Auto Torque - Winter 2013

TORQUE 

Winter 2013 

Tomorrow’s trade news, today! 

Auto-Torque uncovers the small jobs 

that could earn you big profits 

NEWS • BATTERIES • FILTERS • BRAKING • WIPERS • BULBS • OIL + MUCH MORE… •

Say “ Yes ” to the best. 

Show your customers that you care... 

with OE quality wheel bearings from FAG. 

For the perfect marriage of quality and 

reliability, the best proposal is to fit FAG. 

FAG wheel bearings guarantee a long service 

life and optimum performance. Even fuel 

consumption can be reduced thanks to their 

smooth-running characteristics. 

And, when buying wheel bearings remember 

that they are a safety critical component. 

So, divorce yourself from the supply of low cost 

white boxed and poor quality products and put 

your trust in the original manufacturer. 

FAG - quality and innovation since 1883. 

FAG bearings come with a 2 year / unlimited 

mileage warranty* and FREE technical support 

which is available Monday to Friday 

between 8.30am-5.30pm and on 

Saturdays from 9.00am-12.00am 

Technical Hotline Number : 08457 001 100 

For more workshop knowledge visit 

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd 

Holme Lacy Road, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6BQ 

Tel: 01432 264264 

E-Mail: hfd-info@schaeffler.com 

www.Schaeffler-Aftermarket.com 

* 

conditions apply 

2 WINTER 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

WELCOME 

Winter 2013 

TORQUE 

Tomorrow’s trade news, today! 

Auto-Torque uncovers the small jobs 

that could earn you big profits 

• NEWS • BATTERIES • FILTERS • BRAKING • WIPERS • BULBS • OIL + MUCH MORE… • 

Welcome to the Winter issue of Auto-Torque 

magazine. We’re approaching the toughest 

time of the year for any car so it’s more 

important than ever to ensure they are 

prepared for a potential cold snap. 

Motorists have increasingly high expectations 

from their car, even if it’s a tired 7-year old 

family hatchback being run on a budget. 

Whether someone’s going to work or taking 

the children to school, they’ll expect it to start 

fi rst time, every time. 

Winter brings other problems too, most of 

which centre around seeing and being seen. 

That’s why we take a look at lighting (not just 

headlights but tail lights and indicators), as 

well as wipers and cabin fi lters. We all know 

how important it is to change wiper blades 

on a regular basis, because without being 

Hotdownloads 

Welcome to 

the Winter 

edition of 

Auto-Torque. 

able to see clearly there’s the greater risk of 

an accident. 

But it’s also important to change cabin fi lters 

on a regular basis too: clogged fi lters mean a 

car’s interior will steam up more easily, with 

potentially disastrous consequences. 

We also have a look at wiper blade and bulb 

replacement, and why you should be charging 

every time you replace one of these parts. 

OK, changing a wiper blade’s not that diffi cult, 

but changing bulbs can be a long-winded, 

arduous task. So why aren’t you charging for 

doing it? 

That’s it for this year, almost another year 

gone! What will 2014 bring? We'd like to have 

your thoughts. 

Rich Barnett and the Auto-Torque team 

Contents… 

News 04 

STOP with Delphi 19 

Delphi Braking Campaign concludes 

Specialist Parts – Extensive range 26 

You don’t have to go to the dealer 

A Day In The Life 30 

Fun in the sun? 

Editor’s Comment 33 

Rich has something to shout about… 

Garage Schemes 34 

The ace in your pack 

Finishing Line 38 

Ready, Set…Go! 

Right To Choose 07 

Defi ning ‘OE’ and ‘Matching Quality’ 

Don't blame the cat 09 

It's not at fault 

Workshop Winners - Leasing 10 

Leasing the right equipment 

Filtration 12 

Why the right fi lter is always right 

Workshop Winners - Cabin Filters 15 

Mist-ery solved! 

Shocks and Springs 17 

Taking the rough with the smooth 

Workshop Winners - Wipers 23 

Seeing clearly in tough conditions 

Osram 25 

Lighting the way 

hot on the web 

Get even more out of Auto-Torque! 

Look for this graphic throughout Auto-Torque, which indicates that 

additional information is available to accompany an article. Or simply 

place your smartphone over the QR code to automatically load the 

relevant webpage. 

Rotating Electrics 28 

Check before you order! 

GS Onestop 36 

All you need to know 

Oils, Coolants and Anti-freeze 37 

Keep it running smoothly 

General enquiries call 0121 565 6128 log on www.auto-torque.com or email enquiries@auto-torque.com WINTER 2013 

3

News from around The Parts Alliance 

Vicki Butler-Henderson, racing 

driver and TV presenter helped 

launch two new local initiatives 

designed to create training and 

employment opportunities for 

people with mental health issues 

and other disadvantages. 

Vicki opened SMaRT garage 

services in Crayford on 1st 

October, a new garage, set up by 

the entrepreneurial charity, First 

Step Trust (FST). Run as a social 

enterprise, the garage provides 

MOT testing, servicing and vehicle 

repairs to private and corporate 

customer’s as well offering 

opportunities for local people to 

develop their skills and experience 

in a commercial environment. 

At the same time, the TV star 

launched the charity’s Driving 

Ambition initiative aimed at longterm 

unemployed young adults. 

Driving Ambition is an incentive 

scheme which enables people to 

SC supports 

FST’s ambitions! 

gain a full driving licence whilst 

improving their job prospects 

through training and work 

experience. 

The Driving Ambition programme in 

Crayford is sponsored by SC Motor 

Factors, MANN-FILTER, and Serco. 

Vicki was joined by local politicians, 

including the leader of Bexley 

Council, Teresa O’Neill and SC 

Motor Factors MD Jeremy Stopher. 

SMaRT stands for ‘Socially Minded 

and Responsible Trading’ and 

conveys FST’s commitment to a 

high quality service for customers 

as well as support for the local 

community. 

“Accrington Stanley? Who are they?” 

Many members of The Parts Alliance group sponsor local sports 

and leisure clubs, but we couldn’t resist featuring this. 

Lancashire's leading distributor of car parts BBC Superfactors, 

wanted to continue to raise their profile and sponsor a major force 

in football. 

Gary Shulman Managing Director of BBC Superfactors said 

“obviously Manchester United was well out of our sponsorship 

reach and to sponsor our local football league club was met 

with Accrington Stanley? Who are they?” “We therefore wanted 

to make a contribution in the community and we decided to 

back Oswaldtwistle St Marys who play in the Accrington under 

13s league”. “We hope to discover another Chris Grimshaw, 

Accrington’s favourite player!” 

New Winter Promo! 

Mill Autoquip's new Winter promotion “Essential Trade 

Solutions” has been launched to independent garages across the 

South West. 

Carrying on from Mill Autoquip's other trade 

publications, Essential Trade Solutions has a 

number of content improvements compared to 

their “Every Day Value” promotions. 

More tools and workshop equipment have been 

included, along with more big name suppliers 

and there’s more of Mill Autoquip's strong addedvalue 

promotional offers. 

The 20 page publication features over 160 

different products, including many workshop winter essentials. 

Essential Trade Solutions has been going out to garages since early 

November, so if you haven't seen a copy yet contact your nearest Mill 

Autoquip branch who will get one dropped out to you. 

CAS’s National 

Accounts Treasure 

Congratulations to CAS’s Dave Brown who joined CAS 

in November 1988 as their Northampton branch sales 

representative. 

Some 25 years on Dave has progressed successfully and is still 

a vital and extremely valued person to the company’s structure. 

There’s a lot to be said about long service and it is something 

customers acknowledge and respect. Long service has meant 

Dave has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience and 

built strong relationships with CAS’s customers, a trust that 

cannot be bought. Dave has always thrived on being the best in 

a competitive and changing market place and many a time CAS 

have wanted to clone him. 

They say that there is no loyalty left in ‘the trade’, this is not the 

case when you think of CAS’s Dave Brown! 

4 WINTER 2013 General enquiries call 0121 565 6128 log on www.auto-torque.com or email enquiries@auto-torque.com

Bavarian Customer 

Conference 

The Parts Alliance hosts Lucia Moretti, 

president, Delphi Product & Service 

Solutions 

Customers of CES Shrewsbury were recently treated to a 

special conference, led by German manufacturing partners 

of CES. 

More than 200 customers attended the ‘Oktoberfest Bavarian 

Conference’, where they met suppliers and enjoyed an evening 

showcasing German manufacturing and entertainment. 

The CES commitment to working with the best partners was evident, 

with over 20 suppliers on hand to talk about the products and 

support they can provide to CES customers. Followed by an Oompah 

band and German dancers who helped to create a tremendous 

atmosphere. “By the end of the night our customers were in full 

voice singing along to the Oompah band,” states Melanie Warburton, 

CES marketing director. “We’ve received so many compliments 

from customers afterwards, so it was a great way to learn about 

the fantastic manufacturers, German and otherwise, supporting 

our customers.” 

The Parts Alliance hosted Lucia Moretti, president of Delphi 

Product and Service Solutions (DPSS), during her latest visit 

to the UK. 

“Delphi has a shared common goal with The Parts Alliance,” she said. 

“We are both committed to a successful and growing aftermarket. 

And, with strong collaboration between channel members, together 

we can reach that goal.” 

The visit included the Romford, Head Offi ce of Motex Automotive 

Distribution, which joined The Parts Alliance in October 2012. Motex 

operates strategically located sites throughout Essex and East 

London. The tour ended with a visit to Broome Brothers, of Dagenham, 

an independent garage which Motex supplies. 

David Bowen, marketing manager for The Parts Alliance, said: “The 

visit provided The Parts Alliance and DPSS an opportunity to continue 

collaborating, as well as sharing industry insights.” 

Allparts Spearheads Improved 

Training Programmes 

As part of its on-going commitment to 

developing the skills and knowledge of 

its people, High Wycombe based parts 

distributor Allparts Automotive has enhanced 

its bespoke training and development 

programme for all staff. 

The programme rotates across 12 months 

and supports all staff at both branch and 

head office. Specific attention is focussed 

on ensuring people have the necessary skills 

to match the demands of today’s aftermarket 

and maintain the high levels of customer 

service and quality parts supply for which the 

company is well-known. 

Allparts continues to work with its long 

standing partner, Spearhead Training, who 

deliver innovative training methods in all 

aspects of personal improvement and career 

development. To complement this, the 

company maintains its on-going commitment 

to the IMI ATA parts advisor accreditation 

scheme. Having become the fi rst independent 

parts distributor in the UK to achieve 100% 

accreditation of its parts advisor team, the 

programme continues to provide confi dence 

to the company’s customers that they 

are receiving quality service from industry 

approved staff. Managing Director, Mark 

Darvill, commented, “Investing in the personal 

development of our people to improve 

performance and customer service from all 

areas of the business remains central to our 

on-going commitment to provide customers 

with a quality service experience from people 

who genuinely care about getting it right”. 


5


Brian Spratt 

is key 

IAAF chief executive Brain Spratt says the independent aftermarket is 

in danger of unravelling if the parts quality debate continues. 

The issue of parts quality was discussed in 

depth at last year’s IAAF conference and is 

on the agenda for the upcoming conference 

on December 5. At the 2012 conference, 

Brian Spratt kicked off the debate of 

“what’s in the box?”, in which he clarifi ed 

the block exemption regulations (BER) so 

that motor factors and garages understood 

the differences between the various parts 

quality terms. 

Of particular importance among those terms 

was the ‘matching quality’ statement, where 

the latest BER definition differs from the 

previous legislation. The 2002 BER included 

‘matching OE’ stipulations, whereas the 2010 

version refers to ‘matching the quality of parts 

used by dealers’, a definition which, he points 

out, is more difficult to assess. 

“The industry is in danger of creating a divide 

that will have repercussions throughout the 

supply chain. The current issue of parts 

quality has seen suppliers failing to address 

the real heart of the matter. There is a risk 

of unravelling and undoing all the hard work 

the industry did in promoting its unity during 

the Right2Repair campaign and the current 

Right2Choose campaign,” Brian Spratt says. 

“The IAAF has fought for years to protect the 

freedoms we have available to us under block 

exemption. A key freedom is that motorists 

don’t have to use franchised dealers for 

servicing and repair, and that using the 

independent aftermarket will not invalidate 

their warranty so long as the parts used are 

of appropriate quality and recorded as such. 

“We should be looking more closely at 

the quality of so called ‘genuine OE’ 

parts used by vehicle manufacturers. The 

aftermarket is about choice, right the 

way through the supply chain and 

we must come together and 

take the right message 

forward to our customers. 

IAAF and parts suppliers 

can tackle this 

issue together, 

promoting the 

case of parts 

quality and 

the exclusion 

of inferior 

and dangerous 

replacement parts 

from our industry.” 

“The industry is in danger of 

creating a divide that will have 

repercussions throughout 

the supply chain. The current 

issue of parts quality has seen 

suppliers failing to address 

the real heart of the matter.” 


7

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u 100 Years of alternator excellence 

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Available through The Parts Alliance. Call 0121 565 6128 

4111 100 8 years AA WINTER Ad PMM.indd 2013 1 General enquiries call 0121 565 6128 log on www.auto-torque.com or email enquiries@auto-torque.com 04/07/2013 15:59

Catalytic Converters 

All too often the catalytic converter gets 

the blame for an illuminated MIL. 

When that all too familiar fault indicator 

bursts into life it’s so easy to hastily 

jump to conclusions and point the fi nger 

of accusation. Let us first evaluate the 

evidence; the innocence of cats everywhere 

is at stake! 

“The cat is nearly ALWAYS the 

victim of an engine management 

problem and not the cause.” 

It should be noted that when the ‘Malfunction 

Indicator Light’ (MIL) illuminates, that this is 

an indication of a fault, not necessarily with 

the cat, but a fault somewhere within the 

vehicle’s Engine Management System. 

In a modern EOBD equipped car, the air/ 

fuel mixture is controlled by the ECU. The 

ECU depends on information sent to it by 

various sensors in order for the correct air / 

fuel mixture to be delivered into the engine. 

Any discrepancy in the fueling mixture ratio 

is recorded by the engine management 

system, and it is this that will cause the 

MIL to illuminate. Any one of a number of 

different components could be to blame. 

In our industry, the measure used to identify 

how close the air to fuel mixture is to the 

ideal is identifi ed by the Greek letter lambda 

(apparently this means balance) and only 

when the lambda value is at 1, where the fuel 

is being delivered at the required rate and at 

the correct time, can complete combustion 

of the fuel be ensured. Only then can the 

cat do it’s job of converting the harmful 

pollutants in the exhaust gas stream, into 

un-harmful planet friendly gases. 

The cat is nearly ALWAYS the victim of 

an engine management problem and 

not the cause. Support cats everywhere and 

promote proper diagnosis! 

you know? 

Most new vehicles have around 

20-30 different components 

within the Engine Management 

System, any of which could 

cause the MIL lamp to trigger! 

Primary role of a cat 

To convert harmful pollutants 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) and 

HydroCarbons (HC) into planet 

and human friendly Carbon 

Dioxide (CO 2 

) and water (H 2 

O) 

The volume of these pollutants 

within the exhaust gas stream 

can easily be checked by use of a 

simple diagnostic tool 

Lambda Sensors 

The lambda sensor is the key sensor in the engine fuel control feedback loop within the 

engine management system. 

Replace every 30,000 to 50,000 miles 

Replace with every new catalytic converter 

Faulty or old sensors can lead to overfueling resulting in: 

 

 

 

Did 

Poor fuel economy 

High emission levels 

Drivability problems like surging or hesitation 


9

workshop 

in n e r s 

w 

Leasing 

The right ch 

To paraphrase the words of William Shakespeare “To buy or to lease, th 

For many workshop owners, buying or 

leasing high capital equipment is a 

tough call. 

Some bosses like the security of owning 

their equipment – it’s a very British thing of 

saving up or using a loan to buy a lift, a ramp 

or some diagnostic equipment. But there are 

other workshops where leasing is the only 

way to go. It helps the cash fl ow, especially 

as it can reduce the tax bill, but there’s 

also the understanding that because the 

business doesn’t own their equipment, it 

doesn’t have to be worked into the ground in 

order for the business to feel that it has got 

its money’s worth. 

Many workshops now favour the leasing 

option because it doesn’t involve taking a 

large sum out of the company account to, for 

example, buy a new ramp. Leasing offers any 

business greater fi nancial fl exibility because it 

doesn’t require so much money to be steered 

in one direction, which in turn could harm 

other parts of the business. 

For example, if a workshop decides to buy 

a pair of new ramps outright, that money is 

committed to those items, and that means it 

can’t be spent on building refurbishment for 

example, or put towards a new recovery truck. 

So while the workshop might have nice shiny 

new ramps, other parts of the business could 

end up suffering. 

Leasing has many advantages, so if you’re 

deciding whether to buy or lease, it might be 

worth considering the following: 

Leasing means you can have your new 

equipment straight away, rather than having 

to save up for it. Getting some new equipment 

immediately could put you ahead of other 

workshops nearby and bring more cars into 

your workshop, boosting revenue. 

Leasing means a fi xed cost across the agreed 

lease period. That makes budgeting easier, 

and it also means you’re not up against the 

often-forgotten depreciation. 

Leasing means you can upgrade equipment 

during the leasing period. We all know just how 

fast cars are developing technically, and any 

way for you to keep up with that technology 

and meet the main dealer challenge head-on 

has to be a good thing! 

Fast facts 

1 Leasing helps cash flow, 

as it is a fixed cost across 

an agreed lease period 

2 Leasing means you 

can have your new 

equipment straight 

away 


oice? 

at is the question”. 

Leasing is cost-efficient, because you can 

offset 100 percent of the rental cost against 

your tax liability. 

And, of course, taking the leasing route should 

benefit your business over the long-term. 

Buying new equipment outright offers some 

form of peace-of-mind, but without the future 

benefits leasing offers – such as equipment 

upgrades and tax advantages. 

Your local member of The Parts Alliance 

can help you with all your new equipment 

queries and will be able to advise 

regarding the best leasing options and 

outright purchases. 

3 Leasing offers any business greater 

financial flexibility because it doesn’t 

require so much money to be steered 

in one direction 


11

Filtration 

From 

heritage 

comes 

With independent garages looking to compete with main 

dealers and fast-fi t rivals on a level playing field, the 

importance of using high-quality replacement parts can’t be 

over-emphasised. 

qual 

For workshops, the choice of replacement 

parts is bewildering, but which parts are 

genuinely high quality, and which parts 

aren’t? It can be a tough call for workshop 

staff needing to get a car repaired and back 

to the customer when there’s a strict deadline 

to meet. 

“Recent filter comparisons in 

Auto-Torque speak for themselves, 

and cheap filters are cheap for a 

reason – you don’t benefit from 

the years of heritage and technical 

expertise that comes from 

manufacturing filters for almost 

three quarters of a century.” 

When it comes to quality parts, a longestablished 

supplier will always have 

knowledge and skills. 

In other words, you can’t buy heritage and 

you can't buy experience. That’s especially 

important when it comes to more technically 

advanced replacement car parts, such 

as fi ltration. 

As engine design has advanced, the fi lters 

keeping air, oil and fuel clean have had to 

advance with it. Never before has fi ltration 

been more important, especially with the 

combination of extended service intervals 

and, on average, the lower mileages 

covered today. 

As average mileage decreases, engine oil is 

working harder and the risk of contamination, 

especially from carbon and soot in diesel 

engines increases, so the need to protect the 

engine becomes even more important. 

That’s why members of The Parts Alliance 

carry fi lters from MANN-FILTER. Designed 

by a company that’s been supplying filters 

for more than 70 years, MANN-FILTER is a 

well-respected OE supplier whose high quality 

products will keep your customers’ cars 

running just as the manufacturer intended. 

All MANN-FILTER products have been 

specifi cally designed to perform the job they 

were intended for, rather than being made to 

a low cost and sold purely on price. 

Recent fi lter comparisons in Auto-Torque 

speak for themselves, and cheap filters 

are cheap for a reason – you don’t benefit 

Original equipment filters from MANN-FILTER during 70 years of history 

Hose Oil Filter (Audi, VW) 

Air Filter 

Felt Cone Air Filter (VW) 

Oilbath Air Filter (VW) 

1940 

1945 

1950 

1960 


ity 

“Or would you rather fit a superior 

filter costing a few pence more, 

that ensures optimum engine 

performance at all times?” 

from the years of heritage and technical 

expertise that comes from manufacturing 

fi lters for almost three quarters of a century. 

“If the tough economy is tempting you to 

fi t low price, low quality fi lters, remember 

that most vehicle owners would never 

willingly compromise the protection of their 

engines for the sake of a few pennies,” 

MANN-FILTER says. 

So how does quality vary between 

MANN-FILTER and cheaper ‘alternatives’? 

For starters, a cheaper type could have 

around 70 percent less fi lter media than the 

MANN-FILTER equivalent. Less fi lter media 

area means less capacity to store contaminant 

during the service interval which could result 

in premature opening of the By-pass valve and 

premature engine wear and damage. 

Of course air, oil and fuel fi lters, whether 

cheap or expensive, can look very much alike, 

but it’s what goes into the construction of 

the fi lter that makes all the difference to an 

engine’s performance and longevity. 

It’s not just the fi lter media that’s important 

– so too is the fi tting (or otherwise) of the 

anti-drain valve, which keeps oil in the fi lter 

when the engine is not running to ensure 

instant lubrication as soon as the engine 

fi res up. Without an OE specifi cation valve 

an engine is effectively running ‘dry’ for a 

miniscule amount of time, but over the course 

of many start-ups excess wear will occur. 

So do you want to save your customers a 

few pence but ultimately cost them a lot 

more in the long run? Or would you rather fit 

a superior fi lter costing a few pence more, 

that ensures optimum engine performance 

at all times? Modern engines are far more 

fi lter-dependent than their predecessors, so 

why compromise? 

Scan the code… 

To view the video 

‘Investigating the technical 

superiority of MANN-FILTER 

products.’ Presented 

by Frank Massey 

Hotdownloads 


Oil Spin-on Filter (Ford) 

Air Filter (Audi, VW) 

Oil Filter Module (Mercedes) 

Air Cleaner (Nissan) 

1965 

1984 

2010 

2012 


13

Title 

We’ve opened a can of worms 

We’ve probably unearthed enough tangible and editorial evidence* to enable you to question claims 

of OE quality filters at a lower price. 

Those that attempt to gain OE - BER compliant status by deception, endanger the credibility of our 

independent aftermarket. 

So, if you value your company, your reputation and the welfare of your customers, act now to 

prevent deceptive “OE Quality” filters from wriggling their way into your business. 

Be an early bird - catch the worms before they catch you. 

* Please scan the QR code for further information. 

www.mann-filter.com 

MANN-FILTER – Perfect parts. Perfect service. 


14 AUTUMN 2013 General enquiries call 0121 565 6128 log on www.auto-torque.com or email enquiries@auto-torque.com

workshop 

in n e r s 

w 

Cabin filters 

mist-ery solved! 

Cabin fi lters have become standard equipment on most new cars, vans and trucks in recent 

years. However, the cabin fi lter remains mostly out of sight and out of mind when servicing 

time comes around. 

Cabin filters offer a real opportunity to 

increase sales and the advantages offered to 

the occupants of the vehicle will more than 

justify the cost of replacement. 

What is a cabin filter and how does it work? 

Cabin filters are specifically designed to 

protect the occupants of a vehicle by fi ltering 

out very small contaminants such as dust, 

pollen, soot, airborne spores and other 

particles that can cause respiratory irritations 

and allergic reactions when drawn into the car 

through its ventilation system. Some cabin 

fi lters can also help to reduce the amount 

of harmful gases such as Nitrous Oxide and 

ozone as well as reducing the impact of nasty 

odours entering the car. 

What are the different types of cabin filters? 

There are currently two types of cabin 

fi lters: the standard Particle Cabin Filter 

that will remove airborne particles and 

the Combined or Activated Charcoal 

Cabin Filter that, as well as removing 

the airborne particles, will diffuse 

nasty odours and reduce the 

amount of harmful gases entering 

the cabin. 

Why do we need to change them? 

A blocked cabin filter can 

affect the airflow through the 

ventilation system and can 

result in permanently misted 

windows. The cabin filter is also 

susceptible to moisture ingress. 

Over time, this can waterlog the fi lter, which 

will cause a musty atmosphere in the car. 

How often should cabin filters be changed? 

Vehicle manufacturers’ service intervals 

may vary. However, a way to be sure your 

customers are always getting the maximum 

benefi t from the cabin fi lter is to change it 

every 12 months or 12,000 miles. 

What are the benefits to the occupants of the 

vehicle? 

Surprisingly, the air in the interior of a car 

in heavy traffi c can have a concentration of 

contaminants 5 times higher than the levels 

outside the vehicle and the passengers will 

inhale these airborne particles. High levels of 

these particles can cause allergic reactions 

and, over time, respiratory problems. The 

combined cabin fi lter will also neutralise nasty 

odours and restrict potentially harmful gases 

from entering the vehicle. The cabin fi lter is 

designed to make driving not only a healthier 

experience but a more enjoyable one too. 

What are the benefits to the Garage? 

With service intervals of other types of 

fi lters ever increasing, cabin fi lters 

offer a real opportunity to the 

garage to increase fi lter sales. By 

including the replacement of the 

MANN-FILTER cabin fi lter in your 

service schedules you enhance 

the service offered to your 

customer. 

Begin to educate your customers 

now about the benefi ts of changing 

cabin fi lters regularly - you will soon reap the 

benefi ts of repeat business. 

Where are cabin filters located? 

Cabin fi lters are located between the external 

air intake and the ventilation vents in the car, 

thereby ensuring that all the air that enters 

the vehicle passes through them. 

Cabin fi lters are usually mounted around 

the bulkhead. Some, however, may be 

quite diffi cult to locate and replace, so 

MANN-FILTER supplies an easy to use 

fi tting guide with every cabin filter. Fitting 

instructions for the whole range of MANN 

cabin fi lters are available by simply clicking on 

individual part numbers in the MANN-FILTER 

CD-ROM or intranet catalogues. 

So why choose MANN-FILTER? 

MANN-FILTER particle and combination 

cabin fi lters offer the following 

advantages: 

Excellent availability 

Specifi cally designed to fit right 

hand drive vehicles 

Peace of mind - you are fitting OEM 

quality fi lters 

A wide range from Europe’s leading 

fi lter brand 

Fast and easy installation - full 

fi tting instructions with every filter 

Competitive pricing 

Marketing and technical support 


15

Brightening 

Your Winter 

INSPECTION LAMPS 

RIL50 Essential LED 

Pocket Lamp 

• From the Ring Essential 

range comes the 8 LED 

Pocket lamp 

• Ultra bright producing 40 

lumens of light 

• Compact design similar to a 

pen it is only 16cm in length 

and has a useful magnetic 

pocket clip 

• Includes 3x AAA batteries 

RIL2750 LED Inspection 

Lamp 

• Rechargeable and cordless 

• Multi-angled hook/stand 

mechanism for hands free 

operation 

• Virtually unbreakable 

polycarbonate lens 

• 28 High intensity LEDs 

• Wide angle light output 

• Soft comfortable grip 

• Magnet 

RIL2900 Cordless LED 

Inspection Lamp 


• Compact design 

• Includes charging station 

• Tough robust design 

• Weatherproof 






• Integral belt clip 

RIL2900HV Cordless 

LED Inspection Lamp 

(Hi-Vis) 


• Compact design 

• Includes charging station 

• Tough robust design 

• Weatherproof 






• Integral belt clip 

RIL4000 Ultra Bright 

LED Inspection Lamp 


• New technology Strip LED 

provides a light output 4 x 

brighter than the equivalent 

standard LED lamp 

• Provides a wide angle, 

uniform illumination LED 

torch function 

• Magnets for hands free use 

• Multi-positioning for 

directional lighting 

• 2 x integral hanging hooks 

• Lithium ion battery for 

faster consistent recharging 

• Anti slip comfortable grip 

• Includes AC mains charger 

and 12v DC charging lead 

Scan the QR code to see how 

tough this product is. 

WWW.RINGAUTOMOTIVE.CO.UK 

16 Contact WINTER 2013 your local member General of enquiries The Parts call 0121 Alliance. 565 6128 log on Call www.auto-torque.com 0121 565 or 6128 email enquiries@auto-torque.com

Shocks, Springs And Top Mounts 

The hole country 

There’s no getting away from it – 

Britain’s roads are breaking up. 

Whether it’s a small country lane, 

a fast A or B Road, or a major 

motorway, surfaces are deteriorating 

and potholes are appearing here, 

there and everywhere. 

Of course it’s dangerous, but drivers are 

almost becoming immune to having a bonejarring 

ride every time they set off in their 

cars. It’s not only uncomfortable but every 

time a car hits a pothole – or even an 

especially sharp speed bump – it’s damaging 

shock absorbers, springs and top mounts. 

And things are only set to become worse 

for drivers as councils don’t carry out vital 

road maintenance, despite the serious 

safety implications. However, you can help 

keep your customers’ cars in good condition 

through The Parts Alliance’s extensive range 

of replacement shock absorbers, springs 

and top mounts. These vital components 

shouldn’t only be checked when a car’s 

submitted for an MOT test but every time it’s 

being serviced. 

“It’s not only uncomfortable 

but every time a car hits a 

pothole or even an especially 

sharp speed bump, it’s 

damaging shock absorbers, 

springs and top mounts. ” 

Members of The Parts Alliance probably 

have the widest range of replacement shock 

absorbers, springs and top mounts on the 

market, all carefully selected to ensure your 

customers will notice a dramatic difference in 

ride and handling when they drive away. 

Fitting the correct steering and suspension 

parts is safety-critical, so it’s important you 

only use properly designed and engineered 

replacements rather than poor, low quality 

items that might be tempting price-wise but 

are simply not up to the job. 

With Monroe shock absorbers, Lesjöfors 

springs and SKF top mounts just a phone call 

away, you’ll be able to get your customer’s 

car back on the road and driving as the 

manufacturer intended, at an affordable price. 

There are many facts published 

to show how bad things are for 

today’s motorists, a survey by 

Potholes.co.uk revealed British 

drivers fork out £1million A DAY 

on axle, steering and suspension 

repairs, the average price of a repair 

job being £257. Those repairs cause 

one in five visits to a workshop. 

Last year more than two million 

potholes were filled, but being filled 

isn’t the same as a repair, so you’re 

likely to have plenty of cars needing 

new suspension parts for the 

foreseeable future. 


17

STOP 

WITH DELPHI 

FOR ULTIMATE BRAKING PERFORMANCE 

OE QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST 

As a partner to the top 25 global vehicle manufacturers, 

Delphi is always a name you can trust. Leveraging over 16,000 

engineers globally, Delphi brakes are developed and tested to 

OE standards to guarantee exceptional performance. What’s 

more, our support services, from technical helpdesk through 

to extensive training, means the Delphi brand delivers the 

right part for the job and much more. 


THE ‘TAKE A BRAKE’ TOUR FINISHES! 

THE DELPHI TEA VAN TOUR CONCLUDES! 


19

THE ‘TAKE A BRAKE’ TOUR STOPS HERE! 

Delphi Product & Service Solutions and 

The Parts Alliance Complete “Take a Brake” 

Interactive Tour, Travelling Over 6,000 Miles! 

Delphi Product & Service Solutions (DPSS) and The Parts Alliance announced today it 

has completed its 12-week, interactive “Take a Brake” Tour and travelled in total more 

than 6,000 miles to meet with customers. 

The tour, started in John O’ Groats and 

ended in Land’s End, was specifi cally 

designed for hands-on interaction and 

face-to-face communication to learn more 

about Delphi’s braking portfolio, as well as 

its complete aftermarket products and 

services capabilities. Additionally, customers 

enjoyed a well-earned cup of tea and snack at 

their premise. 

“We had the van for three days and the 

garages we visited thought the idea was 

fantastic,” Gary Shulman, managing director, 

BBC Superfactors. “The technicians felt the 

concept was fun and engaging, all the while 

receiving a thorough overview on Delphi and 

its braking portfolio." 

On display in the van were a wide range of 

Delphi brake pads, discs and accessories, 

as well as a technical video highlighting 

Delphi’s OE standards for braking quality and 

engineering. Two product experts were on 

hand to field any questions. 

Customers can still view the “Take a Brake” 

Tour and tour stops on both the DPSS and 

Parts Alliance Facebook pages or through 

Twitter accounts: 

Hotdownloads 

Facebook.com/DelphiAutoParts 

Facebook.com/StopWithTheBest 

@DelphiAutoParts 

@StopWithTheBest 




21

Lighter. Longer. Better. 

The LuK Self-Adjusting Clutch (SAC) provides a 30% lighter 

pedal feel and improved service life*. Don’t accept less! 

PGenuine SAC from LuK 

ORIGINAL 

EQUIPMENT 

ORIGINAL 

EQUIPMENT 

ONote SAC compression springs 

Competitor alternative 

WARNING 

DO NOT replace your clutch 

with a non-genuine, alternative 

or re-engineered version 

if you do not know the risks! 

Generic image 

No springs 

Redesigned 

drive plate 

The Self Adjusting Clutch (SAC) from LuK is the 

preferred solution of vehicle producers such as 

Audi, BMW, Ford and Volkswagen for resolving 

the issue of pedal load changes during the 

lifetime of a diaphragm spring clutch. 

A replacement SAC from LuK is the only system 

guaranteed to maintain the same performance 

and drivability as the originally fitted parts - 

because they are the originally fitted parts! 

Only a LuK SAC can offer *... 

• A shorter, lighter (up to 30%) pedal stroke. 

• A lighter feel maintained throughout the 

lifetime of the clutch with no gradual 

increase in required pedal pressure. 

• Automatic wear adjustment so the clutch 

lasts longer (see graph). 

LuK clutch kits and components come with 

a lifetime warranty ** and FREE technical 

support which is available on Monday 

to Friday between 8.30am-5.30pm and 

on Saturdays from 9.00am-12.00am 





Tel: 01432 264264 

E-mail: hfd-info@schaeffler.com 


* 

When compared to non-genuine aftermarket alternatives 

** 


Service lifetime comparison 

Conventional clutch vs SAC 

Wear reserve (mm) 

3 

2 

1 

Conventional 

Clutch 

SAC 

225K 

150K 

75K 

Service lifetime (Miles) 



workshop 

in n e r s 

w 

Wipers 

Neglected 

not forgotten 

Dark nights. Wet nights. Misty and foggy days: Winter is the most gruelling time of year for 

motorists and their cars. Visibility is vital during these long dark months, and windscreen wipers 

have a vital part to play in making sure drivers can see clearly where they’re going. 

Yet despite these adverse driving conditions, 

just how good are the wipers on your 

customers’ cars? Do you really check them, 

other than when it’s MOT time? If you’re not 

giving wipers the once-over you’re throwing 

away a useful extra revenue stream, and by 

checking just how good a car’s blades are, 

you’re going one step further than the main 

dealer who’s competing for your business. 

Checking a wiper blade takes no more than a 

matter of seconds, yet too many garages just 

don’t do it. But it’s important to consider that 

British drivers are among the worst in Europe 

when it comes to driving around with blades 

in a poor condition, so you need to do the job 

for them. And let’s face it, replacing a set of 

wiper blades (don’t forget the rear one – if it’s 

fi tted) isn’t expensive, and it helps make the 

roads that little bit safer as a result. 

“If you’re not giving wipers the once-over you’re throwing away a 

useful extra revenue stream, and by checking just how good a car’s 

blades are, you’re going one step ahead of the main dealer who’s 

competing for your business.” 

The Parts Alliance members offer Bosch, 

Valeo and Drivetec replacement wipers, with 

the Valeo range being a recent addition to the 

portfolio. 

Valeo’s range comprises both windscreen and 

rear window wipers in conventional and fl at 

blade types. They come with a coating that 

prolongs the service life, sweeping properties 

and gives quieter wiping. There’s also a wear 

indicator to tell the motorist when it’s time to 

change the blade. 

Bosch’s range includes the Aerotwin, which 

uses an Evodium spring strip to ensure the 

blade follows the curvature of the windscreen, 

and so offers excellent wiping capability. 

The blades also feature a wear-resistant edge 

and smooth-glide coating. 

DriveTec incorporates the latest wiper blade 

technology and gives drivers an affordable 

alternative. DriveTec wipers also come in 

traditional and fl at blade types, the flat 

blades being both OE-fi t and retrofit types. 

Auto-Torque says: Don’t let your 

customers’ cars leave without at least 

checking the condition of their wiper 

blades. Keeping your customers safer 

takes just a few seconds and costs just 

a few pounds. 


23

The importance of 

PERFORMANCE 

MIRATEC Starter Motors and Alternators provide premium 

quality at a competitive price. 

• High content of new units 

• Manufactured to OE specification 

• 24 month national warranty 

• All units load tested 

• Premium quality 

• Full technical support 

• Perfect for cars up to 

five years old 


Osram 

Lighting 

the way 

Life is all about choices and this same principle should be applied 

when supplying car bulbs to your customers. 

“Lighting and signalling is the 

most common failure on an 

MOT so why not offer to check 

the brake, tail, signal and 

headlamp lighting.” 

There are good profit opportunities to be had 

from bulbs and particularly from upgrade 

types. Your customer may not know that there 

are alternative types available and a couple of 

minutes explaining the features and benefi ts 

could lead to a very happy customer and a 

better profit return. Do they want the same 

OE quality bulb as was fitted in the vehicle 

or are they looking for better performance, 

improved visibility, a longer service lifetime 

or perhaps a cool blue look? It is all about 

opportunities and offering your customers a 

choice that they might not have been aware 

of before. 

Offer your customers a free light check! 

Regular maintenance, a service or MOT 

are the ideal time to offer your customers 

a choice. When a car is in your garage why 

not offer your customers a free light check 

at the same time? Lighting and signalling 

is the most common failure on an 

MOT so why not offer to check the 

brake, tail, signal and headlamp 

lighting. If you spot a headlight 

bulb is out then this is the ideal 

opportunity to sell up to a pair of 

upgrade bulbs such as the new 

NIGHT 

BREAKER 

® UNLIMITED 

® 

for more light; COOL BLUE 

INTENSE for a bluer light 

or ULTRA LIFE, Osram’s 

longer lifetime bulb that 

is perfect for use where bulb 

changes are complex or headlamp units 

are hard to access. Your customers 

may not even know these choices 

exist. Upgrade bulbs such as these 

add value to the customers driving 

style and safety on the road and 

more importantly provide better 

profi t margins than replacing a 

standard single headlight bulb 

of OE quality. 

To help your customers choose which 

bulb type suits their driving style and 

requirements, Osram can offer a copy of the 

Osram Bulb Menu to help with their decision 

making. Present the Bulb Menu to your 

customer when they bring their car in so they 

can see what types are available and choose 

the perfect bulb for their needs. 

Make your customers aware you can supply 

and fit. 

Take away the hassle of replacing a failed 

bulb or upgrading the headlight bulb in your 

customer’s car and offer a supply and fi t 

service. Make them aware you can offer 

this service – present them with the Osram 

bulb menu. This service doesn’t have 

to just stop at replacing their 

headlight and auxiliary 

bulbs - some of the new 

aftermarket fi t DRL (Daytime 

Running Light) Kits can be 

a little bit tricky to fi t for a 

DIY enthusiast, so this could also be a good 

opportunity to take the hassle away from 

them and offer a DRL installation service – 

again this is something they may have never 

even considered before. 

Osram can offer four different types of DRL 

kits to suit all driving styles as well 

as budgets. Let your customers know 

that they too can get that DRL look that 

you see on all newly manufactured vehicles 

and let them know of the added benefits of 

having a DRL function on their vehicle. All 

you then have to do is sell it to them and 

fi t it for them! Every DRL Kit in the Osram 

range comes complete with comprehensive 

fi tting instructions. 

Osram can help you every step of the way. 

Osram can provide many tools to help 

make your job a little easier. The new 

Osram fi tting DVD (available subject 

to terms and conditions) helps 

garages and workshops as it provides 

a step by step, detailed fi tting guide 

for many lighting applications on 

most makes and models of cars. 

It even includes details on how to 

replace an HID bulb, which in the 

past has been a dealer fi t only. 

If you would like to receive a copy of the 

Osram Bulb Menu for your garage or would 

like more details on the Osram Fitting DVD 

email us: automotive@osram.co.uk 


25

SPECIALIST PARTS 

TM 

Air Suspension Shock Absorber Module 

Range Rover Sport 05> 

Delphi Fuel Filter 

Jaguar XF 3.0D 

Power Steering Reservoir 

BMW 1 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88), 3 Series (E36, E46, 

E90, E91, E92, E93), 5 Series (E 39, E60), X1 (E84), 

X3 (E83), Z3 (E36) / Mini One (R50, R52), Cooper (R50, 

R52, R53), Works (R52) 

*This is a partially synthetic 

high-performance transmission 

oil specially for the 6-speed 

DSG gearbox 

Heater Blower Motor 

Ford Focus 98-05 Mondeo 00-07 

DSG Gearbox Oil* 

Audi, ŠKODA, SEAT, Volkswagen 

Power Steering Pressure Switch 

Ford Focus 08 > 

And finally… Are you doing the job correctly? 

Even the most experienced technician 

sometimes needs to stop and think before 

tackling a job. Like it or not, we all get 

into a groove at work and can sometimes 

even go into ‘autopilot mode’, and that’s 

when mistakes can happen. Sometimes 

those mistakes can be inconvenient, but 

sometimes they can be very dangerous. 

Luckily most of these ‘autopilot’ mistakes 

are a result of complacency or through 

taking a shortcut, but even if the results are 

merely inconvenient, it can still damage your 

workshop’s reputation. 

Auto-Torque has recently come across a 

case of new DPFs being fi tted to a fl eet of 

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. Once they 

were fi tted it was only the start of a longwinded 

series of phone calls and workshop 

visits to rectify a job that was supposed to 

put right the original fault. 

While the correct DPFs were supplied by 

the local member of The Parts Alliance, the 

workshop fi tting them failed to do the job 

properly. When ordering the workshop was 

advised on the correct procedures to follow 

when fi tting the DPF, which unfortunately 

they didn’t follow. 

When replacing a DPF its vital to correctly 

diagnose the cause of the blocked filter. 

Failing to ascertain the original fault will result 

in the replacement DPF failing. There’s an 

increasing incidence of parts being stolen 

from vehicles. 

Even here the workshop needs to follow the 

correct procedures, rather than simply 

replacing the stolen part. For instance the 

ECU still needs to be told it has a new part. 

Whenever fitting a DPF it’s advised that you: 

• Correctly diagnose the issue 

• Correct the fault itself (not simply clear it) 


Your local member of The Parts Alliance carries a comprehensive range of service parts, but did you know 

they also carry an extensive range of more specialist components? 

So rather than calling a main dealer, and paying main dealer prices, why not give your local member of The Parts Alliance a call instead? 

Competitively-priced specialist parts delivered quickly to your door are just a quick phone call away. 

Automatic Transmission Filter 

Range Rover and BMW 

Febi Transmission Fluid 

Range Rover and BMW automatic 

transmission 

Water Cooled EGR Valve 

Ford Transit MK7 08-10 

Wiper Motor Assembly 

Bipper, Nemo , Fiorino07> and Qubo 

Thermostat Assembly 

Fiesta V 1.3 

• If the part is stolen – reset the ash count 

• Perform a forced regeneration 

• Carry out an oil and filter change to ensure 

no contaminated oil or high ash count 

is present 

• Make sure that DPF fluids are topped up 

Following this simple but critical procedure 

will ensure the new part can do the job its 

set out to do. 

Back to our case. After the DPF was fi tted the 

van drove away sweetly, yet in only a matter 

of hours the dashboard warning light is on 

again and one unhappy customer is back at 

the workshop. The workshop boss doesn’t 

believe he’s done anything wrong. After all, 

he’s been in the business 

for many years so he knows 

everything, right? 

Wrong! That’s because instead of looking at 

the whole job of fi tting the DPF, the workshop 

guv’nor goes into a panic, blaming the factor 

(and saying they’d been supplied incorrect 

parts) and then taking the van to a Mercedes- 

Benz main dealer, who says the parts aren’t 

of the correct specifi cation. 

The parts were to OE specifi cation, but had 

been fi tted incorrectly, because the technician 

failed to follow the advice given. If he had 

done, then he would have avoided a lot of 

aggravation and not risked losing a customer. 

This case shows that you don’t need to go to 

the dealer. Your local Parts Alliance member 

can supply specialist parts, such as a DPF 

and provide the technical knowledge you need 

to do the job properly. All they ask is that you 

take their advice on board. 


27

Rotating Electrics 

Top 

F 

Rotating electrics have always had a tough job to do but nowadays many workshops are seeing more alternator 

and starter motor replacement work than they used to. Yet does that unit really need replacing, or is another, 

related part at fault? 

According to MIRATEC Rotating Machines’ 

expert team, some cars and vans can throw 

up rotating electrics problems, but it’s not 

always the starter motor or alternator that’s 

to blame. 

In general, if good practices are followed 

when diagnosing the fault, and the supplied 

fi tting instructions are read thoroughly before 

any work is undertaken, a number of these 

problems could be solved fi rst time. 

“Rotating electrics and Ignition electronics 

are the most misdiagnosed components on 

the vehicle,” MIRATEC says. “When we look at 

our warranty returns we find that 50 percent 

are ‘no fault found’! This may appear high but 

we also carried out tests on the ‘old core’ 

being returned and it is surprising how many 

units work that have no obvious faults. ” 

It is important to read the fi tting notes supplied 

with the starter where it is recommended to 

replace the clutch and fl ywheel assembly. 

2. Ford Transit (2000-2006) diesel starters 

Reason: Premature failure due to diesel fuel 

contamination. 

The contamination is caused by the 

continual drip of a fuel leak, which gradually 

seeps into the starter and causes the 

brushes to disintegrate. Starters are not 

water/fuel proof. 

It is therefore important to read the fi tting 

instructions supplied with the replacement 

unit, which highlight this problem. 

Reason 2: Contamination and/or corroded 

terminals on the starter relay (not the 

solenoid). The connections on the starter relay 

become badly contaminated and corroded, 

which causes the relay to stop working. This in 

turn stops the starter solenoid from working, 

and the starter is incorrectly diagnosed as 

being at fault. 

So which cars and vans are the main culprits? 

Auto-Torque finds out. 

1. Ford Transit (2000-2006) diesel starter 

Reason: Premature failure due to dust & 

metallic filings contaminating the starter drive 

assembly. This contamination comes from the 

clutch and dual mass flywheel. 

Although it is often stated that the bell housing 

was cleaned out when the replacement starter 

was fitted, if the clutch and dual mass fl ywheel 

are badly worn then the contamination will 

build up again very quickly. 

3. Ford Transit (2000-2006) diesel starters 

Reason 1: Incorrect diagnosis: Starter 

not working correctly. Contamination and/ 

or corrosion inside the main battery cable, 

causing the starter and the starter cable 

to fi ll with water and corrode the aluminium 

core. This results in a high resistance and 

consequent voltage drop that causes the 

starter to click or become sluggish. 

A thorough reading of the fi tting instructions 

supplied with the replacement starter will 

highlight the fault. 

4. Ford Transit (2000-2006) diesel alternator 

charging failure 

Reason: A common cause of this failure 

has been traced to corroded and/or broken 

wiring to the alternator’s three-pin plug 

‘sense’ connection. In addition, the failure 

of the ignition relay will keep the battery light 

on after replacement of the alternator – a 

symptom described in the fi tting instructions 

supplied with the alternator. 


ailures 

with Rotating Electrics 

5. Ford Transit Connect 1.8 diesel alternators 

Reason: This vehicle uses the Ford ‘smart 

charge’ system and a common cause of 

failure is due to corroded and/or broken 

wiring faults in the alternator control circuit 

to the ECU. 

This will cause the battery light on the dash 

to illuminate, usually within 20 seconds of 

starting. It is not an alternator fault – the 

charge warning light is controlled by the ECU. 

6. Peugeot/Citroën/Renault starter noise 

Reason: These starters often have a varying 

number of teeth (which is down to different OE 

suppliers) and are held in the correct position 

by a small metal locating dowel. 

The dowel is not always refi tted so the starter 

does not re-align correctly. This makes the 

operation of the replacement starter noisy 

and can affect the engagement of the pinion 

teeth. This is another fitting error and not 

a fault, resulting in the starter clicking but 

not turning. 

7. Vauxhall starter premature failures 

Reason: A wide range of Vauxhall applications 

suffer with the same problem. 

The starters show signs of having been 

over-heated, i.e., bubbled paint and blue 

discoloured and chewed pinion teeth. 

This is the result of a faulty ignition switch 

keeping the starter running after the 

engine has fi red. The ignition switch/ 

contact assembly must be replaced or the 

replacement starter will suffer the same fate. 

8. Vauxhall Astra/Combo 1700 CDTi alternator 

application 

Reason: In 2005/2006 Vauxhall changed 

the alternator part number without changing 

its design or fi tment – including the style 

of the electrical plug connector – making 

identifi cation of the alternator diffi cult if the 

original label was missing. 

It is common to fi nd that the incorrect 

alternator has been fi tted and that it does 

not charge correctly. This is because of the 

different type of regulator circuits used in 

both units. 

9. Alternator replacement in general 

Reason: Failure to re-charge a fl at battery. It 

is good practice to ensure that the battery 

is fully charged and tested prior to checking 

the charge rate after an alternator has been 

replaced. If this is not done the new alternator 

can quickly overheat and fail, and can in some 

cases cause the main feed fuses to blow. 

An alternator will not fully charge a flat or 

heavily discharged battery. This can only be 

achieved by re-charging with a trickle charger 

over a long period of time, not a rapid charge, 

as this will damage the battery. 

10. Later alternator applications with BSS, 

Com or Lin computer-controlled alternator 

fitment 

Reason: When MIRATEC remanufacture this 

type of alternator, 90 percent have a new 

regulator fi tted. 

This regulator will be of the very latest design 

and specifi cation: MIRATEC has found that 

some vehicles that have not been maintained 

by the main dealer may require their software 

to be updated after a replacement alternator 

has been fi tted. 

It is also important to ensure that the 

replacement alternator matches the output of 

the old unit, as the vehicle’s ECU could have 

been programmed to recognise the output. 

By fi tting a higher or lower output unit the 

ECU might not recognise it and will stop it 

from working. 

It could also be necessary to clear any failure 

codes from the vehicle’s ECU. Failure to clear 

certain codes may result in the replacement 

unit not working correctly. 

Contact your local member of The Parts Alliance for all your starter and alternator needs 


29

A DAY IN THE LIFE… 

Fun in the sun? 

Sun, sand, sangria - and a good dose of Nissan Micras too – that’s the mix Alfi e, Ben and Clare 

face every day at Costa Blanca-based factor Repuestos Desquento. 

Despite its name Repuestos the business 

is British owned by Tyres Direct.es. The 

company opened in June 2012 has moved 

beyond supplying tyres into replacement 

parts. 

Repuestos has always sought parts advice 

from a number of British companies. However 

due to an acquaintance made through 

neighbouring holiday homes, a close working 

relationship was formed with East London 

and Essex distributor Motex. 

So where are the similarities and the 

differences with running an independent 

factor in Spain compared to the UK? 

Well, parts prices are at least 30 percent 

higher than they are in the UK, and that has 

seen some British distributors looking for a 

scoop of the Spanish aftermarket paella. 

Luckily Repuestos’ service has found favour 

with garages, many of which are run by selftaught 

one-man bands. 

On the money front, Repuestos’ customers like 

their invoices to show a retail price – and then 

expect a discount! Net prices are defi nitely 

not popular with the customers, who are split 

50/50 between delivery and counter. 

Incidentally, Repuestos has two vans, each 

with a Spanish driver. 

Fortunately for the Costa 

Blanca’s aftermarket, DIY is 

almost unheard of but at the 

same time, because franchised 

dealers are very expensive, 

motorists prefer to use local 

independents instead. 

There’s a difference in the types 

of parts demanded, and when 

they’re demanded. When it 

opened, Repuestos’ customers 

wanted high-quality parts 

from brands like Bosch, LuK and 

Valeo, but the accent is now on more 

value for money-focused brands. 

So what’s the car parc like? It’d be easy to 

think the Costa Blanca’s roads would be 

chock-full with Bentleys, Ferraris and 

Lamborghinis, but that’s not the case: In fact, 

it’s quite different from the UK car parc, with 

the warm weather being kind to old tin. That’s 

why you’ll still see plenty of later Ford Escorts 

running around, as well as smaller-sized 

French cars, followed by Seats, VWs, Opels 

and Fords. And, of course, there are plenty of 

Nissan Micras. 

And unlike in the UK, Spanish motorists 

aren’t so keen on bigger motors, preferring 

to stick to lower medium-sized (i.e., Astra and 

Focus) models to upper-medium, Vectra- and 

Mondeo-sized cars. What’s more, there are 

far fewer Audis, BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes 

than you’d fi nd in the UK. 

What won’t be as surprising is how business 

works, Spanish-style, and that means 

'mañana' is still fi rmly embedded in local 

culture. As is the midday siesta. 

Workshops wanting to open a credit account 

have to put their money up-front, and 

their bank gives the supplier (in this case 


“Leaving excessive paperwork 

aside, it’s easier to get to the 

beach or a bar and relax at the 

end of the working day.” 

Repuestos) paperwork guaranteeing 

a set amount of money on 

the workshop’s behalf on an 

agreed day. That money is ‘ringfenced’ 

and can be used if the 

customer defaults. 

And for anyone thinking of opening a 

business – any type of business – 

in Spain, it’s worth remembering 

how a UK business model won’t 

necessarily work over there. Blame 

it on the bureaucracy at local and 

national level, but also remember that 

taxation and employment rules are 

different too. 

Leaving excessive paperwork aside, 

it’s easier to get to the beach or a bar 

and relax at the end of the working day. 

Sun, sea, sand and Nissan Micras – it 

doesn’t get any better, does it? 

The parts that count 

The Costa Blanca’s climate means 

nights can get cold, although 

night-time temperatures tend not 

to dip below freezing. That means 

exhaust systems are more prone 

to fall off rather than rot through. 

And more batteries are sold in the 

hot summer months rather than 

in the cooler autumn and winter 

period – a trend that’s developing 

in the UK. 

Meanwhile windscreen wiper 

blades are constantly being 

changed, courtesy of the sun, while 

starters and alternators are big 

all-year round. And it’s no surprise 

to discover that air conditioning is 

big business in the summer too. 

However, while Spanish B-roads 

are generally in a pretty poor 

state, demand for coil springs 

isn’t high. 

WHERE’S THE FURTHEST 

GARAGE OR FACTOR? 

Drop us a line here at Auto-Torque with the details 

by emailing: enquiries@auto-torque.com 

Available through The Parts Alliance. 

Call 0121 565 6128 


31

Title 

One car doesn’t mean one engine oil 

Get the right engine oil 

PROLIFE 5W-30 

A low SAPS oil for modern 

VW-Audi group petrol and 

diesel vehicles operating under 

long life service regimes 

Golf V 1.9 TDi (P-D) DPF 

['06->] 

Golf V 1.9 TDi (P-D) DPF 4Motion ['06-'08] 


(103kW, 125kW) [‘05->] 


4Motion (103kW) 

['05->] 

SYNER-G 5W-40 

Recommended product for 

applications requiring 

VW 502 00, VW 505 00 

Golf V 1.4 16V TSI 

['06->] 

Golf V 1.4 (FSi), 1.4 16V (59kW) 

Golf V 1.6 FSi 

Golf V 2.0 FSi, Turbo, 4Motion 

Golf V R32 

['03-'09] 

['03-'08] 

['04-'08] 

['04-'08] 

DIESEL PD 5W-40 

For vehicles fitted with the VW 

'Pumpe Düse' PD or unit injector 

engine operating on fixed service 

intervals and without exhaust 

aftertreatments 

Golf V 1.9 TDi (P-D) 4Motion 

Golf V 1.9 TDi (P-D), 2.0 SDi (P-D) 

Golf V 2.0 TDi (P-D), 4Motion 

['03-'08] 

['03-'08] 

['03-'08] 

nd the recommended products for 

your vehicle at CommaOil.com 

MS02224 

For illustration only. Refer to CommaOil.com for exact model and engine size recommendation 



A comment from Rich Barnett 

Clear vision 

Winter W 

this 

I’ve got to admit that autumn and winter are my favourite times 

of the year. The chance of those lovely autumnal long shadows 

as the sun sets makes for some marvellous driving conditions. 

But as autumn fades into winter things can 

become more difficult out on the road. Gone 

are those warm conditions, great visibility 

and a generally easier way of getting about. 

In comes winter and with it the risk of frost, 

black ice and fog, which can put a dampener 

on things. And for some drivers you’ve got 

to wonder if they fully appreciate how bad or 

risky driving can be at that time of year. 

This issue of Auto-Torque looks at wiper 

blades, cabin filters and lighting – all parts 

of a car that contribute to seeing clearly, 

and being seen. Yes, motorists know it’s 

important to have all the lights on their car 

working properly, and some might even have 

an inkling that wiper blades should be in 

tip-top order. But cabin fi lters? 

Yes, cabin fi lters. Of course they’re part of 

the heating and ventilation system, but as 

we know, air conditioning is just as useful in 

the winter as in the summer. However, the 

system’s effi ciency can be hampered by a 

clogged cabin fi lter, and the upshot of that 

can be drivers not being able to see where 

they’re going properly. Yet they’re precisely 

the sort of people who want speed cameras, 

“But for some drivers 

you’ve got to wonder 

if they fully appreciate 

how bad or risky 

driving can be. ” 

speed bumps and all manner of ways to slow 

us down, while driving around in a car whose 

windscreen they can’t see through. 

So do me – and all the other drivers out there 

– a favour, and make sure those cabin filters 

are changed. And while you’re at it, make 

sure you charge for fi tting those new wiper 

blades and bulbs too, because more jobs in 

means more profi t. 


33

Garage Schemes 

Our garage programme 

can be your ‘ace 

At the last count there were just under 30 per cent of independent garages in the UK 

Here Mike Smallbone, Garage Programme 

Manager for The Parts Alliance, with 

contributions from James Ivey, Business 

Solutions Manager of The Parts Alliance 

member Mill Autoquip, put the case for the 

Servicesure Autocentre programme. 

There are a number of different garage 

schemes in the independent aftermarket, 

all claiming to be the best. So how do you 

choose the one that’s right for you? 

The invitation only Servicesure Autocentre 

national garage programme, delivered by 

The Parts Alliance group members, works 

to trusted marks of quality at business AND 

technician level. 

“In short our network is about quality and 

not quantity and delivering real value to our 

members. We will not compromise on this,” 

says Mike. “That’s why during 2013 we chose 

to consolidate our network rather than grow it, 

and removed a handful of garages that didn’t 

meet the standard, no matter how hard both 

us and the garage tried. It gives us a very 

solid base from which to move forward. 

“We want to work with independent garages 

that see longevity in our industry and wish to 

form business partnerships rather than have 

everything go down to the price of a set of 

brake pads. 

phones and a whole raft of other detail but the 

facts are these days our customers deserve 

and, in the main, require more from a parts 

supplier than ever before. 

“It’s fair to say some garage schemes have 

jumped on the Motor Codes ‘bandwagon’ 

for good reason. But for us it’s about our 

Servicesure Autocentre network working to a 

Trading Standards approved code of practice 

in the ‘wider sense'. We believe this gives 

us a little more fl exibility when recruiting 

members to our ‘club’.” 

“The scheme provides a 

fact file of benefits designed 

to help a business prosper 

and improve customer 

retention.” 

The Servicesure Autocentre Garage 

programme is ultimately about providing the 

motorist with ‘Peace of mind’, the ‘trust’ with 

someone to work on their vehicle. 

“Standards are not only for the garage in our 

opinion. It’s about the people working there 

and, of course, the benefi t for their customers 

and their cars,” adds Mike. 

“A garage can have glass tiled fl oors, plasma 

screen television sets and coffee machines 

in their reception but who is working on the 

car behind the scenes, and are they capable? 

advances in modern vehicles’ electronics 

requiring greater investment in training and 

diagnostic equipment. 

Mike continues: “Furthermore, are they 

keeping up to date with the changes in 

modern vehicle technologies? This for us 

is where technician accreditation (ATA) and 

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) 

comes into its own. 

“We have insisted on having ATA accredited 

technicians in the garages’ business for 

many years and with the advent of the 

Professional Register now being launched to 

the consumer, for us it really is a ‘no-brainer’ 

and substantiates our plans regarding 

our network. 

“In a nutshell the Servicesure Autocentre 

programme is a business solutions toolbox 

that members can use in full or dip in and out 

of as they choose. 

“We have available, as do other programmes, 

‘normal’ services such as waste management, 

a telecoms service and a merchant services 

terminal option, among others. 

“But an important difference is we have 

the capability to offer Servicesure members 

additional benefi ts. These include the ability 

to offer Service Plans to their customers 

to aid customer retention, a new business 

opportunity through supplying and fitting 

a digital radio solution and becoming an 

‘Approved Installer’. 

“Yes, we can have a conversation about price, 

delivery, warranty, how quick we answer the 

Between 2001 and 2011 independent 

workshops operating in the aftermarket has 

fallen by 25%. Forecasts from 2012 Castrol 

Professional Car Servicing and Repair Trend 

Tracker report, predicts that there will be 

around 19,680 workshops in business 

by 2017. The deep decline is linked to 


in the pack’ 

affiliated to a garage scheme. 

“Between 2001 and 2011 

independent workshops 

operating in the aftermarket 

has fallen by 25%.” 

On a regional basis the Servicesure 

Autocentre garage members, meet at 

forums/conferences to discuss the ever 

changing nature of the aftermarket and how 

they can continue to thrive and survive. This 

is particularly in the challenges from vehicle 

manufacturers with extended warranties and 

all-make servicing from franchise dealers and 

Autocentre retailers. 

“In addition, not exclusive to Servicesure 

members but certainly available with some 

added incentives where applicable is our GS 

Onestop Garage Management System and our 

distinctive ‘Hybrid Solution’. Both of these are 

unique to The Parts Alliance and its members 

and are certainly worth a ‘test drive.’” 

For James, it would be good if the customer 

had the opportunity to check garage schemes 

on a comparison website, similar to that for 

energy and insurance services, but none 

is available. 

He says: “There is an abundance of garage 

schemes but unfortunately no Go Compare 

website for you to distinguish between the 

good, the bad and the ugly as one scheme 

does not fit all. 

“So how do you choose? A good starting 

place is the cost of annual membership 

and the package of benefi ts and services 

available that relate to the cost. Will the 

benefi ts on offer have the potential to cover 

the membership fee? 

“In addition any Garage Scheme that looks to 

support and develop your existing business 

will incorporate a set of criteria that must 

be fulfi lled within set time frames. This 

protects the network’s viability and credibility 

with the consumer and enhances your 

businesses reputation. 

As with most SMEs, customer services plays a 

very important part for Servicesure Autocentre 

garages. All Servicesure Autocentre garages 

can call off customer feedback cards. A card 

is left in the motorists’ vehicle for them to 

complete at their leisure and post to a reply 

paid address. All cards are processed, with 

the comments uploaded to the Servicesure 

Autocentre website. 

“Choosing the right option can bring substantial 

rewards to you and your customer. I say, stop 

trying to fi nd the needle in the haystack and 

start looking for the ace in the pack ... the 

Servicesure Autocentre programme!” 

The scheme provides a fact fi le of benefi ts 

designed to help a business prosper and 

improve customer retention. Some can 

bring an increase in revenue, some reduce 

overhead costs and others enable the 

opportunity to make an informed choice. 

Servicesure Autocentre has its own ‘business 

to consumer’ online service and repair 

booking facility. 

James says that a major attraction for garage 

owners of the Servicesure Autocentre scheme 

is the National Warranty Guarantee. 

He says: “Can you envisage the costs involved 

if you had to recover a vehicle back to your 

workshop from anywhere in the UK. This is 

where the National Warranty Guarantee takes 

over. We can source a local Servicesure 

Autocentre to help get the motorist back on 

the road. 

“It’s fair to say we generally believe we do 

have the best National Warranty Scheme in 

the UK for independent garages - bar none, 

although there are terms and conditions.” 

The warranty provides the Servicesure 

Autocentre garage with the reassurance that a 

network member could rectify any fault should 

one arise, due to the quality of workmanship 

of the garages, fewer than 15 claims have 

been processed in the three years since it’s 

introduction. 

So do you want the opportunity to become 

an accredited member of a growing network 

of garages in the UK while still retaining your 

local identity? 

You can find out more by contacting your 

local member of The Parts Alliance. Or visit 

www.servicesureautocentres.com. 

Remember, membership is by invitation 

only based on the garage working to quality 

standards and their technicians committing 

to be trained to ATA standards. 


35

Title 

GARAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 

Why is GS Onestop the Garage Management System of choice? 

Suitable for Workshops of all sizes from a sole trader to multi branch networks. 

Garage owners have been instrumental in creating a framework of design 

and development to ensure GS One Stop delivers where it counts. 

We asked a selection of users why they chose GS Onestop 

“ We save time and money on using the 

SMS service for MOT reminders, and 

online ordering saves on phone calls, 

particularly where stock orders are 

involved.” 

Kenny Laing, Bassaguard Garage 

“ Recent system updates have helped 

greatly to control workshop load and 

utilisation where we are now able to 

track vehicles from booking through 

to completion all from one screen.” 

“ The integrated Autodata Service 

and Repair times are a brilliant 

guide to help me estimate my 

job prices and help me plan my 

diary better…the advent of the 

whole Autodata Technical suite being made 

available inside GS Onestop I can get to 

*Autodata Online in an instant…saving me 

time in this whole process.” 

Murdo MacIntosh, MM Auto Services 

“ We are one of very few Colleges 

who operate a retail unit to 

enhance our learner’s experience. 

We have recently changed the 

software that we use to run this 

element of our business to GS Onestop… 

The opening screen gives a clear and concise 

overview.” 

Bob Laity, Lecturer and Retail Unit Manager Cornwall College 

*Autodata Online 3 license is an additional cost 

For a 30 day FREE trial 

Speak to your local member of The Parts Alliance today! 

Contact your local member of The Parts Alliance. Call 0121 565 6128 


Oils 

Watch out for the 

applications 'bear traps', 

cautions Comma. 

Since the introduction of EU Block Exemption, independent 

workshops have become increasingly alert to the great 

opportunities presented by its regulations, and many 

are now taking full advantage of the liberty to service 

in-warranty vehicles. 

Warranty protection comes though, with 

something of an ‘applications health warning’, 

and with their latest advertising campaign – in 

this issue of ‘Auto-Torque’ – Comma makes 

the telling point that ‘bear traps’ can await 

those who overlook the fact that ‘one car 

doesn’t mean one engine oil’ – a caution 

that applies equally to the latest enginespecific 

coolants. 

For a complete solution 

SPEAK TO 

YOUR LOCAL 

MEMBER OF 

THE PARTS 

ALLIANCE 

Just to recap, Block Exemption is framed as a 

consumer protection initiative to open up the 

vehicle servicing market within the EU. Under 

its provisions, vehicle manufacturers have 

explicit obligations to make their data freely 

available to the independent aftermarket. 

Initially, the vehicle manufacturers were 

unenthusiastic in their response and it fell 

to the ‘Right to Repair’ (R2R) campaign 

– vigorously championed by Comma – to 

remind Brussels of what Block Exemption 

was intended to achieve. Similarly, R2R was 

a signal to independent technicians that their 

new freedoms came with an equal obligation 

to observe the VM’s recommended servicing 

regimes. In practice, that includes using 

compliant/matching parts and components 

that meet OE specifi cations so as not to 

compromise the terms of a vehicle’s warranty. 

“With warranty protection at its core, 

Block Exemption has become a huge 

and hard-earned opportunity for everyone 

in the independent servicing sector,” says 

Comma spokesperson Mike Bewsey. He 

added: “Technicians can rely on Comma’s 

data and have total confi dence to specify 

exactly the right Comma products for any 

application. Their assurance is that, subject 

only to the vehicle being serviced in line with 

the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations 

and frequency, Comma’s 100% Quality and 

“With warranty protection at its 

core, Block Exemption has become 

a huge and hard-earned opportunity 

for everyone in the independent 

servicing sector” 

Performance Guarantee applies to all the 

engine and gear oils, coolants and brake 

fl uids in our VRN look-up applications data 

at www.commaoil.com and on other industry 

platforms including TecDoc and MAM.” 


37

FINISHING LINE 

Ready, Set…Go! 

The Endurance Rally Association is looking forward to a busy 

2014 as its most popular rally has already sold out, while its 

newest offering has received a fantastic response. 

With over six months until the Flying Scotsman 

Rally gets underway, the entry list has already 

closed, with over 100 entrants signed up to 

take part. The Endurance Rally Association 

will have 105 entrants on the starting line on 

4th April 2014, to tackle a new route that will 

take in more of Scotland than ever before. 

“The Flying Scotsman was founded six 

years ago to meet requests from vintage 

car enthusiasts who wanted to drive a rally 

that lasted more than one day,” explains 

Philip Young, Rally Director. “At the time, the 

Endurance Rally Association was advised 

they wouldn’t attract enough cars to make 

an event viable. The three-day event has now 

outgrown its original Brooklands start, and 

next April’s rally will see cars start from the 

Forest of Arden, just south of Birmingham, 

and finish at Gleneagles.“ 

On the first day the teams, which come from 

all over the world, will head North with an 

overnight stop near the town of Blackburn, 

taking in remote routes through Lancashire 

and Yorkshire. Day Two sees the cars cross 

the border into Scotland, with overnight 

accommodation based at Gleneagles, north 

of Edinburgh. 

In June 2014 the Endurance Rally Association 

will debut an all-new event – the Alpine Trial – 

with places on the rally filling up fast. 

Set to last for the three days from Friday June 

6th to Sunday June 8th, the 600-plus mile 

route takes in the breathtaking views of Monte 

Blanc, the classic Col De La Colombiere and 

the Route Des Grande Alpes. 

Similar in approach to the popular Flying 

Scotsman Rally, the Alpine Trial takes the 

atmosphere, feel and fl avour of that event 

and transports it to the French Alps. With the 

Alps providing a stunning backdrop, the rally 

is centred around the 4-star Imperial Palace 

Hotel, on the shores of Lake Annency, itself a 

short drive from Geneva. 

The three days of the rally will thoroughly 

explore the Savoy Alps and the Rhone Valley. 

With 20 of the 40 available places already 

booked, any pre-1941 vehicle is welcome, but 

modifi cations to the vehicle must be limited to 

what was available at the time. 

The Endurance Rally Association has a 

successful track record of over 60 major 

international events behind them including 

the Peking to Paris Motoring Challenge, to 

be held next in 2016. 

visit www.endurorally.com. 


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 

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 

WINTER 2013 

39

Smooth Runnings! 

Things run better for longer with an overrunning alternator 

pulley from INA - the vehicle manufacturer’s choice 

“Not just kits” 

INA KITS PLUS 

Timing Belt Kits & 

components 

FEAD components 

OAP / OAD 

one-way 

sprag 

clutch 

precision 

engineered 

pulley 

dust 

cover 

needle 

rollers 

A smooth running Front End Auxiliary Drive 

(or FEAD) system is a necessity to protect 

against breakdowns caused by premature 

component failure. 

An OAP from INA protects the drive system 

by minimising vibrations that can damage 

sensitive and safety critical components. 

A new belt alone won’t help. Only the timely 

replacement of the original OAD or OAP will 

keep the drive system running to 

its maximum potential. 

OADs and OAPs from INA provide: 

• Optimum belt tension for longer 

• Smoother, quieter running of the belt system 

• Noticeably lower vibration levels 

INA FEAD system components are covered 

by a 2 Year / unlimited mileage warranty* 

plus FREE technical support which is available on 

Monday to Friday between 8.30am-5.30pm 

and Saturdays from 9.00am-12.00am 





Tel: 01432 264264 

hfd-info@schaeffler.com 


* 


Available through The Parts Alliance. Call 0121 565 6128

Auto Torque - Winter 2013

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