Auto Torque - Autumn 2014

TORQUE 

Autumn 2014 

Tomorrow’s trade news, today! 

Access 

all areas! 

When it comes to parts Auto-Torque has 

it covered from headlights to exhausts and 

everything in between. 

NEWS • MARKETING BRAKING • ROTATING • DIAGNOSTICS ELECTRICS • FINANCE • BATTERIES • AIR CON • GARAGE • BRAKES EQUIPMENT • COIL SPRINGS • DPFS + MUCH MORE… •

Think safety first. 

Consider the cost of not doing it right. 

Wheel bearings are a safety critical component, 

so there are good reasons why vehicle manufacturers 

choose to fit FAG as original 

equipment. 

FAG has been designing and manufacturing 

wheel bearings for over 120 years, and it remains 

at the forefront of the industry because of its 

commitment to technology, innovation and 

quality. 

Cheaper bearings may not have been engineered 

or tested to conform to the many 

rigorous standards that FAG has to meet as 

an OE supplier. 

FAG Innovation - the complete solution. 

FAG wheel bearings come with a lifetime 

warranty* and FREE technical support by 

calling 08457 001 100 

Do it right with FAG 

More garage knowledge: 

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd 

Holme Lacy Road, Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6BQ 

Tel: 01432 264264 

E-mail: hfd-info@schaeffler.com 

www.schaeffler-aftermarket.co.uk 

*conditions apply 

2 AUTUMN Available 2014 through The General Parts enquiries Alliance. call 0121 565 Call 6128 log 0121 on www.auto-torque.com 565 6128 or email enquiries@auto-torque.com

WELCOME 

Autumn 2014 

TORQUE 

Tomorrow’s trade news, today! 

Access 

all areas! 

When it comes to parts Auto-Torque has 

it covered from headlights to exhausts and 

everything in between. 

• NEWS • MARKETING BRAKING • ROTATING • DIAGNOSTICS ELECTRICS • FINANCE • BATTERIES • AIR CON • GARAGE • BRAKES EQUIPMENT • COIL SPRINGS • DPFS + MUCH MORE… • 

Welcome to the Autumn issue of 

Auto-Torque. As the year moves 

on we’ve already seen plenty of 

developments in the UK aftermarket, 

but when was it ever quiet? As 

they say in China, “we’re living in 

interesting times.” 

The good news is The Parts Alliance, 

continues to grow bigger and 

stronger and is rapidly advancing 

its programmes not only of parts 

supply, but raising levels of customer 

service, as well as offering training 

and support for your business. 

No-one could say running a workshop 

is easy, and it isn’t, but it can be 

immensely satisfying and profitable, 

as long as you have the right support. 

We all know motorists expect high 

levels of service skills and quality 

Welcome to 

the Autumn 

edition of 

Auto-Torque. 

from your business. Doing a great 

job is fine but the customer is just as 

likely to remember a scruffy waiting 

room as the great, quick job you did. 

That means great parts supply is 

only part of the offer, because 

The Parts Alliance understands 

your needs to help along the way, as 

well as our competitive prices and 

comprehensive ranges. Your local 

member of The Parts Alliance will 

keep you up-to-date with all our 

developments, but one thing’s for 

sure: there’s never been a better 

time to be backed by the UK’s 

go-ahead, workshop-focussed parts 

distribution network. 

Stay with us on what promises to be 

an exciting journey! 

Rich Barnett and the Auto-Torque team. 

Contents… 

News 04 

All the latest from The Parts Alliance 

Garage Equipment 32 

Is your workshop profitable 

Mechanex Trade Show 35 

What to expect 

Editor's Comment 37 

Rich has even more to say... 

Endurance Rally Association 38 

Hectic start to 2014 

IAAF 07 

There’s a new boss in town… 

Servicesure 09 

Growing your business 

Glow plugs 11 

Start that diesel this Winter 

Rotating Electrics 12 

The range and the quality 

Auxiliary Belts 15 

Fit and forget 

On the road with TPA 17 

And near you soon! 

Profit Opportunity with Comma 18 

Testing brake fluid 

Batteries 21 

The power to get through the cold season 

Steering & Suspension 22 

Negotiating the right path 

DPFs 24 

Stay within the law! 

Catalytic Converters 27 

Clean up your act 

Osram Installer Programme 28 

See the profit opportunity 

Braking with Delphi 31 

Preventing brake noise 

General enquiries call 0121 565 6128 log on www.auto-torque.com or email enquiries@auto-torque.com AUTUMN 2014 

3

News from around The Parts Alliance 

Timeline 

20 th June 2014 8 th July 2014 

24 th July 2014 

Bromsgrove Motor Factors 

acquired 

Andrew Page rejoins as 

associate member 

33 branches of Unipart Automotive 

added to network 

The Parts Alliance goes into overdrive 

as rapid growth adds to national strength 

A period of accelerated 

growth has seen 

The Parts Alliance go 

into overdrive with 

the addition of two major businesses and 

recruitment of around 500 new colleagues 

from the collapsed Unipart Automotive. 

Andrew Page, a founder member of The Parts 

Alliance, has its headquarters in Leeds, 

with 93 branches across England generating 

around £170 million in turnover. It includes 

another former The Parts Alliance member, 

Camberley Auto Factors, which Andrew Page 

bought in 2012 and has now rebranded. 

Sephton said: “It was sad to see the decline 

and demise of Unipart Automotive. However, 

we worked hard to interview and re-employ 

close to 500 talented individuals whose great 

experience and skills will not now be lost to 

the aftermarket but will, instead, benefit The 

Parts Alliance and our customers.” 

National factor Andrew Page has rejoined 

as an associate member after an absence 

of six years, while the Worcestershire-based 

Bromsgrove Motor Factors has become the 

fifth owned business within the HgCapitalbacked 

group. 

These two major signings were rapidly 

followed by the acquisition of 33 branches of 

Unipart Automotive after the national parts 

distributor went into receivership. 

More than 350 jobs were saved in the joint 

rescue deal, between The Parts Alliance and 

Andrew Page, following which other ex-UA 

employees have also been taken on. 

Chief Executive Peter Sephton said he was 

pleased to welcome so many talented people 

to The Parts Alliance family. 

“This has been a tremendous opportunity to 

expand the branch network, further service 

our national account business and also to 

secure the employment of many skilled and 

experienced Unipart Automotive employees,” 

he said. 

“The HgCapital-backed The Parts Alliance now 

has the largest network coverage of any UK 

automotive parts supplier, with 278 branches 

across the UK and Ireland.” 

Sephton described Andrew Page as ‘a natural 

fit, with its size and geographic spread 

complementing that of The Parts Alliance, 

along with sharing common ethical ideals. As 

an associate member Andrew Page continues 

to trade as an independent business. 

Jim Sumner, executive chairman of Andrew 

Page, said: “We’re delighted to be back with 

The Parts Alliance’s rapidly expanding family 

of businesses. We’ve both undergone major 

change in recent times but these two leading 

aftermarket brands have a fantastic synergy 

and we’re a great match.” 

Bromsgrove Motor Factors (BMF) was founded 

in 1978. It employs 65 people and has 

outlets in Bromsgrove, Redditch, Worcester 

and Kidderminster. BMF Managing Director 

Gary Kennett and Director Anthony Rollings 

are continuing to lead the factor. 

Kennett said: “We are looking forward to 

working with Peter Sephton and the rest of the 

management team and developing Bromsgrove 

Motor Factors into an even greater business.” 

The new recruits from Unipart Automotive include 

people at all levels, from senior members of the 

National Accounts team and Regional Directors to 

parts advisors, branch managers, business and 

operations specialists. 

Sephton added The Parts Alliance had become 

the natural employer of choice in the sector 

as people have increasingly recognised the 

business group’s integrity and commitment 

to be a first choice place to work, backed by 

long-term substantial financial security. 

He said: “We take great care to allow 

prospective colleagues to understand us and 

our values and get to know them. 

“We respect the individual and diversity in all 

respects, providing an environment in which 

colleagues can express their opinions and 

help us to build a great future together, while 

we invest in their development.” 

The recruitment drive is further proof of 

The Parts Alliance’s commitment to its 

existing customer base and others who are 

increasingly turning to it for quality products 

and services, said Sephton. 

This, coupled with a quality parts offering, 

passion for service and industry leading 

catalogue and garage systems, with the most 

accurate look-up for parts of any supplier in 

the aftermarket with the proprietary AlliCat 

online system, all combine to help customers 

be more productive in their own businesses, 

and ultimately be more profitable. 

4 AUTUMN 2014 General enquiries call 0121 565 6128 log on www.auto-torque.com or email enquiries@auto-torque.com

Andrew Page 

Fast Facts 

. Established 1917 . 115 branches . 2,500 employees 

“We’re delighted to be back with The Parts Alliance’s rapidly expanding family of 

businesses. We’ve both undergone major change in recent times but these two 

leading aftermarket brands have a fantastic synergy and we’re a great match.” 

Jim Sumner, Executive Chairman 

Bromsgrove Motor Factors 

Fast Facts 

. BMF was founded in 1978 

. Branches in Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester 

. 65 staff, 30 delivery vehicles 

“We are looking forward to working with Peter Sephton and the rest of the 

management team and developing Bromsgrove Motor Factors into an even 

greater business.” 

MD Gary Kennett 

More branches and people 

Fast Facts 

. 12 branches bought by The Parts Alliance 

. 21 branches acquired by Andrew Page 

. 500 jobs added to provide an even better service 


5

MAN-UP! 

Recent evidence has generated widespread UK Aftermarket awareness that some filter brands may 

not deliver the OE quality and performance promised. 

And, because the cost differential between premium and poor quality filtration can be just a few 

pence, many now agree that it is illogical to compromise business, reputation and customer 

retention, for the cost of a newspaper. 

When the carrot is ‘price’ alone, MAN-UP! Demand the optimum engine protection and peace of 

mind delivered with every MANN-FILTER. 

www.mann-filter.com 

MANN-FILTER – Perfect parts. Perfect service. 


Q&A with Wendy Williamson 

IAAF Chief Executive 

Wendy Williamson recently took over the reins at of aftermarket 

trade body the IAAF. It mixes politics with industry, with demands 

from all sides. Auto-Torque catches up with Wendy for her views 

on today’s aftermarket. What’s affecting it, and what’s driving it? 

What do you see as your key mission at 

the IAAF? 

Our prime mission is to promote and secure 

the future of the independent automotive 

aftermarket to the benefit of its members. 

However, we have some key goals, which 

include supporting every aspect of a member’s 

business and providing beneficial services 

and to develop and maintain effective links 

with government departments, regulators, 

allied trade associations and the press, so 

that the federation’s views are always given 

serious consideration and acted upon. 

What are the prime areas of outsideinfluence 

affecting the aftermarket that is 

of concern to you? 

Telematics – Vehicle telematics is now a 

major concern and evidence is gaining that 

it strengthens a vehicle manufacturer’s 

customer retention, to put it mildly. It is 

now the case that owners of newer vehicles 

could potentially be advised of problems 

with their car by the manufacturer well 

before the problem becomes apparent to the 

driver, ensuring the manufacturer retains a 

tight grip on the aftercare of the vehicle. As 

vehicles become more sophisticated, this 

is an important area for the independent 

aftermarket to focus on to ensure we protect 

our rights under Block Exemption. 

Roadworthiness proposals 

The IAAF successfully fought proposals for EUwide 

minimum standards for technical checks 

on PTI testing (or the MOT as we refer to it 

in the UK) The proposals looked to align all 

PTI tests in Europe on a 4-2-2 frequency, (i.e., 

first test is at four years old, then every two 

years thereafter). 

The UK already operates a higher frequency 

of testing – a 3-1-1 MOT testing period – 

than outlined in the proposal and VOSA’s 

regulation of the MOT process is appropriate 

to ensure consumers’ confidence. 

More notably, the EU proposals called for 

a separation in the testing and servicing of 

vehicles, meaning that one independent 

garage could not service and MOT test a 

vehicle. This proposed legislation would’ve 

seriously affected the thousands of MOT 

businesses in the UK, the vast majority of 

which are in the independent aftermarket. 

Beside the obvious safety concerns, it 

would’ve created unnecessary bureaucracy 

and red tape and would’ve impacted on a 

system that already works well. 

The IAAF has therefore taken an important 

step in the process of convincing the 

European legislators that they must take the 

needs of the independent aftermarket into 

consideration with these Roadworthiness 

Testing proposals. 

"Our prime mission is to 

promote and secure the 

future of the independent 

automotive aftermarket to 

the benefit of its members." 

Will you liaise with other UK trade bodies? 

Yes, the IAAF is very active with other trade 

bodies, both within the automotive industry 

and other sectors. The Federation holds 

influential positions within these bodies and, 

as an additional role, acts as a secretariat 

for organisations like Federation of Engine 

Remanufacturers (FER) and British Battery 

Industry Federation (BBIF). 

Do you see the number of independent 

garages shrinking? 

Much has been made of the number of 

independent garages shrinking due to lack 

of investment or regulation. We would argue 

that the activities of the IAAF in fighting off 

regulation detrimental to an independent 

garage and the introduction of competitive 

products and services from IAAF’s 

membership has meant independent garages 

can both invest and increase profitability. 

There has been impressive growth in the 

number of MOT stations over the past few 

years, largely from the independent sector. 

What should an independent garage do to 

safeguard its future? 

Investment in products, training, services 

and people is paramount to the future of 

our trade. This investment may not always 

bring immediate results but it will, over time, 

allow for greater engagement with customers. 

Keeping technicians up to date with the 

latest technology is key with new Euro 5 and 

6 vehicles. 

With this in mind, independent garages must 

be mindful that they are in a service business 

and up against some fierce competition. A 

motorist’s business should never be taken for 

granted. Effective communication is key, not 

only with service / MOT reminders but with 

social media and direct mail. Any means of 

communicating with your customers should 

be explored, acted upon and then monitored 

for its effectiveness. 


7

Switch to the UK’s fastest growing Garage Support network 

Not just another Garage Programme 

Our industry continues to evolve at an even faster pace. Vehicle 

technology is becoming more sophisticated; you’re working on all 

makes and models and you have to work smarter. 

You need the support of a stable, established and trusted garage support 

network that can provide an unrivalled amount of benefits. 

Why work alone when you can switch to Servicesure Autocentre. 

There are many benefits developed to enhance your business 

• ‘No Quibble’ National Warranty* 

• GS Onestop 

• Service Plan Plus 

• Government funded Apprenticeship Programme 

• Merchant Services 

• Online booking platform 

• Legal Services 

• Garage Health Check 

• Car Sales without the metal 

• Full marketing support service 

• Courtesy car scheme 

• Health & Safety advice 

How Servicesure can help your business 

Shane Ferguson from Coles and Blackwell says... 

“We have been part of the Servicesure network from its launch. 

We have like many garages I am sure, seen the costs of insuring our 

business rise every year and have rightly or wrongly just taken what the 

renewal quote and covering letter says every year and paid it. 

The Insurance company recommended by Servicesure Autocentre saved 

us a massive £,7000 in the first year!!!” 

*Terms & Conditions apply. For more information visit: www.servicesureautocentres.com 

To switch, simply call: 0121 565 6126 

Local Service • National Strength 

8 AUTUMN 2014 General enquiries call 0121 565 6128 log on www.auto-torque.com or email www.servicesureautocentres.com 

enquiries@auto-torque.com

Servicesure 

Switch now to Servicesure 

By becoming a Servicesure Autocentre you will be joining a fast-growing 

national network of leading independent garages where the focus is on 

running a successful, profitable business providing customers with great 

service, excellent value and quality parts. 

As a Servicesure Autocentre member you 

will have access to a wide range of benefits. 

Every single one of them has been added to 

the programme to help your business prosper. 

Some of the benefits will help you generate 

more revenue or provide a better service, 

whilst others could save you money. 

The whole landscape of the independent 

aftermarket is changing and we all need 

to ensure we can meet the challenges, 

particularly as vehicle technology becomes 

ever more sophisticated. 

Established by The Parts Alliance in 2004, 

and accessed via the group’s distributors, the 

Servicesure Autocentre network was created 

to appeal to forward-thinking garages looking 

for more than just ‘a parts supplier’. 

The many benefits include our National 

Warranty, offering complete peace of mind for 

you and your customers. 

Through the National Warranty Scheme, if a 

part fails because it’s faulty or incorrectly 

fitted, your customer can have a replacement 

part fitted for free. The scheme looks after 

your customers by getting them back on the 

road as quickly as possible. 

The warranty applies to parts supplied by 

any participating Parts Alliance distributor. 

If a part fails, the customer phones a 

dedicated helpline, where they’re directed 

to their nearest participating Servicesure 

Autocentre garage. 

A free replacement part is supplied to 

the garage by the nearest Parts Alliance 

distributor. Labour is also covered by 

The Parts Alliance. 

Our garage management system GS Onestop 

will help you manage your business more 

effectively. Designed with thousands of 

hours input from garages across the UK, GS 

Onestop is a garage software management 

system that works with you. It has Autodata 

service schedules exclusively integrated 

into it. 

GS Onestop is installed onto your computer 

and works even if your internet connection 

is down. Order your parts by phone, online 

or using the unique electronic catalogue 

exclusive to The Parts Alliance. AlliCat online 

and GS Onestop will cross-examine our stock 

and organise your inventory and job card. 

GS Onestop includes a diary/planner, 

customer management, invoicing, vehicle 

look-up, parts ordering, stock management, 

estimates, accounts exports, reporting and 

marketing reminders. 

But there is so much more. Other benefits 

include: 

• Access to excellent training courses for 

technicians to ensure all new technologies 

are covered 

• Service Plan Plus 

• Government funded Apprenticeship 

Programme 

• Merchant Services 

• Online booking platform 

• Legal Services 

• Garage Health Check 

• Car Sales opportunities 

• Full marketing support service 

• Courtesy car scheme 

• Health & Safety advice 

Membership is just £350 + VAT* which includes subscription to Motor Codes. 

Concession’s are available if you are already working to a Trading Standards Approved Code of Practise. 

*The cost excludes the biennial AA garage Audit and that the garage must be employing or willing to employ within 12 months of sign up an ATA Technician. 

To find out more and to switch, simply call 0121 565 6126. 


9

NGK Diesel Glow plugs 

TheNo.1 

choice 

From the world leaders in spark plug technology. 

NGK Spark Plugs 

As the world’s No.1 OEsupplier of spark plugs and originators ofcopper core 

technology, you can be confident of finding the right plug for your engine 

with arange that includes Iridium, Platinum and multi-ground electrode types. 

The No.1 brand in the UK, our extensive range covers virtually all 

aftermarket requirements including ceramic types. Plus the latest dual 

coil technology and top quality materials ensure optimum performance, 

high reliability and long life. 

NTK Lambda Sensors 

NTK are the world’s largest manufacturer of Lambda Sensors and offer afull 

all-makes aftermarket range of ready tofit sensors, all ofwhich have factory 

fitted OE specification connectors for fast, reliable fitment. 

Never settle for second best, insist on NGK/NTK 

F ITTED A S ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT A ROUND THE W ORLD 

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd. 

Maylands Avenue 

Hemel Hempstead 

Hertfordshire HP2 4SD 

Telephone: 01442 281000 

Fax: 01442 281001 

www.ngkntk.co.uk 

Alfa Romeo 

Aston Martin 

Audi 

Bentley 

BMW 

Chevrolet 

Chrysler 

Citroen 

Daewoo 

Daihatsu 

Ferrari 

Fiat 

Ford 

Honda 

Hyundai 

Isuzu 

Jaguar 

Jeep 

Kia 

Land Rover 

Lexus 

Lotus 

Maserati 

Maybach 

Mazda 

McLaren 

Mercedes Benz 

MG 

Mini 

Mitsubishi 

Nissan 

Perodua 

Peugeot 

Proton 

Renault 

Rolls Royce 

Saab 

Seat 

Skoda 

Smart 

Suzuki 

Subaru 

Toyota 

Vauxhall 

Volvo 

VW 


Glow Plugs 

As diesel cars make up around 

half of the UK car population, 

there is no escaping the 

demand for glow plugs, but are 

you using the right type? 

With the cold season not far off, glow 

plugs will be working harder to provide the 

necessary power to fire up a diesel engine. 

You’ll need to be fired-up too, being able to 

fit new glow plugs when a panicking motorist 

comes in saying their car took ages to start 

this morning. 

It’s worth bearing in mind that once one 

glow plug has failed, the others could soon 

follow suit, and even with one glow plug 

not functioning properly emissions and fuel 

economy will suffer. 

Your local Parts Alliance member carries 

NGK glow plugs. Fitted as OE by many car 

manufacturers, NGK glow plugs offer high 

quality and longevity, meaning in even the 

coldest conditions a diesel engine should 

start without any problems. 

But while diesel engine design continues 

to evolve, with performance levels that 

two decades ago would have been thought 

impossible, the glow plug hasn’t greatly 

changed. Recent glow plug types include 

AQGS (Advanced Quick Glow System) and 

NHTC (New High Temperature Ceramic), 

which offer quicker heat generation and 

little exhaust smoke – the once-common 

telltale sign a diesel car was in front! 

NGK advises always fitting OE-specification 

glow plugs because low-quality alternatives 

can trip the OBD system, and that means 

replacing the glow plugs again – this time 

with the correct-specification types. 

Make no mistake – there’s no substitute 

for using the right glow plug each and 

every time. They may cost a little more, 

but their benefits far outweigh the risks of 

using a cheaper, low-quality type. 


11

Rotating Electrics 

RotaTing electric 

Winter is the hardest season for rotating electrics: Alternators and 

starter motors have their work cut out as temperatures fall and the 

nights get longer. Engine oil is thicker and heavier, which puts more 

strain on the starter, while cold, wet weather means the lights, 

wipers and heater are working for longer. 

That means a higher failure rate for 

alternators and starter motors. You need 

to be prepared for that demand, and your 

local member of The Parts Alliance has a 

comprehensive range of replacement units. 

Make sure your customers aren’t left out in 

the cold this Winter! 

Brands have grown, dominated and capitulated 

throughout the world and the automotive 

aftermarket has been no exception. Sure 

enough, the top British brands differ markedly 

from some 20 years ago, when the internet 

was not the dominant force it is today. 

If you look at the demise of brands like 

Kodak, Nokia, Blockbuster and Woolworths, 

it is startling to see the level of abandonment 

these brands have experienced. But who 

abandoned whom first? Was it the 

management of these companies that failed 

to re-position their brands to the rapidly 

evolving world of consumerism? The need for 

instant gratification has never been so acute. 

True enough, these companies failed to react 

to a consumer that wanted to do less and 

receive more – for less cost. Habits change 

and so brands have to as well. What’s more, 

today’s successful brands strip away all the 

rules and restrictions and position themselves 

as a key part of the community. 

Closer to home the automotive aftermarket 

has seen its fair share of brands come and 

go. It would come as a surprise then that 

the DriveTec and MIRATEC brands of rotating 

electrics, are one of the longest standing in 

this product group. 

Despite all the talk of low prices, repairers 

want to be able to access a part that fits 

correctly, works properly and is backed up a 

full support programme. While on the surface 

this seems a simple request, it is one that 

is reached following a continuous period 

of investment. 

Over the last few years the MIRATEC and 

DriveTec brands have redefined ‘what’s in 

the box’ and successfully combined both 

‘renewed’ and ‘new’ rotating electrics 

products together, which has boosted the 

industry’s understanding of its product range. 

This is a remarkable achievement, particularly 

with rotating electrics, because the product 

group – which has seen considerable change 

over the years – has a perception of being 

‘troublesome’ for the independent repairer. 

"Start-stop technology is 

increasingly popular on 

vehicles and this is expected 

to create a windfall for the 

independent repair market." 

Auto-Torque has taken steps to address the 

misdiagnosis of faults in rotating machines. 

Add to this the in-depth range – currently 

comprising 4500 part numbers – availability 

AND technical support and it’s evident 

that the investment placed in these ranges 

means they can more than stand up to 

scrutiny among Original Equipment (OE) 

component manufacturers. 

Product development 

In recent months the DriveTec and MIRATEC 

brands have intensified their product 

development programme with the launch of a 

number of new rotating electrics references 

for start stop vehicles. 

Vehicle manufacturers covered by the 

new stop/start references include Audi, 

Alfa Romeo, BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot 

and Renault. 


s failure ahead! 

All references are completely brand new 

units, available from stock and come 

complete with a 24-month warranty. 

Units are also produced to OE quality 

and tested rigorously before they 

are distributed. 

Throughout the past 16 years, the 

content of electronic components has 

increased dramatically and as such the 

stresses on alternators, meaning the 

replacement market is less seasonal than 

once was. Alternators are tasked with 

producing more power in order to cope 

with the demand placed on the battery. 

But, as cars have become lighter and 

more efficient, output of starter motors 

has decreased. 

Start-stop technology is increasingly 

popular on vehicles and this is expected 

to create a windfall for the independent 

repair market. 

The selection of the right brand, 

comprising all the qualities needed to 

successfully tackle this market, will be key 

for repairers. 

Auto-Torque says: Contact your local 

member for more information. 

At-a-glance benefits of DriveTec and MIRATEC rotating electrics 

P Every remanufactured unit is load tested and bar-coded to ensure complete 

traceability 

P A detailed test certificate is included with every unit 

P Distinctive packaging and shrink-wrapping increases product protection 

Rigorous testing procedures – substantial investment in DV Electronics’ 

state-of-the-art computerised testing machines 

P Alternators and starters 

P 98 percent parc coverage for car and LCV 

P More than 4500 references available 

P Alternators are fully load tested 

P Brand new clutch pulleys fitted where applicable 

P Starters are fully torque tested 

MIRATEC 

MIRATEC offers a range of OE quality 

units – many of which are new – 

comprising a 24-month warranty. The 

MIRATEC range is targeted towards the 

new to five years old vehicle parc. 

DriveTec 

DriveTec covers 98 percent of the UK vehicle parc, offers 

an OE-quality range of remanufactured starters and 

alternators. The DriveTec range is specifically designed 

for vehicles aged five years and over. 


13

14 AUTUMN Available 2013 through The General Parts enquiries Alliance. call 0121 565 Call 6128 log 0121 on www.auto-torque.com 565 6128 or email enquiries@auto-torque.com

Auxiliary Belts 

Smooth Runnings 

Auxiliary belts power most of a car’s systems and without them 

that car wouldn’t be going anywhere. The problem for car makers 

is for that long auxiliary belt to run smoothly, providing power 

smoothly and without detection. 

The Parts Alliance supplier Gates has moved 

auxiliary belt drive system design on with its 

alternator isolator decoupler (AID). The AID 

is designed to reduce torsional vibration, 

which can shorten belt life and generate 

extra noise in the process. 

So how does the AID pulley work? 

The engine’s piston cycle creates crankshaft 

pulley vibration, and those vibrations 

run through the belt to the components 

it’s linked to. Gates says high torque, 

caused by increase and decrease in the 

speed of the belt, creates tension that 

leads to the chirping sound modern engines 

can develop. 

The AID design uses a pulley, bearings, oneway 

clutch, shaft, torsional spring and cover. 

The one-way clutch lets the AID decouple, 

and this occurs when the engine is started 

and turned off and when the gearbox 

changes ratio. 

“Gates’ involvement with the OE market 

demonstrates our ability to deliver both the 

OE quality and the technical support that 

aftermarket installers will increasingly require 

in the future. We are delivering for OE and 

for the aftermarket,” says Taco Homan, Gates 

regional manager for the UK and Ireland. 


15

Confidence comes from within 

For over 45 years, Comma Oil & Chemicals has been producing world-class 

lubricants, chemicals and car maintenance products that are now available in 

more than 40 countries. Our products are blended to meet strict international 

safety standards, subject to rigorous quality control procedures and tested 

to extremes in motorsport, ensuring we’re confident in their performance. 

So much so we guarantee it. 

Contact your local Comma stockist or visit CommaOil.com for more information. 


The Parts Alliance teams up with Delphi 

COMING TO A TOWN 

NEAR YOU! 

Last year The Parts Alliance teamed 

up with Delphi to launch the ‘STOP 

with Best’ initiative. A rolling 12 month 

campaign promoting The Parts Alliance 

braking proposition, which included 

training, support material, promotions 

and of course the Tea Van. 

Following on from this success, The Parts 

Alliance have again teamed up with Delphi 

to begin a focus on their Steering and 

Suspension ranges. This focuses heavily on 

the Delphi brand along with supporting brands 

and products such as ETS, Monroe, Lesjöfors 

and Glide. 

Two additional vehicles will also be out 

and about in your area, the first will focus 

on Steering and Suspension. The second 

is a long wheel base technical showcase, 

promoting Delphi products from regular repair 

items through to the latest technology such 

as Telematics. 

Keep a look out for the 

van in a town near you… 

To find out when the vans will be in your 

area contact your local member of 

The Parts Alliance. 


17

Brake Fluid 

Don’t slam the brakes on 

the profit opportunity of 

brake fluid 

1 in 3 cars on European 

roads are at risk of 

brake failure. 

Independent workshops could be missing 

out on thousands of pounds worth of profit 

margin, according to a new report that reveals 

that the brakes on a quarter of all cars in the 

UK could fail at any time. 

Research conducted for Cosan Lubricants’ 

Comma brand, tested the quality of brake 

fluid at service garages across Europe 

and found that 26.5% of UK motorists had 

defective brake fluid, with nearly one in 10 

unintentionally risking their lives every time 

they drove. Overall across Europe, that figure 

rose to 41% of vehicles operating with substandard 

brake fluid. 

While the poor quality of brake fluid in the 

nation’s cars was alarming, the study also 

revealed a worrying lack of understanding 

among motorists about how brake fluid 

functions – three quarters had no idea, 

offering workshops the chance to build trust 

and educate their customers. 

The extensive range of Comma brake fluid 

covers over 99% of vehicles on the road in 

the UK and can be found in detail on the VRN 

function at www.CommaOil.com. 

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the 

atmosphere, which reduces its effectiveness 

by lowering the boiling point. Once the boiling 

point dips below 180°C, brake fluid becomes 

all but useless, potentially causing sudden 

and inexplicable brake failure. 

Brake fluid testing expert, Alba Diagnostics, 

recommends replacing brake fluid when its 

boiling point reaches 200°C. But, shockingly, 

some of the vehicles tested by Comma had 

brake fluid that boiled at 130°C. 

Boiling points of braking fluid 

Temperature °C 

Percentage of 

Vehicles 

250 9.5% 

Researchers found that the age and mileage 

of a vehicle is not necessarily linked to 

the quality of its brake fluid. One in seven 

vehicles with less than 80,000 miles on the 

clock had fluid showing a boiling point of less 

than 200°C. 

Meanwhile, 75% of workshop customers 

either admitted that they don’t know how 

brake fluid works, or gave an inadequate 

account when questioned. More than a third 

(34%) had not changed their brake fluid for 

over two years. 

The rest of Europe is not much better, with a 

total of 71% of motorists quizzed unable to 

explain how brake fluid works. 

Mike Bewsey, spokesperson for Comma, 

said: “The poor quality of fluid that controls 

such a safety-critical vehicle component in the 

UK is alarming, as is the widespread lack of 

understanding about how it works. 

“Unfortunately, once brake fluid is 

contaminated, there’s no going back and 

there is a much greater risk that it will boil,” 

he said. “This can happen in stop-start 

conditions or under heavy braking, and the 

risk increases significantly in vehicles that are 

towing something. It’s an elusive problem and 

very difficult to diagnose because, after an 

accident and once the fluid has cooled again, 

it will appear to be normal.” 


MILEAGE 

AGE 

Cosan Lubricants believes that the ‘phantom’ 

nature of brake fluid failure could account for 

thousands of accidents every year. But, while 

a visual fluid level check might – or might not! 

- be carried out during a vehicle’s MOT, quality 

testing forms no part of the test. “ 

Bewsey said: “Routine testing of the boiling 

point temperature is the only fail-safe way to 

check the quality of brake fluid. Workshops 

with the foresight to offer quality testing will 

unlock not only an additional revenue stream 

Temperature °C 

Mileage 250 Average °C 

120,001 0.8% 1.8% 7.0% 0% 205 

Total 8% 18.5% 64% 9.5% 

Age 250 Average °C 

8 years 0% 12.2% 33% 0% 202 

Total 8% 18.5% 64% 9.5% 

and upselling opportunity, but will also be 

more likely to win the ongoing trust and loyalty 

of their customers.” 

Why is brake fluid condition critical to 

braking efficiency? 

Braking systems on modern vehicles – cars, 

vans & motorcycles etc – are actuated by 

brake fluid under the hydraulic pressure 

created by applying the brake pedal. Even 

in normal operation, all braking systems 

generate substantial heat, so brake fluid 

must have a high boiling point to 

remain effective. However, brake 

fluid is hygroscopic: i.e. it absorbs 

water naturally from atmospheric 

moisture. Over time, the water 

contaminates the brake fluid, 

lowering its boiling point. Water 

boils at 100°C, evaporating into 

steam, which - unlike fluid - is 

compressible. The result is socalled 

‘soft pedal’, the symptom 

of reduced hydraulic pressure: 

braking effect is diminished or lost 

completely when the brake pedal 

is applied. When the steam cools 

however, it condenses back into 

a fluid state, seeming to restore 

normal braking function - until the 

(heating) process is repeated, 

when the symptoms re-occur. Given 

its characteristics of sudden brake 

failure, this condition has been labelled ‘the 

silent killer’. 

Cosan is one of Brazil’s leading 

conglomerates, operating in sectors strategic 

for the country’s development, such as 

infrastructure and energy. Cosan Lubricants 

produces and distributes the most advanced 

automotive and industrial products under the 

Mobil brand across South America and has a 

footprint in the United Kingdom, Europe and 

Asia Pacific through the Comma brand. 


19


Batteries 

Beware of 

battery 

failure 

With Autumn on us – and, let’s be honest, Winter not too 

far away, you’re likely to soon be replacing more batteries. 

Despite their more sophisticated technology, batteries don’t 

have a never-ending life, and come the first cold snap, you’re 

certain to have plenty of desperate motorists beating a path 

to your business because their car won’t start. 

Cars have become more battery-specific in 

recent years, so you can’t fit any old type 

and send your customer on their way. Diesel 

engines, start/stop technology and a host of 

comfort features mean batteries need to have 

more power, and for longer. 

application and fitting systems. This gives 

VIN and make/model information, as well as 

repair times and fitting instructions, so you 

are up-to speed each time a worried, stranded 

motorist comes into your workshop. 

Both the Yuasa and the GS ranges have 

premium batteries, Yuasa YBX5000 and 

GS Gold have 14 types and make excellent 

This means you need to have a high-quality 

replacement for your customers, because 

almost all battery sales are distress 

purchases. And while you may keep some in 

stock, you need a first-class back-up to deliver 

the more unusual applications. 

The Parts Alliance offers Yuasa batteries, 

whose range offers more than 99.8 per cent 

European vehicle coverage (cars through 

to heavy commercial vehicles). Yuasa is 

expanding its offering with the unveiling at the 

Automechanika trade later this month of the 

GS line-up. 

With the GS range Yuasa has the range in 

Europe, and both GS and the existing Yuasa 

batteries are backed by Yuasa’s online 

upgrades for customer’s whose car’s battery 

has failed. Both ranges also include hybrid 

and micro hybrid types, including six European 

AGM and five Japanese AGM batteries for 

start/stop cars. In addition, five European and 

eight Japanese enhanced flooded batteries 

offer extensive vehicle parc coverage. 

So, with cooler days and nights not far off, 

you need to be prepared for those failing 

batteries. Talk to your local member of 

The Parts Alliance to get geared up. 


21

Steering & Suspension 

Don’t forget other 

It’s easy to focus on shock absorbers and springs, but there’s 

more to a car’s suspension than these key components. 

Track rod ends and wishbones also contribute 

to the way a car handles, steers and stops, 

and they have just as hard a time as shock 

absorbers and coils. Wishbones also carry 

the car’s weight and absorb some of the 

effects of coarser road surfaces, while the 

track rod ends have the added role of looking 

after steering too. 

The steering and suspension market is very 

much influenced by the MOT test, which will 

fail a car if components are no longer up for 

the job. As a potential reason for a car to fail 

its test, you need a first-class supplier who 

can get the car back on the road as soon as 

possible – in other words, convert the fail 

sheet into a pass certificate. 

"The steering and suspension market 

is very much influenced by the MOT 

test, which will fail a car if components 

are no longer up for the job." 

It’s likely some of your customers will go into 

panic mode when you let them know their 

pride and joy has failed its MOT test. It’s 

down to you to offer them reassurance, and 

you need the confidence that you can source 

high-quality parts quickly, so they’ll be back 

on the road as soon as possible. 

Your local member of The Parts Alliance 

offers a wide range of track rod ends and 

wishbones from leading suppliers such as 

Monroe and Delphi. 


key components! 

Monroe Tie Rod Axle Joints 

Wishbones 

Monroe Tie Rod Ends 

Delphi Wishbones 


23

DPFs 

DPFs aren't 

always to 

There's been a large amount of 

correspondence in the newspapers 

about diesel cars and just how 

efficient they are. Yes, we all know 

diesels offer great fuel economy, 

but more modern diesel engines 

might not be quite as efficient as 

older types. 

Let’s face it, the particulate filter probably has 

a lot to do with the tarnished image modern 

diesel engines have. But it’ not just the fault 

of the DPF, because the motorist doesn’t help 

matters if they’re using a diesel-engined car 

on short journeys where the engine and the 

DPF don’t get hot enough to work efficiently. 

If it’s subjected to a lot of journeys where 

it doesn’t get up to the correct operating 

temperature, on comes the dashboard 

warning light - and you’ll be getting a visit 

from a driver wondering why their megaefficient 

diesel car isn’t, well, efficient. 

Like it or not that short-journey driving causes 

premature soot-caused blockage. What’s 

more, ash accumulating in the DPF won’t be 

removed by regeneration – even when the 

DPF is running at very high temperatures. 

"…driving a car that has 

had its DPF removed is 

illegal. And that can mean 

bother for you, because 

if you’ve removed it you 

could be getting a knock 

on the door… From 

February this year a vehicle 

will fail its MOT test if the 

DPF has been removed" 

But it’s also important not to always blame 

the DPF, because emissions-related parts 

such as the EGR, DPF sensors, lambda sensor 

and even the wrong engine oil will also affect 

a DPF’s performance. 

The demand for replacement DPFs continues 

to grow and it’s a useful revenue stream 

for today’s independent garage. But for 

motorists an OE replacement is not only 

uneconomic, it’s probably costing more than 

the car’s worth! An aftermarket alternative 

might be available, but not for every model 

that might require that replacement. Then 

there’s the cleaning additive, but it could do 

more harm than good. 

There’s also been a rise in demand for the 

DPF to be taken out and not replaced. It’s 

easy to understand why the motorist might 

do that: They’ve probably heard from a mate 

down the pub that it’s OK to remove the DPF, 

because it won’t raise emissions but it will 

improve performance and fuel economy. 

It won’t, but more than that, to be driving a 

car that has had its DPF removed is illegal. 

And that can mean bother for you, because 

if you’ve removed it you could be getting 

a knock on the door… From February this 

year a vehicle will fail its MOT test if the DPF 

has been removed, and that’s because it 

contravenes the Road Vehicles (Construction 

and Use Regulations 61a (3)), which says the 

filter is there to do a job the law calls for, i.e., 

reduce emissions. 

The solution for your customers, and for you, 

is to offer a first-class ‘green’ alternative, 

and your local member of The Parts Alliance 

has just the offering. Step forward Ceramex. 

Ceramex is 100% environmentally friendly 

and uses water and air to remove soot 

and ash on the existing DPF offering the 

performance of a brand new one. 

The diagram on the right shows you what 

Ceramex do to an existing DPF to make it as 

good as new. 


lame… 

DAY 1 

Identify 

clogged 

DPF 

Phone local 

member 

Collect 

clogged DPF 

from you 

Despatch 

to Ceramex 

Refurb 

Centre 

The process uses water and air rather 

than harmful chemicals, and removes the 

soot and ash that can plague a DPF and 

render it almost useless. There’s no baking 

in the reconditioning process, and the 

result is a DPF with as-new cleanliness and 

back pressure. 

Happy 

customer 

Received and 

fitted back 

on car 

DPF Refurbishment 

Service Cycle 

Inspected 

DAY 2 

So how does the Ceramex process work? 

The garage removes the DPF and contacts 

your local member of The Parts Alliance for 

its collection. They complete the paperwork 

and arrange for the old DPF to be sent to 

Ceramex, who then refurbish the unit. The 

whole process takes between three and 

five days. 

DAY 3 

Returned 

by secure 

insured 

courier 

Re-tested - 

filter condition 

report 

produced 

Purged - 

remove soot 

and ash 

Tested 

So, there is a ‘green’, cost-effective alternative 

for your customers. And it’s available for any 

car, unlike the limited availability of brandnew 

units, meaning you’ve got the backing to 

get a customer’s car back on the road, rather 

than consigning it to the scrapyard. 

For more information contact your local 

member of The Parts Alliance today. 


25

Walker has been at the forefront of emission control technology for more than 80 years. 

From simple silencers to the most complex diesel particle filter, Walker is the first call for vehicle manufacturers. 

Keep your vehicle performing at its best. 

www.walker-eu.com 

6534 Walker Advert_SEPT 2013.indd 1 02/10/2013 14:45 


Catalytic Converters 

Don't forget the cat! 

Go on, admit it. How often do 

you check the condition of the 

catalyst when a car’s on the 

ramp? If the answer’s ‘never’, 

it’s time for a rethink. 

You’ve got to feel sorry for a catalyst: It’s 

exposed to big differences in temperature 

and being situated pretty low down it scrapes 

on speed bumps, and it’s sprayed with water, 

grit, salt and the general dirt that collects on 

a road surface. 

We expect a lot from the catalyst, so the least 

you can do is make sure it’s in good condition 

and up to the job, especially if you think it’s 

been driven through deep water when it’s hot, 

which is never a good thing as the internals, 

which do the chemical conversion can shatter, 

making the unit as much use as a trapdoor in 

a canoe. 

car’s already on the ramps and not going 

anywhere, so why not spend a few minutes 

checking if the cat’s got plenty of life in it, or 

it’s likely to expire shortly. 

"Sadly too few technicians 

give the catalyst a quick visual 

once-over, even though it’s 

usually easy to get to. Let’s 

face it – the car’s already 

on the ramps and not going 

anywhere, so why not spend a 

few minutes checking if 

the cat’s got plenty of life 

in it, or it’s likely to 

expire shortly." 

If the prognosis isn’t good you’ll 

have to give your customer the bad 

news, but also let them know you can 

supply a replacement. Your local member of 

The Parts Alliance has access to the widest 

range of high-quality catalysts, and with a 

ready supply the car won’t be off the road 

for long. 

So don’t forget – every cat needs some 

attention. Just make sure you’re 

the one who gives it. 

Sadly too few technicians give the catalyst 

a quick visual once-over, even though it’s 

usually easy to get to. Let’s face it – the 


27

See the light and profit from your bulb sales! 

With winter approaching, autumn is the time to 

start gearing up for the lighting season that will 

soon be upon us. Bulbs and lighting in general 

are often viewed as a non profitable business 

revenue in the workshop, with little room for 

money making opportunities. 

Osram’s philosophy is that something as small and simple as 

a replacement bulb can actually bring huge profit opportunities 

and additional business revenue, in particular from upgrade bulb 

types and other value adding products such as aftermarket fit DRL 

(Daytime Running Light) Kits that you may not have thought about 

before. 

Life is all about choices and this principle should be applied 

when supplying and fitting replacement bulbs to your customers 

vehicles. Your customer may not even know there are alternative 

‘value adding’ bulb types available to them; so by taking a couple 

of minutes to explain the features and benefits of an upgrade bulb, 

or aftermarket fit DRL kit, could lead to a very happy customer 

and a better profit return for you. Ask them the question “Do you 

want the same OE quality bulb as fitted in the vehicle at point of 

"As lighting on vehicles becomes more complex and labour 

intensive in terms of bulb replacements in compact engine 

bays, Osram are actively working on new bulb types to make 

them easier" 

also be a good opportunity to take the hassle away from them and 

offer a DRL fitting service. Again, this is something they may never 

have even considered before. 

As lighting on vehicles becomes more complex and labour 

intensive in terms of bulb replacements in compact engine bays, 

Osram are actively working on new bulb types to make them easier 

such as the H15 halogen lamp; most commonly used in the DRL 

application on some new VW and Audi models. This new type 

enables the quick and easy replacement of the bulb in one twist 

and fit action without any clips or electrical connections. To meet 

with the demands of consumers and the request for a bluish-white 

H15, Osram will be launching a new COOL BLUE INTENSE H15 

bulb at Automechanika 2014 enabling more profit opportunities in 

a not so labour intensive application. 

Osram H15 standard 

(left) and Osram H15 

Cool Blue Intense (right) 

"Osram’s philosophy is that something as small and simple as 

a replacement bulb can actually bring huge profit opportunities 

and additional business revenue" 

manufacturing or are you looking for better performance, improved 

visibility or a longer service life from your lights?” – chances 

are they will upgrade. It is all about opportunities and offering 

customers a choice that they might not have been aware of, which 

can benefit your business in the long run. 

Some drivers want a ‘Do It For Me’ (DIFM) service, taking away 

the hassle of replacing a failed bulb. Providing a Do It For Me 

‘supply and fit’ service doesn’t have to just stop at replacing their 

headlight or auxiliary bulbs - some of the new aftermarket fit DRL 

Kits can be a little bit tricky to fit for a DIY enthusiast, so this could 

Osram are the world leaders in automotive lighting – both in 

traditional halogen lighting and new technologies. Osram OE 

quality comes as standard with all of the products in the range 

and we focus all our efforts on adding value to your business and 

your customers driving experience. Garages and workshops should 

not be focused on the cost of a single H4 or H7 lamp – what you 

should be thinking about is the quality of the products you are 

buying and consequently supplying and fitting to your customer’s 

vehicles. With the Osram brand you can add value to your business 

in so many ways. It’s time to think quality over price and start 

adding value and profit opportunities to your business from 

something as simple as replacing a failed bulb. 


Osram Installer Programme 

Sign up to the Osram Installer 

Programme online! 

If you run a Servicesure Autocentre you 

can sign up now to the Osram Installer 

Programme online. The Osram 

Installer Programme is absolutely 

free to join and gives you exclusive 

access to a copy of the ‘Osram Bulb 

Change DVD’ that provides detailed 

bulb fitting information for many 

lighting applications on many makes 

and models of vehicles. 

Scan the QR Code to sign up now! 

All Servicesure Autocentres that sign up 

will receive a handy Osram Bulb Tester! 

WIN with Osram! 

Osram have got three PX-4 DRL Kits to be won! 

To enter, simply email: automotive@osram.co.uk 

with ‘AUTO TORQUE WIN’ in the subject heading 

and three lucky winners will be picked from all 

entries received. 

Terms and Conditions apply: 

1) Closing date for entries 31st October 2014. 2) Only one entry per person and email 

address. 3) x 3 Osram PX-4 DRL Kits to be won. 4) No purchase necessary 5) No cash 

alternative offered. 6) Images shown for illustration purposes only. 7) One winner will be 

picked at random from all entries received on 3rd November. 8) Winners will be notified by 

10th Nov 2014 by email. 9) All data supplied will only be used by Osram UK Ltd and will not 

be released to any third parties. 10) If you wish to be removed from the Osram database 

please write to us – automotive@osram.co.uk. 

Available through The Parts Alliance. 

Call 0121 565 6128 


29

STOP 

WITH DELPHI 

Quality. Everybody says they have it. But can they prove it? 

We can. Delphi’s brake pads and discs are lab and road tested to ensure 

they perform at the level of the OE equivalent. 

For proven quality. Stop with Delphi 

delphiautoparts.com 


Braking 

Understanding and Preventing 

Brake squeal or noise can occur as a result of vibration between the brake pad, brake disc and caliper. 

Wear and corrosion can influence any one of these components, which may begin to vibrate during 

braking. During recent years, manufacturers of braking systems and friction materials have taken 

extensive measures to suppress noise issues. 

Demands for higher performance and overall 

weight reduction on modern vehicles has 

led to material changes, resulting in increased 

use of supplementary processes to 

counteract vibrations. Noise fixes include 

shims, slots, chamfers and underlayers 

within the friction material. For example, 

Delphi carefully selects friction materials, 

using more than 19 different compounds 

in their brake pad product line to ensure 

the closest possible match to OE comfort 

characteristics and performance. These 

compounds are developed to provide 

consistently high levels of performance. All 

Delphi brake pads incorporate underlayer 

technology. This is a process used by many 

OE manufacturers to dampen noise-producing 

vibrations and ensure a higher bonding 

strength with the pad back plate. Delphi brake 

pads also feature shims, slots and chamfers 

that match OE specifications and provide 

superior performance and durability. 

Causes of Noise 

Excessive corrosion, 

seized or bent location 

pins, partially seized 

calipers, built up dirt 

and brake dust or 

worn brake discs can 

cause vibration between the brake disc and 

the brake pad under braking conditions. Any 

vibration within 

the brake set 

up will result 

in noise being 

generated, which 

is often referred 

to as brake pad squeal. Glazing of the friction 

material surface may also contribute to 

brake noise. 

Here are Delphi’s Brake Installation Tips… 

• Ensure that all corrosion, built up dirt and brake dust is removed from the caliper. 

Ensure that moving parts of the caliper are free to slide. 

• Always clean exposed caliper piston surfaces before retracting the pistons. Ease 

piston retraction by opening the bleed nipple. Retract piston(s) with a suitable tool. 

Never lever against the disc friction face. 

• Thoroughly clean pad contact points in the caliper. 

• Check pistons, seals, boots and sliding elements on the caliper to ensure that they 

are free from damage and corrosion. 

• Always check the disc for minimum thickness and uneven wear when fitting new pads. 

• Never use clamps on brake hoses. Hoses contain multiple layers of braiding which 

give them their structural strength. The hose may become damaged or crushed, 

leading to hydraulic issues such as blockage or fluid leaks. 

• Never use mineral oil based lubricants on parts with rubber seals. This will cause the 

seals to swell. 

• Always fit a new pad fitting kit. 


31

Garage Equipment 

Is your garage f 

A well-equipped workshop is a profitable 

workshop, because having the right tools means 

you won’t have to turn jobs away. But it’s important 

to keep an eye on the cashflow and not spend too 

much money in one go, as having ready cash is 

always a wise precaution. 

Spreading the costs of buying new equipment is more sensible idea: 

You have the latest tools, but you’ve not drained your business 

account either. Your local member of The Parts Alliance can help you, 

not only with getting the right equipment, but also the best way to 

pay for it. Numerous packages are available, whether you’re a recent 

start-up business, or a long-established workshop looking to upgrade. 

They can offer technical advice too, so you’ll be getting the equipment 

that best suits your requirements. 


ully equipped? 


33

Mechanex Trade Show 

What to 

expect of 

Mechanex 

Today’s independent garage 

trade is changing faster than 

ever, and profitable workshops 

are the ones that keep up to 

date with the latest trends in 

our industry. 

Seminars: 

Technical seminars are the best way to keep up to date with technical issues and 

Donington plays hosts to seminars under three themes: technical workshop; diagnostic 

troubleshooting; diesel clinic. All seminars are aimed at technicians of any skill level, 

from beginner to advanced skills. So sit back, and let our highly-qualified speakers 

bring you up to date with the latest in all things technical. 

NAME TIME DESCRIPTION 

DIAGNOSTIC 

TROUBLESHOOTER 

WITH RMI IGA 

TECHNICAL 

WORKSHOP WITH 

BLUE PRINT 

DIESEL CLINIC WITH 

FRANK MASSEY 

11.00 

11.30 

12.00 

Don’t Forget the Basics: 

The fundamentals to remember when 

diagnosing vehicle faults 

Inside Electric Power Steering: 

Understanding EPS and the aftermarket 

opportunities 

Audi New Technology: 

Frank Massey on cylinder on demand 

Often the best way to keep up with 

developments and changes is by going to 

a trade show, and the Mechanex show at 

Donington on 7/8 October is specifically 

tailored to meet your requirements. It’s 

the best way to find out about the latest 

components and the latest in tools – but 

there’s also the highly-acclaimed and wellreceived 

technical and business seminars 

which aim to get the best out of you and your 

business, and keeping it profitable. 

What’s more, entry to Mechanex is free! 

So while you’ll have a day away from the 

workshop, you’re investing your time wisely. 

You won’t find as much information under one 

roof as you will at Mechanex. 

Show registration is simple: 

Call 01923 237799 or register online at 

www.mechanex.info. 

For all the latest news and info on 

upcoming shows in 2014 follow 

MECHANEX on Twitter @MechanexShow 

DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE 13.00 

EXPONENTIA 13.30 

FRANK MASSEY 13.30 

AUTODATA 14.30 

AUTOLOGIC 

DIAGNOSTICS 

14.45 

BHP UK 15.00 

Euro 5 Pass Thru Technology: 

How to navigate Delphi’s Euro 5 portal and 

VMs’ own sites 

Euro 6 Emissions Explained: 

How newly created emissions targets will 

effect petrol engines in the future 

DPF Regeneration Techniques: 

Learn how to perform a ‘static’ 

regeneration in the workshop 

The Importance of Technical Information 

in Today’s Workshop: 

Why access to accurate vehicle data is 

essential for technicians 

Fault, Cause and Rectification Diagnosis: 

Test procedure best practise – from start 

to finish 

Remapping for Diesels: 

Improve the performance of your 

customer’s vehicle 


What do visitors say 

about Mechanex? 

“The show really comes into it’s 

own with the level of technical 

information on offer.” 

Paul Germaine, Technical Team Leader, IMI Centre 

Co-Ordinator, City of Westminster College 

“I find MECHANEX to be incredibly 

informative and it is worth the time 

taken out of the business.” 

Martin Pratt, Agrifix Ltd, Sussex 

“New equipment, new technology – it 

keeps you up-to-date with everything.” 

Francis Costa, HT MOT Centre, Slough 

“Any garage that is seriously looking to stay on top 

of the new technologies and challenges that are 

presented to automotive technicians HAS to take 

the time to attend a MECHANEX show.” 

Andy Horwat, Engine Tuning & Diagnostics, Swindon 

“I come every year. Lots of 

interesting new products 

that are vital to keeping my 

business competitive with 

local rivals.” 

Mr K Butterfield, MVS, Sutton 

Mecha_Layout 1 08/08/2014 12:02 Page 1 

PROFESSIONAL MOTOR MECHANIC 

MECHANEX 

THE REGIONAL TRADESHOW FOR AUTO REPAIR PROFESSIONALS 

All the latest automotive products, technologies 

and practices – all under one roof 

Forthcoming 

events: 

Donington Park, 

East Midlands 

Sandown Park, 

Esher, Surrey 

● LATEST PRODUCTS 

More diagnostics, tools, parts and 

garage equipment on show than 

ever before. 

● HANDS-ON DEMOS 

Hundreds of practical 

demonstrations and product 

fitment displays. 

● SPECIAL SHOW OFFERS 

Massive discounts on tools, 

equipment and diagnostics. 

● FREE TECHNICAL 

WORKSHOPS 

Keep up to speed with more 

than 20 hours of FREE technical 

presentations. 

● NEW FEATURES 

New dedicated zones for diesel clinic 

and diagnostic troubleshooting. 

● SHOW GIVEAWAYS 

FREE Professional Motor Mechanic 

T-shirt and a FREE bacon roll for all 

visitors. 

Register for free entry at ... 

www.mechanex.info or call 0844 888 8339 

Available through The Parts Alliance. Call 0121 565 6128 


35

Wiper Blades 


A comment from Rich Barnett 

Changing times 

Anyone who says ‘the aftermarket is going through some big changes’ really needs their head 

examining. Talk about stating the bleeding obvious - the aftermarket’s ALWAYS evolving and if it 

hadn’t evolved, we wouldn’t be talking about it today. 

New technology in cars, new technology 

required in the workshop, and a greater, 

broader technical knowledge from the 

technician: as cars change, so do 

their requirements. 

But while that’s changing, there are some 

things that haven’t changed, and nor should 

they. I’m talking about integrity, honesty and 

trustworthiness. Let’s face it, the garage 

trade isn’t at the top of the list when it 

comes to perceived honesty, yet almost all 

workshops are run honestly and fairly, with 

the customer put first – despite what some 

consumer programmes might have the 

public believe. 

Just like the technology you find in 

a car, businesses evolve too, and 

The Parts Alliance has new owners. But 

some things won’t change, and that includes 

offering high-quality products, training and 

business and marketing support. It’s the 

kind of support that should give you added 

confidence every morning when you get 

to work. 

And while The Parts Alliance 

continues its long-standing 

across-the-board high-quality 

ethos, you should too. You’ll have 

the confidence to tackle even 

the toughest jobs, and have the 

tools to do that job. And, just 

as importantly, you’ll be able 

to call on your local member of 

The Parts Alliance to supply the right 

parts to complete the job. 

Three things I really like are fish, 

chips, and a mug of tea. Three 

other things I like are integrity, 

honesty and trustworthiness. Long may 

they continue. 


37

FINISHING LINE 

Hectic first half of 2014 for the 

Endurance Rally Association 

It’s been a hectic few months for the 

Endurance Rally Association with three events 

filling the historic rallying calendar for the first 

half of the year, but the rally organiser shows 

no sign of taking its foot off the accelerator 

as it prepares for a bumper year in 2015 

and beyond. 

views of Monte Blanc, the classic Col De La 

Colombiere and the Route Des Grande Alpes, 

the rally was centred around the stunning 

Imperial Palace hotel. 

Covering over 600 miles and including various 

time trials and medal sections, the 45 plus 

entrants were tested with a Talbot 105 Alpine 

winning 80 years after a Talbot won the 1934 

original rally. 

takes on a new route from Singapore to Burma 

on the Road to Mandalay. The 75 competitors 

will start will be from Raffles Hotel, Singapore, 

and drive up through Malaysia into Thailand 

and on into Burma, finishing in Rangoon 

after driving the road to Mandalay. This is the 

first sporting rally to cross the border from 

Thailand to Myanmar as part of the route. 

This is followed in April by the next Flying 

Scotsman Rally which continues to explore 

new territory, starting in Harrogate, Yorkshire. 

With the dates just announced, the entry list 

is already over half full. 

The trio of 2014 events kicked off in the 

Midlands as The Flying Scotsman Rally 

launched a new route, exploring more of 

central England and the borders into Scotland. 

Despite the 100-strong entry list heading 

further north, it was a team from the south 

of the UK that went on to win the three-day 

600-mile event, after a ferocious battle for 

the lead. 

It was then overseas to South Africa for The 

Classic Safari with more than 30 entrants 

taking to the road for 26-days, travelling 8,000 

kilometres through Zimbabwe, Botswana and 

Namibia, before crossing the finish line in 

Cape Town. 

Now all focus is on ERA’s 2015 calendar 

as it tackles four of its biggest events while 

prepping for the world’s great motoring 

challenge, the Peking to Paris Rally in 2016 – 

which also has a full entry list already. 

February 2015 will see the ERA push the 

boundaries of motorsport once again as it 

It’s then Stateside for June as the second 

TransAmerica Rally takes in the USA and 

Canada as it weaves its way from Nova Scotia 

to San Francisco. There are a handful of 

places left for this stunning route which takes 

in Niagra Falls and parts of Alaska. 

The Alpine Trial will round off 2015 at the new 

time of September. Once again the entrants 

will explore the stunning French Alps as they 

put their cars to the test. Names are currently 

being taken in advance of the booking opening 

for this event. 

There was barely time to unpack before the 

team headed to France for the inaugural 

Alpine Trial. Taking in the breath-taking 

For more information on future Endurance Rally Association events, call +44 (0) 1235 831221 or visit www.endurorally.com 


LuK DMF. OE for a reason. 

No other technology looks the same, 

works the same or performs the same. 

25 

Years of 

OE success! 

Fitted as OE to over 

85MILLION 

European vehicles 

& still growing! 

ORIGINAL 

EQUIPMENT 

For more than 25 years, the Dual Mass Flywheel 

has been the go-to technology that allows vehicle 

manufacturers to efficiently control increasing 

vibration levels in the modern drivetrain system. 

A DMF is the only way of maintaining original 

performance, economy and comfort levels 

When compared to an Original Equipment DMF, 

LTD technology is just that - LIMITED! 

• Technically LTD 

a non-genuine, unapproved system 

• Functionally LTD 

45° rotational capacity vs 186° 

• Operationally LTD 

increased emissions and fuel consumption 

plus reduced comfort levels 

The world’s leading vehicle manufacturers 

choose LuK DMF for a reason, so should you! 

LuK clutch kits and components come with a 

lifetime warranty* and FREE technical support 

by calling 08457 001 100 

For more workshop knowledge visit: 



Tel: 01432 264264 



*conditions apply 

General enquiries Available call 0121 565 through 6128 log on The www.auto-torque.com Parts Alliance. or email enquiries@auto-torque.com Call 0121 565 6128 

AUTUMN 2014 

39

Belt change imminent? 

Get your timing right! 

Insist on genuine INA drive system components. 

With over 50 million units manufactured per 

year, statistically there is an INA part fitted to 

every single vehicle in the world! 

INA provides primary drive and FEAD system 

solutions for all of the leading vehicle producers, 

giving you access to the best range of Original 

Equipment belt tensioning components available 

to the UK Aftermarket. 

Engine designers and vehicle manufacturers 

trust INA. So should you. 

INA components fit right first time every time 

with no short kits and no short cuts! 

And they also come with an unrivalled warranty* 

and FREE technical support by calling 

08457 001 100 

For more workshop knowledge visit: 



Tel: 01432 264264 



* PRIMARY: Lifetime warranty in line with the timing belt service mileage recommended by the vehicle manufacture * FEAD: 2 year / unlimited mileage (conditions apply) 

Available through The Parts Alliance. Call 0121 565 6128

Auto Torque - Autumn 2014

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