Auto Torque - Spring 2014

TORQUE 

Spring 2014 

Tomorrow’s trade news, today! 

Tickets to 

‘Practical Classics 

Restoration Show’ 

and tool vouchers 

worth £100 to 

be won! 

See pg 28 

Man or Superman? 

In this issue we look at how garages can raise their 

standards and increase their profits 

NEWS • GARAGE EQUIPMENT • AIR CON • TRAINING • EXHAUSTS • BRAKES + 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 SPRING 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 

Spring 2014 

TORQUE 

Tomorrow’s trade news, today! 

Tickets to 





be won! 

See pg 28 

Man or Superman? 

In this issue we look at how garages can raise their 

standards and increase their profits 

• NEWS • GARAGE EQUIPMENT • AIR CON • TRAINING • EXHAUSTS • BRAKES • + MUCH MORE… • 

Welcome to 

the Spring 

edition of 

Auto-Torque. 

Contents… 

News 04 

All the latest from The Parts Alliance 

Specialist Parts – Focus on tools 26 

You don’t have to go to the dealer 

Garage Equipment 30 

Give your business a lift! 

Editor’s Comment 33 

Rich has even more to say... 

Top 10 Belt Failures 34 

Belt failure - and how you can help avoid it 

STOP with Delphi 37 

On tour in the Emerald Isle 

Finishing Line 38 

Why historic rallying is so popular 

Welcome to the Spring issue of 

Auto-Torque. We’re taking a look at 

quality – what it means, and how you 

can raise quality in your business. 

Whether it’s the quality of the 

parts you’re fitting, or the tools and 

equipment you use, or whether it’s 

the signs outside your premises, we 

look at the ‘Q’ word and how it can 

benefit your business. 

With the UK economy showing a slight 

recovery, it’s important for you to, 

literally, set out your stall to encourage 

more potential customers to use your 

workshop. We’re still seeing tough 

trading conditions though, and the 

threat from main dealers isn’t going 

away – now, in the near future, or even 

further off. 

Hotdownloads 

So rather than try to avoid that, it’s time 

to grab the bull by the horns and look 

for ways you can give your business 

a quality boost. Some of those changes 

might not cost a lot, but will give 

your business a boost – and give you 

a lift at the same time, and that’s got 

to be good. 

Yes, time’s tight and running a 

business means you aren’t always 

able to step back and reappraise 

it, but a couple of hours spent 

doing just that could be time very 

wisely spent. 

That’s it for now – we’ll be back in 

Summer. See you then! 

Rich Barnett and the Auto-Torque team 

Customer Service Tips 06 

Make the right lasting impression 

IAAF hands over reins 07 

Brian Spratt steps down 

Air Con & Thermal management 08 

There's more to it than re-gassing 

Comma Oil 10 

New identity, branding and pack design 

Filtration 13 

Why high quality oil filters extend engine life 

Training 14 

Train to gain 

Servicesure 17 

Garage owners feel confident about business 

Workshop Winners - Exhausts 18 

Exhaust pipes are just as important as 

lambda sensors and cats 

Braking technology 20 

New part numbers cover more of the car parc 

IMI 23 

Professional register 

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. 

Steering & Suspension 24 

A look at how suspension parts are tested 

GS Onestop 29 

How Onestop works for you 

Codes of Conduct 36 

How the Code shapes up this year 

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

3

News from around The Parts Alliance 

Mill Autoquip opens their 18th branch in Bristol 

Operating from a purposely designed branch 

with over 4 miles of storage racking, the 

branch has the very latest stock profile and 

are available to offer over 31,000 products 

available for immediate delivery. 

Managing Director, Guy Johnson says “we 

are tremendously excited to open our new 

store and we are confident that the hard 

work and extensive planning in the run up 

Hot off the press from CAS is ‘CASumables!’ - 

The essential workshop guide to consumables. 

to opening will benefit the local automotive 

aftermarket considerable by not only offering 

OE quality products but also bringing back 

traditional family focused customer service 

and backup. Something which the local 

market has been lacking in recent times.” 

The new store can be located at Eldonwall 

Trading Estate, Bristol and by phone on 

0117 233 0011. 

CASumables! 

New OE 

line-up for 

Are proud and excited to announce the launch of their 

Brand New 

O.E. Engine Management Range 

BBC are now stocking the following product lines: 

Lambda sensors, Air mass meters, EGR valves, Fuel pumps, Camshaft sensors, Crankshaft sensors, 

M.A.P sensors, Knock sensors, Idle speed control valves, Stepper motors, Intake air temperature 

sensors, Nox sensors, Thro tle bodies, Petrol injectors, Coolan temperature sensors, 

Exhaust gas temperature sensors, Exhaust gas pressure sensors, Vacuum control valves, 

Secondary air pumps and valves, Thro tle position sensors, Boost pressure sensors, 

Fuel pressure sensors, Fuel temperature sensors, and many more . 

Our new range is sourced and assembled from all these 

tier 1 blue chip original equipment manufacturers: 

CAS is delighted with the launch of the 2014 

‘CASumables’ that offers the customer top quality 

consumables at special introductory prices. 

Inside the jam-packed 50 page edition there are 

over 500 essential products. CAS anticipates 

CASumables rapidly growing in popularity and 

runs in addition to CAS’s existing publications 

and promotions with plans already in place for 

the future editions. 

And complimented by 

these O.E quality brands: 

Contact your local BBC branch for details 

BBC Superfactors has launched a brand-new Original 

Equipment engine management line-up. 

The BBC line-up meets the demands of independent workshops 

who are looking to challenge main dealers with high-quality 

genuine components. With brands including Bosch, Denso, 

Pierburg, Delphi and Hella, it’s the quality without the high 

price, says Gary Schulman, Managing Director of BBC. 

New vans keep 

business growing 

GMF Motor Factors have taken delivery of 26 new Renault Kangoo 

delivery vans and 6 Renault Master internal stock transfer vans 

to swell their fleet to 133 vehicles. 

“It is crucial that we keep pace with our customer service as our 

business grows” says Regional Business Director Steve Davies, 

“We are determined to maintain and continuously improve upon 

the level of service that our customers demand” 

These new vehicles join the 17 new Renault Kangoo vans that 

were brought on to the GMF fleet last July. 

Motorbikes 

improve customer 

experience 

Allparts Automotive have recently introduced more 

motorbikes into their fleet of delivery vehicles. This is as a 

result of positive customer feedback and in response to ever 

increasing levels of congestion and demands for even faster 

deliveries in our operating areas. 

We have seen significant success within the M25 operating area but also 

see big efficiencies and improved customer experience at all our branches 

with the adoption of motor bikes. The bikes have a unique and bespoke 

designed large storage box to enable the vast majority of products that 

are supplied to be delivered by the bikes. We are confident that customer 

service and the overall experience and awareness of our commitment 

to exceed customer expectations will be significantly enhanced with this 

improvement to our service offer. 

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

The Parts Alliance becomes founding partner in 

multi-national autoparts distribution group 

Independent garage owners in the UK and Ireland will benefit from the launch of a major new international 

autoparts distribution group which has been created to service the global automotive aftermarket, with The 

Parts Alliance a key founding member. 

Nexus Automotive International (N!) 

brings together leading distributors in 

Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

Together they will work with a wide 

range of suppliers which over time, 

through The Parts Alliance, will 

provide independent garages with 

greater choice and value. 

Alongside The Parts Alliance the 

other founding partners are based 

in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, 

Belgium, Finland, Poland, Turkey, 

Russia, Jordan, Lebanon, Emirates, 

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Ghana. 

Steve Fulford, chairman of The Parts 

Alliance, said: “The Parts Alliance is 

a major force in the UK and Ireland. 

Now as a founding partner in this new 

international group, it will enable us 

to expand our horizons. 

“We have substantial volumes of 

purchasing and by aligning ourselves 

with other partners across Europe, 

and in emerging economies, we 

will be able to create additional 

value for those who invest in our 

business while helping our customers, 

including independent garage owners, 

provide better choice and value for 

their customers.” 

The new group is planning 

to expand rapidly in the next 

three years and began ramping 

up activity with a Strategic Suppliers 

Conference, held in Geneva in March, 

which was open to 45 of the world’s 

leading automotive suppliers. 

‘World class’ the aim for ‘turbo-charged’ HgCapital factors 

The four HgCapital owned factors within The Parts Alliance are being ‘turbo-charged’ in a wide ranging move to 

accelerate growth and achieve world class standards. 

GMF, CES, SCMF and Allparts have been 

realigned into two regional alliances – the 

Western Alliance, formed from GMF and CES, 

and the Eastern Alliance, which encompasses 

SCMF and Allparts. Each Alliance will share 

resources, systems and best practice to 

achieve rapid growth, facilitate branch 

openings, develop staff training and invest 

in tools to take customer service to world 

leading levels. 

The changes have been revealed by the four’s 

Group CEO Peter Sephton, who heralded 

the restructure as an essential first step, 

positioning the group to continue its growth 

into 2024 and beyond. 

Sephton, who has more than 30 years senior 

multi-national business experience, said: 

“This is a genuinely exciting time for the two 

new Alliances, our four brands, our employees 

and our customers. It will also provide 

outstanding opportunities for the personal 

growth of our colleagues as we connect our 

people and give added focus to best practice – 

a cornerstone of our strategy of local strength 

and a unified operating model.” 

Sephton also announced a raft of 

appointments, including: 

• Steve McCann, of CES, has become 

Managing Director for the Western Alliance 

• Mark Darvill, of Allparts, has taken on the 

role as MD of the Eastern Alliance 

• A new appointment is Dan Williams who 

has joined as group Commercial Director 

to lead investment and alignment in 

category management, pricing and 

procurement across the four factors 

ensuring they create a leading product 

offer, intelligently positioned and priced 

to gives customers best quality and value. 

• Michael Murray, who joined the business 

over a year ago, continues as Group Chief 

Financial Officer. 

In addition, investment in staff training and 

support has seen the appointment of Cathy 

Richardson to develop best-in-class retention 

and recruitment initiatives. 

Sephton added: “Ensuring a stable working 

environment for our staff, as well as getting 

world class processes in place to deliver our 

growth plans are essential.” 


5

Top Customer Service Tips 

Top 

Customer 

Service 

tips 

It’s impressions that count, because the right image will always go a long way in giving your workshop that 

extra bit of a boost – and credibility. Like it or not, main dealers tend to be streets ahead of independent 

workshops when it comes to presentation, but why let that be the case? Here Auto-Torque looks at areas 

where you might – or might not – need to smarten things up a bit. Or maybe a lot… 

Cleanliness – your premises: How 

does your reception area and the 

area immediately outside appear? Is 

it clean, tidy, and the outside swept? 

In the reception area are the chairs 

clean or grubby? Replace the old, 

worn chairs and tables, clean the 

service counter, and throw out any 

old drinks’ cups. 

Cleanliness – the customer’s car: 

The job’s done, but has the car 

got a bit dirty as a result? Clean 

the front seats and give the door 

cards, dashboard and steering 

wheel a wipe over and stick in an 

air freshener with your workshop’s 

name on it. Give the outside a quick 

clean too (speak to your local member 

of The Parts Alliance about prices 

on pressure washers and heavy-duty 

vacuum cleaners). 

Don’t be a shrinking violet, because 

if you’re running a great workshop, let 

people know. Make sure you display 

any training certificates on the wall so 

customers can see them, and if you 

have any good customer testimonials 

put them in a folder on the reception 

desk or put them on the wall. 

Courtesy: Manners are all. You 

don’t have to be grovelly when you’re 

talking to your customers, but be 

polite. Remember customers’ names, 

or the name of their children or their 

dogs – or even where they went on 

holiday. However, ill-mannered staff 

are always remembered and you 

could do the business untold harm 

as cheesed-off customers tell their 

friends about the experience they had 

when you serviced their car. On the 

other hand, a cheery attitude pays 

serious dividends all the time. 

(communication and marketing) to 

get this message across. After all, 

the main dealer up the road might 

be telling car owners you’re using 

inferior-quality replacement parts. 

You’re not, so make sure your 

customers (and potential customers) 

know that. Also make sure they know 

your replacement parts are cheaper… 

Signage: How obvious is your 

workshop to passers-by? Could 

a motorist just drive past without 

even knowing you’re there? Well do 

something about it! Good signage 

doesn’t need to be flashy and ‘in 

your face’, but you need to have the 

business’ name clearly readable. 

Make sure telephone numbers 

(including an out-of-hours number) 

are displayed, as well as the website 

address and a contact email. These 

days drivers won’t necessarily drop in 

to make an appointment, so you need 

to meet their expectations. 

Communication: Talk to your 

customers – discuss the work when 

the car’s dropped off. When they 

return, talk them through the invoice 

and, equally importantly, give them a 

call to let them know their car’s ready 

for collection. 

Confidence: Be proud of your 

business and the work you do, 

because customers will notice that. 

Marketing: You’re in business 

– promote yourself! It’s no good 

expecting motorists will just discover 

your workshop, so allocate funds 

for advertising in the local paper 

and maybe on local radio. And don’t 

forget to create a company website 

too, but remember once your website 

is up and running, it’ll need regular 

updates, although these needn’t be 

extensive. Don’t forget local leaflet 

drops too. 

Quality parts: This is one of the most 

important aspects of your business, 

and you need to ensure you use two 

of the other points we’ve mentioned 

Uniform: Having a corporate uniform 

(even if it’s only a polo shirt or 

sweatshirt) always creates a good 

impression, but make sure it’s clean 

and tidy. A work shirt that hasn’t seen 

the inside of a washing machine for 

a good few days DOESN’T create the 

right image! 


Brian Spratt 

Handing over the reins 

With IAAF chief executive Brian Spratt retiring in July, the independent 

sector trade body has announced who will be taking over. 

She’s Wendy Williamson, who has previously 

worked at Unipart, including a stint as 

director and general manager of subsidiary 

business Truck and Trailer Components. 

Latterly she has been running the SMMT’s 

aftermarket section. 

“This is reassuring news for me and IAAF 

members. To have someone of Wendy’s 

experience and enthusiasm taking over 

the reins makes me very confident for the 

Federation’s future prospects,” Brian Spratt 

told Auto-Torque. 

“Finding the right person to follow 

Brian, who would have universal 

industry respect and detailed 

knowledge, was a daunting task, 

but I’ve every confidence that in 

Wendy we have found the right 

person to take IAAF forward.” 

Wendy Williamson joins the Federation in April 

and will have a three-month hand-over period 

working alongside Brian Spratt. 

His views were echoed by those of IAAF 

president Graham Knight, who added: 

“Finding the right person to follow Brian, who 

would have universal industry respect and 

detailed knowledge, was a daunting task, but 

I’ve every confidence that in Wendy we have 

found the right person to take IAAF forward. 

“Wendy’s passion and enthusiasm for the 

Independent Automotive Aftermarket and 

proven track record of achievement is second 

to none. I’m very much looking forward to 

working with her.” 

Introducing Wendy… 

Brian Spratt is truly 'Mr Aftermarket' 

and his contribution to our industry is 

immeasuarable, defending the interests 

of independent garages and that of the 

motorists who doesn't want to use a 

main dealer. His replacement, Wendy 

Williamson, undoubtedly has a very 

tough act to follow and we'll be following 

her progress with interest. 


7

aircon, thanks 

Air Conditioning 

‘Cool’ profits to 

With air conditioning now fitted as standard in most vehicles in the UK and Ireland 

it’s an in-car feature that is almost taken for granted by the motorist. 

Yet it represents a valuable and growing 

income stream for independent garages 

– providing the technicians have the right 

training and their skills are up to scratch. 

For over 25 years air conditioning had been 

sold to consumers as an optional extra. But in 

the past five years all that has changed. 

The Parts Alliance has responded with Ice 

Station, an exclusive programme that provides 

in-depth training and equipment, so that not 

only is the business able to successfully carry 

out recharging and repair but also so that it 

stays within the law when doing so. 

“There are more than 18 million 

cars on the road in the UK and 

Ireland fitted with air conditioning.” 

recover and charge refrigerant in any motor 

vehicle air-conditioning system unless the 

technician doing so meets the current F-Gas 

requirements. Only personnel possessing an 

F-GAS and Defra Approved qualification are 

allowed to take delivery, handle and recover 

refrigerant gases. 

The training cost is small, certainly in 

comparison to the profits a garage can 

make from offering an air con recharge and 

repair service. 

Air con servicing is seasonal, and it’s a 

relatively short season running from spring 

through to late summer. Therefore some 

independent garages have decided not to 

invest in training. However, it is illegal to 

Technicians who service vehicle air 

conditioning systems and also conduct repairs 

and fit replacement parts, from condensers 

to compressors, can earn from £150 a day. 


e made from 

to Ice Station 

E KITS 

Refillable A/C 

Parts Systems 

loaded with 

100+ SKUs of 

over 700 

service parts 

Custom designed & labeled 

assortments available 

to fill your specific needs 

Includes actual size 

ilustration for each 

part to aid 

re-stocking 

A2007 A/C Maintenance Assortment 

Designed specifically for coverage of vehicles in U.K. and Europe 

R-134a service caps, valves, primary seals, slim line & sealing washers 

FULL O-ring coverage! Includes double seals for Citroen, 

Fiat, Peugeot, Renault, Alfa Romeo, Iveco, and Lancia 

ICE STATION SIGNAGE 

A2007 2007 A/C Maintenance Assortment 

A2005 A/C Maintenance Assortment 

US, Asian and European vehicle coverage 

R-134a service caps, valves, primary seals, slim line & 

sealing washers, ‘07-’00 Chrysler gaskets 

FULL O-ring coverage! 

Heavy-duty portable cabinet comes with handle & snap-lock cover 

A2005 A2005 A/C Maintenance Assortment 

ve cores 

lar O-ring sizes: 

nt 

n 

p bottle 

A/C Cap & Valve Core 

Assortment (refillable) 

Part # 13722 Includes: 

10) 672 5) 678 4) 615 

5) 673 2) 679 4) 621 

5) 674 3) 6203 4) 622 

4) 618B 5) 676 3) 6233 

4) 623 4) 620B 5) 677 

4) 614 4) 624 

On average a typical full air conditioning 

service costs between £49 to £69, depending 

on the car and location. Based on a season 

lasting from May to September, in which the 

garage can expect to do an average of three 

services per day, it could earn that business 

around £12,000. 

13722 A/C Cap & Valve Core Assortment 

Deluxe HNBR Rubber O-Ring Assortment 

350 Piece (refillable) 

5) 568-901 10) 568-008 10) 568-010 10)M2102 10) M2103 

10) 568-108 10) 568-903 20) 568-01 15)M2122 10) 568-012 

10) 568-110 20) 568-905 20) 568-013 10)M2121 10) 568-111 

10) 568-906 10) 568-014 5) M2110 20) 568-015 

10) M2125 10) 568-2109 10) 568-113 10) 568-016 

5) 568-114 20) 568-017 5) 568-115 5) 568-212 

10) OV211 10)OV116 10) 568-116 5) 568-020 

5) 568-118 10) 568-211 10) 568-018 

So the training and purchasing or leasing 

of any necessary equipment will soon be 

paid for. 

OR350 Deluxe HNBR O-Ring Assortment 

O-Ring Lubricant 

Lubricates O-rings for easier installation 

Helps prevent leaks resulting from 

pinched O-rings 

Easy to apply light weight oil comes in 

Last year The Parts Alliance’s dedicated 

online booking platform had over 50,000 

visits from motorists who were looking for car 

servicing and repairs specialists, including 

air conditioning specialists. So we know the 

demand, the opportunity, is there. 

convenient 118 ml (4 oz.) pump spray bottle 

E40 O-Ring Lubricant 

9411 Nylon 

O-Ring Pick 

The main problem encountered with air con 

systems is they are prone to leak. As the 

engine vibrates, it causes the pipe-work and 

fixings to move, expand and contract. This can 

mean that on average a car will lose between 

10% and 15% of its air con coolant every year. 

Includes actual size 

ilustration for each 

part to aid re-stocking 

Nylon 

O-Ring Pick 

Will not scratch metal 

surfaces which can 

cause refrigerant leaks. 

ICE STATION POSTER 

This leaves the system performing poorly and 

in need of a service. 

Even then the motorist may chose to go to a 

main dealer, believing the local independent 

garage is not sophisticated to ‘do’ air con 

servicing. But with Ice Station, along with the 

other benefits, the garage gets full marketing 

support – including colourful signage telling 

the motorist they are an Ice Station garage. 

And if they come to you for their air con, 

they could be a new customer for MOTs and 

servicing as well. 

Air Con Service & Repair 

There are more than 18 million cars on the 

road in the UK and Ireland fitted with air 

conditioning. There’s no reason why your 

garage should be ‘frozen’ out of this growing 

income stream. 

Specialist Chemicals 

and Tools 

To find out how Ice Station can help you, 

contact your local member of 

The Parts Alliance by calling: 0121 565 

6128 or visit:www.thepartsalliance.com 


9

Comma Oil 

New look and new pr 

Comma Performance 

Comma brand identity has been refreshed with 

a contemporary, technical image for 2014. 

To coincide with this bold re-branding and 

introduction of a distinctive new pack design, 

the Comma Performance Motor Oils (PMO) 

portfolio now includes two important new low 

viscosity grades which extend the range’s 

coverage to 99% of the UK car parc. 

Available in 5 litre packs, new Comma Voltech 

0W-30 fully synthetic is formulated to ACEA 

A5/B5 and covers 143,000 UK market 

application gaps for Volvo models. In 4 litre 

packs, new Comma Pro-NRG 0W-20 fully 

synthetic meets the API SN and ILSAC GF-5/ 

GF-4 specifications, and closes out over 

115,000 UK market application gaps for 

Subaru, Scion and Toyota petrol and petrolelectric 

hybrid vehicles. 

Both new products are available immediately. 

Their introduction also coincides with 

changes to the semi synthetic Comma PMO 

oils, with the effect of reducing the range 

overall from fifteen to fourteen products. 

These are the changes. 

Comma Eurodiesel 15W-40 is discontinued, 

with its applications now combined in a single 

product with Comma XT2000 15W-40 for both 

diesel and petrol engines: 

Comma Syner-D 5W-40 is discontinued, with 

its applications now combined in a single 

product with Comma Syner-G 5W-40 for both 

diesel and petrol engines: 

Comma Diesel Lite 10W-40 is discontinued, 

with its applications now combined in a single 

product with Comma Eurolite 10W-40 for both 

diesel and petrol engines. 

Finally, fully synthetic Comma Diesel PD 5W- 

40 is re-named as Comma PD Plus. 

Timely Tech Talk 

To comply with the latest vehicle 

manufacturers’ requirements, the Comma 

PMO range meets all current ACEA (European 

Automobile Manufacturers Association) 

lubricant specifications. For passenger 

vehicles, these are divided between two 

categories; namely those such as ACEA 


oducts for 

Motor Oils 

A3/B4 which are designed for conventional 

engines, and ‘catalyst friendly’ specifications 

such as ACEA C3 which are designed to 

protect engines fitted with exhaust aftertreatment 

units. 

It’s important to recognise that the ACEA 

specifications – also referred to as the 

‘sequences’ as illustrated in the table below 

- are regularly updated to keep abreast of 

advances in engine technology and exhaust 

emissions regulations. Therefore, an oil 

claiming ACEA A3/B4-04 indicates - through 

the 04 suffix - that it conforms only to the 

2004 sequence, not the one from 2010 (which 

came into effect in 2012). Furthermore - as 

illustrated by Figure 1 right - the 2010 ACEA 

sequences introduced chemical limits that 

Sequence 

Example 

2004 A3/B4-04 

2007 A3/B4-07 

2008 A3/B4-08 

2010 A3/B4 

2012 A3/B4 

make ACEA “A/B and ACEA “C” unsuitable 

to be claimed together. As noted, ACEA 

“C” classification products are Low SAPS 

(Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur) 

engine oils specifically designed to protect 

exhaust after-treatment units, as distinct from 

ACEA “A/B” products which are suitable only 

for conventional engines. 

The above spider graphs show how much 

the ACEA performance specifications have 

advanced and improved over time. 

OEMs sometimes also update their own 

requirements, as indicated in the graph of 

the major upgrades over time in the VW 501 

01 specification. 

Comma emphasises that there is 

considerable risk of damage if the use of 

current oil specifications is ignored and older 

specifications are used instead. 

Oil contamination and starvation can cause 

blocked channels and filters within the engine 

leading to serious damage and, according to 

BTN Turbo, causes 95% of turbo failure. 

To avoid the dangers of using products based 

on obsolete ACEA claims, and to be absolutely 

sure you are using a product that meets the 

latest manufacturers’ specifications, always 

use Comma’s website: www.CommaOil.com 

or Workshop Application Guide. Every 

Comma recommendation comes with a 100% 

compatibility guarantee for the peace of mind 

of knowing you’re fitting the right oil in the 

right vehicle. 


11

Filtration 

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. 

Available through The Parts Alliance. Call 0121 565 6128 


Filtration 

Well 

oiled 

machine 

The rise in VM-specific oils 

means engine oil is no longer 

just a lubricant – it’s more of 

a specialised component. 

Use the wrong oil and you’ll 

do damage to the engine’s 

internals and shorten its 

life considerably. 

So you’re pretty clued-up about specifying the 

right oil, and you know the implications of not 

using the right one, but are you as careful 

when it comes to choosing the oil filter? If you 

use a poor-quality type you’re just as likely to 

cause damage to the engine, whether you’re 

using the correct specification oil or not. 

Cheaper, low quality oil filters often lack an 

anti-drain valve. This simple, but critical device 

means that after a journey, oil doesn’t entirely 

drain out of the filter and oil galleries back into 

the sump. If all the oil drains out, the engine 

is effectively ‘dry’ when it re-starts, meaning 

for a miniscule amount of time there’s no 

lubricant protecting surfaces until the oil filter 

is filled and oil pressure is restored. 

Over time that ‘dry’ wear will damage the 

engine’s internals, causing premature wear, 

increased oil and fuel consumption and of 

course, shortening its service life. 

To prevent expensive engine damage 

occurring, it’s important to fit an oil filter that 

not only has an anti-drain valve, but one of the 

correct specification for the engine type. This 

will ensure that the bearings are lubricated 

the instant the engine fires, and that means 

less wear and therefore considerably longer 

engine life. 

So do your customers’ cars a favour this 

spring – make sure you fit a genuine OE 

specification MANN-FILTER, engineered for 

specific engine and OE lubricant types. 

A few pence extra spent now will work out a lot 

cheaper in the long run…so MAN-UP! 

Anti-drain valve 


13

and c 

Investment in training 

IMI proves 

appren 

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has released findings from 

research regarding the return on investment an automotive business 

can expect from its apprentices – and it makes encouraging reading. 

The results of the IMI’s two-year research 

project, co-funded by the UK Commission for 

Employment and Skills, shows that by the end 

of their third year, a well-recruited apprentice 

can generate between 150% and 300% 

return on investment, based on a £50 hourly 

charge out rate. This means that for every £1 

invested, the business nets between £1.50 

and £3.00. Furthermore, apprentices who 

start with no experience typically generate 

profit within 18 to 24 months – much earlier 

than was previously assumed. 

The study looked at a cross section of 

businesses from micro independents to 

franchise dealers across the whole of the UK 

involving 30 apprentices. The study did not 

factor in any additional funding that a business 

or training provider may receive but did take 

into consideration the costs of recruitment, 

the 16-19 national minimum wage, daily 

expense allowances, administration and 

mandatory health and safety training. 

Overwhelmingly the results from the IMI study 

have shown that there is a financial return 

to the business within the apprenticeship. 

Using extensive productivity data the IMI 

has mapped out a consistent trend in the 

productive contribution made by apprentices. 

The productivity of an apprentice follows 

an ‘S-curve’ showing low skilled, low level 

growth in the first year accelerating through 

the second year to a self limiting high skilled 

maximum in the third or fourth year expected 

of an experienced technician – see the graph 

(right) which shows quarterly net income. 

There were 5 key benefits identified as a 

result of the study: 

• The IMI S-curves show that, by the end 

of the third year of an apprenticeship, 

for a £50 hourly charge out rate, an 

apprentice can generate between 150% 

and 300% return on investment – this 

means that for every £1 invested, 

against apprentice expenses, the 

business nets between £1.50 and 

£3.00. 

• Apprentices typically generate profit 

within 18 – 24 months – this is based 

on an apprentice who has no experience 

and is essentially non productive at the 

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

tices pay their way 

an give a 300% return 

start. If an apprentice has some 

experience, and is able to be productive 

from the start, they can pay their way 

much sooner – often in the first few 

quarters of the apprenticeship. 

• Home-grown apprentice-trained 

technicians outperform marketrecruited 

technicians. 

• ‘Growing your own technicians’ through 

apprenticeships reduces long-term 

recruitment and training costs. 

• Apprentices learn company best 

practice and culture from the start – 

helping to ensure a better fit with the 

team and internal processes. 

Steve Nash, the IMI’s CEO, comments: 

“Businesses must overcome their doubts 

about employing young people and invest in the 

future if our industry is to succeed as a whole. 

Overwhelmingly, the results from our recent 

study have shown that there is a clear 

financial return to the business within the 

apprenticeship, but the attitude and support 

of the employer to the apprentice is critically 

important. By giving a young 

person opportunities to apply 

their skills they will ultimately become better 

and more productive technicians much earlier 

than commonly perceived.” 

Realising these benefits is easier than you 

may think through the Servicesure Autocentre 

National Apprenticeship Programme. This 

fabulous apprentice training offer is managed 

and facilitated by their business partners 

ProVQ Ltd who are widely regarded as the 

best in their field. They manage national 

apprenticeship programmes for global vehicle 

manufacturers and also for you. Apprentices’ 

learning takes place at their impressive 

automotive training centre in Shropshire 

on a block release basis. You will benefit 

significantly from working with a dedicated 

apprenticeship provider as this means an 

apprentice receives bespoke training and the 

award of nationally recognised qualifications. 

ProVQ visiting assessors are essential to 

the profitable development of an apprentice 

and visit participating garages every 12 

weeks as a minimum, providing support to 

you from recruitment right through to end of 

programme achievement. 

If you are interested in the Servicesure 

National Apprenticeship Programme you can 

find out more from your local Parts Alliance 

member or call ProVQ directly on 01743 

762800 stating Servicesure. 

To find out further information regarding 

the research and the benefits an apprentice 

can give your business visit: 

www.theimi.org.uk/roi 

Scan the code… 

To view the video 

‘Apprenticeship Return 

on Investment Case Study’ 

Hotdownloads 

hot on the web 


15

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 


Servicesure 

Garage owners feeling 

confident about business 

Garage owners are feeling confident about the 

future with many planning to invest in equipment 

and training, and some looking to take on extra 

staff; a survey by The Parts Alliance has shown. 

Some 67 per cent of those who responded said they expected the 

first half of 2014 to see an upturn in trade and, looking further ahead, 

some 73 per cent felt 'very confident' about the year as a whole. 

The survey was conducted among garages belonging to the Servicesure 

Autocentre garage programme run by The Parts Alliance. 

"The results of our survey show increasing confidence among garage 

owners and that is reflected in proposed investment into their 

businesses," said Mike Smallbone, Servicesure Autocentres national 

garage programme manager. 

“Sixty-nine per cent of garages said ‘yes, I will be 

investing in new equipment’ during 2014 and 76 per cent 

said ‘yes, I will be investing in technical/product training’. 

"While it is encouraging that they feel able to spend it's also a reflection 

that garage owners recognise they have to keep abreast of technical 

advancements, as innovation in vehicle technologies and diagnostics 

gets more and more sophisticated." 

One in four garages said they see staffing levels going up in the next 

12 months, with 73 per cent planning to keep their workforce as it is 

and just two per cent feeling they may see a decrease. 

"It's good to see some owners considering taking on additional people, 

for although there is talk of the recovery being under way we're not 

far enough down that road yet to be certain how sustainable it is," 

added Smallbone. 

“In general the investments garages are proposing are 

to ensure existing technicians and other staff have the 

most up-to-date knowledge, skills and tools to the job 

in what is a rapidly technologically advancing industry.” 

Interestingly, some 67 per cent of those who replied to the survey said 

they would not be liaising with their bank for financial capital, although 

only 16 per cent indicated they would look for funding elsewhere. 

The Parts Alliance have a number of ways to support your business 

may it be through leasing or understanding your training needs. For 

more information contact your local member of The Parts Alliance or 

call 0121 565 6126. 


17

workshop 

in n e r s 

w 

Exhausts & Emissions 

For many years a car would probably 

have two or three replacement exhausts 

fitted during its lifetime. How things 

have changed: Today a car might not 

see a replacement system during its 

life, that longevity being the result of 

high-quality pipework being fitted on 

the production line. 

However, there are still cars that need 

replacement exhaust systems, and while that 

brings in much-valued income, the need for 

replacement lambda sensors and catalytic 

convertors generates more money too. 

Vibrations: 

This is the most common reason for system 

replacement, the cause being rubber mounts 

whose composition changes after time, as a 

result of being exposed to high temperatures 

for long periods. As they get older they lose 

their absorbency quality. Walker says it’s 

important to change the rubber supports 

every time a silencer is changed. 

Those rubber mounts aren’t the only cause 

of vibration though – so too are worn engine 

and gearbox mounts. If there’s an elastic joint 

between engine and gearbox, the exhaust 

system could be subjected to increased 

sideways movement. 

“Workshops shouldn’t down the chance of more work and if they keep 

pushing they’ll find there’s more exhaust replacement work out there. ” 

For many years replacement exhausts were 

the preserve of Fast-Fits. When a new silencer 

or pipework was needed, it was traditional 

to go to the Fast-Fit. But the tide is turning, 

with more and more garages happy to offer 

replacements. And while there are more 

and more part numbers nowadays, exhaust 

replacement is definitely a profitable segment. 

Despite the superior quality of the exhaust 

system a new car is fitted with, short journeys 

can dramatically reduce its life. The build-up 

of condensation inside does it no favours, 

leading to corrosion that can rot the pipework 

and leading to poorer running, heavier fuel 

consumption (as well as being an MOT test 

failure) – but an earning opportunity for you. 

So what are the main causes of exhaust 

system failure? According to Walker, exhaust 

supplier to The Parts Alliance, there are 

several factors at play: 

Rust 

There are two types of rust – external and 

internal. External rust builds up on unprotected 

parts, especially where they are in contact 

with water or salt. Internal rust is found in 

the silencer and is the result of condensation 

and chemical substances building up. Walker 

says the average petrol-engined car needs to 

run continuously for 40km (24 miles) and at 

between 2000 and 4000 rpm to completely 

dry the system out. 

Using non-homologated parts: 

Fitting a non-homologated silencer can lead 

to a different backpressure from the one 

an engine should have. Generally a nonhomologated 

silencer will lead to extra fuel 

being burnt on the over-run. 

Of course it’s not just the exhaust pipe that 

can fail – so too can the catalytic convertor. 

With a life expectancy of around 100,000- 

150,000km (62,000-93,000 miles) you’ll 

certainly see plenty of catalysts that need 

replacing, but it’s not just regular use that 

can spell their end. Again, Walker explains 

the causes: 

Poisoning by lead of the catalytic 

convertor monolith lead: 

Using some lead substitutes or octane 

boosters produces lead oxides that can 


Exhaust systems 

promise more income 

cover the monolith, stopping exhaust gases 

contacting the monolith’s precious metals 

and stopping the catalytic conversion 

process. It can be identified in the monolith 

or the lambda sensor by a dark grey colour. 

Poisoning by phosphorous deposits 

of oil: 

A worn engine will burn more oil and 

that generates hard white deposits over 

the monolith. In time these will block 

the monolith’s cells so gasses can’t 

pass through. 

Poisoning due to wrong air/fuel 

mixtures: 

Whether it’s running too rich or too lean, the 

incorrect mixture creates soot or unburned 

fuel that will damage the catalyst. 

Melted monolith due to a defective 

spark: 

A hot engine with a defective spark produces 

too many hydrocarbons that can melt the 

surface of the monolith. Causes of the 

problem can be defective or wrong spark 

plugs, damaged connectors or timing being 

incorrectly adjusted. 

Impacts by stones of other road 

obstacles: 

The monolith is made of ceramics so it’s 

fragile and can easily break. If it does, parts 

of the monolith can move around, creating 

noise and a backpressure build-up. 

Backpressure problems: 

This can be the result of a non-homologated 

silencer (see exhaust pipe failure 

causes, left), a blocked silencer, corroded 

pipes, air leakage or broken catalytic 

convertor monoliths. 

Auto-Torque says: 

Exhausts offer great opportunities for 

the switched-on independent workshop. 

While there’s been plenty of emphasis on 

catalytic convertors and lambda sensors 

in recent years, exhaust pipes still need 

replacement. It is important, however, to 

fit high quality replacements as cheaper, 

low quality types can cause extensive 

engine damage. If you’re in doubt get 

technical advice and background from your 

local member of The Parts Alliance. 

CES, a member of The Parts Alliance, has 

its roots in exhaust system manufacture 

and supply, so it’s well placed to comment 

on the state of the market and what’s 

driving it. 

It’s a market where exhaust pipes last 

longer – so much so that it’s contracting 

by 10 percent, year-on-year. Yet while a 

system will last a long time, short journeys 

and the internal condensation they cause 

will seriously damage the system. 

“Plenty of pieces are still being fitted 

but we’re also seeing far more body 

styles creating more parts numbers,” a 

CES spokesman told Auto-Torque. But 

despite the market’s growing complexity, 

exhaust systems promise more income. 

“Workshops shouldn’t turn down the 

chance of more work, and if they keep 

pushing they’ll find there’s more exhaust 

replacement work out there. However, 

it’s a smaller cake so they’ll have to 

try harder.” 

While the onus is almost always on price 

rather than on quality, poorer quality 

exhaust systems not only have a shorter 

service life, they can also be far more 

difficult to install. “If you spend more 

on a higher quality piece it will fit more 

easily. If you’re paying £5 for a part you’re 

getting £5-worth, and that means you’ll 

be bashing it to get it to fit. In the UK it’s 

always a race to the bottom price-wise,” 

the CES’ spokesman added. 

By talking to the customer and giving them 

some background information, workshops 

will find selling better quality parts 

easier, as CES explains: “Training and 

awareness help and they can lead to more 

profitable upselling.” 


19

Braking technology 

OE technology at th 

The introduction of the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) in 2001 

saw this new technology being applied to high-end models but 

more recently it has been fitted to mid-range models too. 

TRW, the world’s largest manufacturer of 

EPB components, has subsequently sold 

more than 25 million EPB calipers to vehicle 

manufacturers (VMs) and aftermarket 

customers alike. 

So how does it work, and what are its benefits? 

Traditional handbrakes are completely reliant 

on the handbrake being applied by the driver. 

With EPB, instead of a bulky handbrake lever 

mounted in the centre console, you simply 

have a small switch, and with added features 

including automatic application that prevents 

a car rolling back on a hill. Its design removes 

the need for a handbrake cable and the lever, 

which is replaced by a less intrusive button. 

An EPB therefore provides the driver with 

enhanced safety features, comfort and 

convenience, and allows for greater freedom 

and creativity in vehicle interior design. 

The full EPB range has been introduced 

to TRW’s Aftermarket programme, which 

is available throughout The Parts Alliance 

network. This range of EPB calipers covers 

some of the most popular vehicles on British 

roads including: the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, 

A8, Q3, Q5 and R8; Ford Galaxy, Mondeo 

and S-Max; Land Rover Evoque, Freelander 

and Range Rover, and VW Passat, Sharon 

and Tiguan. 

The introduction of EPB calipers 

helps vehicle manufacturers 

make cars lighter 

and therefore more 

fuel efficient, but 

the design of EPB 

makes driving more 

pleasurable too, and that 

has seen more cars being 

fitted with the system. 

“Traditional handbrakes are completely 

reliant on the handbrake being applied 

by the driver. With EPB, instead of a 

bulky handbrake lever mounted in the 

centre console, you simply have a small 

switch, and with added features including 

automatic application that prevents a 

car rolling back 

on a hill.” 


e push of a button 

The full EPB range has been introduced to TRW's Aftermarket programme, 

which is available throughout The Parts Alliance network 

The Benefits of an EPB include; 

Enhanced vehicle safety and improved 

driver comfort; 

Drive away assist – upon the vehicle accelerating 

the park brake releases; 

Hill hold – prevents the vehicle rolling back on a 

hill until the driver accelerates; 

Brake wear sensing – which alerts the driver to 

worn pads; 

Rollaway prevention – monitors and controls 

the parking brake clamp force to ensure a 

safe parking condition, even if the brake is 

overheated or the friction level is low; 

Automatic application – the EPB automatically 

activates when the driver’s door is open or the 

ignition is switched off. 

As well as these, an EPB provides an additional 

advantage in that TRW’s EPB requires no 

adjustment when fitting, which saves time and 

money for you and your customer. 

An EPB can pose a challenge to 

independent garages, with the problem 

being it is not possible to carry out a 

brake service on the electric park brake 

using conventional mechanical tools. 

Help is at hand though, as different 

companies have tools designed for 

managing the replacement of pads on 

cars fitted with EPB. 

The “easy check” service tool has been 

developed for EPB-fitted cars. It offers 

service and replacement capability for 

rear disc and pads, caliper release 

and close and calibration of system 

components. These tools are important to an 

independent garage because before any 

work is carried out an EPB equipped car, 

you must release the motor system and 

wind back the actuator. This can only be 

done electronically. 

The EPB caliper range is available through all 

members of The Parts Alliance. This product 

presents an opportunity for garages to invest 

a small amount in tooling and in return ensure 

they can safely service this technology. These 

products are not exclusive to OE main dealers 

and a small investment gives motorists the 

option of using an independent garage rather 

than a more expensive main dealer. 


21


Professional Register 

The IMI Professional Register – 

A Unique Commercial Advantage 

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) launched its Voluntary Licence to Practice for individuals in the automotive retail 

sector in April last year. Unlike other industry schemes, which are based on business-wide codes of practice, the IMI’s 

Professional Register represents individuals who have proven they have the right skills, knowledge and competence to 

practise professionally within the automotive retail industry. 

It has never been more important to have suitably 

skilled people to ensure business success 

both now and in the future. Backed by the 

Government’s UK Commission for Employment 

and Skills (UKCES), the Professional Register 

is the first motor industry scheme to address 

skills needs directly. From a garage owner’s 

perspective, this will allow businesses that invest 

in increasingly vital training needs, to leverage 

their skills to commercial advantage for the 

first time. 

Individuals achieve and maintain Professional 

Register status in two ways, through IMI 

Accreditations (ATA or AMA), which demonstrates 

their proof of current competency or though IMI 

Membership. IMI Accreditations must be renewed 

every three years through update modules, full 

reassessment or progression in an ATA discipline 

or AMA level. Alternatively, professionals can 

maintain registration through IMI Membership 

and complete approximately four days Continual 

Professional Development (CPD) over a threeyear 

cycle. Accepted CPD covers a spectrum of 

automotive learning - on the job, reading relevant 

journals and articles, or attending a 

conference, all count towards CPD 

– it’s not just formal attendance at 

training courses. So targets should 

be achievable to anyone, regardless 

of job role, as long as they are 

pro-active about increasing their skills 

and knowledge. 

To help promote the Professional 

Register to trade and consumers, 

IMI announced that TV presenter 

and motor enthusiast Suzi Perry 

would be the face of its marketing 

campaign. The fully integrated 

campaign spanning consumer press 

advertising, radio advertising, 

trade shows, trade-targeted direct 

marketing and consumer-targeted 

live engagement road shows, 

completed its first leg in the Birmingham area 

over the winter and will form the first of a threeyear 

commitment by the IMI to promote the 

Professional Register to the public. 

Suzi Perry 

“Backed by the Government’s 

UK Commission for Employment 

and Skills (UKCES), the 

Professional Register is the 

first motor industry scheme to 

address skills needs directly.” 

For more information visit the Professional Register website www.imiregister.org.uk 


23

• Abnormal tyre wear 

• In extreme cases component failure 

• Excessive vibration/knocking 

• Possible premature wear of the 

inner tie rod joint or steering rack 

• Incorrect wheel alignment 

• Abnormal tyre wear 

• General wear and tear 

Steering & Suspension 

Forgotten under 

Steering & Suspension fault Diagnosis 

TIE ROD END DAMAGED BOOT 

Causes: 

• Use of incorrect tools 

• Contact with oils and fluids 

or stone impact 

Effects: 

• Premature wear of the joint 

• Internal corrosion 

DEFORMED INNER TIE ROD 

Causes: 

• Accident damage 

Effects: 


• Wandering or general instability 

• Excessive tyre wear on inside or 

outside edges 

STEERING RACK GAITER SPLIT 

Causes: 


• Contamination by oils or fluids 

Effects: 

LINK STABILISER SHEARED BALL PIN 

Causes: 

WISHBONE OR TRACK 

• Use of incorrect fitting tools 

(i.e air tools) 

Effects: 

• Inability to fit the part onto 

the vehicle 

• Premature component 

CONTROL ARM WORN BUSH 

Causes: 


• Contamination by oils or fluids 

Effects: 

failure/damage 


• Vehicle pulls to one side 

• Knocking 

BALL JOINT EXCESS PLAY 

Causes: 

CORRODED WISHBONE OR 

CONTROL ARM 

Causes: 

• Water or road salt 

Effects: 

• Water ingress due to damaged boot 

Effects: 


• Knocking 


and possible loss of vehicle control 

DEFORMED ENGINE MOUNT 

Causes: 

• Replace all damaged parts as required following manufactures instructions and carry out 

wheel alignment check. 

• Always replace self-locking nuts and bolts and tighten to the specified torque. 

• Use only the correct tools 

• Accident damage 

• Engine oil contamination 

Effects: 


pinnings 

We all know steering and suspension parts are safety-critical, but 

while shock absorbers and springs are in the spotlight it’s all too easy 

to forget other vital components, such as steering arms. 

While workshops realise just how important it 

is to fit high-quality braking parts, they might 

not pay as much attention to steering arms 

and the like. But with the current state of the 

UK’s roads giving suspension systems a hard 

time, when it comes to replacement parts you 

need to fit the best you can. 

Members of The Parts Alliance can supply 

Delphi steering and suspension parts and, as 

the company explains, these are tested to the 

max to ensure long life and safety. 

Delphi’s replacement steering and suspension 

parts programme doesn’t just cover the parts, 

but the tools needed to make those parts – 

once the OE part, fitted on the production 

line, has been reviewed and subjected to 3D 

scanning and modelling. 

“But with the current state of the 

UK’s roads giving suspension 

systems a hard time, when it 

comes to replacement parts you 

need to fit the best you can.” 

“Even before the part itself is made, we 

test the very tools and equipment which will 

produce it. On some occasions, whole new 

tool sets must be created to ensure the very 

highest standard of manufacture. Once the 

tools have been evaluated and the part has 

been made, the next stage of testing begins,” 

Delphi explains. 

The testing process isn’t just a couple of 

quick evaluations, but a serious programme 

of operations that look at every aspect 

of the part and how it will withstand the 

most gruelling road and driving conditions it 

might encounter throughout its service life. 

The tests are designed with each type of 

component in mind, so when you’re fitting one 

to a customer’s car you know – and they know 

– it’s truly up to the job. 

“The tests we conduct are unique to the 

individual part, and are designed to replicate 

the exact stresses which the part will be 

exposed to in the real-world. So in the case 

of a stabiliser link, push/pull fatigue tests are 

conducted to reflect the forces that the rod 

will experience on the road. Our equipment 

works at incredibly high speeds, simulating 

thousands and thousands of cycles until 

failure occurs,” Delphi says. 

As an example, Delphi highlights the way a 

wishbone is tested, which goes beyond what 

it will endure in everyday use, as the company 

explains: “To test a wishbone adequately, 

our testing equipment must replicate three 

forces on different axes: the force of a vehicle 

moving side-to-side; the forward force created 

through acceleration and deceleration; 

and the up-down movement caused by the 

unevenness of the road surface over which 

the car is travelling. 

“We could test the impact of these forces 

separately, but our determination to recreate 

real life pressures as closely as possible 

has led us to incorporate all three forces 

simultaneously in our bespoke testing 

machinery. Therefore, our wishbones are 

compared to OE by their ability to withstand 

all three forces at the same time. Again, they 

must resist these forces for at least as long 

as the OE part.” 

Testing isn’t solely about the 

knocks, bangs and scrapes 

the component will put up with. 

Over time, changes in temperature 

and the effect of corrosive and notso 

corrosive materials can all affect 

the service life of any part. For example, 

by using a test chamber, temperatures can 

be brought down to -40°C, at which point 

joints can freeze and grease can solidify. 

As Delphi explains: “It is important that our 

parts still operate in extreme temperatures 

as they may be fitted to vehicles in all corners 

of the globe. In these regions, the impact 

of corrosive materials such as salt can also 

impact on the failure-rate of steering parts. To 

test the effect of salt on our rubber-to-metal 

adhesion, we expose our wishbone bushes to 

720 hours of salt spray and once more we 

can say that our parts withstand corrosion 

just as well as the OE part.” 

“The tests are designed with 

each type of component in mind, 

so when you’re fitting one to a 

customer’s car you know – and 

they know – it’s truly up to the job.” 

Thanks to that extensive testing, and 

serious attention to detail, every time you 

fit a Delphi steering part, you’re fitting the 

very best available. 


25

SPECIALIST TOOLS 

TM 

FILTRATION TOOLS 

Oil Filter Wrench 

Sump Plug Repair Kit 

• Repairs sump, gearbox & differential 

drain plug threads 

• Taps the damaged thread slightly 

oversize, then fit new drain plug and 

washer Suitable for most popular 

threads, used on most cars & light 

commercial vehicles 

• 144 piece kit 

• Ratchet effect for optimised automatic tightening 

• Allows for fast working in even the most 

congested conditions 

• Optimised automatic tightening saves time and 

the strap torque control offers the optimum 

ratchet effect 

• Suitable for removing cartridge filters, oil filters, 

pneumatic filters and hydraulic filters etc – with 

diameter 66 - 105 mm 

• HGV version also available 

STEERING & SUSPENSION TOOLS 

Pneumatic Boot Stretcher 

• Expert quality 

• Fitted with a 1/4” air inlet 

• Lightweight construction with 

simple button control on 

handle opening the expanding 

arms to a maximum of 110mm 

• Suitable for most cars and small commercial vehicles but only in 

conjunction with “stretchy” style CV boots 

• Max: opening capacity - 110mm 

• Max: operating pressure - 100 psi (7bar) 

Manual Coil Spring Compressor - 

• Universal unit suitable for disassembling and 

re-assembling shock absorbers 

• Compresses coil spring using impact wrench 

or spanner 

• Suitable for cars, LCV and 4WD’s that use 

McPherson strut-type suspension systems. 

• Robust construction, quality materials used to 

ensure stability and reliability 

• Compression force: 1800kg@10bar 

Diesel Bleeding Primer Kit 

• For bleeding or priming diesel systems 

• For connection in-line with the vehicles 

low pressure delivery system 

• The clear pipes allow any air bubbles 

in the system to be seen 

• There are a total of six different 

connection types included in the kit 

Fuel Line Repair Kit 

• The most common connections for fuel 

filters, fuel pump and tank connections 

• Smaller defective spots on fuel lines 

can be repaired quickly and efficiently 

• Refill packs available 

Pneumatic Coil Spring Compressor 

• Master kit for separating automotive air 

conditioning hoses and fuel lines 

• Suitable for a wide variety of vehicles 

Coil Spring Compressor 

• 1500kg 

• Foot operated hydraulic unit. 

• Quicker and easier than using ratchet driven 

spring compressor. 

• Plastic coated yokes reduce the risk of spring 

slippage or damage and are suitable for 

springs from Ø102mm to Ø160mm. 


Your local Parts Alliance member can 

supply much, much more than regular 

service and repair parts, including a 

range of tools that help you do the job 

more quickly and efficiently. 

While it’s easy to think you only need good 

diagnostic tools to run a profitable garage, 

you don’t – you also need more ‘traditional’ 

tools that tackle basic servicing jobs. When 

it comes to oil-changing, for example, you 

might need a filter removal tool or a sump 

plug repair kit. What about tackling cooling 

system jobs? You might need a radiator 

pressure test kit or an antifreeze tester, and 

when it comes to braking, a pressure brake 

bleeder’s useful to have around. 

Whatever the job, your local Parts Alliance 

member has the tools to help you. 

COOLING TOOLS 

Airvac Cooling Refiller 

• Fast and efficient refilling system with 1 

universal cone adapter 

• Fits most radiator and header tanks due to 

unique cone adapter 

• Integrated vacuum gauge 

• Eliminates bleeding, coolant spillage and 

wastage 

• Operates on shop air to generate full system 

vacuum and eliminate airlocks 

Radiator Pressure Test Kit 

• For pressure testing radiators of most 

popular vehicles 

• 20 custom adaptors allow direct 

connection to radiator or expansion tank 

• Hand pump with gauge allows simple 

and easy controlled system 

pressurisation via a quick coupling 

system 

• Pressure release pin allows system to be 

depressurised prior to detachment 

• Supplied in carrying case with display 

sleeve 

Antifreeze Tester Propylene Glycol 

• Easy to read indicator and designed for modern 

Propylene Glycol antifreeze 

• Number of floating discs indicates level of coolant 

• Tests at hot and cold temperatures 

• Reads in Celsius and Fahrenheit 

• Floating orange disc shows over protection and loss 

of efficiency 

• Bulb is Green, 5 discs 

Antifreeze Tester Ethylene Glycol 

• For testing ethylene glycol coolant (anti-freeze) 

density only 

• With six floating discs for accurate reading in 

both celsius and Fahrenheit 

• Range - -7 to 37°C / +25 TO -34°C 

Pressure Brake Bleeder 

BRAKING TOOLS 

• Fast; full fluid change can be completed by a single 

operator in around 15 minutes 

• Efficient; pressure bleeding is the only 

method approved by brake fluid 

manufacturers 

• Versatile; fluid can be changed as 

well as bled 

• Easy; operates off 12volt supply – cars own battery 

• Portable; weighs only 4 kilos & can be used in & outside workshop 

• Safe; no compressed air used, therefore no possibility of 

contamination of the fluid 

• Supplied with European cap adapter 

Brake Fluid Tester 

• Boiling point tester 

• Increase service revenue & road safety 

• Accurate, reliable & repeatable results 

• Operates off 12 volt supply 

• User friendly - LCD screen instructions 

• Measures up to 320°, suitable for use 

on all grades of brake fluid acing fluids 

Flaremaster 2 Brake Pipe Flaring 

• Quick-release chuck for positive 

engagement of the punch 

• Fast-turn coarse thread on hydraulic ram, 

for quick assembly 

• Locking bolt with swivel pin, for fast tightening 

• Inter-changeable dies, held in place by magnets 

• Enhanced bridge unit for greater strength 

• Ergonomic handle moulding, for greater comfort 

• Hydraulic power unit provides ultimate power for precision flaring 

• Creates SAE & DIN single and double flares (3/16”, 4.75mm pipe) 

• Create full, or part sections of pipe, which can be trimmed, flared or 

spliced as required 


27

Spring supplier 

Ticket giveaway 

BRAND NEW 

SHOW! 

FREE 

GIVEAWAY! 

Discover everything for your 

project from barn find to concours 

We have 5 pairs of 

tickets to giveaway! 

Here’s the chance to get your hands on a 

pair of tickets for the PRACTICAL CLASSIC 

RESTORATIONS SHOW at the NEC. 

To enter, please complete the survey provided with this 

magazine. You can also get a copy of the survey by 

calling 0121 565 6128 or visit www.auto-torque.com 

Available through The Parts Alliance. 

Call 0121 565 6128 

Closing date 28 th March 2014. 

Terms and Conditions 

• Auto-Torque reserves the right to withdraw the prize draw at any time without 

prior notice • The judges decision is final • There is no cash alternative 

• The winner will be chosen from random 

• Closing date 28 th March 2014 • The winner will be notified by email. 

Tickets to 





be won! 


GS Onestop 

GARAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 

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 Onestop delivers where it counts. 

Sales and Purchases Controls 

Manage your business finances in one easy 

function. You can check for outstanding invoice 

payments, review banking and payments and 

exports to supported accounting systems. 

Quotations/Invoices 

Create quotes quickly and efficiently, covert 

quotes to jobs and jobs to invoices in a single 

click. Customise invoices with your own 

graphics and content. 

Job Cards/Scheduler/Diary 

Manage your workshop and technicians 

efficiently; there are simple screens/reports 

that show utilisation levels. 

Stock Control 

Stock levels can be managed 

quickly and easily by using the 

automated ordering by suggested 

reorder reports. An overview of your 

current stock profile can be completed 

by bin location or from a part number. 

The stock levels by part number are even 

displayed within the job card. 

SMS/Email Reminders 

You can quickly and easily send to 

customers SMS/Email reminders 

for MOT’s Services and promotional 

mail shots. 

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 


291

Are you pla 

Garage Equipment 

The way to keep in business, stay profitable and increase trade through your doors is by investing 

in new equipment and MOT-testing bays. And while it’s often not cheap, new tools, equipment 

and fresh training means you and your colleagues keep up to date with the latest technology – 

and means you can meet the main dealer threat head-on. 

So what do you need to be thinking about when it comes to investing this year? Auto-Torque takes a look. 

Cars are more complicated underneath than they used to be, 

and getting to all the various parts isn’t easy with an old-school 

inspection pit. The solution is to go for a lift, and with single-, twoand 

four-post types available, there’s bound to be one suited to 

your workshop and the types of jobs you do. If you’re having a new 

lift or ramp installed, consider where it’s being installed. Most lift 

suppliers offer a design and installation service to take the worry 

out of this sometimes extensive job, and help you to then get the 

most from your new purchase. Electro-mechanical and electrohydraulic 

models broaden the choice further. 

When you’re using your lift remember that some cars need to be 

lifted in a particular way, or on a certain type of lift, because of 

potential weaknesses in their bodyshell or underside components. 

The heart of any service or repair job, diagnostic equipment is a 

must-have for any workshop whether it’s big or small, or in a rural 

or urban location. Without a basic diagnostic tool you’re no longer 

able to find where the fault lies, and you won’t be able to reset 

the dashboard lights either. Unfortunately modern cars need more 

and more diagnostic equipment support to handle repairs, so when 

you’re buying diagnostic equipment make sure it’s as up to date 

as possible, and that it can be upgraded to keep abreast of new 

models when they’re launched. Consider all the types of work you 

handle, what cars you’re working on (if you’re a one-make specialist 

you won’t want information on other cars) but, most importantly, 

make sure you’re aren’t buying a fake. Don’t fall for any tools with 

a low price – it’s cheap for a reason, and that usually means it’s 

not the real thing. 

Air Conditioning 

With spring almost upon us drivers could be thinking about using 

their car’s air conditioning. But it’s very much a forgotten part of 

the car, despite filters needing changing and the gas being changed 

or replenished. Only when the interior glass isn’t cleared almost 

immediately will a motorist think something’s amiss with the aircon 

system, and they’ll be perplexed why that’s the case, so it’ll be up 

to you to put things right. It’s important to have efficient, effective 

air conditioning testing equipment to help do any related jobs as 

quickly as possible. 


ying 

catch up? 

These days it’s easy to overlook hand tools: Screwdrivers, sockets 

and spanners often play second fiddle to diagnostic equipment but 

once the fault is discovered it’s time to get the hand tools out. 

Most workshops favour higher-quality tools that might be more 

expensive to buy in the first place, but work out cheaper in the long 

run because of their greater service life. Remember too that the 

number of model-specific tools is increasing: Crowded engine bays 

mean more restricted access when it comes to removing the timing 

belt, the alternator or the starter motor. Model-specific tools are 

designed to overcome those problems, speeding up the job and 

doing it more accurately. Talk to your local member of The Parts 

Alliance about new tools and any offers they might be running. 

Like it or not, new cars are changing more quickly than ever before, 

with a bewildering array of electronics taking on more and more 

tasks under the bonnet and the floorpan. So if a customer brings 

in a fairly new car with an undiagnosed malady, are you up to the 

job? Assuming your diagnostics’ capability is up-to-date, are you 

equally clued-up (and confident) you can find the fault and put it 

right? That’s where training comes in, because courses from many 

suppliers to The Parts Alliance will keep you informed of that new 

technology. Courses can last from just a couple of hours to a few 

days, but however long they are, they’ll give you more information 

so you can tackle more jobs quickly, efficiently and safely. 

ATA standards 

Remember that The Parts Alliance, through its suppliers, offers the 

very best in training courses – ones that are Automotive Technician 

Accreditation (ATA) courses. Covering all aspects of a technician’s 

job, ATA courses are overseen by the long-established Institute of 

the Motor Industry. Sixteen automotive disciplines are covered and 

are regularly updated to take technology changes into account. 

To become an ATA-registered technician technicians have to pass 

knowledge tests and practical assessments, while workshop 

bosses have to show their commitment to technical expertise. 


31

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. 

Available through The Parts Alliance. Call 0121 565 6128 

32 SPRING AUTUMN 2014 2013 General enquiries call 0121 565 6128 log on www.auto-torque.com or email enquiries@auto-torque.com

A comment from Rich Barnett 

Running a workshop, like running 

a pub, seems a great way to make 

a living. If you love cars, it’s a way 

to get stuck in with what’s also 

your hobby. 

Yet when I stop and think about it, would I 

really want to run a garage? The idea of having 

a small red-brick workshop in a village, looking 

after 1950s Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, would be 

lovely, but how much time would there be to get under 

the bonnet and get on with it? 

Not a lot probably. And that’s because legislation and the 

state of the economy takes up more and more of a workshop 

owner’s time. 

There’s the need to comply with health and safety requirements, and 

not only is that time-consuming, it’s worrying too. I wouldn’t like that. And 

there’s the need to meet the requirements governing disposal of old parts 

and fluids as well. You’re probably more likely to be on the dog and bone to the 

waste contractor than getting on with the job. 

Then there are the cold calls – I’ve been in plenty of workshops when someone’s 

ringing up trying to sell cheaper telephone calls or gas or electricity. In the middle of the 

day too. Don’t these idiots realise someone’s trying to get some work done? Madness. I’d 

certainly send them away with more than a few choice words, which is what they deserve. 

Plus you need to continually invest in equipment and skills. Modern cars need the latest 

diagnostics tools, so there’s a need to be investing all the time to keep up to date, 

because without those tools you’re losing work. And you have to invest in your staff 

too, because if you want them to get the most out of those diagnostic tools, and 

give them the confidence and support they deserve in their work, you have to 

spend money. 

And how often can you close? Just like a pub, you have to meet customers’ 

expectations, so that might mean a couple of late-night openings for 

MOT testing and the like. Would I want to be doing that on a cold, wet 

night? Probably not. 

But all drivers have to be grateful there are people dedicated 

enough to work in the independent workshop sector. So on 

behalf of UK drivers, it’s a big – and I do mean big – thanks 

from me and all of us behind the wheel, even if we’re not 

driving a 1950s Bentley. 


33

Top 10 Belt Failures 

Top 10 F 

A timing belt literally holds an engine 

together. Whether it’s a petrol or diesel 

unit, keeping the internals running in 

harmony is all down to the timing belt. 

But the belt has a finite service life, so 

it will have to be replaced. 

Replacing the belt is necessary if an engine 

isn’t going to ‘grenade’, but there are plenty 

of opportunities for a belt to fail – even a 

recently fitted one. Here are, according to 

a leading supplier the 10 major causes 

of failure. 

1) Misalignment: 

A belt that’s incorrectly aligned can ‘track’ 

either towards a) the engine block, or b) away 

from it, which can result in contact with the 

engine block or the timing belt cover. This 

will lead to damage to the edge of the belt, 

chafing and eventual failure. Always check the 

belt is properly aligned. 

2) Water pump failure: 

Leading suppliers say the water pump 

should be changed every time you change 

the belt. It can be a tricky job and its 

essential to use high quality parts to reduce 

the risk of premature failure. 

3) Incorrect tension - too low/ too high: 

Installed tension must be accurate – too 

loose, or too tight causes problems. To ensure 

correct fitting, The manufacturer recommends 

use of the STT-1 tension-setting gauge. 

4) Inappropriate tools: 

Increasingly, tools are becoming drivespecific, 

and ‘Making do’ can be an unwise 

option. Workshops should either invest in, or 

rent the correct tools. 

5) Installer error: 

Always check the procedure before every 

job. The manufacturer’s recommendations 

may have been upgraded since the last one 

you did! 

6) Contamination - oil, dirt, water: 

This may be due to debris thrown up from the 

road, or the result of a leak. 

7) Mishandling - crimping/ bending: 

Installers are often surprised that by 

mishandling a belt, it can weaken the internal 

cords, so be sure to take care when handling 

a new timing belt. 

8) Re-installed used belt: 

A used belt must never be re-installed. 

9) Auxiliary drive system component failure: 

The manufacturer recommends an Auxiliary 

Belt Drive System check. Replacement of 

ABDS parts at the same time as the timing 

belt change makes sense for the continued 

smooth running of the engine. 

10) Force-fitting: 

If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it. Recheck parts 

and procedure. 


ailures with Belts 

But don’t forget… Auxiliary Drive Belts need attention too! 

According to Corteco, supplier to The 

Parts Alliance, when auxiliary drive belts 

are changed, it’s important to change the 

Torsional Vibration Dampers (TVDs) at the 

same time. 

TVDs are pulleys that damp vibrations that 

occur when the power steering system or air 

conditioning unit puts additional pressure on 

the belt. Corteco says the TVD bolts must be 

replaced when the TVD is changed. TVD bolts 

are the stretch type so they should never 

be re-used, having been designed to stretch 

when they are initially installed – not replacing 

them can lead to serious failure. 

“We are now supplying the bolts with the TVDs 

in kit form for some applications. It means 

motor factors don’t have to worry about 

identifying the correct bolts, storing them 

separately and matching them with the 

correct TVDs. They can now be sure that 

the installer has all of the right parts to 

do the job correctly, from the start,” says 

Corteco’s sales and marketing manager 

Steve Jarnet. 

He points out that while cheap 

TVDs are available, they might 

not be up to the job. “There 

are low cost versions on 

the market out there 

that are not up to the 

job. We have found 

examples of TVDs 

with cosmetic rubber 

inserts that look good, 

but provide no damping 

qualities whatsoever,” 

he added. 


35

Code of Conduct 

Raising Standards 

Motor Codes operates Trading Standards-approved codes of practice 

for new car sales and service and repair. That’s where many people 

believed the story stopped. With its website serving as a garage 

search and comparison site and a proven revenue driver for 

subscribers, Chris Mason, managing director, explains how Motor 

Codes has become the shop window for today’s online consumer. 

2013 was a turning point for Motor Codes. It 

cemented its relationships with government, 

through achieving Trading Standards approval 

and having its advice service named a formal 

partner of Citizens Advice. However, it was 

also a year that saw a huge surge in the 

number of people using its website and, most 

importantly, people leaving online reviews of 

their garage experience. 

Why are online reviews so important? 

Put simply, it’s how we shop today. Before 

buying a TV, a laptop and even a car, we read 

reviews of other people’s experiences with the 

product. We thought that choosing a garage 

ought to be no different. And we were proven 

right. Today, you’ll find more than 175,000 

customer reviews on our garage finder. 

“Last year, as well as recovering 

£400,000 for customers in the relatively 

small number of cases where things 

had gone wrong, the team protected 

subscribers to the tune of £1.2 million 

in unfounded claims.” 

That’s an awful lot of public opinion 

and, when paired with a satisfaction 

rating well-above 90 percent, makes for a 

confident consumer choice when it comes 

to picking which garage to trust with car and 

hard-earned cash. 

How does it work to benefit business? 

We know that when people use our garage 

finder, they look at several different pages. 

Having read reviews, people call and book. 

We know this because we track the calls to 

our subscribers; calls that in 2013 generated 

a potential revenue stream of around £17.5 

million – or £2,250 per garage. 

The benefit for subscribers doesn’t stop 

with revenue generation. I mentioned the 

advice line. Last year, as well as recovering 

£400,000 for customers in the relatively 

small number of cases where things had 

gone wrong, the team protected subscribers 

to the tune of £1.2 million in unfounded 

claims. That’s more than twice what we 

received in subs! 

More than 1,000 independent garages 

subscribed to Motor Codes during 2013, 

taking the tally to 2,150 approved 

independents within its UK-wide network. 

To find out more or to see the garage search 

and comparison service in action, visit: 

motorcodes.co.uk. 


THE ‘TAKE A BRAKE’ TOUR GOES TO IRELAND! 

THE DELPHI TEA VAN MAKES ITS WAY ACROSS THE IRISH 

SEA FOR THE LAST LEG OF THE TOUR. 

Garages take a brake on Delphi 

Delphi’s ‘Stop with the best’ van served 

up break-time tea, coffee and snacks for 

workshops in the Irish Republic as it continued 

on its ‘Take a Break’ tour. 

The Delphi Van offered technicians the chance 

to get up close with the Delphi product range 

Mechanics had the chance to find out about 

Delphi’s latest friction and braking product 

innovations and find out more about product 

quality. Delphi product experts were also on 

hand to talk directly with technicians, answer 

any questions and demonstrate the latest 

product videos and technical information. 

First port of call on the recent trip was Green 

Auto Service in Kilternan, South Dublin, 

with Delphi staff accompanied by Ray Doyle 

of Auto Care. They were welcomed to the 

impressive premises by proprietor Gregg 

Moore. Trading for four years, Green Auto 

Service has established itself as one of the 

leading independent multi-manufacturer 

vehicle service outlets in the Dublin area. 

Gregg says much of this success has been 

built on a reputation for quality, and that 

dealing with OE brands such as Delphi has 

been key to this. 

Pictured outside Green Auto Services are 

(L-R) Gregg Moore (Green Auto Services) 

Ray Doyle (Auto Care), Karl Varley Delphi Technical 

Sales Support Manager and Gary Collins, Delphi 

Business Development Manager. 


37

FINISHING LINE 

Yanks take the crown in the Inaugural Rally Cape Horn 

The Endurance Rally Association’s inaugural Rally Cape Horn reached its climax on December 4th as the cars past 

the finish line in Ushuaia, Argentina, with all-American duo of Pamela and Chuck Lyford in their Vintageant 1938 

Chevrolet Fangio Coupe taking first place. 

Winner of the 'silliest hat' 

The British team of Clinton Smith and Trevor 

Finn finished a close second in their 1938 

Chevy Coupe, with Olaf Pothoven and Monica 

Pothoven-Fels of the Netherlands taking 

the final place on the podium in their 1935 

Bentley Derby. 

The Classic class, meanwhile, was won by the 

British team of Paul and Sandra Merryweather 

in their 1974 Mercedes 450 SL, with Alastair 

Caldwell and Laurel Smith taking silver in their 

1968 280 SL. Third place went to Belgians 

Christian Dumolin and Regine Dumolin- 

Petillion in a 1966 Ford Mustang GT 289. 

Over the rally’s twenty days length, the teams 

encountered thunderstorms, rain, sleet, 

sunshine and snow. There was drama right 

from Day One, with Alistair Caldwell just one 

of the casualties who worked with the rally’s 

technicians late into the night to rectify a head 

gasket issue on his 1968 Mercedes 280SL. 

Following in the footsteps of Che Guevara, 

the rally took in stunning views of the Andes 

before beginning the climb up to Cordoba, 

with condors watching from high above. 

On Day Five, en route to Santiago, Chile, 

disaster struck for David and Sadie Williams 

the then leaders of the Vintageant category. 

They were discovered laid up, missing one rear 

wheel, with a bearing shattered and the half 

shaft separated but fellow competitors came 

to their aid and got them back in the race. 

With gravel replacing tarmac, the harsh 

conditions took their toll on the cars, leading 

to several more incidents. Engine mounts 

and punctures were typical of the problems 

encountered. The distances were starting to 

have an impact on the cars too. 

The rally crossed back into Chile, with the 

cars and drivers taking to the water on the 

penultimate day, with a two and half-hour 

voyage across the Southern Ocean. After 

the crossing, the rally followed the coast and 

made their final border crossing, re-entering 

Argentina for the final, 20th day. 

The competitors faced full blizzard 

conditions as they made their way towards 

the finish line, with freezing temperatures 

to match. Snow ploughs allowed the rally 

to continue and once in Ushuaia the 

awards ceremony could commence, with 

the winners warmly congratulated. Away 

from the serious silverware, competitors 

were also awarded prizes for ‘best in rally 

bodywork modification’, the ‘silliest hat’ 

and the ‘cleanest interior’ highlighting 

the lighter side of Endurance Rallying. 

An outstanding event with truly magnificent 

scenery, the 2013 Rally Cape Horn will long 

be remembered by everyone who competed. 

The Endurance Rally Association has a 

track record of over 60 major international 

events behind them, including the Flying 

Scotsman Rally and the Peking to Paris 

Motoring Challenge. 

The next event is the Flying Scotsman Rally, held in April 2014. 

For more information 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 

SPRING 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 - Spring 2014

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