Workshop Magazine Issue 21

PROJECT CAR: THE 52-YEAR-OLD SEAT 600 THAT’S AS GOOD AS NEW

ISSUE 21 | JUNE 2017

£2.50 | WORKSHOPMAGAZINE.CO.UK

INSIDE McLAREN

We go behind the scenes of British supercar maker’s hush-hush headquarters INVESTIGATION THE LATEST GEAR

Cool new products in our fan-tastic four-page section

How will the election affect your garage?

POLLING DAY LOOMS – BUT COULD THERE BE A SPANNER IN THE WORKS AFTER JUNE 8?

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02 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

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We’re offering you the chance to win a gamechanging workshop upgrade worth £10,000.

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

EDITORIAL HEAD OF NEWS & FEATURES REBECCA CHAPLIN rebecca@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @believebecca

CONTENTS. 40

The Fleet: Our Darren’s love affair with his Nissan 200SX continues

12

PRODUCTION EDITOR DAVE BROWN

dave@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @CarDealerDave

NEWS EDITOR JACK EVANS

jack@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @jackrober

STAFF WRITER DARREN CASSEY

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

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT SIMON DAVIS

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

HEAD OF DESIGN GRAEME WINDELL

graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @graemewindell

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Our Kev: A close encounter of the bird kind (and a job offer for our apprentice)

14

Workshop Magazine Awards: Entries have started rolling in... and YOU could win a trophy!

McLaren: Where racing technology and expertise create VERY advanced supercars

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER JON HICKEY

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

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 Felicity Bestwick, John Bowman, Darren Cassey, Ian Gardner, Jon Reay 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: Another great four-page focus on latest gear

Welcome

I HATE to start on a slightly negative note, but these are potentially rather worrying times for the independent aftermarket sector. Some big changes are on the way, and although change can be a positive thing, it can also bring uncertainty.

What am I referring to, exactly? Well, three things, really. The prospect of Brexit, the development of the connected car and the trend towards electric and autonomous vehicles are the factors that seem to be causing concern.

So much so that the Automotive Aftermarket Liaison Group, made up of organisations such as the Independent Garage Association, Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation and Scottish Motor Trade Association, has effectively relaunched itself and pledged to work hard on behalf of everyone in our industry to ensure a level playing field for independents as technology changes at an incredibly rapid rate.

The AALG announced all this at a press conference at Silverstone, held to coincide with CDX, the enormous

automotive expo and conference organised by our sister title Car Dealer Magazine. Page 9 is where you can find more coverage of both stories.

What have we got for you elsewhere in Workshop Magazine this month? Well, for our main feature, I travelled to Woking (not that far from our headquarters on the South Coast) to visit the notoriously secretive, but extremely well-known company that is McLaren.

Best known for its Formula One activities, the company also produces stunning supercars these days and I had a fascinating few hours ‘behind the scenes’ with the team.

Also – our popular product tests are back this month! On test for you this time round we have kneeling pads and brake cleaner.

Enjoy the issue.

Rebecca Chaplin, Head of News and Features WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 03

NEWS.

HOW WILL THE ELECTION AFFECT YOUR GARAGE? INVESTIGATION Air quality is a huge topic at the moment and with all of the parties vying for your vote, it is a main plank of many of their recentlypublished manifestos. What could the various proposals mean for your businesses, though? REBECCA CHAPLIN reports.

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o now the main political parties have again to comply with EU limits on pollution.’ all launched their manifestos, but what However, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes do they have in store for the country’s has highlighted that diesel plays an important car owners after June’s general election? role in the commercial vehicle sector.

And how could the plans they’ve announced ‘Commercial vehicles play an essential affect your businesses? but often overlooked role in keeping Britain High on all of the parties’ agendas has been air functioning, performing jobs and transporting quality and promoting the sale of alternativelyvital goods and services that we all rely on,’ fuelled vehicles. New rules are likely to have an he said recently. effect on all garages, regardless of the outcome on ‘This sector has never been so important to the polling day, June 8.

UK economy – and to British jobs – and Changes to technology in cars will diesel’s role in powering these vital force businesses to move with the vehicles should not be downplayed. times or lose out.

Nearly all our commercial vehicles The Liberal Democrats have are driven by diesel, and thanks announced bold plans – grabbing to heavy investment by industry headlines nationally – by to develop world-leading, lowpledging to ban the sale of new emission technology, the latest diesel cars and diesel small vans Euro 6 CVs on our roads today are by 2025. How are they going to do the cleanest and safest ever.’ that? Well, leader Tim Farron also Labour’s manifesto focuses on announced they would introduce a technology, legislation for taxis, diesel scrappage scheme, saying upgrades to road networks and ‘Commercial vehicles he wanted to launch a Green a bold aspiration to reduce play an essential but Transport Act and an Air Quality the number of deaths on the often overlooked role Plan to ‘reduce air pollution and transport network to zero. in keeping Britain protect UK citizens’.

The party wants to invest functioning.’

It’s certainly another concern in low-emission vehicles MIKE HAWES for the service and repair industry, to create environmentallywhich took a hit during the last friendly transport and any Labour scrappage scheme. government would ‘position the UK at The party also plans to make all urban the forefront of the development, manufacture private hire vehicles and diesel buses run on and use of ultra-low-emission vehicles’. ultra-low-emission or zero-emission fuels within There could be some big contracts available the next few years, while it will also support the too, as Labour also seeks to retrofit thousands of manufacture of low-emission and electric diesel buses in the most polluted areas of the UK vehicles to boost jobs and exports. to meet Euro 6 standards.

In his party’s manifesto, Farron says: ‘Air It concludes by saying the party will ‘refocus pollution in the UK is a killer. It contributes to road building and maintenance programmes, 40,000 premature deaths a year and costs the NHS connecting our communities, feeding public £15 billion. This year, London exceeded its transport hubs and realising untapped economic annual air pollution target in just days. potential’. In theory, that should mean fewer pot ‘The government has failed time and holes and less wear on cars and tyres – but it’s

”

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Conservative • Allocate £40 billion for transport improvements.

• Allocate £600 million to pursue the goal of almost every car and van being zero- emission by 2050.

something many governments have promised before to little avail.

At its manifesto launch, the Conservative Party chose to point out that it would be ‘putting some £40 billion into transport improvements across the United Kingdom over the rest of this decade’.

It pledged to continue its programme of strategic national investments, including High Speed 2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, and the expansion of Heathrow Airport. Like Labour, it

Labour

Liberal Democrats

SNP

• Create environmentally friendly transport.

• Ban the sale of new diesel-fuelled cars and small vans by 2025.

• Keep cutting carbon emissions and push UK government to do the same.

• All private-hire vehicles and diesel buses to be ultra-low emission or zero-emission by 2023.

• Keep EU environmental rules.

• Retrofit buses in the most polluted areas with Euro 6 diesel engines.

• Improve roads and other transport links.

• A second Brexit referendum.

• Bring in scrappage scheme for diesel vehicles. also said it would scrap Severn Bridge tolls.

The party also announced its ambition to ‘lead the world in electric vehicle technology and use’ and pledged £600 million by 2020 to make ‘almost every car and van’ zero-emission by 2050.

The 88-page manifesto revealed the party’s intention to ‘invest in more low-emission buses’ and pledged to ‘invest in roads’ and to ‘continue to develop the strategic road network, providing extra lanes on our motorways

and improving key routes’. For the country’s beleaguered commuters, the manifesto says it will create extra capacity on the railways to ease overcrowding and improve existing routes, including freight.

The SNP was the last to announce its manifesto, on May 30, but its environmental agenda is a bit sketchier than other parties’.

Of course, top of the agenda is a second independence referendum, which could have a

huge impact if you’re north of the border. It has also pledged a second Brexit referendum.

When it comes to the environment, Nicola Sturgeon has said it would ‘prevent the threat of Brexit being used by the UK to reduce commitments to tackle climate change… and protect the environment’.

Its focus is on the use of different energy sources to reduce emissions though, rather than what’s coming from your exhaust.

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 05

NEWS. | THATCHAM REPAIRFOCUS |

Your chance to visit the bodyshop of the future IT’S the annual event that gives a glimpse into the future of repairs, skills and leadership within the repair industry.

And this year will be the first year to see Thatcham RepairFocus extended into Thatcham’s Repair Technology Centre, where there will be a ‘Bodyshop of the Future’ exhibition. Here, visitors will be able to see new equipment and repair techniques that have come about as a result of recent technological changes.

Practical repair challenges presented by modern vehicles will be the focus of discussion and the exhibition will display new equipment and repair techniques, including mixed materials, powertrains and safety technology.

Thatcham is highly active in training new technicians for the industry, as will be illustrated by an experience at the Automotive Academy, which offers a variety of learning opportunities, including apprenticeships and advanced technical training. Leadership of the Future will be an opportunity for visitors to learn about business models, enhance their skill set and streamline their operations.

Workshops and seminars, as well as the annual Auto Body Professionals Club National Meeting, will also take place.

Get a glimpse into the future of repairs, skills and leadership at RepairFocus Dean Lander, head of Thatcham’s repair and sector services, said: ‘This is a unique industry event. It’s built around sharing knowledge and insight in a theoretical and practical manner, and it’s the only event of its kind within the bodyshop industry.

‘It’s about providing solutions through research and analysis, repair resources and, importantly, through training. We deliver the insight, education and training required for the bodyshop to succeed in the technological market of the future.’

Euro Car Parts backed by ASA after complaints about TV commercial Firm said it didn’t condone reckless or irresponsible driving and message of ad was to emphasise its fast, efficient service

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television advert by Euro Car Parts has been cleared by a watchdog after complaints that it encouraged dangerous driving.

The advert, seen on November 14, 2016, featured a woman driving along a country lane.

The camera shot to the woman adjusting the volume on the car stereo, then switching gears while speeding up. It then cut to show her pressing firmly on her brakes and stopping suddenly to avoid hitting sheep.

The voiceover stated: ‘I was planning a long journey at the weekend to see the family, so Stewart at the local garage serviced my car. I didn’t have a lot of time but he insisted I change my brake pads.

‘So thanks to Stewart I could stop fast too.

Because he called Euro Car Parts, I was still on my way fast, and to me that makes him my hero . . . heroes keeping Britain on the road, any part for any car, delivered in store or online for heroes nationwide.’

Six complaints were levelled against the advert,

06 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

by TRISTAN SHALE-HESTER @tristan_shale but Euro Car Parts rebuffed them, saying in its evidence to the Advertising Standards Authority that the woman was driving on a country lane with no other cars or pedestrians around and wasn’t driving above 40 miles an hour.

As such, it said, in accordance with the definition of dangerous driving and careless and inconsiderate driving as set out in the Road Traffic Act, it believed it was clear that the woman’s actions didn’t fall below or far below what would be expected of a careful driver.

The company said it didn’t promote dangerous or reckless driving because due consideration was given to the surroundings. It added that the narrative emphasised that the company provided a fast and efficient service and didn’t make reference to the speed of the car.

With regards to irresponsible driving, it stated that if the woman had been shown to be driving on a busy road with pedestrians around, it might

A sheep-related accident is narrowly avoided in the Euro Car Parts TV advert be argued that adjusting the volume in the car could be inconsiderate and irresponsible.

However, she was driving on a country lane, with no pedestrians or other cars around.

Euro Car Parts said that it didn’t condone dangerous, reckless or irresponsible driving and that the overall message of the ad was to emphasise its fast and efficient service.

The ASA agreed, saying it didn’t find the advertisement in breach of advertising codes, so did not uphold the complaints.

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

LANCASHIRE:

More than 60 firefighters tackled a large fire in Ormskirk, the Liverpool Echo reported. The blaze seriously damaged a car workshop at Town Gate Works, with the roof of the building wrecked by flames and thick smoke. Fire crews were called in from neighbouring areas to tackle the fire, the paper added. A cherry picker-style fire engine, called a stinger, was drafted in to enable crews to reach the source of the flames.

| NEW SOLUTION |

AssistConnect gives direct access to data SUNDERLAND:

Nissan’s car factory was affected by the same computer hack that crippled dozens of NHS trusts on May 12.

The attack affected organisations in as many as 150 countries and blocked access to files on thousands of computers. In a statement just after the incident, Nissan said production was on schedule and that although there were some ‘localised issues,’ it was business as usual at the plant.

that provides instantaneous access to multiple vehicle manufacturers’ licensed data without requiring multiple downloads.

With AssistConnect, there is no longer a need to perform software or data updates or upgrades. Since AssistConnect is cloud-based, Autologic automatically manages the update process so that customers always have the most up-to-date data.

Additionally, connecting to the cloud provides direct connection to the Autologic Fault2Fix team of nearly 100 master technicians. Similar to all other Autologic solutions, users of AssistConnect gain direct access to the Company’s Fault2Fix team of master technicians via a live support website, mobile app or phone line.

Automotive answers, p36

SHROPSHIRE:

A 23-year-old mechanic was killed in a crash that happened in the early hours of May 6 near Oswestry, the Shropshire Star reported. Jodie Michael Jordan, of Pen y Cae, near Wrexham, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on the B5009 at Henlle Lane, Gobowen. The collision closed the road for more than 12 hours as police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene.

An inquest will take place in September.

ISLE OF WIGHT:

An Isle of Wight Nissan dealership has broken new ground by taking on the island’s first female technician. Staddlestones Nissan, in Ryde, took on Jade Barry, 21, who had been volunteering at the dealership while completing all three levels of her City and Guilds qualifications at the Isle of Wight College.

Jade said: ‘I’ve always loved working with things, getting my hands dirty and getting stuck in.’

AUTOLOGIC Diagnostics, a worldwide provider of the first cloud-based, vehicle-connected aftermarket automotive diagnostic solution, has announced the release of its new solution, AssistConnect.

AssistConnect is a revolutionary and centralised web-based system that provides automotive repair shops and technicians direct access to the latest approved, licensed vehicle manufacturer data immediately via Autologic’s secure cloud server.

Customers can access the cloud server through their AssistPlus scan tool device. AssistConnect is the only service

| HALFORDS |

Weak pound hits store chain profits BIRMINGHAM:

Sytner BMW Solihull apprentice Toby Diggins from Birmingham was crowned overall Automotive Apprentice of the Year at the fourth Babcock Automotive Apprentice of the Year competition in Milton Keynes. Dozens of apprentices were put through their paces on the day, showing off their technical skills. Diggins said the quality of the training provided at Babcock’s dedicated Automotive Training Academy was ‘amazing’.

RETAILER Halfords has posted a 10.5 per cent fall in annual profits as it took a hit from the weak pound and saw the timing of Easter knock recent sales. The car parts-to-bicycles chain reported pre-tax profits of £71.4 million for the year to March 31, down from £79.8 million a year earlier, as the pound’s plunge since the Brexit vote sent the costs of imported goods surging by £14 million. It also revealed a 1.2 per cent drop in like-for-like retail sales in the final three months due to the later timing of Easter this year.

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

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NEWS.

IMI training for technicians working on electric and hybrid Mitsubishi cars Dealer staff will be able to handle all maintenance requirements thanks to skills gained on officially-recognised course

T

echnicians in Mitsubishi’s dealer network are to receive IMI qualifications in electric and hybrid vehicles.

After working closely with the IMI and taking a lead role in assisting with the creation of industry-standard courses in the maintenance of alternatively-fuelled vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has delivered its first IMI Level 3 course in electric and hybrid vehicles.

The course — one of the highest levels in the suite of electric and hybrid vehicle IMI courses that have been developed to educate everyone from valeters to sales advisors and roadside patrols to master technicians — will now be delivered as standard to all Mitsubishi technicians. It is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to work safely in and around a vehicle’s high- and low-voltage electrical system and electric drivetrain system.

The training has evolved from what was a

one-day technical overview session introduced at the time of the UK launch of the Outlander PHEV in 2014, to become a three-day course incorporating online and practical examinations. On passing the training, Mitsubishi technicians will have an industry-recognised qualification to work on Mitsubishi vehicles, as well as other electric and hybrid vehicles.

The IMI qualifications are the culmination of 12 months of preparation by the Mitsubishi Training Academy – and the academy’s technical trainers – Gary Preece, Jeff Mills and Gary Found – were themselves assessed by the industry organisation.

Ray Watts, training manager at Mitsubishi

Motors in the UK, said: ‘With IMI qualifications, we are working to provide our technicians with additional industry recognition and qualifications that set the benchmark in electric and hybrid vehicle repair and maintenance. It’s another illustration of how we’re investing in our people and franchise to ensure that we are able to deliver the best possible service.’

Lance Bradley, pictured left, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: ‘This officially-recognised course provides customers of what is the best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in the UK with the knowledge that their local Mitsubishi dealer is able to cater for all their maintenance requirements as their ownership experience continues.’

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08 |

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk 506725-Special Products Refrigerants R1234yf Half Page Advert (Mar 2017) 02.indd 1

03/04/2017 07:04

| AUTOMOTIVE EXPO |

Lots for the service and repair sector at CDX17 THIS year’s CDX was hailed the best yet! The automotive conference and expo, organised by Blackball Media, the publishers of Workshop Magazine, attracted a record number of delegates and exhibitors to the famous Northamptonshire venue for the biggest event of its kind in the UK. With more than 20 inspiring workshops and breakout sessions, over 100 exhibitors, breathtaking stands in the vast expo halls and a succession of entertaining debates on the Live Stage, the event was a resounding success.

The event’s headline sponsor was once again GForces, who wowed delegates with an impressive stand in Hall 2. New innovations for 2017 included the Discovery Zone, which was packed throughout the day with dealers keen to see products and services being introduced by up-and-coming companies, some of whom were new to our sector.

And the workshops proved popular too. Sponsoring our sessions in the workshop meeting rooms were the RAC, GardX Protection, GForces and iVendi, who drew hundreds of delegates to listen to presentations on a wide variety of topics ranging from customer service and the future of our industry to technology and finance.

James Baggott, CEO of Baize Group, the parent company

CDX drew thousands of delegates and exhibitors to Silverstone on May 23 of Blackball Media, said: ‘Once again, CDX was a triumph and exceeded our wildest expectations. We don’t deliver a run-ofthe-mill trade expo for the industry, we aim to put on a show and we think that’s what people appreciate.

‘We are truly delighted to report that we had more delegates through the doors than ever, more presentations on the Live Stage and the strongest line-up of workshops we have ever had. And we have big plans for 2018.

‘Next year’s event will be bigger and better still. For the first time ever, it will run over two days.’

Aftermarket bodies join forces to tackle many challenges we face Brexit, electric vehicles, autonomous tech... with so much going on, it makes sense for organisations to work together

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eading organisations in the automotive aftermarket have come together to tackle issues facing the industry.

The Automotive Aftermarket Liaison Group (AALG) – made up of bodies such as the National Tyre Distributors’ Association and Federation of Engine Remanufacturers – outlined its new lobbying position at a special press lunch.

The event was held at CDX in Silverstone, the huge automotive conference and expo organised

by Workshop Magazine’s sister publication, Car Dealer (see above).

The longest-standing member of the group, Dave Garratt, CEO of the Garage Equipment Association, said: ‘The automotive aftermarket is often overlooked, but it plays a significant role in the UK’s economy. The AALG’s job is to bring our industry’s associations, societies and institutes together to work for the interests of all businesses associated with the aftermarket.

‘In the event of Brexit, the development of the connected car and the trend towards electric and autonomous vehicles, we believe there has never

by DAVE BROWN @CarDealerDave been a more important time to work together.

Garage equipment manufacturers need to provide the aftermarket with the tools required to service, inspect and diagnose tomorrow’s vehicles.

‘The introduction of the connected car brings forward a real threat of losing diagnostic connectivity for the independent sector.

‘There has never been a more important time for our organisations to work together to protect consumer choice.’

Stuart James, CEO of the IGA, commented: ‘One of the biggest issues affecting the independent sector is the ability to access vehicle manufacturers’ technical information.

‘Standing united with other aftermarket associations will heighten the chances of a robust and time-efficient solution.’

Wendy Williamson, CEO of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation, said: ‘Protecting the aftermarket’s rights during the

development of the connected car and type approval legislation is of paramount importance to the federation, with the aim of ensuring the independent aftermarket has a level playing field when it comes to access to technical, parts, repair and maintenance information.’

Sandy Burgess, CEO of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, commented: ‘As we progress towards the ‘‘Brexit date’’, the landscape for our industry will change – no doubt creating any number of situations which will generate the need for significant and potentially costly change.

‘The AALG will be able to use the pooled resource of the members to ensure a clear interpretation of the impacts of these changes and provide clarity of understanding to assist those within the industry to take sensible action to mitigate these impacts.’

Stuart James WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

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NEWS. | CONGRATULATIONS! |

Loyal technician Neil congratulated for clocking up 25 years of service A MEMBER of the aftersales team at Jennings Ford’s service department in Washington, Tyne and Wear, has been presented with his third loyalty award.

Neil Gibson, 58, from Consett in County Durham, who works as a senior master technician, has achieved 25 years’ loyalty with the company. The region’s longestestablished motor dealer group rewards members of its 524-strong workforce after 15 years of continuous service, then after every five years. Gibson is one of 28 employees across the group who will receive rewards throughout 2017 for a combined 690 years of loyalty.

To mark the milestone, a presentation took place at the Washington-based workshop where group service and bodyshop manager Brian Johnston handed a loyalty certificate and a selection of vouchers to Gibson, whose workplace nickname is Nev. Johnston said: ‘I would like to congratulate Neil, who is a dedicated and committed member of the aftersales team at

| RAC FIGURES |

Potholes blamed for more breakdowns BREAKDOWNS due to poor road surfaces and potholes have increased by 63 per cent according to the RAC, whose crews attended more than 6,500 incidents in the first three months of 2017.

Broken suspension springs, damaged shock absorbers and distorted wheels were just some of the issues caused by poorly-maintained road surfaces.

The last time this many potholerelated breakdowns were reported was in the first quarter of 2015, when there was more frost and rainfall compared to the same period this year.

The emergency breakdown service also reported that 2.7 per cent of all callouts attended by the RAC were caused by potholes, the largest figure seen since its analysis began in 2006.

RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: ‘Our figures sadly show a surprising and unwelcome first-quarter rise in the number of breakdowns where the poor quality of the road surface was a major factor. We had expected a figure no worse than that recorded in the first quarter of 2016 (4,026) and it is very concerning that the roads appear to have deteriorated in a mild, dry winter.’

10 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Washington, for his loyalty achievement – it was a pleasure presenting the certificate and vouchers to him.’

The world of motors began at the age of 16 for Gibson. After leaving English Martyrs Secondary School in Leadgate, County Durham, he embarked on a four-year apprenticeship with the aim of becoming a fully-fledged motor vehicle technician.

Now, with more than four decades of experience behind him, he has witnessed a number of big changes within the industry, in particular concerning the advances in technology and diagnostic tools and equipment. ‘Technology is changing every day – it’s certainly come a long way since I first embarked on my apprenticeship in the 1970s,’ he said.

u

Neil Gibson, known as Nev, receives his loyalty certificate from Brian Johnston

Bullied young mechanic hanged himself in woods Garage absolved of blame over 18-year-old’s death after he was set on fire and locked in cage

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garage where a teenage mechanic was bullied before he killed himself has been absolved of blame. Eighteen-year-old George Cheese was locked in a cage by his co-workers at Sytner’s Reading Audi dealership, doused with brake fluid and had his clothes set on fire, an inquest into his death heard.

One of his colleagues even told him he should ‘hurry up and kill himself’. In a narrative verdict, coroner Peter Bedford described the conduct of the youngster’s colleagues as ‘unacceptable’.

Bedford, the senior coroner for Berkshire, heard distressing details of the abuse that the teenager suffered.

On one occasion, he was held down by four men while a fifth punched his leg. Another time he

was tied up and ‘pressure washed’ and described as ‘a pussy who went telling tales to mummy’.

The mechanic, above, kept a diary on his iPad in which he recorded the treatment meted out to him.

Much of what happened was dismissed as ‘horseplay’ and ‘banter’ by his colleagues, the inquest at Reading Town Hall was told.

Bedford emphasised in his verdict that there were other factors upsetting the teenager before he

hanged himself in woodland near his Woodley home in April 2015.

He had been suffering from a serious cough for several months and was worried about having cancer.

He had also been affected by mental health problems since he was 14 or 15 and there were additional circumstances too, including a medical discharge from the army and a relationship breakdown.

Bedford said that what had happened had acted as ‘a wake-up call’ for his employers and had come as a ‘significant shock’ to them.

After the inquest, Audi said: ‘We remain deeply saddened by the tragic death of George Cheese in 2015. Both Audi UK and Sytner absolutely condemn any behaviour which is detrimental to the wellbeing of employees.’

| GSF CAR PARTS |

DPF cleaner saves motorists millions GSF Car Parts say the Vetech DPF Professional Cleaner they launched in 2015 has already saved UK motorists millions of pounds in replacement parts. With sales of the DPF cleaner running into thousands of units and replacement parts costing over £1,000 in some cases, the potential amount saved on replacement parts now runs easily into seven figures.

John Wright, head of garage equipment and customer development at GSF, said: ‘We’ve sold thousands of treatments to date, it has been well received by our customers and we have seen no returns or complaints.

‘The fact is it works, it’s simple and it’s extremely cost-effective.’

| CELSUS UK |

Website is given a host of upgrades AWARD-winning distribution specialist Celsus UK Limited has upgraded its ‘trade log-in’ website, enabling customers to access a wider array of vital information even more easily. Celsus was an early adopter of web technology, recognising its potential to streamline operations and save time for trade customers.

The new site reflects today’s browsing patterns by being fully responsive and therefore ‘mobile friendly’. Aesthetics have been sharpened up whilst a host of upgrades have been introduced.

| ACQUISITION |

Parts Alliance buys BMS Superfactors THE Parts Alliance has acquired BMS Superfactors, their Greater Manchester-based associate member.

BMS Superfactors has four branches in Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Dukinfield, collectively employing over 120 staff.

Founded 25 years ago, BMS Superfactors began as a small accessory shop and has grown into a business currently completing over 1,000 trade deliveries each day. Since joining The Parts Alliance in December 2012 they have posted consistent double-digit annual sales growth and have invested to achieve industry-leading service levels, with more than 97 per cent of orders delivered within one hour.

u Damir Zubairi, second left, with, from left, John Connelly, apprentice training manager; last year’s winner Harry Garraway; and Kevin Rendell, head of service and parts operations for VW Passenger Cars

Well done Damir ! VW CVs celebrate a new triumph Youngster is now looking to follow in the footsteps of last year’s Apprentice of the Year winner

V

olkswagen Commercial Vehicles is celebrating for the second year running, as Damir Zubairi, an apprentice service technician from Citygate Van Centre, London, has been named Volkswagen Group Apprentice of the Year 2016.

Picking up the award at the Volkswagen Group’s apprenticeship programme graduation event at Rockingham, Damir says he is now looking to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Harry Garraway from Heritage Van Centre, and work his way up to the highest rank of master technician in the Commercial Vehicles brand.

Having had a passion for all things automotive since a young age, Damir has gone from strength to strength during his three years as an apprentice and was overwhelmed to be awarded the accolade.

He said: ‘I’m surprised and honoured to have won and now look forward to carrying on working hard, becoming a master technician and

by JOHN BOWMAN john@blackballmedia.co.uk

going as far as I possibly can within Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

‘I encourage current apprentices to give their very best throughout the course. Three years seems like a long time, but the sense of accomplishment when you qualify is second to none.’

Training apprentices in worldclass facilities and learning handson from experts, the Volkswagen apprenticeship programme aims to give all apprentices the skills they need to build their careers.

The programme includes courses for service technicians, parts advisors and service advisors, and combines learning and working in a van centre as well as the group’s National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes.

John Connelly, apprentice training manager, said: ‘From the very start, Damir established what was needed to become a successful apprentice.

‘He was always keen to ask questions and he showed a determination which helped him complete his apprenticeship on time and to a very high standard.

He passed his service technician assessment at the first attempt, scoring 100 per cent on his assessment papers. Damir always behaved in a professional manner and his gregarious character gained him friends within his group and the ability to share his knowledge with his peers.’

Erica Belsom, people development manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: ‘We couldn’t be prouder of Damir and I’m delighted to hear his ambition to continue his development. For our brand to have the top apprentice two years in a row is fantastic for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The apprenticeship programme is a great start for anyone looking to launch a career in the motor industry. It’s a qualification that unlocks many doors for future opportunities.’

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NEWS.

Entries have started rolling in... are YOU among the UK’s best?

Marketing benefits, positive publicity, the chance to win a trophy and a great pre-Christmas night out – what’s not to like?

W

e’re delighted to report that the inaugural Workshop Magazine Awards are on course to become a resounding success!

Launched only two months ago, and with our first-ever awards night coming up in December, they have already attracted entries galore as workshops and garages across the UK compete to be crowned the best of the best.

As regular readers will know, we’re looking to recognise the best and brightest businesses and individuals who are working in our industry.

And we are thrilled to have secured the Independent Garage Association as our headline sponsor. Director Stuart James is keen for as many people as possible to enter or nominate others.

He said: ‘My message to independent garages – and all workshops, big and small – is, get involved with the Workshop Magazine Awards, put yourself forward, and you could be lifting a trophy at the awards ceremony in London later this year.

‘These awards are going to be fantastic for our industry – we should all embrace them. The IGA is proud and pleased to be playing a central role.’

The first awards ceremony will be an unmissable occasion for anyone operating in our industry. The setting is The Brewery in London, where, on Monday, December 11, those in the running for our trophies will be treated to a champagne reception, three-course meal and musical entertainment.

Our host for the evening will be none other than motorsport legend Johnny Herbert.

If you’re triumphant on the night, we’ll pull out all the stops to give you the credit you deserve, with extensive coverage of the event in our magazine. Check out the panel below and you’ll see the different categories you can enter.

To be in the running, you’ll need to put yourself forward or be nominated by a colleague, supplier or customer. Then you could be on your way to some well-deserved success!

AWARD CATEGORIES Car of the Year

Independent Garage of the Year

There may well be other Car of the Year awards out there but this one will be unique as it will be influenced by service and repair professionals. Which car do mechanics enjoy working on the most? Which cars are easy to get parts for and which are the most straightforward to maintain and put right when things go wrong? 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 for many years, having enjoyed a long and distinguished career of note. 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

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.

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 (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. This really will be something to shout about!

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.

TO SPONSOR AN AWARD CALL THE WORKSHOP TEAM ON 023 9252 2434 12 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING DETAILS TO ENTER BY POST My name:.............................................................................................................................................................

Preferred contact telephone number:............................................................................................................

My email address:.............................................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................................................................

The category/categories I’d like to enter and nominee(s) are:................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................................................................

My reasons are:................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................................................................

The Brewery in London is a stunning venue

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 allimportant and crucial information still needs to be there, of course, but customers these days expect much, much more.

Social Media User of the Year

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.

MOT Centre 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

Want to enter for more categories? That’s fine – just photocopy this form.

Please send your form (or forms) to Workshop Magazine Awards Nominations, Blackball Media, Haslar Marine Technology Park, Haslar Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2AG. If you’d like to send supporting information, that’s fine too.

PLEASE NOTE – CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: SEPTEMBER 30

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.

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 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

The judging in this category will be based on our research into the least repaired / recovered cars over a 12-month period leading up to our judging process. We’ll be comparing actual numbers to 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.

Equipment Supplier of the Year

Ramps, tools, protective clothing… there is 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 ABOVE OR GO ONLINE TO: bit.ly/WA-2017

(CASE SENSITIVE)

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FEATURES.

“

It’s widely unknown that my father wanted to begin producing road cars, but unfortunately he never got to do that.

BRUCE McLAREN’S DAUGHTER AMANDA

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THE MAGIC OF McLAREN

THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND The story of Bruce McLaren has long been overshadowed by the rise of his company’s Formula One team and the production cars that would arrive after his death. Workshop Magazine has taken a look at the business as it is today and also the man behind it. One thing’s for sure – his passion for some of the fastest cars around lives on. REBECCA CHAPLIN reports.

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FEATURES.

T

o mark the release of the film McLaren, Workshop Magazine was granted access to the supercar brand’s technology and production centres. The base in Woking is known for being incredibly secretive – with good reason – but for a few hours we would get to see exactly what is behind the glass sliding doors.

The movie tells the tale of Bruce McLaren’s life until his untimely death in 1970 at the wheel of a car he’d designed, but it was after this that the Technology Centre was built to Ron Dennis’s exacting standards. His name is well known in Formula One, and his reputation for wanting perfection continues in the building.

Originally, when the building was designed by famous architect Norman Foster, there were beams and pillars in place to support the impressive structure. Dennis wasn’t satisfied with this, as he wanted the clean finish you see today, so he set his engineers to work.

Therefore, this building is a product of those who work in it too, with every support engineered for peak performance as you would expect in a Formula One car, from the walkways supported from the ceilings, in what looks like an impossible way, to the high glass walls held up by very little at all.

Even some of the doors are concealed as if in a Bond villain’s lair, and require you to run your hand along what appears to be the edge of some wall panelling to reveal another room. When a McLaren employee appears through a wall that is actually a door, it only adds to the labyrinth feel of this magical place.

It’s an exceptional experience as you arrive at the famous Tracy Island-style building. Little did I think that they would allow me to drive around the lake (or is it a pond?), where the road smoothly curves around the building and dips down so close to the water level you feel like there’s a chance you might end up in it.

This is just the first example of design meeting functionality that I would see at McLaren. The water isn’t just for show, it’s used to cool the building when the powerful wind tunnel is being used to test the drag coefficients of its latest cars.

I wish I could show you the photos you really want to see, namely, inside the workshop of those designing the current season and next Formula 1 cars, but I can’t. It’s something to do with top-secret projects and trying to keep a competitive edge against the other teams – even though I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone.

Incredibly, when you are in the McLaren Technology Centre, you can gaze into the workshop area, or at least parts of it, from a safe distance behind huge, glass walls. Here, engineers and mechanics were carefully disassembling and reassembling various racing cars, including this year’s MCL32 that had just returned from the Russian Grand Prix.

That said, if anything too secret is going on in here pre-season, they have the option to turn these windows into frosted glass walls.

So much of what goes on here is concealed

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behind screens and buried deeper inside the building, but today some of the work is deemed safe for public eyes.

This includes one man using a hair dryer to dry a moulded piece of carbon fibre that had just been bonded with an unknown substance.

The attention to detail doesn’t just reside in the building though. There is far more to it than meets the eye.

Because of rules around how high the brand could build in this green area, a large part of the business is concealed.

That’s why on my tour of the site I’m now heading underground and into the production centre, although not deep enough to confirm or deny whether the top-secret test track under the building really exists.

The special touches don’t stop beyond the Technology Centre. On our final part of the journey from the well-known glass building to the newer Production Centre, we step into a lift – and I’ll grant you that doesn’t sound too special – which is powered from the ground like a piston and rises towards a glass ceiling, so close you think you might just go through it.

The workshop is concealed behind huge heavy doors, and once passes have been swiped we can move into the next holding area.

It’s very quiet, and I’m expecting as they swing open the next set of doors the noise of a busy workshop will flurry through.

It doesn’t happen though, as we move on to the mezzanine and look out over the nearsilent workshop.

Here, things are just as secretive, as customers’ new cars are configured to their exacting specifications. And the first thing to catch my eye is a brand-new McLaren 720S going through the

final stages of a dynamic test at the forefront of the workshop.

It was not that long ago, in April, that the first production model of the latest Super Series car was completed. The move to full production marked the beginning of a new chapter in the McLaren Automotive story, as the second generation of the Super Series – codenamed ‘P14’ – replaces the first-generation ‘P11’ model family that encompassed the original McLaren 12C and subsequent derivatives, as well as the McLaren 650S and 675LT. Here, the latest 720S to be constructed by McLaren goes through the final stages of testing.

It’s placed on a rolling road and will churn through different speeds to check everything is functioning well, before driving out of this clear box with heatwaves emitting generously from the car.

There’s a long process before the cars will reach this stage, though, with every one built by hand in the clean, white environment.

The poster for the film

McLarens on the production line

How to build a supercar Carbon-fibre monocoque

Every single production car made at McLaren starts with the core of the car, made from carbon fibre. This is what gives it strength but keeps its weight low for improved performance on the road. On one side of the workshop these are lined up ready to go, with panels and supports too.

Panels and paint

When the panels are ready for paint, they are assembled as they should be – but in an exploded way. It then takes two paint technicians to cover the car from start to finish, as the paint has to be applied at the same point, at the same time, on both sides of the car.

As part of the manufacturer’s McLaren Special Operations service, buyers can have almost any colour put on to their new supercar. One wanted the white of the snow at his chalet in the Alps as the sun rises – and he got it.

Paying fine attention to detail

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FEATURES.

A blur of activity on the assembly floor

Assembly

While many production plants will use robots to guide their cars through the line-up of techs ready to assemble parts, or even use this machinery to construct the car themselves, at McLaren it’s all done by hand. The cars are even pushed around to each station by hand. This means that every technician takes responsibility for ensuring that they are moved with care and without damage, but this also means that the pressure is on to keep to time – otherwise you’ll be holding up the other techs down the production line!

Electrics

The first thing to be fitted to the car will be its extensive wiring loom. Here, technicians work feverishly to ensure that everything is fitted in the correct place, accommodated behind McLaren’s luxurious interiors and to power everything from ignition to the touchpad-like infotainment system in many modern McLarens.

Engines

As the new supercar progresses down the production line it will be fitted with its engine, before being started for the first time. Fortunately, most McLaren engines work better than the one currently in their F1 car, but if anything goes wrong at this stage the car can be pulled sideways out of the run to be fettled without holding up the other cars.

Testing and quality control

Ensuring the quality of any car is always extremely important, but for a supercar manufacturer such as McLaren it’s even more important. That’s why every car goes through an extensive testing programme before it’s handed over to a customer. There are two clear cubicles: one for dynamic testing and one for ‘monsoon’ testing – both push the car to its limits and if any faults are discovered they’ll move back into the production line.

Interiors

If everything goes to plan with the engine, the interiors can now be fitted to the car. Like everything else in the process, they are carefully fitted by hand. McLaren is well known for its lavish and curvaceous interiors that take extremely skilled people to make and fit.

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Ready for release

Bruce: The man and his team

I

t’s not very often that the career of an engineer gets told on the big screen.

In fairness, Bruce McLaren’s story is far more than just that. He was a racer, a mechanic, an engineer, a designer and an all-round fixer.

The movie McLaren portrays the life, struggles, success and ultimate tragedy of this one man in pursuit of motor racing glory.

New Zealander McLaren was born in 1937 and began racing his father’s car in his teens. It was then that he realised he had both a passion and a skill for the sport. His career became far more than just racing, though, as from a keen interest in working on the cars McLaren went on to start his own team, now renowned globally for its Formula 1 success.

It was his natural talent that won him the ‘Driver to Europe’ competition in New Zealand.

This enabled him to travel to England and begin working for John Cooper alongside Sir Jack Brabham.

As the line between drivers and engineers became more defined, both Brabham and McLaren moved to start their own teams where they could remain part of the designing stages. It was a tough and expensive call for McLaren, but it paid off.

After a lot of pain and problems, the team went on to win its first Formula One race.

To make more money to pay for the team, McLaren moved into the Can-Am series while helping Ford to develop its performance cars.

However, in the ’60s and ’70s when McLaren

was racing, the sport went hand in hand with death. Tragically, at the height of his team’s success, McLaren lost his life behind the wheel of a car he’d designed himself. He was testing a car at Goodwood and insisted on one more lap to try out an adjustment on the rear wing – but it would be a fatal decision. He was just 32.

The film tells this story through archive footage, re-enactments and interviews, including insights and reminiscences from motor racing legends such as Emerson Fittipaldi, Mario Andretti and Sir Jackie Stewart.

McLaren’s daughter Amanda said of the film: ‘What he did as a racing driver, a designer and an engineer is fairly well known, but what also came through is the story of him as a father and a husband, but also how fond of him everyone who interviewed him was. You’ve got men who are now in their 70s and 80s still becoming very emotional about an event that happened in 1970.

‘As a daughter, to hear people speak about your father in that way is so special.’ She added: ‘It’s widely unknown that my father wanted to begin producing road cars, but unfortunately he never got to do that. Now the film tells part of that story and the other cars he produced.’

McLaren’s determination to be a motorsport success transcended what most could ever have imagined. He was an inspiration to the people who worked for him, with one of his mechanics once famously saying: ‘If Bruce had told us we were going into the desert to build a wall, we would have done it.’

Scenes from the movie

Bruce McLaren in his racing heyday

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FEATURES.

McLaren 720S facts Rear wing

In its ‘Brake’ setting – which positions the rear wing at a 56-degree angle, giving it 30 per cent more downforce – the 720S has twice as much aero efficiency as normal. This allows it to brake from 124mph to 0mph in just 4.6 seconds when on Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Engine

The new 4.0-litre V8 engine is twin-turbocharged, producing 710bhp and 770Nm of torque. The car has a power-to-weight ratio of up to 553bhp per tonne.

Chassis Efficiency

Despite being a supercar, the 720S has been developed with fuel efficiency in mind.

It uses 10.7 litres of petrol for every 62 miles in the official combined cycle and emits 249g/km of CO2.

The McLaren 720S has a carbon-fibre chassis, based around the Monocage II central structure. This allows the car to have a mass of 1,283kg, as well as aiding interior space and visibility.

A new generation of McLarens

M

cLaren’s much-teased and highly anticipated new supercar was revealed earlier this year, with the 720S name and 710bhp output confirmed. The first production versions have now made their way along the production line and out of the factory.

At the heart of the new Super Series model is a 4.0-litre V8 engine, which is a notable change from the traditional 3.8-litre unit used across the manufacturer’s range.

It’s a higher-capacity version of that engine, with McLaren claiming that 41 per cent of the parts used are new.

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Performance figures are suitably astonishing.

The 0-60mph sprint takes less than three seconds and it will blast to 124mph within eight seconds.

The 720S also marks a stark evolution of the McLaren design language. The swish logoinspired headlights have been replaced by large triangular surrounds housing a smaller headlight unit and thin daytime running lights.

The rear design is also totally transformed, incorporating a more sculpted version of the tail-light styling that first appeared on the 570S. Meanwhile, a flatter rear deck results in a more bubble-like look to the cabin.

With McLaren’s reputation for building spectacular supercars, we’re expecting the 720S to continue this with new suspension and the latest generation of McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control.

Mike Flewitt, the chief executive of McLaren Automotive, said: ‘Super Series is the core of the McLaren business and personifies the blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury and unparalleled driver involvement that is the McLaren heartland.

‘This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new 720S is absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a

Speed

The 720S achieves 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-124mph in 7.8 seconds. The car has a top speed of 212mph.

Aerodynamics

The 720S has a focus on aerodynamics, with double the efficiency of the 650S in this field. This is thanks to the new active chassis system – Proactive Chassis Control II.

Suspension

The 720S has aluminium double wishbone suspension with adaptive dampers and Proactive Chassis Control II. McLaren claims this is the most advanced suspension system in the world.

Lights

The ‘eye socket’ light design on the 720S has been created with aerodynamics in mind. An airflow occurs around the new LED headlight fixtures, which has a cooling effect on the car.

revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.’ It costs from £208,600, with three grades of specification available as well as the supercar manufacturer’s bespoke customisation service.

And you could end up spending a whole lot more if you start choosing from the extensive array of options on offer from the supercar maker.

In fact, buyers of the new McLaren 720S could buy a BMW M3 and still have change to insure it for the price of the carbon-fibre extras on the new British supercar.

While the iconic M3 will set you back a ‘mere’ £57,355, buyers who tick all of the lightweight

options on the 720S order sheet will add £58,900 to the car’s £208,600 base price. From March, potential buyers were immediately able to specify their own unique supercar.

Buyers who opt for the £218,020 McLaren 720S Performance base model and then tick everything on the options list will be asked to cough up a whopping £316,070 – that’s a staggering £98,050 on options, or the equivalent of a new Porsche 911 GTS. According to one McLaren dealer, the most popular choices on the 720S order sheet so far included the £2,070 Vehicle Lift, which stops the nose grounding out on bumps, the £2,220 Gorilla

Glass roof, a 360-degree camera system for £2,480 and electric seats at £2,730. Carbon-fibre extras for the truly decadent buyers include door mirrors (£2,220), front splitter (£5,990), rear bumper (£4,480) and diffuser (£5,990).

More conventional extras don’t come cheap either, with a fire extinguisher costing £150, branded mats at £330 and a fitted luggage set for £810. And if you want a strap to secure said luggage, that’ll cost you another £510.

The cheapest option on the list is an ashtray for £50, while the most expensive, carbon-fibre door mirrors, cost £5,990 – just five pounds less than a new Dacia Sandero.

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FEATURES.

PLAYING THE LEAD GENERATION GAME Garages are using today’s digital tools to bring in new business and keep existing customers engaged.

Here’s a look at lead generation in action.

A

few years ago, any garage looking to shake its moneymaker could rely on a few trusted stalwarts such as an advert in the local paper and a spinning sign on the pavement. Just being in Yellow Pages would probably keep you busy for years!

The internet changed all that, as it did with everything else, of course. In an increasingly interconnected world, you need to keep your customers engaged, and make sure you are getting your name out there to bring more people in.

It’s not just a numbers game though. The continental drift towards PCP and contract hire with maintenance included has been with us for a while. Garages are competing for a smaller pool of potential customers, and those that are out there have more choice when it comes to service and repair these days.

Those customers are savvy too – and you need to be savvy to gain their patronage and keep it.

It’s a 24-hour digital marketplace in which you need to think about how to be available to your customers when they are thinking about you.

If you think you’ve got the engagement side covered, that’s not the end of the story. Each customer brings with them vast amounts of useful data that could help you operate more effectively. By data-mining your service and sales databases, you could drive even more business through your doors and bolster your bottom line.

SCOTLANDS ASH GARAGE

S

cotlands Ash Garage in Didcot, Oxfordshire, definitely has a lead-generation tradition, according to owner Peter Welch, although he probably wouldn’t have called it that when the business opened in the early 1990s.

‘For the last 25 years, we have always given people reminders. If people come to us and have their MOT and their service and cam belts and different things done, that will generate a reminder to them at the relevant time.

‘So for MOTs it will be a year’s time, and the same for servicing. With cam belts it is every four years, so every four years they get a reminder for that.’

In recent years, Welch has gone online to widen his lead generation scope, cut unnecessary costs and tighten focus.

‘I don’t do any newspaper advertising and I haven’t done any newspaper advertising now for four years. The only adverts that I pay for are in local village magazines. The ads

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It’ s not all funny cat videos though: ‘They might make you laugh, but sometimes they are serious. They come up with great ideas that I think are good for our garage.’

Open all hours

Scotlands Ash Garage cost £50 a year and the magazines come out every month.’

In place of extensive and expensive advertising, Welch has set up a lead-generation strategy in collaboration with an external service provider: ‘They look after Facebook and online activities. Every week they post three or four things.’

It doesn’t end there: ‘Our service provider has a link to our database. They can send messages to customers – thank you for your business, Happy Christmas, Happy New Year etc. I am sure it works.’

A more conventional online presence via the garage’s website means the business is effectively open all hours: ‘People can book through our website 24 hours a day. They book their MOTs and servicing there, and our website is quite easy and friendly – it gives lots of information.’

Welch’s customer base is growing and he puts this down to the ongoing engagement, and their fortunate

RELIANCE AUTOTEST

R

eina Mansour co-ordinates lead-generation activities at Reliance Autotest in High Wycombe: ‘Advertisingwise, we have a Facebook page where we promote offers to existing customers and also to potential customers by sponsoring an advertisement. In addition, we are on different websites where we quote jobs, as well as being an RAC approved garage. There are so many more things we are doing to attract new customers.

‘One place where we are highly successful is Blackcircles.com. The clients order tyres online and have them delivered to the garage where we fit them. Another successful website is Whocanfixmycar.com.’

They are targeting new business as well as existing customers: ‘When we advertise on Facebook, we may sponsor a post to attract new customers. With existing customers we promote special offers.

‘What I do is sponsor an ad once or twice a week on our Facebook page to people in High Wycombe, Marlow and in the surrounding areas on current deals, special offers and new products and services, to raise awareness.’

Initiative

Reliance Autotest is also taking advantage of the raw customer information they are constantly accumulating: ‘We have an online system where MOT dates are updated and every time we do a service, that is updated too. Every month, I send out text message reminders for MOTs and services due for that upcoming month and that helps the customers remember. It’s definitely working for us as we can see via the call-backs we get from it.’

The business is also aware that those at the sharp end

“

People can book through our website, 24 hours a day

PETER WELCH, SCOTLANDS ASH GARAGE

geographical location: ‘We see at least four or five new customers every week because we are in an area that’s booming. We have three big industrial parks within 10 miles of each other. New buildings are being built and lots of houses are going up, too. Over the next 10 years, we’ve got 17,000 houses being built within two miles of us.’

Word of mouth

Coming full circle, Welch believes much of his success stems from the oldest form of lead generation: ‘I can’t judge it but I’d like to think that at least a third of our business comes from word of mouth.’

On his overall lead-generation strategy, Welch adds: ‘I’ve got to say that maybe seven or eight years ago I was resistant to do it but I am glad now that I have done it.

‘Without doubt it’s the way to go.’

Reliance Autotest in High Wycombe are likely to be the sharpest themselves. The mechanics are aware of issues with customer vehicles and they will tell me or they will call the customer themselves to make sure communication is taking place.’

The business is not just relying on its own initiative.

Mansour says: ‘We use companies for advertising, and we have got Yell.com and the RAC promoting and advertising our business.

‘However, we find our own communication is a bit better. We know exactly what most of our customers come in for and what the majority of bookings are.’

Awareness

Awareness is key says Mansour: ‘We do a lot of different marketing things. We have also become the TerraClean service agents for our area. We are available on their website and a client may look for a TerraClean in their area. That inquiry will come through to us should it be in or around High Wycombe. Our TerraCleans are promoted on our Facebook page and promote a lot of awareness.’

D&D AUTOS

F

or some garages, lead generation is tackled very methodically: ‘We obtain data from every customer who walks through the door,’ says Matthew Pestridge, workshop manager at D&D Autos in Ashford. ‘We have always done that with the view of enticing the customer back with future offers or discounts. For instance, when it comes to MOTs, we keep a record of when a customer’s vehicle is due its next MOT – that way, every customer gets sent a reminder to tell them that their MOT is due.

‘We call customers and advise them of work that needs to be done.’

Methodology

D&D is looking to expand its lead-generation activities: ‘We are looking at social media, testing the waters to see if it works for us. It’s not that expensive to advertise on Facebook. I know other garages who do a lot on Facebook. I have seen their feeds; they are really good.’

D&D uses a mix of its own posts and links from other providers. Pestridge says: ‘Bosch have the authorisation to automatically put their posts on our Facebook page.

Their posts range from informative articles to seasonal competitions. Social media certainly has a place for generating future business.’

Improvement

Of course, some sectors are further ahead: ‘We as independents have room for improvement when it comes to lead generation,’ says Pestridge. ‘Franchised dealers are doing a good job of retaining their own customers and keeping them. Thanks to telematics, they can potentially

D&D Autos see when a fault logs on a car and can advise the customer to come into their dealership.

‘We are looking at things like that as well. Bosch are trialling similar devices at the minute that independent garages can give or sell to customers. Then we could communicate with them and advise when their car is due a service. This is something for the future.’

And then there are service plans: ‘Service plans are something that we as independents need to get on board with,’ says Pestridge. ‘Dealers are retaining their customers extremely well with service plans.’

Right balance

D&D’s online presence was outsourced for a while, but Pestridge believes staff knowledge is an underutilised resource: ‘There is a place for service providers but a lot of it you can do yourself. For any business, communication is key. However, you don’t want to become a nuisance by bombarding the customer with too much marketing. It’s about finding the right balance.’

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 23

CLUB.

OUR MECHANIC ASKED A CUSTOMER OUT . . .

AND SHE’S NOT HAPPY

O

ASK THE JUDGE: Ian Gardner, sales manager at automotive legal experts Lawgistics, explains why members of staff shouldn’t use data to arrange dates.

ne of our mechanics contacted a female customer of ours to ask if she was happy with the work we had done on her car.

We had replaced the clutch and flywheel and our man had spent a while talking to her when she dropped the car off and collected it. He used his own phone to WhatsApp her using the number she had left us and she responded at first because she thought it was part of our after-care service.

After a few messages, however, he asked her out and she has since written a letter of complaint about the inappropriate use of her personal data. How do I deal with the member of staff? I’ve discussed it with him and he says he genuinely believed they had a rapport and that she was interested in him.

He’s worked for me for five years and never done anything like this before, but I think I should discipline

JOIN TODAY AND GET THESE SUPERB BENEFITS FOR JUST £39.99

him. Also, how shall I respond to the customer’s complaint about the use of her phone number? n The Judge delivers his verdict: A principle of the Data Protection Act is that: ‘Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes.’

Your customer provided her contact details to your business in order that you could communicate with her in relation to the matter of her car which you were repairing.

Unless she gave her consent for her details to be used for any other purpose, or to be contacted by any other means, then the use of her contact details

by your employee to ask her on a date were a breach of your Data Protection obligations.

The website of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk) contains information about your obligations in terms of data protection compliance as an organisation.

If you have never provided any data protection training for your employees, it is possible your staff member didn’t realise he was doing anything wrong, but an employer who has provided such training for staff may consider theft of customers’ personal data an example of gross misconduct.

If you wish to discipline your member of staff, you must do so in accordance with the ACAS disciplinary procedure which provides him with the right to be accompanied at any disciplinary meeting and the right to an appeal against the outcome.

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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/

Autologic produces a successful fully integrated vehicle diagnostics support system. AssistPlus is a tablet containing diagnostics software, a PDF viewer, web browser and YouTube application to allow you to investigate vehicles, along with a full vehicle history on the device recorded against VIN. An on-board camera allows you to capture video and stills. Club members signing up to Autologic Assist will receive a month of additional support on top of their first year.

£100 off your motor trade insurance With 25 years of industry experience in the world of commercial vehicle insurance, Plan Insurance Brokers is the expert for the UK’s professional road users. Motor trade insurance is vital to keep your business moving, whether it’s your own vehicles or customers’ cars that you’re moving about – even if a customer’s car is involved in a fire or theft while in your care. Club members can receive an exclusive £100 discount on their motor trade insurance through Plan Insurance Brokers.

TO JOIN GO TO WORKSHOPCLUB.CO.UK OR CALL 023 9252 2434 AND 24 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Do I need to report this diagnosis to the HSE?

I

employ a mechanic who has recently been diagnosed as suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Am I required to report this to the HSE? Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), employers and selfemployed people must report diagnoses of certain occupational diseases, where these are likely to have been caused or made worse by their work.

These diseases include (regulations 8 and 9): carpal tunnel syndrome; severe cramp of the hand or forearm; occupational dermatitis; hand-arm vibration syndrome; occupational asthma; tendonitis or tenosynovitis of the hand or forearm; any occupational cancer; any disease attributed to the occupational exposure to a biological agent.

In the example given, the associated hazard in respect of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a form of repetitive strain injury, involves the regular use of percussive or vibrating tools.

A reportable disease must be diagnosed by a doctor.

Diagnosis includes identifying any new symptoms, or any significant worsening of existing symptoms.

Employees need to provide the diagnosis in writing to their employer.

Doctors are encouraged to use standard wording when describing reportable diseases on written statements they make out for their patients.

Self-employed people do not normally obtain written statements from their doctors when off work through illness.

To take account of this, for a selfemployed person, the doctor’s verbal diagnosis of a reportable disease is sufficient for it to require reporting to the enforcing authority.

As with employees, this only applies if their current job involves exposure to the associated hazard.

BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WITH BUILT-IN PRINTER STOCK No. 64583

n If you have a dilemma that’s

giving you nightmares, an issue that’s keeping you awake, or a dispute that won’t go away, simply send an email to TheJudge@ lawgistics.co.uk and you may see your problem dealt with on these pages in a future issue.

Discount on software & free health check app

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Dragon2000’s dealer management system is one of the most versatile and easy-to-use products on the market.

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

| 25

MY PROJECT CAR.

FINDING THE PARTS WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITH THIS PROJECT, REPORTS JOHN BOWMAN

Seat team restore 600 to mark convertible’s 60th anniversary

T

he Seat 600 is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion, a 30-strong team from the Spanish manufacturer have handrestored and modernised one of the convertibles.

More than 1,000 original spare parts were used and 1,500 hours spent taking it completely apart and restoring each element. One of the greatest challenges, said Ángel Lahoz, an engineer at the Seat Technical Centre who was responsible for the project, was to find the parts.

The convertible, built in 1965, had been bought by a private individual and left sitting for 25 years, so it needed painstaking electronic and mechanical work, said Lahoz, who added: ‘The final result is almost better than when it originally left the factory.’

The restoration used 15 litres of paint and 50 metres of exclusive houndstooth fabric, and Jordi Font, head of colour and trim at Seat, said the bluish-grey paint colour was ‘absolutely on trend and reminiscent of the first 600s that came out’.

He added that the fabric represented ‘an allegory of the famous houndstooth pattern in black and white that echoes a time past’.

The manually-operated sliding roof is seen as a particular stand-out feature, while the steering wheel and horn button are the originals.

The restored 600 was put on show at the Barcelona Motor Show in May. Following its launch in 1957, the Seat 600 became a social phenomenon, and for many middle-class families their dream of buying their own car for a reasonable price finally came true.

It was such a success that in 1958, production was multiplied six-fold.

The model was produced until 1973 and nearly 800,000 units were sold in all.

“

The final result is almost better than when it originally left the factory.

26 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

One of the greatest challenges was to locate the original parts

SEAT HISTORY Seat is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain.

Now a member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell in the province of Barcelona.

It exports 81 per cent of its vehicles, and has a network of 1,700 dealerships in more than 80 countries.

In 2016, Seat posted an operating profit of £124 million – the highest in the history of the brand – and notched up global sales of nearly 410,000 vehicles.

The Seat Group employs more than 14,500 people at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de

Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon.

Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia.

Its technical centre operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focused on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in research and design. Seat already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitalisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

A team of 30 people were involved in the project

Around 50 metres of exclusive houndstooth fabric was used for the restoration

The steering wheel and horn button are the originals

Seat’s colour and trim team at work WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 27

PRODUCTS.

Clarke Drum Fans Costs: £142.80-£250.80 inc VAT Available from: machinemart.co.uk This selection of commercial and industrial drum fans – with a couple of new examples recently added to the range – is ideal for providing cooling in workshops, garages and factories. The commercial fan – which is available as a 24-inch, 30-inch or 36-inch unit – produces up to 310m3 per minute of air flow.

Meanwhile, the industrial fan – available in sizes of 24 inches or 30 inches – has an output of 222m3 per minute. Both versions are fitted with wheels, while the industrial version has a tilt range of 300 degrees.

4-PAGE SPECIAL

New for you Laser Tools Ford Cambelt Timing Tool Set Costs: £251.21 inc VAT Available from: lasertools.co.uk

This cambelt timing set fits the Ford 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that has been in production since 2012, as well as certain GTDi engines. It’s equivalent to a variety of Ford OEMs. An additional kit is required if the VCT pulleys need removing.

28 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Laser Tools Brake Pipe Bender Costs: £18.14 inc VAT Available from: lasertools.co.uk This pipe bender is made from chrome molybdenum and is intended for use on brake pipes. The profile gives two bend options. It is compatible for use with a standard 5mm brake pipe.

Clarke MIG Welders (145 & 175 models) Costs: £203.98 (145 model inc VAT) £538.80 (175 model inc VAT) Available from: machinemart.co.uk Clarke’s offering of welders, for both standard and industrial use, combine performance with reliability and affordability.

The standard MIG welder is suitable for work on mild steel up to 4mm thick. It has a non-live torch and power ranging from 35 to 135 amps from a 230V supply. The industrial variation ranges from 30 to 170 amps and features a turbo fan cooled transformer, fully variable wire feed speed control and a thermal overload with reset. It operates from a 230V power supply and is suitable for use on mild steel up to 6mm thick.

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| 29

PRODUCTS.

Laser Tools Suspension Arm Lever Costs: £329.18 inc VAT Available from: lasertools.co.uk This handy bit of kit from Laser Tools allows you to pull and hold down the lower suspension arm, allowing separation of the hub from the lower arm. It’s a much safer method due to the hands-free aspect. The main bar measures 75cm in length, so it reaches across to the suspension with no difficulty.

Clarke CDP 202B Bench Drill Press Costs: £222.00 inc VAT Available from: machinemart.co.uk The product featured here is one of Clarke’s new range of high-capacity bench- and floor-mounted drill presses. Designed for precision use in heavy-duty engineering environments and workshops, they have features such as a table that can tilt 45 degrees and rotate 360 degrees, as well as 16 different speed settings – going up to 2,770rpm – a chuck capacity ranging from 3mm to 16mm, a 290mm diameter table and 0-620mm chuck to table.

30 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Gunson Fuse Kit Costs: £28.32 inc VAT Available from: gunson.co.uk Gunson’s fuse kit solves the problem of complicated diagrams in a creative way. These blade fuses light up in a certain colour when you blow on them, so you instantly know what size it is. The kit includes 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 amp sizes, all of which look identical except for their individual illuminations. A fuse remover is also included.

Laser Tools Triumph Motorcycle Equipment Costs: £33.94 (fork piston holder), £30.41 (damper tube wrench), £28.49 (fork damper assembly tool) all inc VAT Available from: lasertools.co.uk Laser Tools have created three specialist pieces of equipment for use on modern Triumph motorcycles. The fork piston holder holds fork internals when you’re undoing fixing bolts. A damper tube wrench allows you to undo the damper tube when disassembling the forks. The fork damper assembly tool removes the internal components of the forks.

Clarke LCD Inspection Camera Costs: £71.98 inc VAT Available from: machinemart.co.uk This Clarke inspection camera allows for easy viewing of inaccessible areas. The one metre long flexible probe camera can be guided into the necessary area, which can then be seen on the 61mm, 320x240 pixel, TFT-LCD screen.

An inspection mirror, magnetic pick-up and hook attachments are provided, as well as a carry case.

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PRODUCTS. TEST 30

Brake cleaner ANDREW EVANS puts leading makes to the test as our popular product tests return to the pages of Workshop Magazine.

N

o-one likes a mucky braking system but, thanks to how a car’s brakes operate and where you’ll find them, they can get clogged up pretty quickly.

Just by using the brakes, the system gets dirty as dust from the pads is liberated and then spread around the wheel well as the disc spins – to say nothing of grime, dust and dirt from the road itself.

Braking is a filthy business and because brakes get so hot, the filth gets quickly baked on too. Eventually, all of the dirt flying about can interfere with the operation of the calipers.

Brake cleaner is specially formulated to break down this kind of muck and clean off any components exposed to brake dust to get everything moving again.

HOW WE TESTED THEM Brake cleaner is designed to cut through some of the most cloying greases and particulates you’ll find in a car.

As the most obvious place to find baked-on brake dust is a mucky alloy wheel – and there’s no shortage of those in the Workshop Magazine car park! – we set to work to see how the products dealt with shifting the worst, to leave a nice, shiny set of boots.

32 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Draper – ‘Hard Graft’ Brake and Clutch Cleaner

Valvoline – Brake Cleaner

How much: £8.26 inc VAT Where from: drapertools.com

How much: £7.09 inc VAT Where from: eurocarparts.com

Unlike the other products here, the Draper cleaner comes in a spraymist bottle instead of a pressurised can. This has an effect on the product’s usefulness, as it makes precision application – of what is a pretty corrosive product that should be kept away from plastic and rubber components – very tricky indeed.

However, it is rather good at actually shifting the dirt once in place and neither takes too long to evaporate nor dries too soon.

It’s close between the Draper and Valvoline products for the runner-up spot behind the Wynn’s. There’s not much to choose between them when it comes to getting through dirt and lifting it off – the Valvoline does an excellent job on fresher debris and deals with older stains well too, and it remains damp on the surface long enough to wipe clean without leaving much residue behind. It essentially comes down to the fact that the Valvoline has a precision nozzle, meaning no waste.

HHHHH

HHHHH

Triple QX Brake and Clutch Cleaner

Solent Maintenance – Brake and Clutch Cleaner

Wynn’s – Brake and Clutch Cleaner

How much: £3.59 inc VAT Where from: eurocarparts.com

How much: £2.87 inc VAT Where from: cromwell.co.uk

How much: £7.00 inc VAT Where from: halfords.com

It’s a solid but not stellar performance from the Triple QX product. There’s no argument over how it deals with surface grime, but it struggles a little with the more worn-in stuff, needing a bit of working in with a wire brush to really get at it – and even then, there’s some residue left behind. You’ll also need a couple of extra applications compared to our leading group, and it does dry out just a little sooner than is useful.

The slightly larger can of the Solent brake cleaner is a mild giveaway that you’ll need more of it than the other products here. It’s fine for some superficial cleaning, but we found it to be less effective when it comes to deeper and more ingrained brake dust and dirt. It also dries phenomenally quickly, which means it can leave some of the muck behind and you’ll need another application to get rid. Like the other cans, it has a precision applicator nozzle.

When we tested the Wynn’s last year it won, and it defends its crown well. Alongside a fairly highpressure application from the precision nozzle, the Wynn’s cuts through any dirt, whether recent or cooked-on for months, and neither dries too quickly nor lingers, so it’s easy to wipe off the surface and will take the muck with it. It’s the product of choice for cleaning up a sticky brake caliper.

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HHHHH

HHHHH WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 33

PRODUCTS. TEST 31

Kneeling mats ANDREW EVANS looks at various products designed to protect two joints that work hard and need looking after.

K

nees are surprisingly important, and if you’ve ever taken a stray bolt to the kneecap while genuflecting, you’ll know the misery an injury to the joint can bring.

A prang to the patella can cause serious problems. The knee joint supports most of your bodyweight when upright and does the bulk of the effort when you stand up, sit down, negotiate stairs or – as you’ll remember from a manual handling and lifting course – carrying any objects.

Keeping them protected in a workshop is no easy task either, as all sorts of dangers lurk at floor level, from stray bits of car and fasteners to fluid spills. Even just kneeling on a cold concrete floor may cause you annoying and distressing problems down the line.

With that in mind, we’ve been investigating a selection of kneeling pads and mats to see which ones stand up best to workshop life and will preserve the health of this vital bit of your anatomy.

34 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

Machine Mart Kneeling Pad

Draper MM2

How much: £8.39 inc VAT Where from: machinemart.co.uk

How much: £55.68 inc VAT Where from: drapertools.com

This item seems and feels cheaper than the others here, so it’s a surprise just how comfortable it is. It’s a lot thicker than the other mats, with a double-layer of compressible foam in the centre which allows the firmer outer layers to provide support. The plasticky material isn’t great to the touch compared to some of the softer and more rubbery outers here, but should provide good resistance to spills and it’s more durable against penetration from loose screws. It could stand to be slightly larger, though, but as it’s roughly shoulder-width you probably won’t notice.

You can probably consider the MM2 as the much bigger brother of the MM1 – in fact it’s four times the size! As you’d imagine this means that some of the positives and negatives are switched, with the MM2 being much harder to store but easier to fling into muck on the floor and easier to work with. It’s such a vast item that you could lie on the whole thing and use it instead of a creeper! It appears to be made of exactly the same materials as the MM1, so the comfort of the top layer and damage resistance of the bottom layer are comparable.

HHHHH

HHHHH

HOW WE TESTED THEM The number-one goal here is giving the knee a comfortable surface to rest on, regardless of what’s beneath, so we’ve been kneeling on the pads on a variety of surfaces to feel which one stands up the best.

We’ve also looked at how they resist things such as screws with full bodyweight on them and for resistance to a variety of everyday workshop fluids.

Demon Tweeks Kneeling Work Mat

Sitesafe Contractor Knee Saver Mat

Draper MM1

How much: £11.99 inc VAT Where from: demon-tweeks.co.uk

How much: £14.56 inc VAT Where from: cromwell.co.uk

How much: £19.49 inc VAT Where from: drapertools.com

This mat shares characteristics with most of the other items here. Like the Draper mats it has a decentquality outer material, and like the Machine Mart pad it has an extra-thick internal soft foam layer. The net result is that it’s reasonably comfortable to kneel on for a decent stretch and fairly resistant to marking by debris and fluids. However, the small size means it’s not ideal for long-term use – it’s not quite as small as the Draper MM1 mat, but even so, you’re not looking at a lot of room to manouevre.

When it comes to comfort, the Sitesafe mat is second to none – there are harsher hotel beds – but conversely this is the mat’s Achilles’ heel. It’s simultaneously the most compressible and thinnest item here, which means that you sink to Earth pretty quickly, and if you’re kneeling for a long period of time you’ll certainly know about it. The soft material is also incredibly easy to damage and won’t last long if there is any sharp detritus on your workshop floor. With another layer of some slightly harder material on the bottom – perhaps mounted to some fibreboard – it would be ideal though.

By far the smallest of the mats we tested here, the size of the MM1 has advantages and disadvantages.

The tiny dimensions mean that it’s easy to store and portable, and when you throw it onto the floor it’s less likely to land on any spills or debris, but it’s really only good for use over short periods of time. Any change in your position will see you slip off it and it’s not really possible to kneel with your legs apart when you need extra leverage. The harder bottom surface is no less robust than other mats here, however, and the soft upper surface is pretty typical of this product type.

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FOCUS ON

AUTOLOGIC

AUTOLOGIC HAS ALL THE AUTOMOTIVE ANSWERS AUTOLOGIC

T: 01865 870060 W: AUTOLOGIC.COM

SINCE 2000, Autologic Diagnostics has provided advanced aftermarket automotive diagnostic solutions worldwide.

Throughout the past decade, vehicles have become increasingly complex, and Autologic continues to innovate. Since its founding, Autologic has secured a leadership role in the automotive aftermarket space by offering revolutionary solutions that directly address the changing industry while continuing to build upon a reputation based on helping automotive technicians diagnose even the most complex vehicles.

Today’s vehicles now require technical support that goes way beyond a diagnostic scan tool. Autologic’s response to addressing fixes for these complex vehicles lies in its Assist platform of services. Assist supports every type of auto mechanic and repair shop, whether they are brand specialists or focused on general automotive repairs.

Autologic Assist spans three key services – offered independently or jointly – affording customers the flexibility needed to operate a profitable business.

The Autologic team can help automotive technicians diagnose faults on even the most complex vehicles

1. AssistConnect

is a centralised web-based system providing repair technicians with immediate and direct access to the latest approved, licensed, original equipment manufacturer data via Autologic’s secure cloud server. AssistConnect is the only service that provides instantaneous access to vehicle manufacturers’ licensed data without requiring multiple downloads. With AssistConnect, there is no longer a need to perform software or data updates or upgrades. Since AssistConnect is cloud-based, Autologic automatically manages updates so customers are always assured they have the latest data.

36 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

2. AssistFix

provides repair shops using any brand of scan tool direct support from Autologic’s expert Fault2Fix team of nearly 100 master technicians. Each Fault2Fix team member is dealer-trained and brings – on average – 15 to 20 years of on-the-job, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) technical and speciality automotive experience in European automotive brands to their roles. And, Autologic’s ‘Try Before You Buy’ programme provides users with the option to experience the AssistFix service on a trial basis for a brief period.

3. AssistPlus

is a device combining a deep diagnostic feature set with a range of applications, including a web browser, highresolution stills and video camera. It joins proven multi-brand European vehicle diagnostics capabilities with third-party information sources.

“

Power to you

AssistMobile is Autologic’s complimentary mobile app and is available to use in combination with each of the novel approaches listed on the left. With all these options, Autologic puts the power directly into the hands of technicians, allowing them to go from fault to fix, fast. Autologic’s fix rate is 97.5 per cent across all cases submitted via its Autologic platforms, demonstrating its proven track record.

Throughout the past decade, vehicles have become increasingly complex, and Autologic continues to innovate.

ASK ABOUT OUR “TRY BEFORE YOU BUY PROGRAM”

AssistFix: Access to support from a team of master technicians

AssistPlus: A powerful diagnostic device specialising in European brands

3 KEY SERVICES One Complete Solution

AssistConnect: The most up-to-date OEM data at your fingertips

Autologic Assist A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC SOLUTION WITH FLEXIBLE OPTIONS Autologic has a solution for every garage, from brand specialists to general repair.

Whether your business needs a device to help with diagnostics, or a master technician to walk you through a complex repair, Autologic has a service that will help.

Our services, AssistFix, AssistPlus and AssistConnect are offered independently or together, giving our customers the flexibility they need to run an efficient and profitable business.

Call today to discuss your workshop’s needs.

01865 870 060 autologic.com WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 37

FOCUS ON

DPF FLASH CLEANING

CHECK OUT THE CLEAN MACHINE – AND CLEAR THAT BLOCKED DPF T: 01270 500 888 W: DPFFLASHCLEANING.CO.UK A DPF (diesel particulate filter) is a device installed in modern diesel vehicles with the purpose of preventing waste matter from entering exhaust gases. While DPFs are beneficial to the environment, they do require a certain amount of maintenance.

Simon Bebbington set up DPF Flash Cleaning, a company that specialises in maintaining these devices, when he realised there was a problem with the way most garages attempted to remove the waste that builds up inside them.

‘They call it regeneration,’ said Bebbington. ‘It involves getting the car up to a certain temperature and trying to force the waste through by revving the engine.

‘It may work for two weeks, it may work for two months, but you cannot possibly clean out that filter without actually cleaning it out, it just doesn’t work.

‘When you’re doing the regeneration, it’ll clean the

digester enough to put an engine light out, but there’s a certain amount of carbon that’s still in there and it builds up again over time. You’re not getting rid of the carbon in there.

‘In years and years of doing this job, we saw between 50 and 70 cars a month and we kept getting cars coming back with a DPF blockage. It’s an ongoing problem, so I thought there’s got to be something we can do about this.

‘If you replace it with non-genuine DPF, which is a cheaper way of doing it, they just don’t work, but a genuine DPF can cost anything from about £1,000 to £2,500. I scoured the internet and found this company in Milan. This guy out there had actually built his own machine after years of having this problem. I went out to see the machine, he showed me how it worked and we had one shipped over from Italy.’

Having acquired a piece of technology specifically designed to solve the exact problem he’d been searching for a solution

to, Bebbington went about creating the perfect business model for it.

DPF Flash Cleaning offers collection and delivery throughout the UK, with the process taking only a couple of hours. Alternatively, customers can bring the device in themselves and Bebbington’s team can have it turned around within the hour. Service costs £175 plus VAT, making it more than £800 cheaper than replacing the device.

It is slightly more expensive than the regeneration process, but the success rate is far higher.

‘We put the DPF on to the machine and it gives us a reading, so we know whether it’s blocked or not,’ said Bebbington. ‘If, for any reason, the DPF is not blocked, we can instantly abort the process, so we don’t have to charge the customer for doing it and we’ll just return the DPF to them with the readings, free of charge.’

Watch how it works at dpfflashcleaning.co.uk

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t. 01270 500 888 w. dpfflashcleaning.co.uk e. info@dpfflashcleaning.co.uk

Don’t replace it, clean it

If it can’t be cleaned, we don’t charge

38 | WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

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 24 and 25 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

| 39

OUR FLEET.

Nissan 200SX It was love at first sight when Darren Cassey bought L943OYD a couple of months ago, but how are things now?

L

ast month, I mentioned that the honeymoon period was over and it was time to get to work. Much to my own surprise, I managed to not procrastinate and have had a pretty productive few weeks.

A deeper poke around the car after buying it showed very few problems, fortunately, but a mechanic friend of mine noticed that one of the engine mounts was on its way out, so new parts were ordered.

There are plenty of drift-spec parts available for these cars, but since I’m trying to keep the car looking like it did the day it left the factory – but with a few minor performance embellishments here and there – I was reluctant to fit solid parts that would shake the fixtures and fittings loose.

After speaking to the guys at Driftworks, they recommended a set from Vibra-Technics, which were a happy medium between standard and solid. They don’t actually sell them any more, but were brilliantly accommodating in sourcing a set, and they turned up within a couple of working days.

The very next Saturday I rocked up at my mate’s garage nice and early and we got to work on fitting the pair. After a brief inspection, we figured out what would need to be undone to grant us access to the old, ageing mounts. Much agitating fluid was sprayed, spanners were called into action and expletives often filled the air.

In all fairness, considering pretty much everything we worked on hadn’t been loosened in more than two decades, there were only a couple of times where we came close to defeat – and there wasn’t a sheared bolt in sight.

The first mount took nearly three hours to get into place, but with our newly acquired expertise, the second one took just over an hour.

Naturally, this was broken up by a trip to the local burger van for much-needed refuelling.

Darren’s car feels noticeably more alive after having new engine mounts fitted Now, in my preparation for finding the right part, I did a lot of research on engine mounts.

Forum users tend to be in two camps – ‘they’ll ruin a road car by making the whole thing vibrate like mad’ or ‘you won’t notice the difference’.

Unless you replace with the original parts, don’t listen to anyone who says it doesn’t change anything.

From the moment I turned the key and the engine fired into life, the car felt more alive, and on my first drive down the road I was very happy with the change.

It’s hard to put into words, but the car just feels different – in a good way. The whole cabin has an urgent buzz and every prod of the throttle imparts a more immediate response than before.

It’s perhaps a little more aggressive than ideal, but at the moment I love the sense of urgency it has brought to the driving experience and aside from the odd rattle from the interior, it still feels mostly stock.

Naturally, spending so much time under the car has given me a list of other upgrades I’d like to make. Fortunately, there’s very little required work, just a few suspension-related bits that need changing – research will again be key to avoid a bone-crashing ride.

We also took the top cover off the engine to inspect the ignition coil pack to see if there were any obvious issues causing the misfire, but nothing leapt out. However, £30-worth of eBay parts have been ordered that could remedy the issue – find out next month if we succeed!

Model: Nissan 200SX Owned by: Darren Cassey Engine: Turbocharged 1.8-litre inline-four Bought for: £3,750 Mileage: 131,500 Money spent this month: £211 (engine mounts) Highlight of the month: Feeling the car’s new, more aggressive character for the first time.

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 content, @BelieveBecca

by Andy Entwistle Blackball Media MD, @CarDealerAndy

by Rebecca Chaplin Head of content, @BelieveBecca

I’ve had a reminder from Matt The Mechanic’s (MTM) database that the MOT is due soon. Cue panic buying of yet another battery.

The Type 3 is a bit sidelined at the mo. Things are running smoothly though – at least in terms of the gearbox oil leaving the engine...

We’re starting to anglicise Bertha.

She’s recently been equipped with a UK-spec odometer fascia and a Clarion DAB bluetooth stereo.

This month I drove the Thunderbird for the first time, under rather strange circumstances. I’ll tell you all about it in the next issue...

BMW 330d Touring

Subaru Legacy GT-B

Jack’s car is looking good but is going a bit stir crazy in the car park

An annoying whining is getting on Jon’s nerves... and proving hard to pinpoint

IT’S a sad state of affairs to see a car that is so accomplished at travelling big miles sat doing, well, very little. That’s the case with my 330d. It’s best suited for the motorway, but unfortunately it’s just being used for the odd jaunt these days and, because of this, you can tell that it just ain’t happy.

It’s not that it isn’t well maintained – the oil levels are spot-on, the power steering fluid is just at the right level and even the washer fluid bottle couldn’t be brimmed any further – but it’s just lacking the real use that cars like this need.

Belfort has been washed on a regular basis, and treated to all manner of waxes and polishes too, which means that he’s at least looking cared for. This all brings me to my dilemma – one that I have voiced to my Workshop colleagues countless times.

A car like the BMW is too practical to sit around all day. It’s got a large boot, is relatively economical and can seat five in comfort – exactly the opposite of what you want from a weekend car. So the question is – do I trade in the 330 for something half as practical but twice as interesting?

I’ve asked myself this on countless occasions, yet still I find myself reluctant to put the car up for sale. Maybe I need to hang on to him, and perhaps the used prices of E46s will skyrocket. Here’s hoping.

Model: BMW 330d Touring Owned by: Jack Evans Engine: 2.9-litre turbocharged diesel Bought for: £2,600 Mileage: 147,230 Money spent this month: £0 Highlight of the month: Imagining what I’d do with the profit if Belfort started to go up in value.

SUBARU LEGACY GT-B

THERE’S good news and bad news from Legacy land this month. On the positive side, that much-needed oil change has definitely had an effect. After something like half a tank of fuel, the ECU woke up to the new liquid gold sitting in the sump, and power delivery is feeling much less lumpy than before. Result.

On the flip side, happy and free-revving though the engine now may feel, it definitely doesn’t sound it.

Beyond 2,000 RPM there’s still the mother of all whining noises, and it’s proving a wee bit challenging to pinpoint.

It follows engine rather than road speed, so I can pretty much rule out anything differential or gearbox-related, but beyond that I’m left with my ear pressed to the bonnet like a fishwife up against a party wall.

First port of call was the power steering (again), my hope being that a top-up of fluids might shut things up. No such luck.

For good measure I whipped off the belt that

BMW 330D TOURING

MG METRO TURBO

drives it along with the alternator and – guess what – the wailing still remained.

The next most common thing to fail is a cheap-as-chips idler pulley that keeps the air conditioner belt tense, but since my car doesn’t like doing anything the conventional way, that doesn’t seem to be at fault either.

That, in theory, leaves me with something timing belt-related – not a big deal, but annoying given that it was (supposedly) changed in Japan only 20,000km ago.

The next question is, am I brave enough to have a go at doing it myself? Eek.

Model: Subaru Legacy GT-B Blitzen Owned by: Jon Reay Engine: 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol Bought for: $460 + shipping + tax (£2,300-ish total) Mileage: 81,500 Money spent this month: £0 Highlight of the month: The Subaru running (slightly) closer to how it’s supposed to…

NISSAN 200SX

PEUGEOT 205 GTI 1.9

by Jon Reay Multimedia manager, @JonReay

by Jack Evans News editor, @jackrober

by Christian Tilbury Staff writer, @Christilbury1

by Darren Cassey Staff writer, @DCassey

by James Baggott Chief executive, @CarDealerEd

Things still aren’t quite right with the Subaru just now. Jon’s hoping a timing belt change will silence a mysterious whining sound.

Another wash and brush-up for Belfort but what he’s really after is a long drive. Perhaps I’d better oblige him before too long.

The car’s been booked in for an MOT and compression test to see if the head gasket is blown. I’m bracing myself for some bad news...

New engine mounts have given the S13 a slightly more aggressive character. No horrors immediately apparent underneath the car.

MTM has been in touch to say the work he’s been doing is now complete. It’s awaiting a road trial, then I’ll go and collect.

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 41

OUR KEV.

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

A close encounter of the bird kind, complete with UFO ( ) D Unfortunate Flying Object !

iagnosing faults can, at times, be a pretty unpleasant process. Other times, you get lucky.

On one recent occasion, we had a lovely old Rover 75 Tourer towed into the garage. It had the 2.0-litre BMW diesel engine, an automatic ’box and a wonderful specification – full leather, wood-rimmed steering wheel and plush deep-pile carpets.

Despite having covered more than 200,000 miles, it was its owner’s pride and joy, and was a car that he had fastidiously maintained – indeed, we knew it well, as we did the annual MOT and the occasional job that the owner wasn’t confident enough to do himself.

On this occasion, though, the owner was somewhat distraught. He’d been to visit his daughter at university and on his way back, cruising up the A1, the automatic gearbox suddenly lost all drive and the car coasted to a halt. He limped into a layby and called the breakdown services, who established that the Rover would still engage drive if you put it into reverse, but had no forward motion whatsoever.

Assuming a catastrophic gearbox failure, they reversed it onto their recovery truck and delivered it to us so we could give a second opinion. I fully expected our opinion to be the same as the first. The breakdown operator couldn’t find any obvious reason for the gearbox to have stopped engaging drive and assumed it was a case of the internal clutch mechanism breaking up – a not unreasonable supposition given that the car had covered over 200k.

However, the owner was prepared to pay £40 for a diagnostic scan to confirm his worst fears. If the ’box was dead, then so be it, and he was prepared to read his cherished car its last rites and find a replacement, though he was stumped (quite reasonably, in my opinion) as to what kind of late-model estate car he could find that would be as cossetting and lovely as his old Rover had been. That was, after all, why he’d not changed cars in 13 years.

It was our apprentice, Jack, who became the car’s saviour.

Whilst I was in the footwell plugging in our OBD scanner, he was giving the car a quick once-over under the bonnet.

The scanner, for some reason, refused to even communicate with the gearbox, which led me to believe that the transmission had already had its last supper.

If it wasn’t even talking to the code reader, let alone throwing up a fault, then there was every chance it had forgotten it was a gearbox altogether, such is the joy of dealing with ECUs. As I was puzzling away, plugging and unplugging the reader to see if I could get any codes out of it whatsoever, Jack was talking to the car’s owner.

‘Did anything unusual happen just before the car broke down?’ he asked.

‘Not really,’ said the owner, ‘though I did hit a bird as I was accelerating down a slip road. I can’t see that causing much of a problem.’

‘You’d be surprised,’ added Jack, as he summoned me around to the Rover’s business end.

There, on the nearside inner wing, I could clearly make out the sticky, feathery remains of one of God’s unfortunate creatures, which had met its end in the jaws of a chrome-effect radiator grille.

And also there before me was a rather obvious problem.

The auto gearbox on these engines has a transmission oil cooler, offset to one side of the radiator. Where the gearbox oil temperature sensor should have been was a decapitated bird’s head, the sensor itself sheared clean off its connectors in a jumble of broken wiring and wings.

Of course, the reason the car would still drive perfectly normally backwards is because the reverse gear isn’t reliant on the sensor to work – it takes a very ‘special’ kind of driving to overheat an auto ’box in reverse, after all.

One of my mechanics has a 75 saloon with the same transmission, so before ordering any expensive parts, we borrowed the sensor off his car and plugged it in to see what happened. You guessed it – normal service was fully resumed. So instead of condemning the cherished Rover to the breaker’s yard, we ordered up an £80 sensor and had it back on the road for £100 all-in.

The owner was, understandably, delighted. Much more so than the bird, sadly.

Jack, meanwhile, completed his apprenticeship that day. With that level of under-bonnet intellect, tracing the remains of a dead bird to the source of a problem that had stumped the roadside recovery services, I figured it was time to give him a real job.

And he even got a Stella Artois-shaped bonus, courtesy of the Rover’s owner. I love a happy ending, me.

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

”

There, on the nearside inner wing, I could clearly make out the sticky, feathery remains of one of God’s unfortunate creatures.

WorkShopMagazine.co.uk

| 43

 sales@dragon2000.co.uk  dragon2000.co.uk  01327 222 333