thomas, 54, had tried to claim for up to £200,000 but lost her five-year battle with Southwick Service Centre in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. According to the Mirror, she alleged that she was deliberately tripped up by valeter Edward Slow when she took her daughter’s Mini Cooper in for an MOT in May 2012.

She said Slow had lifted the industrial braided steel hose, which was attached to a pressure washer, to trip her on purpose, causing her to fall on to a concrete step. As

a result, she claimed, she cut her knees, ripped her clothes, hurt her wrists, broke her watch and had been left needing to use a walking stick. She even got her family to lie in statements to back up her claims, said the Mirror, which also reported that she claimed she had been sacked from her job as an account manager at media company Archant.

However, although Trowbridge District Hospital’s records showed that Thomas had attended the accident and emergency department that day and had an X-ray, there was no injury.

Among her lengthy list of claims were £96,110 for loss of earnings, £11,268 for daily care costs and £3,600 for the loss of use

of a company car. Brothers Andrew and Matthew Gregory, who run Southwick Service Centre, denied she had fallen and Slow said the hosepipe had only brushed against her leg when she walked past.

Secret filming by insurer NIG also showed that Thomas, of Trowbridge, only used a walking stick when she went for medical check-ups.

District Judge Francis Goddard threw her claim out at Bath County Court, saying he didn’t find it ‘in any way believable’, and told her to pay £70,000 in legal costs. After the case, Matthew Gregory, 42, said: ‘Mrs Thomas made this whole thing up completely. We are just glad that we have cleared our name and that the truth has come out.’

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 13

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ESTABLISHED IN 1985 | PART OF THE STENHØJ GROUP

10475

SURVEY.

WORKSHOP POWER: NOMINATE NOW – TIME’S RUNNING OUT! Who are the suppliers that go the extra mile for you? Who are the ones that let you down? Let us have your views by Thursday, August 24.

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he deadline is fast approaching for nominations in the Workshop Power Awards – so there’s no time to lose if you want to get involved!

We’d love you to take part in our great survey of suppliers that work with the service and repair industry – and the companies that are most highly regarded can look forward to a glittering awards night at the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth later this year.

Last year’s ceremony was a fantastic occasion – and if our trophy winners looked happy as they picked up their awards, it was hardly surprising.

By the end of the process, we’ll have an accurate idea about the suppliers that are at the top of their game, those that are average, and those that are not so hot.

Last year’s winners included Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services (Tyre Supplier of the Year) and Autotech Recruit (Recruitment Agency of the Year).

We’ll be sharing our findings to make sure your opinions are heard, so it’s highly likely that suppliers will make changes to the way they work with their customers based on the feedback they receive from you.

Give us your honest views – in confidence

Can I say what I really think?

If you go to the URL at the bottom of this page, you’ll see questions about suppliers in categories ranging from motor factors large and small to garage cleaning product suppliers.

All we ask is that you give us your honest views on the companies that you use. It’s all done in complete confidence, so feel free to give your opinions with no holds barred.

Once we’ve received your answers, they’ll be fed into our Workshop computer and we’ll then be able to pull together all the data we need from the anonymous opinions.

Yes you can. The whole reason behind the Workshop Power Awards is to allow the industry to be entirely forthright. As we mentioned earlier, the survey is completely anonymous.

We’ll be telling the suppliers and agencies what we found out but not who told us, so you can speak your mind fearlessly.

And as we’ve said, we’ll be holding a glitzy awards night to celebrate the achievements of the top performers, which this year will take place on September 28 at the Spinnaker Tower in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.

Who were our winners in 2016? Go online to bit.ly/power-winners to find out Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower – the venue for our awards ceremony on September 28, 2017

Last year’s Workshop Power Awards ceremony was a great success – and we‘ll be doing it all again soon!

Fill in the survey online today at workshoppower.co.uk WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 15

NEWS.

Let’s glow for it! Hidria tech helps Bugatti meet emission standards How the world’s fastest production car – the £1.9m Chiron – uses pressure sensor glow plugs to optimise performance, deliver improved fuel economy and help the environment.

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he legendary Bugatti Veyron is no longer the world’s fastest production car – it‘s been usurped by the next generation, the £1.9 million Bugatti Chiron. The new champ’s top speed is limited to 261mph – three miles per hour quicker than the Veyron Super Sport. It produces a staggering 1,479bhp and 1,600Nm of torque, and will accelerate from 0-60mph in less than 2.3 seconds.

Unlike rivals such as the McLaren P1, LaFerrari and Porsche 918, the Chiron isn’t a hybrid – it has an eight-litre quad-turbocharged petrol engine. ‘If we went with hybrid, we would have added additional weight,’ explained Bugatti chief executive Wolfgang Durheimer. ‘The Chiron is the result of our efforts to make the best even better.

Bugatti has tested the limits of physics.

‘There is no area where we have not achieved significant improvements.’

One notable area of innovation is around the ignition, with the introduction of specially developed glow plugs to work alongside the spark plugs that originally appeared in the Veyron.

Bugatti wanted the Chiron to meet Euro 6

The Bugatti Chiron has an eight-litre quadturbocharged petrol engine

16 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

emission standards, so it approached European manufacturer Hidria to create a glow plug that would work within a petrol engine.

As a supplier of original equipment (OE) glow plugs for, among others, Ford, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault and Volvo, Hidria is a pioneer of diesel technology.

The challenge for it this time round was to create a glow plug that would operate within the demanding conditions of the Chiron’s cuttingedge 16-cylinder powerplant.

The solution saw Hidria mount 16 glow plugs on to the fuel rail of the W16 engine, one glow plug per cylinder. The heating occurs in the fuel rail, which improves the efficiency of the ignition process – especially in cold-start conditions – one of the highest-polluting phases of any petrol engine. When the engine is running, the heat from the glow plug warms the fuel directly before it enters the injector. After the fuel is fed from the rail into the injector, it is guided to near the

surface of the heating element, further improving the engine’s efficiency. The Chiron glow plug was also designed to be ‘intelligent’.

It isn’t like a spark plug where it is constantly producing heat. In the concept engine, the glow plug control unit measured the temperature of the injector and was programmed to stop the heating operation at a certain limit.

A similar system is also used by Bugatti’s parent company, VW, for the flexible fuel engine that can run all petrol and ethanol mixing fuels from E0 right up to E100.

Perhaps the biggest challenge was to create a plug robust enough to withstand not only the searing heat but also the massive pressures.

It needed to function in a range of incredibly

‘This important distribution agreement is vital to achieving our target of being one of the top three premium glow plug brands in the European aftermarket by 2020.’

JERNEJ KUSTERLE, GLOBAL AFTERMARKET MANAGER AT HIDRIA

demanding situations without breaking or losing its intensity. Hidria paid special attention to the sealing surface that covers the tip of the glow plug, to ensure that this vital but delicate component wouldn’t break off and destroy the engine. This represented new ground for Hidria’s engineers, as previously the ceramic glow plug had only been tested in a diesel environment, and petrol is much more explosive.

The work was informed by Hidria’s progress in reducing CO2 emissions for more affordable vehicles. For example, the lessons learnt in the development of its pressure sensor glow plug (PSG) over the past three years were instrumental in creating the glow plug for the Chiron.

Hidria’s patented PSGs enable cars to

continually optimise performance, delivering improved fuel economy while reducing harmful emissions. Its latest aftermarket plugs redefine efficiency, reaching temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees in under two seconds.

The accuracy of Hidria’s PSG has recently been tested on the road in real-world driving conditions. The assessment was performed using a test car that featured an engine modified to accommodate the PSG component as well as a high-end reference pressure sensor in the same cylinder. This set-up enabled engineers to directly evaluate, in a wide variety of driving conditions, the performance of the Hidria PSG technology compared with another part currently on the market. The results were compelling,

showing that the Hidria PSG not only contributes to reduced emissions, it also compensates for different fuel qualities and improves engine vibration and acoustics.

Back in 2015, Euro Car Parts announced an agreement to stock a new range of Hidria aftermarket glow plugs, asserting that fitting premium quality is a no-brainer as the coil inside poor-quality glow plugs can explode, damaging the piston, so is just not worth the risk.

Jernej Kusterle, global aftermarket manager at Hidria, said at the time: ‘This important distribution agreement is vital to achieving our target of being one of the top three premium glow plug brands in the European aftermarket by 2020. Our aftermarket parts are equal to our OE parts, made with the same materials to the same specifications and tolerances. OE manufacturers trust us and our game-changing five-year warranty will help us to earn the trust of UK independent repairers.’ The Chiron is proof that, no matter what direction ignition takes over the next decade, Hidria will be at the forefront of development.

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 17

NEWS. | BACKING |

Autoparts returns as annual conference sponsor for IAAF AUTOPARTS UK is sponsoring the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation 2017 Annual Conference for the fourth consecutive year.

The conference will be held on December 7 in the new location of DoubleTree by Hilton in Milton Keynes, overlooking the impressive ArenaMK – home to MK Dons FC – and Autoparts UK is eager to promote the benefits of attending.

Autoparts UK group factor manager Craig McCracken, who is an active member of the IAAF council, said: ‘We’re delighted to once again sponsor the IAAF conference, as it is sure to see an energetic debate on the threats, challenges and opportunities affecting businesses in the independent aftermarket.

‘The conference is a particularly important event to sponsor as it is the central hub for key aftermarket discussions and updates. As an industry, we are constantly faced with developing technologies and changes to legislation and therefore it is a must-attend event for motor factors and suppliers.’

Plans are now well under way for this year’s annual conference, as it plans to bring together the entire distribution aftermarket. Wendy Williamson, IAAF chief executive, said: ‘We’re really pleased to have Autoparts on board again. Our line-up includes an array of topical and stimulating discussions covering everything affecting the aftermarket, from suppliers to independent garages.’

| LONG SERVICE |

Mechanic aged 91 is a record-breaker!

A 91-YEAR-OLD American Airlines worker has won a place in the record books for being the longest-serving airline mechanic. After starting work at the age of 16 in 1942, Azriel ‘Al’ Blackman still works five days a week at a hangar at JFK International Airport, New York City.

In honour of his service, he had a Boeing 777 dedicated to him in a ceremony at the airport, the BBC reported. Although his duties these days reflect his advancing years, he has no plans to retire any time soon.

18 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

E-Type found in pieces is to be given a new lease of life Chassis No 875256 is in boxes at Bridgnorth workshops and will be a ‘challenging project’

O

ne of the first 500 E-Types produced by Jaguar has been found in pieces in France and is to be brought back to life by worldclass restorers Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (CMC).

Chassis No 875256 is one of the very early 3.8 left-hand-drive, open two-seater, outside-bonnet-lock models with all matching numbers.

It was delivered new to the Belgium Motor Company dealership in Brussels in July 1961 and was subsequently sold to Societe de Civel Immeubles en Afrique. It resurfaced in France in 2015 and records indicate that it was imported from Luxembourg in 1975.

The car is complete, although in parts, and was bought by the previous owner to be restored.

He gave it to French restorers who started work on the car, but shortly after he took it away and kept it safe in his garage in Grigny in the southern suburbs of Paris.

David Barzilay, chairman of CMC, said: ‘Chassis No 875256 is literally in boxes in our workshops awaiting a much-needed nut-and-bolt restoration. It will be a challenging project but all the factory parts are there and our skilled fabricators and technicians will do all they can to save as much of the original car as possible. It will roll out of our workshops just like it left Browns Lane in 1961.’

He added: ‘We are currently delving through the car’s history files to find out more about its life.

‘These early E-Types are sought after by collectors and investors alike, and the fact that they keep on

The car will eventually roll out of CMC’s workshops just like it left Browns Lane in 1961

resurfacing after years in the dark is still amazing.’

CMC is famous for having restored some of the most historic E-Types, including Lofty England’s Chassis No 4, the Lindner-Nöcker Lightweight and 1VHP, the first RHD coupe off the production line and

the first of only four outsidebonnet-lock cars.

In 2016 – and after 2,956 hours – it completed the restoration of E-Type Chassis No 15, also found in France in a very sorry state. This was the 15th right-hand-drive fixedhead coupe E-Type to leave Jaguar’s production line in 1961 and the press car that turned heads at the Scottish Motor Show that year.

An international reputation for world-class restoration CLASSIC Motor Cars was founded in 1993 and has built itself an international reputation for the highest standards of car restoration.

Staffed by a highly experienced team of engineers and technicians, it operates from modern 36,000 sq

ft premises, offering everything from a full nut-and-bolt restoration to servicing, storage, cars and parts sales, and even car design.

Some 50 to 60 cars can be found in the workshops every month, including Jaguars, Aston Martins,

Bentleys, Bugattis and Lancias, among others. It is especially proud of its apprenticeship schemes, with young people learning their trades in trimming, auto electrics, bodywork, paintwork and general mechanical skills.

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FEATURES.

20 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

FIATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 500 FEAT As the Italian manufacturer celebrates 60 glorious years of the iconic and affordable city car, we take a look back at the model that has left a major mark on motoring.

Words: Tristan Shale-Hester

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 21

FEATURES.

FIAT 500

1957 onwards

Engine When the Fiat 500 launched in 1957, it had a 0.5-litre two-cylinder engine, producing 13bhp and 27Nm of torque, which was mounted in the rear of the car. The top speed was 53mph. This engine was developed and improved over time to produce more power.

Gearbox The only gearbox available on the original 500 was a four-speed manual transmission.

Models Variants of the Fiat 500 were produced in other countries by different companies, such as Austrian manufacturing conglomerate Steyr-Daimler-Puch.

Drivetrain The original 500 had a rear-wheel-drive set-up, whereas the 21st-century version is front-wheel drive.

Doors Reverse-opening ‘suicide doors’ were fitted to the 500 until 1965, when they were replaced by traditional doors, as it became apparent that rear-hinged doors wouldn’t open after a head-on collision.

Then and now – the Fiat 500

22 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

W

ith austerity measures gradually being relaxed after the Second World War, a golden age of capitalism was ushered in, with nations enjoying a post-conflict economic boom.

People had more disposable income than before, meaning there was new demand for products previously thought of as only being for the very wealthy. One such product was the car.

Vehicle manufacturers suddenly found themselves having to create cars that could be produced on a mass scale to be bought by the general public.

The result of this was each country having its own car of the people. Great Britain had the Mini, Germany had the Volkswagen Beetle, France had the Citroën 2CV and Italy had the Fiat 500.

The Fiat 500 started life as the Cinquecento – which translates as ‘five hundred’ but also refers to Italian architecture, art and literature

Roof The 500 had a fabric roof, which could fold back fully on the first model and halfway back on later examples.

“

You’d be amazed that four people can actually sit in that car and drive around.

ODESSEUS JAMES

Size The 500 was just 2,970mm in length and 1,320mm in width. It was so small that the body of a 1957 500 can fit inside the body of a 2007 500.

Special edition There was a version of the 500 called the Jolly Ghia.

It had wicker seats and a canopy roof.

of a classical form during the 1500s – and was launched in Italy in July 1957. Designed by Dante Giacosa, it was an affordable car, suitable for use in towns and cities.

It was perfect for Italy’s narrow city streets and became an icon for the Italian driving population.

The 500’s rear-engined design, which was inspired by the VW Beetle, and rounded shape served as an inspiration for other manufacturers.

Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch even obtained permission from Fiat to build a car almost identical to the 500, although it didn’t sell as successfully as its Italian counterpart.

The Cinquecento was little more than nine feet in length and had a 479cc two-cylinder engine, which was mounted in the rear. The first model produced a measly 13bhp and had a rather dull top speed of 53mph. Underwhelming sales results

made it apparent that this was simply not enough power, so in December 1957 Fiat launched two improved versions – the Economica and the Normale – both of which produced 15bhp.

The latter had a higher level of trim as well, with features such as wind-up windows, indicator controls on the steering column for easier use, chrome front light surrounds and comfier back seats. In 1958, Fiat launched the 500 Sport, which was equipped with a 499cc engine, producing 21.5bhp. It had an improved roof, steering wheel, air filter and carburettor.

The 500 became massively popular over the course of several years and was used as a template for other cars in Europe. As time progressed, so did the car, with various upgrades being introduced with each improved model.

1960 saw the introduction of the 500 D. This variant had a smaller sunroof and included padded visors, a screen-washing pump, floor mats

made from rubber and an ashtray for nicotinebased needs. The 500 F was launched in 1965, replacing the reverse-opening ‘suicide doors’ to make the car safer. Visibility was improved with angular headlights and a larger windscreen. There was a boost to the performance too, as the 500 F could reach a more practical top speed of 75mph.

In 1968, the 500 Lusso was released. The only changes were cosmetic ones, such as the addition of chrome bumpers, new door panel upholstery, updated dashboard design and a black steering wheel. The rear name badge now said ‘FIAT’ in block capital letters.

These latest changes were then undone in 1972, when the 500 Rinnovata came out. It shared the basic aesthetic of the F variant but featured an upgraded gearbox for sharper gear changes and more pleasurable driving mechanics. In 1973, Fiat launched the 126 – the replacement for the 500. As a result, WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 23

FEATURES.

FIAT 500

Infotainment The 500 comes with the Uconnect infotainment system, which can be upgraded with optional BeatsAudio hi-fi with DSP amplifier, six speakers and a subwoofer, resulting in a total output of 440W. The system can also connect to the user’s social media accounts.

2007 onwards

Sporty versions There are also two hot versions of the 500 from Abarth, Fiat’s in-house tuning company. These are the Abarth 595 and Abarth 695 Biposto.

Eco drive The Fiat 500 features eco:Drive technology, which monitors your driving habits in realtime, gives you feedback and tells you how you can improve.

Gearbox The Fiat 500 can either be fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission.

Engines The Fiat 500 comes with a choice of engines. Among them are a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 69bhp; a 0.9-litre twocylinder petrol producing 85bhp; a 1.3-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 95bhp; and a two-cylinder ‘Twinair’ unit.

the last Cinquecento rolled out of the factory two years later.

However, this wasn’t the end of the iconic city car. What had for so many years been a bastion of affordable motoring made a dramatic shift to being a highly sought-after classic. By the 21st century, an old, unroadworthy Cinquecento could set you back upwards of £2,500.

Then, in 2007, 50 years after the original Cinquecento entered production, Fiat announced that a new 500 would be built.

This new car was initially launched with a choice of three engines – a 1.2-litre 69bhp petrol, a 1.4-litre 98bhp petrol and a 1.3-litre 74bhp diesel.

But what was perhaps the most technologically advanced engine was launched in 2010 – a 0.9-litre turbocharged two-cylinder ‘Twinair’ that produced 83bhp

24 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

and was something of a homage to the original 500’s engine.

The next few years saw huge sales successes, giving a mandate for more versions of the 500, including a convertible called the 500C and a sporty Abarth model with 133bhp.

An electric version called the 500e was also released in 2013.

In 2016, the 500 received a significant facelift, with improved cosmetics, revised trim levels and new equipment.

Fiat has now announced that for 2017, which marks the 60th anniversary of the original 500, it will be releasing the 500 60th – a limited edition range-topping convertible model inspired by the retro style of the 1960s.

A mere 250 of these will be available for purchase in the UK, with the first 60 receiving individual numbering.

The legend continues...

GARAGE VIEW Odesseus James – Operations manager at Fiat Motor Village Marylebone Motor Village Marylebone is the UK’s flagship dealer for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Located in Wigmore Street, London, it features cars from Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth and Jeep.

Odesseus James is Motor Village Marylebone’s operations manager. He has an extensive knowledge of all the brand’s vehicles, especially the various incarnations of the Fiat 500.

James has worked on new and old versions of the car, with a few restorations under his belt, and explained: ‘It’s a lot easier to work on the older ones. They’re a lot simpler and have a lot less electrics. Having the engine at the back of the car means it’s a lot easier to unbolt and remove from the car. That’s one of the major differences. The original car is so much smaller

Limited editions There are four limited-edition versions of the 500 – the 500 Mirror, 500 Riva, 500 Anniversario and the new 500-60th.

Trim The Fiat 500 is available in four levels of trim – Pop, Pop Star, Lounge and S. Each spec level introduces extra technological and aesthetic enhancements.

Sat nav The Fiat 500 is available with a TomTom navigation system, which includes 3D maps and services such as real-time traffic updates, weather forecasts and speed camera warnings.

“

If you cut one of the new ones open, the old one can fit inside.

ODESSEUS JAMES

Celebrations for the 500’s 60th anniversary than the newer one. If you cut one mounted in the front of the car. of the new ones open, the old one They’ve fuel-injected it, they’ve can fit inside. We had an original one turbocharged it and the original in the showroom last week and if you was 500cc. We’re now up to 875cc. put it beside the new one it’s like a toy in ‘With that turbo, it’s now 85bhp comparison. You’d be amazed that four people or they’re even achieving 105bhp from can actually sit in that car and drive around – it, so it’s fantastic to get so much power Picture courtesy of Motor Village UK but I wouldn’t want to drive to Scotland in it.’ from such a small unit.

Changes have been beneficial, as even to look at it’s clear ‘Smart is the only manufacturer that produces a twothat the classic model wasn’t the safest to take to the road. cylinder, but I think Fiat’s one is much better and much more ‘It has changed quite a bit, especially from a safety point reliable. The valves work on a solenoid instead of a camshaft, of view. The original Fiat 500 had the engine in the back of which results in more performance. the car and they used a two-cylinder engine,’ he said. ‘We ‘Performance-wise, it’s a fantastic little creation. It’s the use that same two-cylinder design, two pistons working same two-cylinder system from back then.’ together instead of the conventional four. The engine is now When it comes to interesting features on the classic, there

weren’t many to choose from! As James explained, air conditioning is a creature comfort that you just didn’t get in the old 500.

However, there was, he said, one stand-out feature. ‘The original doors were called “suicide doors”. They were hinged on the B-pillar. They swing open and you step out with your legs first in a forward direction.

‘They were given the name “suicide doors” because in a frontal impact you couldn’t open those doors to get out.’

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 25

FEATURES.

FIAT 500

Common faults

The Fiat 500 is a highly popular city car. It’s practical, stylish and pleasant to drive. But like anything mechanical, it’s prone to a few issues that no doubt readers will be familiar with. As it marks its 60th anniversary, we’ve found out what some of the car’s most common faults are, courtesy of Autodata.

Footwell water ingress Firstly, a problem that can affect any 500 model is water ingress into the front footwells. This is caused by a lack of sealant around the rear bumper, meaning water can enter the chassis rail.

26 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Stop-start problem Owners of 500s powered by the 1.3-litre 95bhp MultiJet diesel engine may find the stop-start system fails to automatically restart the car. The root of this problem is a software fault in the engine control module.

FIRST DRIVE: FIAT 500 60TH Washer pipe split All models that are fitted with the rear screen wash and wipe system could have a problem with the rear washer not working because of a split in the washer pipe.

Speed warning failure Examples of the 500 fitted with the vehicle speed warning system and mph speedometer can suffer from the overspeed warning activation not corresponding with the car’s speed setting.

Tailgate electrics fault Another issue that may occur on any 500, except for convertible models, is the electric components on the rear tailgate either only working intermittently or failing altogether.

Jack Evans marks the special anniversary with a drive in the latest version of the iconic supermini.

What is it?

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the original Fiat 500. The new car has taken on the cutesy styling of the classic 500, bringing it into the modern age with better practicality and a lot more safety. The familiar 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is under the bonnet, linked to a five-speed manual gearbox.

What’s new?

There are retro Fiat badges dotted throughout the interior as well as on the exterior of the car. Unique ‘dolce vita’ two-tone paintwork has been applied to the body, giving it all of the retro looks of the original, while chrome ‘hub cap’-style alloy wheels certainly ape those fitted to the old 500. A new seven-inch TFT display has also been fitted inside.

What’s it like to drive?

Our test route took in the narrow, cobbled streets of Turin – the 500’s home territory. Its swift and nimble handling makes darting in and out of traffic a breeze, while the peppy engine suits the car’s frenetic, eager character. The ride is quite firm, although the 16-inch special-edition wheels fitted to this car probably play a large part in this problem.

What’s the spec like?

The biggest benefit to the interior is the all-new, larger infotainment display. It’s relatively simple to navigate and has decent sensitivity. However, its lack of a cowl means that it’s a nightmare to read in direct sunlight. Elsewhere, everything feels of a relatively good quality. However, the red finish applied to the 60th-anniversary edition’s dash feels scratchy and hard.

Should you buy one?

The Fiat 500 60th is a good choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd and like a little extra magic with their 500. The basic recipe remains unchanged, but it’s one that is likely to appeal to many. Given its limited-edition status, it’s a car that will probably appeal to those who like owning something a little special, too.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

ESP module issue Versions of the car that have electronic stability programming (ESP) may have the issue of their hill hold warning light illuminating for no reason.

This is because of a software fault in the ABS/ESP control module.

Model: Base price: Engine tested: Power: Torque: Max speed: 0-60mph: MPG: Emissions:

Fiat 500 60th £19,240 1.2-litre petrol 68bhp 102Nm 99mph 12.7 seconds 40.3 115g/km WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 27

CLUB.

OUR MECHANIC, 66, IS STARTING TO FIND MANUAL WORK HARD

O

ASK THE JUDGE: Ian Gardner, sales manager at automotive legal experts Lawgistics, explains how to handle a sensitive, age-related issue.

ur most senior mechanic has just turned 66. The manual side of his job is becoming a bit of a challenge. He recently had arthritis in his wrist and was off for a few weeks. Our staff have a clause in their contract specifying retirement at 65. We really appreciate his years of service but would like to know where we stand. n The Judge delivers his verdict: To begin with, the default retirement age has been abolished. Dismissing your employee on the mere grounds that he had agreed to a default retirement age in his employment contract would most likely be deemed as age discrimination and in contravention of the Equality Act 2010.

The protected characteristic of age is the only area where direct discrimination is permissible provided it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. It follows that a blanket policy of enforcing a retirement age is not justifiable. The courts have explained that the legitimate aim

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is unlikely to be cost consideration on its own but is a relevant factor. The legitimate aim must be of a public interest nature.

Pursuit of inter-generational fairness and providing access to jobs to the younger generation while maintaining a workforce of a variety of ages could be a legitimate aim.

Respecting the dignity of elderly workers was also recognised by the courts as a legitimate aim.

It appears to be justifiable to force age-related retirement as the preferred alternative to performance management and capability-based dismissal where performance starts to fall. The ‘proportionate means’ requirement is another way of saying no more than necessary.

It requires the employer to give serious thought to options other than dismissal: job restructure, reducing hours, etc.

If, due to his age, the frailty of the employee is such that he can no longer perform his job role satisfactorily, this becomes a matter of lost capability.

The employee’s performance should be measured and

monitored over a period of time, allowing for the performance to improve with the provision of necessary support.

The employer will also be well advised to seek evidence and the opinion of the employee’s medical team and consult with the employee on his view of the situation.

Redeployment or job variation ought to be considered and any reasonable adjustments made. If the capability is objectively assessed as lost based on the evidence, the employer can be justified in proceeding to dismissal.

The absence related to the bout of arthritis will not be sufficient to justify dismissal. If the condition has reached an advanced stage and severely limits your employee’s physical capability to perform the job, then the employer can appraise the position of the employee in view of his lacking capability following the above-outlined process. Otherwise, the arthritis ought to be viewed as a chronic medical condition, and the limitations it imposes on the employee could arguably be overcome by making reasonable adjustments.

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Just quote ‘Brake Training 2017’ in the promo code box when registering your interest. Find out more and register your interest here: pagidprofessional. co.uk/training/braking/

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TO JOIN GO TO WORKSHOPCLUB.CO.UK OR CALL 023 9252 2434 AND 28 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Customer may be entitled to a repeat performance

W

e carried out an oil and filter replacement but the mechanic didn’t ensure the seal was fitted properly. The customer took the vehicle and it was later returned.

What is he entitled to? n The Judge delivers his verdict: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, every contract to supply a service is to be treated as including a term that the service must be carried out with reasonable care and skill by the trader.

The service must also be carried out within a reasonable time.

In relation to reasonable time, this will be objective. If it’s a minor repair, then a lengthy amount of time would be deemed unreasonable. However, if it’s a complex issue requiring extensive work, then of course this would be deemed more reasonable. If either of these are breached by the trader, the customer is entitled to a remedy. If it is deemed the service is not carried out with reasonable care and skill by the trader, the right to a repeat performance will be eligible which must be carried out within a reasonable time and without significant

inconvenience to the customer.

The cost of the repeat performance will be incurred by the trader – including the cost of labour and materials.

If the trader fails to carry out the performance within a reasonable time, the consumer will have the right to a price reduction. A price reduction is defined as an appropriate amount and could, where appropriate, be the full amount of the price.

If the customer is entitled to a repeat performance and this cannot be undertaken, or the repeat performance has not been carried out within a reasonable time or without significant inconvenience, a price reduction would be available to the customer.

If a refund is due, this must be returned within 14 days from agreeing the refund and must be done via the same means of payment received, unless agreed otherwise. The trader cannot impose any fee in reference to the refund. n Got a problem? Something that’s proving tricky to resolve? Send an email to TheJudge@lawgistics.co.uk and you may see your problem dealt with in a future issue of Workshop.

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The software can help manage supplier and customer details, help you keep on top of your costs and ensure that your business is running as smoothly and as profitably as possible.

Workshop Club members are eligible for a 10 per cent discount on their first year of a Dragon2000 software subscription – and they get the free Vehicle Health Check app too.

As part of your membership, you will have a free telephone consultation with Lawgistics worth £100. You will also be signed up to Lawgistics’ basic membership package worth £95, have 25 per cent discount off Lawgistics products, get access to guidance notes and document templates and enjoy a discount off membership upgrades – £100 off the Small Business pack and £250 off the Professional membership pack – to better suit your needs.

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Strength in Quality WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 29

OUR PROJECT CAR.

ADAM WELLER TELLS THE FASCINATING TALE OF AN AUSSIE BRUTE WITH A CHEQUERED HISTORY

More power may lead to glory for mighty Monaro

T

he arrival of the Holden Monaro on our shores was a momentous occasion for the type of person who knows what Bathurst is, or at least loves a good muscle car.

Badged as a Vauxhall, the Monaro picked up a significant cult following in the UK. While its true identity has been well covered, some Monaro faithful may not know that the 5.7 Litre V8 Aussie brute also has local racing history in the British GT Championship.

In the build-up to the 2004 racing season, Allen Orchard of Emotional Engineering set sail for Australia to buy a Corvette-powered Garry Rogers Motorsport Monaro that had won the Bathurst 24 Hour. However, after getting there he realised that his team simply didn’t have the budget for such a car.

Instead, Orchard was offered the Monaro we see here, which was sitting in the Garry Rogers workshop at the time. Orchard made the purchase and the car made its debut in British GT at the second round of the season.

The Monaro was placed in the N-GT class of British GT, which played home to Le Mans-spec cars from Porsche, Ferrari and TVR, as well as home-grown offerings from Mosler and Ultima.

To be on the same level as the competition, the Monaro would require a lot of development; unfortunately, such strides proved impossible under Emotional’s limited budget, despite factory backing from Vauxhall.

The Monaro competed in British GT from 2004 to 2006, and while the car was developed to the best of the team’s abilities, it was never able to challenge the other cars in its class.

Reflecting on his time with the car, Matt Griffin, a seasoned professional driver who raced the Monaro throughout its time in the championship, said: ‘The Monaro was very interesting. When I signed my deal with Emotional Engineering, it looked like a very exciting project, but it turned out it was not the same car that had just won at Bathurst.

‘Competing against Ferrari, Porsche and co was always going to be a struggle for a car like the Monaro, and as we pushed the performance envelope we ran into reliability issues. In saying that, I spent almost three years with the car and team. The car was fantastic fun to drive; I guess similar to the V8 supercars in Australia.

Unfortunately, it was just not fast enough.’

After British GT, Emotional Engineering donated the car to a college.

Current owner Andy Wilson, of Doncaster, who races the car in the CTCRC Thunder Saloons and the Northern Sports & Saloons Championship, summed up the car’s time around students, saying: ‘A college had it and they basically destroyed it! It was donated for them to work on, and they made a real mess of it.’

Miraculously, it survived its time at the hands of the students, and found its way into the hands of veteran historic racer Joss Ronchetti.

Ronchetti spent plenty of money on the car, but he and the team struggled to improve it over the course of two seasons.

Wilson bought the car from Ronchetti in time for the 2014 season. The car now housed a 7.0-litre Chevrolet LS7 motor, rather than the 5.7-litre LS1 it ran during its days in British GT. On Wilson’s second run

Carbon-fibre panels were added to the car to save weight last winter

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with the car the LS7 expired, prompting him to reinstall the original 5.7. After this, he set about developing the car. ‘It’s better now than it was in British GT. It’s dry-sumped, for one, which it never was with Emotional Engineering.

‘It’s now got throttle bodies on it and a lot more roll cage; it’s just a better car. The guys who ran it in British GT have seen it, and essentially, all the little bits and bobs they couldn’t afford to do, I’ve done.’ And the improvements have certainly made themselves known, with Wilson lapping faster than Griffin at Oulton Park.

This season, Wilson upgraded to a six-litre engine, but this change was short-lived. ‘At Silverstone, the con rods went out of the sides, front and back of the engine after a bolt failed. It was totally destroyed, but it’s being repaired as we speak, and we’ll be back out with the car this August.’

Next year, Wilson’s ambitions will stretch further, with

It’s competitive but to win outright it really needs that big engine.

a seven-litre engine set to be installed over the winter. ‘It just needs more power. It’s got 500bhp, but it’s a big car and it needs an extra 100bhp.

‘It’s competitive – it’ll run at the front in most series – but to win outright it really needs that big

engine.’ After three years of trials and tribulations in British GT, a brush with auto-mortality at the hands of student engineers and a troubled couple of years with Ronchetti, the Monaro N-GT is finally starting to live up to its potential.

A lot of work has been done on the car lately but it needs more firepower

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PRODUCTS.

Clarke SDS+ rotary hammer drill How much: £75.59 (inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk

Laser Tools tube straightener How much: £84.29 (inc VAT) Available from: lasertools.co.uk

New for you

This three-in-one tube straightener from Laser Tools makes dealing with coiled brake pipes a quick and easy process. Among its many attributes, it lets you match the exact bends of the original pipe without causing any twists in the new one. The tool is operated by hand and is adjustable to three sizes – 5mm, 6mm and 10mm.

The Clarke CRD1100 multi-function SDS+ rotary hammer drill has the power required for those big heavy-duty tasks. The 1,100W motor allows for an impact rate of 4,200 blows per minute. The tool has three functions – drillonly, hammer-only plus simultaneous drilling and hammering. A selection of accessories is included, such as a 13mm keyed drill chuck, two chisels, three TCT drill bits and a moulded storage case.

Teng 110-piece service case How much: £599.99 (inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk This fully portable tool kit comes in a durable carrying case with suspension wheels, retractable handle and combination lock. Inside are nine trays to hold the kit, which consists of a 17-piece half-inch socket set, 12-piece combi spanner set, four-piece plier set, seven-piece screwdriver set, seven-piece torx screwdriver set, seven-piece hex key set, 35-piece quarter-inch socket set, 19-piece three-eighth-inch socket set and a five-piece ratchet handle set.

Laser Tools safety locking wire How much: £12.50 (inc VAT) Available from: lasertools.co.uk This locking wire from Laser Tools is ideal for securing components in motor racing, high performance and classic cars. It acts as a positive locking device by preventing fasteners from loosening as a result of vibration. The wire can be threaded through a drilled hole, anchored and then twisted. It really comes in handy when dealing with important areas such as suspension and brakes.

32 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Clarke six-tonne axle stands How much: £29.99 (inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk Clarke’s new set of two axle stands can hold a combined load of six tonnes. Made of welded steel for maximum strength and safety, these useful tools are ideal for a wide range of automotive work. The stands have five lockable height positions, ranging from 333mm to 500mm, with a secure pin and chain load support.

A U-shaped saddle is also featured, allowing for even load distribution.

Laser Tools cable cutter and crimper How much: £26.83 (inc VAT) Available from: lasertools.co.uk This cable cutter, crimper and stripper from Laser Tools has a blade made from stainless steel. It features a dual notch for cutting up to 70mm2 cable. The handle is made from fibreglass-reinforced nylon and TPV.

Clarke Jetstar and Jet pressure washers How much: £71.98, £107.98, £149.99, £179.98 and £215.98 (all inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk Clarke has released a new range of Jetstar and Jet pressure washers with varying levels of power. The Jetstar 1850 and 1950 have 1,400W and 1,600W respectively and are suitable for standard car cleaning. Meanwhile, the Jet 7500, 8500 and 9500 have 1,600W, 2,100W and 2,400W respectively, meaning they are capable of being used in a more heavy-duty environment.

Clarke industrial air compressor How much: £838.80 (inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk This Clarke industrial air compressor is highly mobile, as it has been designed for use in areas without mains electricity. It has a 5.5bhp Honda engine and a 50-litre air receiver tank. The compressor pump is made from high-quality cast iron, while the compressed air output is controlled by an outlet regulator, ensuring clean air is provided at the desired pressure and volume.

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PRODUCTS.

Laser Tools Alldrive ratchet T-handle set How much: £48.46 (inc VAT) Available from: lasertools.co.uk The Laser Tools Alldrive ratchet T-handle set is perfect for retrieving fixings from the deepest parts of an engine bay. The tapered profile sockets design can remove and tighten metric, AF, Spline, Star and BA fasteners and is especially useful on older cars.

The set comes with a one-quarter-inch T-handle driver with an 80-tooth ratchet and a spinner sleeve.

Ten Alldrive sockets are included in sizes ranging from 4mm to 13mm.

Teng 1,001-Piece Mega Master tool kit How much: £3,999.98 (inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk

Laser Tools vibration damper holding tool How much: £300.72 (inc VAT) Available from: lasertools.co.uk The Laser Tools vibration damper holder is a must-have bit of kit for maintaining engine timing when removing the front vibration damper.

It needs to be used whenever the vibration damper is removed – for example, when the front crankshaft oil seal is being replaced.

The most complete tool kit in the Teng range, this 1,001-piece set uses the Teng Tools TT tray system and comes with a massive selection of tools for a wide variety of purposes. The stack system is mounted on a ball-bearing cabinet combination.

A personalised top box can be added to your order, too, for no extra cost.

SIP heavy-duty generator How much: £1,139.99 (inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk This heavy-duty generator from SIP will come to your rescue when your other sources of power are limited. The robust and potent unit produces 180 amps at a 60 per cent duty cycle. It has a 15bhp petrol engine and a fuel tank capacity of 25 litres.

The device is portable, with mounted wheels and folding handles.

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Laser Tools PSA fuel pump sprocket aligning tool How much: £15.79 (inc VAT) Available from: lasertools.co.uk This high-pressure fuel pump aligner from Laser Tools is designed for use on Citroen and Peugeot 1.6-litre diesel engines from 2014 onwards. It’s a single pin that has been shaped to align the car’s high-pressure fuel pump sprocket.

Laser Tools battery terminal crimping tool How much: £242.33 (inc VAT) Available from: lasertools.co.uk The Laser Tools battery terminal crimper is a non-insulated handheld tool, suitable for non-heavy-duty work. It measures 670mm in length and weighs 4kg, with a capacity of 10mm2 to 150mm2.

Laser Tools safety lanyard How much: £15.24 (inc VAT) Available from: lasertools.co.uk The Laser Tools safety lanyard clips on to a belt or wrist and can securely hold a tool while still stretching enough to allow unrestricted use.

This makes it perfect for use on production lines, working at height, machine assembly and maintenance. The lanyard reduces the risk of damage and accidents in the workplace. It has a capacity of 4.5kg and extends to 120cm.

Kärcher K2 Premium Full Control pressure washer How much: £169.99 (inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk The Kärcher K2 Premium Full Control is an amalgamation of lightweight construction, allowing for maximum portability, and high power. It has a simple quick connection, space for on-board accessory storage and Full Control lances with integrated settings guides.

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PRODUCTS. TEST 34

Air impact wrenches Delivering speed, convenience and power to a workshop, air impact wrenches are a real boon. Let’s see which one was the biggest hit with our expert testers...

T

here’s nothing more symbolic of a vehicle workshop than the highpitched buzz of an air tool. Any serious premises has a big compressor or a bunch of air lines for the speed, convenience and power that air tools bring.

Although air tools take many forms, the air impact wrench is probably the most recognisable. Able to supply huge amounts of torque instantly, they can spin off stubborn nuts and bolts with little effort, saving time on most procedures.

Most often put to use on wheels – what better way to remove and refit 16 to 20 wheel nuts or bolts quickly? – they have myriad other applications, particularly on suspension components, wheel hubs and items such as crankshaft pulleys, for those mandated cambelt changes.

Air impact wrenches turn what would be an arduous task for a DIY mechanic into a 30second job. We’ve looked at a small selection of wrenches to see which one we’d want to hand.

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Sykes-Pickavant 90201000

Sykes-Pickavant 90201700

How much: £189.00 (ex VAT) Where from: sykes-pickavant.com

How much: £209.00 (ex VAT) Where from: sykes-pickavant.com

Quality comes at a price, so it’s no surprise to find that the Sykes-Pickavant tools were among the most expensive in our test. The cheaper of the two models we tried out was this – the German-made Muller 114 – which comes with a half-inch drive, though ¾- and 3/8-inch drives are also available from the same range. The wrench has a maximum reverse torque of 1,600Nm, which made extremely light work of removing the stubborn wheel nuts on our test car. The adjustable three-step speed and torque setting of the wrench also makes it easy to operate smoothly and confidently.

In many ways, this tool is little different to the other Sykes-Pickavant offering. It’s also a Germanmade Muller 114 wrench and the basic controls are identical, but the key difference is that this one is designed very specifically for use in tyre centres and fast-fit bays. Not only is it set to have a maximum forward torque of 80Nm, aiding accuracy, especially when locating and refitting wheel studs instead of nuts, but it also automatically prevents overtightening. It has a high-visibility green body as well, making it much easier to spot on the workshop floor – an important health and safety consideration.

In addition, it has the same impressive 1,600Nm of reverse torque as the black wrench.

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HOW WE TESTED THEM Aside from the raw torque rating, which will be a matter of preference depending on your workshop’s typical needs, we’ve been looking at how comfortable and easy these tools are to use over short periods and for longer-term operation. Control weightings, basic operations and vibration have also been assessed.

Draper 4201A

Sealey SA6002

Kobe KSW120

How much: £56.34 (inc VAT, promotion) Where from: drapertools.com

How much: £227.94 (inc VAT) Where from: sealey.co.uk

How much: £130.20 (inc VAT) Where from: cromwell.co.uk

This is a relatively simple and comfortable piece of equipment that seems to be just the right size, but it’s a little let down by the weight – it’s the heaviest item here, but it’s not backed up by the torque on tap. It gets a little tiring in longer use as a result, particularly as there’s a bit more vibration than with the others. The forward/reverse switch is a little notchy, and there’s only a single reverse speed. Most of the time that’s all you’ll need, but the other guns here have a variable control.

The Sealey wrench is impressive all round. Even ignoring the fact it has the highest torque rating here, it’s the ideal size and weight for just quickly picking up and using briefly or for tackling more intensive jobs. There’s less vibration than with the other guns, and it has a simple-to-use speed controller on the front that’s weighted perfectly to just lever with a thumb. A slider switch allows you to quickly change direction independently of speed – letting you set the right torque to unfasten a bolt and retain it when you switch to fastening it back up again.

The stubby Kobe is a neat little tool. The compact dimensions mean that it’s a little easier to get into tight spots and it’s by far the lightest piece here, so it’s not something that’ll wear you out over prolonged use. The light weight is a little bit of a hindrance at times – make sure you have a decent grip on it for the initial kick – and the proximity of the handle to the drive itself is a bit of a wrinkle, but it has a neat variable drive switch on the back that allows for fine control.

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PRODUCTS. TEST 35

Locking wheel nut removers There’s no need to panic if your customers lose or forget to bring in their locking wheel nut removal key!

A

lmost as soon as alloy wheels became a status symbol, people started nicking them. Thus the locking wheel nut (or bolt) was born. The idea was relatively simple: it was a nut or bolt with a non-standard outside pattern, which meant that readily available hex and bi-hex sockets simply wouldn’t fit well enough to get a purchase and unfasten.

With other standard tools unable to fit into the wheel recess, the locking nut couldn’t be removed without a key. The key, of course, was a nut with an interior pattern to match that of the locking nut and a standard hex pattern on the outside.

Supplied as a set of four, you’d fit one to each wheel and your alloys were safe.

This rapidly became a problem for garages, as customers would take their cars in for brake or suspension work, or even tyre fitting, and not think about the locking wheel nut key. Most of the time the key was left in the glovebox, ashtray or spare wheel well, but every now and then it would be somewhere at home – or lost altogether.

This needed a solution, and the universal locking wheel nut removal tool was born.

Laser 3464 How much: £50.09 (inc VAT) Where from: lasertools.co.uk The Laser set has a couple of handicaps that move it down the pecking order here. The first is that it’s the screw type of removal tool, which is ultimately second best thanks to the tolerances required for effective use. It also seemed slightly more tricky to actually gain purchase on a stuck fastener than the other screw types here, though we couldn’t find any difference in the pitch of the screw to account for that and there’s not really that much difference with an impact gun behind it. However, it’s the gap in sizing that relegates this set for us – there’s no socket between 21.5mm and 26mm. With a 24mm option, this set would rate higher.

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38 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Sealey SX201 How much: £59.94 (inc VAT) Where from: sealey.co.uk Like the Irwin set also tested here, the smaller Sealey kit uses an unusual lobed pattern on the inside. It consists of six rather deep grooves, and the rate at which they lock on to any kind of rounded fastener is astonishing. While the screw types take a few turns to get a purchase, these fluted grooves get a grip almost immediately – nothing we tried needed more than a quarter turn before it started coming out. The sizes in this kit are nice, and the drift tool for dispensing with chewed-up nuts afterwards is a thoughtful addition.

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Irwin 394001 How much: £22.00 (inc VAT, special offer) Where from: cromwell.co.uk This set of bolt removers from Irwin uses six deep grooves rather than the screw pitch of most other sets here and it’s something of a revelation as a result. They lock almost immediately on to anything that you can physically fit into the bore, even by hand, and before you’ve even reached a quarter turn the grooves will have firmly gouged their way into the bolt head. The fact that they’re imperial-sized is interesting too, as it means they can get to work more easily on rounded and corroded bolts that have worn down between metric sizes. However, the majority of this kit is a little small for locking nut use, with even the largest being too small for some of the old 23mm lockers we had lying around.

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Sealey SX202 How much: £67.74 (inc VAT) Where from: sealey.co.uk

Draper LWNS4-B How much: £22.79 (inc VAT, promotion) Where from: drapertools.com This set from Draper is remarkably similar to the Laser kit also tested here, with the subtle difference of the anti-corrosion coating. It’s similar in that it has an unusual gap in the sizing – these screw-on removal tools need to be closely matched to the size of the nut/bolt being removed, and with the kit jumping from 21.5mm to 26mm there’s a range of fairly common sizes it just won’t deal with.

Otherwise, it’s a decent set that isn’t too troublesome to get going with the right-size bolt – we just wouldn’t rely on it as our only set.

HOW WE TESTED THEM These removal tools essentially follow the same sort of design intention. They use a sharpened, left-handed thread to allow you to wind them on to a locking nut – or any other nut or bolt, such as ancient, rounded-off fasteners – where they chew into the head and then unfasten the bolt. The only way to test them then is to let them loose on some locking nuts and rounded bolts to see how they deal with things.

Although generally we prefer the lobed type to the screw type of bolt removal tool, the fact is that if you have an air impact wrench to hand, this set will take any nut or bolt off anything. As noted elsewhere, getting the screw type to lock on to a stubborn nut with a hand tool isn’t easy, but we can’t overlook the fact that the sizes on offer here cover every eventuality for locking nuts. So long as you’ve got a power tool behind it, this is the only set you’d ever need.

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OUR FLEET.

Nissan 200SX A new MOT breaks the bank – but it’s all for the greater good, says Darren

C

ars are expensive, we all know that.

Especially enthusiast cars, and especially old enthusiast cars.

I’d always been pretty confident my Nissan 200SX was in pretty good nick for its 23 years on this planet. When I bought it, I went over it with a fine-tooth comb looking for rust – but its first MOT in my ownership uncovered the fact I might need a better comb.

I booked the car in with Turner’s Garage in Bury, West Sussex, and wasn’t surprised to get a call later that day saying the car had failed – but the fact that rust was one of the reasons tied a knot in my stomach.

They had found a decent chunk of the dreaded stuff in the driver’s side sill, and welding it without setting fire to the car – which I was rather keen on – would require ripping out some of the interior.

The steering coupling was also in a bad way, so the column had to be taken out to replace it. The item itself was £20.99 but, as you can probably guess, the cost of labour quickly ramped up.

Aside from that, the only other part needed was a new off-side rear shock absorber, which set me back about £75, while I also ordered some spark plugs for about £30.

My total bill was £695.14. Not long ago that would have been as much as I’d ever spend actually buying a car.

I keep reminding myself it’s an investment, but accounting for the purchase price and fixes so far I’m approaching £5,000 all-in. I don’t want to go much above that as I don’t want to wait decades for it to appreciate into profit!

However, all worries went to the back of my mind the second I drove it. It feels sweeter than ever before, and even the intermittent misfire disappeared for our first day back together.

That 1.8-litre engine is so damn smooth when it’s on-song that it has motivated me to finally get it sorted. Probably for the best if I book it in after

Darren’s faced a hefty bill this month, right my next payday, though. Then all that’s left to do is get new rubber all round. The rears are getting close to the legal limit while the fronts were an advisory for showing signs of perishing, which I’ve been pretending not to notice.

Ignoring the massive outlay this month, I have fallen back in love with the Nissan 200SX. And with the engine firing like a dream, I even got a taste of why these cars became the darlings of the drift scene – helped by torrential downpours and borderline rubber, of course.

Despite the big expense, on the balance of things, this has been a largely positive month in ‘S13’ ownership.

Model: Nissan 200SX Owned by: Darren Cassey Engine: Turbocharged 1.8-litre inline-four Bought for: £3,750 Mileage: 131,720 Spent this month: £695.14 Highlight of the month: Falling back in love with my JDM unicorn.

Ford Thunderbird

P

rogress is made in small steps sometimes. The progress I’ve made in the past month has had very similar results to last time, but in reality I’m far further along with my project car.

I’m actually quite good at deciphering product codes and working out what I need, and that was my assumption with a popular brand like Ford.

There were more than 69,000 Thunderbirds made in 1966, and I thought parts shared across Ford’s product architecture of the time would make things easier.

Instead, I was faced with reels of potential

parts that claimed to fit my motor, but all of them looked slightly different. I ordered a two-barrel carburettor rebuild kit, only to be told by someone I had the uprated four-barrel, but then when I tried to fit it I soon realised it was the two.

I also ordered a fuel pump, but when I removed the existing – and very broken – one from the car, they were very different. The new addition had an extra chamber for fuel – fortunately, though, it actually made the car run better and fitted within the space available.

The joys of having a huge engine bay!

So this time, with the bonnet down and no need for added intervention, I was able to drive

OUR WHEELS...

WE LOVE CARS AT WORKSHOP AND HERE’S THE PROOF. WE’VE WRITTEN ABOUT THEM AND EVERYTHING...

40 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

FORD FIESTA XR2

VW TYPE 3 FASTBACK

NISSAN ELGRAND

FORD THUNDERBIRD

by James Baggott Chief executive, @CarDealerEd

by Rebecca Chaplin Head of editorial, @believebecca

by Andy Entwistle Blackball Media MD, @CarDealerAndy

by Rebecca Chaplin Head of editorial, @believebecca

The XR2 is still with Matt for fettling, but I’m already making plans to restore her pepperpot alloys when she returns.

With the Thunderbird getting all of the love, the Volkswagen has been feeling a bit left out. That means sticky brakes and a flat battery...

A recent 2,000-mile trip has revealed vibration over 60mph, but Andy doesn’t think this is a balancing issue. More investigations to follow.

A good month of progress has left Becca feeling that it won’t be too long before she and her car finally hit the highway (see above).

Peugeot 205 GTi James’s ’80s classic has been getting mixed reactions from friends and family

I

’ve been revelling in the fact my Peugeot 205 GTi is back on the road after Matt The Mechanic worked his magic last month – and I've been celebrating by actually using it.

The sight of me rolling around in an ’80s hot hatch has been met with mixed reactions, though. The wife thinks it’s pretty cool, whereas one friend flat-out refuses to get in ‘that old piece of four-letter word’. Interesting really, as I never thought a classic like this would divide opinion quite as much as it does.

With a few miles under its belt now, I’ve noticed J39 JMR is not without its niggles still.

First there’s the squeaks – they’re definitely coming from under the seats, but by the time I park up I've completely forgotten they exist. It’s like there’s some sort of brain wipe that takes place when I open the door, instantly erasing anything that’s gone before it and meaning I forget to find some WD-40 every time I get out.

To be fair, that brain fade could be caused by the weird smell. MTM said it had been burning a ‘bit of oil’, and anyone who’s had the misfortune of following me down the road has confirmed that definitely is the case.

The smoking has gone but the smell certainly hasn’t. It seems to seep into the cabin at the lights or junctions, so is one to keep an eye on.

Or I could use it to wipe other people’s brains

my car with full visibility ahead for the short distance that I tried it in our works parking lot.

It’s still lacking brakes though, meaning there was still the added fun of rolling to a stop before wincing as I put it in park.

Another important upgrade was the move away from a Buxton bottle to a glacéau smartwater one as a temporary fuel tank.

With thicker plastic and an extra 100ml capacity, it’s one I’d advise for anyone looking to run a 390cu V8 on less than a litre of petrol.

I promise my next project is to get those brakes sorted and then I’ll start the laborious and expensive task of getting the boot welded.

SUBARU LEGACY GT-B

It’s had some mechanical attention, but J39 JMR still has a few niggles to be addressed when I need it. A handy optional extra, I’m sure you’ll agree.

There’s also the case of the mis-fitting interior light assembly. For some reason, it just doesn’t fit properly in the housing and keeps dropping down in front of the rear-view mirror. I attempted a repair in the only way I know how – with some gaffer tape – but even that trusty solution failed.

The freakishly hot weather and the fact J39 JMR is black means it’s hotter than the sun inside, on a par with the inside of a Pop Tart on most occasions, thus rendering the gaffer tape a sticky mess of molten liquorice.

I’m sure I’ll find a solution for it eventually.

Either that or the weather will get cold again

Model: Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 Owned by: James Baggott Engine: 1.9-litre Bought for: £1,200 Mileage: 130,870 Money spent this month: £0 (Already owned the gaffer tape!)

Highlight of the month: Enjoying driving the car after it received the attentions of Matt The Mechanic. (probably in August) and I’ll be able to use the gaffer tape once more. Until then, I’ll be continuing to drive and enjoy her – it’s about time the old girl got some abuse, sorry, I mean use.

I must remember to check the oil…

Model: 1966 Ford Thunderbird ‘Flair Bird’ Owned by: Rebecca Chaplin Engine: 6.4-litre V8 390 Bought for: £4,250 Mileage: 24,043 Money spent this month: £0 Highlight of the month: Feeling like I’m making some decent progress with the beast.

That will involve removing the fuel tank, so it’ll give me a great opportunity to clean it out – but I’ll be adding a fuel filter too! As I say, baby steps, but it does feel like I’m much closer to getting this car on the road.

BMW 330D TOURING

MG METRO TURBO

NISSAN 200SX

PEUGEOT 205 GTi

by Jon Reay Multimedia manager, @JonReay

by Jack Evans Features editor, @jackrober

by Christian Tilbury Staff writer, @Christilbury1

by Darren Cassey Senior staff writer, @DCassey

by James Baggott Chief executive, @CarDealerEd

Rather than fix anything, Jon has covered up the mysterious timing belt noise with £300 of new audio equipment. Has it worked? Yes.

Jack’s away at the moment and Belfort is looking a bit unloved in the Workshop car park. A late summer road trip is planned, though.

Only a leaky metal water pipe is stopping Christian’s Metro from returning to the road. Just a bit of a shame the part’s obsolete…

Darren’s had to spend big this month, with rust rearing its ugly head, but is still loving life with his recent purchase, as he says above.

The 205 has been getting some use thanks to Matt The Mechanic’s efforts – but one or two niggles still remain, as reported above.

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OUR KEV.

OUR MAN ON THE INSIDE SPILLS THE BEANS ON THE GARAGE BUSINESS...

Professor Google – a key ally when facing a tricky repair I ’m not old by any stretch of the imagination (well, I’m 42, so I guess that depends on what you consider aged), but in the quarter of a century I’ve been spannering, things have changed dramatically.

So what, in that period, do you think has been the single biggest advance in car repair technology? ECUs? On-board diagnostics? Massively improved ramps and power tools?

For me, the thing that has improved my working life more than anything else is social media. I appreciate that this probably makes me a pariah among some of my forebears, for whom ‘diagnostic equipment’ describes the senses of sight, taste, hearing, smell and touch. But in this age of modern and increasingly complex car design, there’s nothing more useful than the combined wisdom of those who’ve been there before you and succeeded, and – sometimes more pertinently – those who have failed.

And you’ll find all of it on Facebook pages and YouTube videos from around the world.

Just last week, for example, I had a Land Rover Discovery Series 2 in the workshop, proudly displaying what those in the know refer to as the ‘Three Amigos’.

No doubt a few of you are already nodding sagely, but for those who have never encountered this particularly colourful display, it involves the ABS, traction control and hill descent control lights all aglow at once.

Back in the mid-2000s, when the Disco 2 was still considered very much a premium vehicle, the book time on this particular job at a Land Rover main dealer was five hours. The fault was with the main ABS regulator block, itself a £400 part.

Consider a main dealer labour rate of £110 an hour, plus the dreaded, and you’re into four figures.

Today, the job requires a £35 shuttle valve. You can buy one as a pattern part and take the regulator block apart to fit it without disconnecting any of the brake pipes. All it takes is a little bit of courage as you need to physically bend the brake lines to get to it. Go slowly, and the pipework is malleable enough not to sustain any damage.

I discovered this through a YouTube video. Previously, I’d followed the instructions in the Discovery’s online manual and – while it’s accepted practice to replace the shuttle valve rather than the whole regulator block these days – I was taking it completely out of the vehicle, clamping off the brake pipes and adding a good two to three hours’ worth of labour to the job. Now I know it can be sorted in less than an hour.

I haven’t quite managed as yet the 20 minutes that my

Texan YouTube mentor takes, but then it’s unlikely he’s dealing with bolts that have been corroded into place by 12 or 13 British winters…

This is just one example, too. Another quick fix I found online was sorting out the cable adjustment on a VW Group six-speed manual gearbox that had lost first and second as well as fifth and sixth gears.

This can be done from inside the car by carefully removing the interior trim then adjusting the cable with a flat-head screwdriver.

It’s a 20-minute job, and a massively rewarding one when your customer thinks they’re looking at a full gearbox replacement or rebuild only to find they leave your premises just £25 lighter, with a fully functioning car. Yet without social media, there’d have been a load of diagnostic work in advance at the very least.

These days, diagnosing a fault on a car can be pretty straightforward. Professor Google will tell you all you need to know – just give him the make, year, model and symptoms and he’ll come back to you with a list of likely faults plus some step-by-step repair procedures, all played out on the screen by some bloke in a boiler suit with a dreadful accent and a shaky GoPro. Sadly, some less scrupulous mechanics see this as a meal ticket. If the book says four hours, bill the customer for four hours, even if you had the job nailed in 20 minutes thanks to an internet trick of the trade.

I’m quite candid with my lot, though. If I go to my doctor’s surgery and he shows me what’s up with me online after a Google search – and believe me, he does – then I’ve no issue with showing my customers what I’ve done to their car.

I just hope that the doc doesn’t rely on Texan men in boiler suits showing him how to shortcut procedures with a GoPro…

WHO IS OUR KEV? If we told you, we’d have to kill you... What we can say is he’s been around for longer than he cares to remember and has a fund of stories to tell...

42 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

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Another quick fix I found online was sorting out the cable adjustment on a VW Group sixspeed manual gearbox that had lost first and second as well as fifth and sixth gears.

SUPPLIERS GUIDE.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A WORKSHOP SUPPLIER, YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE

Welcome to your essential guide to leading suppliers

WORKSHOP Magazine is proud to publish the contact details of some of the key suppliers of products and services to the automotive repair industry – from components and parts providers to companies specialising in garage equipment, web design, online solutions and even legal advice for when a transaction goes sour.

Our guide to the industry’s must-have partners follows on from the success of a similar resource in our sister publication, Car Dealer Magazine.

This automotive repair, service and maintenance industry version will become just as indispensable.

Keep an eye on this space each month as we include more and more leading suppliers.

Diagnostic Equipment

Aftersales Software

Approved Schemes

eDynamix

RAC Approved Dealer Network

Garage Equipment

Garage Equipment

Garage Equipment

Butts of Bawtry

GEMCO

Pro-Align

Garage Equipment

Garage Management Software

Legal & Compliance

Straightset

Dragon2000

Lawgistics

Parts Suppliers

Parts Suppliers

Trade Bodies

Blue Print

Febi Bilstein

IGA

W: edynamix.com T: 0845 413 0000 E: enquiries@edynamix.com Info: eDynamix offers web-based applications providing a connected and simple-to-use platform in which dealers can manage a customer throughout the service lifecycle, including service plans, electronic vehicle health check, repair and finance plans, proactive follow-up, online bookings, MOT cleanse, VIDEO1st, aftersales surveys, and automated confirmations and reminders.

W: buttsequipment.com T: 01302 710868 E: info@buttsequipment.com Info: Butts of Bawtry is literally a ONE STOP SHOP for the garage or workshop. Offering a comprehensive range of Quality Garage Equipment from leading manufacturers, backed up by our team of trained and certified service and repair engineers. From a trolley jack to a complete workshop installation, Butts have the answer.

W: straightset.co.uk T: 01909 480055 E: paul.bates@straightset.co.uk Info: Straightset is the UK’s leading independent garage equipment company, providing best-in-class design, supply, installation and service of car and commercial workshops for nearly 30 years. We carry a vast range of quality equipment carefully sourced from top manufacturers within the EU and US and offer one of the most comprehensive aftersales services in the market.

W: blue-print.co.uk T: 01622 833007 E: adl-blueprint.bpic@bilsteingroup.com Info: As part of the Bilstein Group, Blue Print supplies OEmatching quality vehicle components, with strong Asian and American coverage. With more than 23,000 different parts in its range, from braking and clutch components to filtration, Blue Print covers a huge portion of the vehicle parc. Want to get it right first time? Think Blue Print.

Approved Dealer

W: rac.co.uk/getapproved T: 0330 159 1111 E: dealernetwork@rac.co.uk Info: Being authorised to use the RAC name as a badge of quality creates strong consumer confidence and increases profitability.

As an RAC Approved Dealer, you have access to one of the UK’s most respected motoring brands. There’s a range of RAC-backed products and services at your disposal, as well as a customer reach of more than 8 million RAC members to promote your dealership.

W: gemco.co.uk T: 01604 828500 E: sales@gemco.co.uk Info: GEMCO is the UK market leader and your one-stop shop for the supply, delivery, installation, training, calibration and maintenance of garage equipment. With the largest comprehensive range of equipment brands available for both car and commercial vehicle workshops, GEMCO provides top-quality garage equipment products and services to car and commercial vehicle workshops.

W: dragon2000.co.uk T: 01327 222 333 E: sales@dragon2000.co.uk Info: Dragon2000 supplies garages and car dealers with a multiaward winning Dealer Management System, time and efficiency monitoring and integrated websites for online service bookings.

Includes free APPraise mobile app for all users – for sending personalised VHC images & videos to customers’ phones to help increase upsold work and customer trust.

W: febi.com T: 01977 691100 E: enquiries@febiuk.co.uk Info: As part of the Bilstein Group, Febi Bilstein supplies a range of more than 25,000 different articles for all popular European vehicle models. From steering and suspension to rubber, metal and electrical, Febi Bilstein provides OE-matching quality components with first-time fitment and long service life. For quality, choose Febi Bilstein.

Nebula Systems

W: nebulasystems.com T: 01280 816333 E: sales@nebulasystems.com Info: Nebula Systems specialises in the development of advanced technologies for the automotive and future mobility industries.

We make vehicle data and systems more accessible so that a vehicle’s health, status and utilisation can be monitored, analysed, diagnosed and maintained, faster and more effectively, anytime and anywhere.

W: pro-align.co.uk T: 01327 323007 E: enquiries@pro-align.co.uk Info: Dedicated wheel alignment specialists, supplying, supporting and servicing the world-leading Hunter brand nationwide: Hunter aligners – Fast, accurate, reliable, unlocking business opportunities, delivering major income stream and rapid ROI Road Force balancer – A new service very few workshops deliver Tyre changers – Easy service perfection

W: lawgistics.co.uk T: 01480 445500 E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk Info: The motor trade’s leading legal firm, giving help and advice to our members and the industry in general. Passionate about fairness under the law. Our legal team are there to protect your interests.

Not anti consumer, just pro trader. Don’t miss our advice, which is published every month in Workshop Magazine. See pages 28 and 29 of this issue for The Judge’s contribution to this month’s issue.

W: IndependentGarageAssociation.co.uk T: 0845 305 4230 E: enquiries@rmif.co.uk Info: The Independent Garage Association is the largest and most prominent representative body in the independent garage sector. We are the voice of the industry in matters arising in UK and EU Government, and we help independent garages to thrive in all aspects of their business by offering advice, information and services.

TO HAVE YOUR DETAILS INCLUDED HERE CALL 023 9252 2434 AND ASK FOR WORKSHOP SUPPLIERS GUIDE LISTINGS WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

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sales@dragon2000.co.uk

dragon2000.co.uk

01327 222 333