Commenting on the diesel opportunity, Lucas Oil Academy Technician Nathan Owen said: “Cars with diesel engines will remain a significant part of the vehicle parc for some time to come and those garages able to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market will be able to claim larger shares of the diesel maintenance business. On how using Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean can help increase intervals needed between DPF regenerations, he observed: “Most people with these diesels, unknowingly, have the wrong cars for their driving habits. Anyone who only uses them for short journeys, taking kids to school for example, never manage to get the DPF hot enough to naturally regenerate as designed. Consequently, they filled with ash and soot. “The problem now is they need to take them into garages for a forced regeneration. It’s expensive and sometimes dangerous for the engine. Diesel Deep Clean can be used to help burn off the soot particles. This increases the interval needed between regens.” Nathan added: “Additive sales provide preventive maintenance solutions for customers, but also deliver benefits for the garage that will help increase efficiency and put numbers on to the bottom line.” Mike Schlup, MD of Kalimex and the UK distributor for 46 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2024 DIESEL www.aftermarketonline.net JLM Lubricants, said: “There is plenty of life left in the diesel market. As of June 2023 there were around 11.5 million diesel cars registered in the UK, which accounts for over a third of all cars on the road. Looking at the latest EV sales forecasts, motorists are in no hurry to part company with their trusty, economical and low-cost diesels.” He continued: “Other than routine servicing, workshops should be looking to recommend high quality additives to help protect diesel engines and exhaust systems. Additives can also be a useful boost for your business as a bolt on to the core service offering. Suggesting a regular preventative treatment to motorists such as JLM’s Emission Reduction Treatment will help to maintain and protect the engine and exhaust between services. As diesel engines age then specific treatments such as the JLM Rapid Fuel System Clean and the Diesel Turbo Cleaner will both deal with increased contamination in these systems, helping components to last longer and run more efficiently. “DPFs will eventually need replacing but with proper maintenance their lifespan can be maximised to avoid premature and costly replacement. JLM’s DPF Cleaner uses Platinum and Cerium catalysts to promote regeneration at a lower temperature, helping to protect the DPF core and also reducing the amount of ash.” Mike added: “Completely blocked DPFs can be quickly restored on vehicle with JLM’s DPF Clean and Flush Toolkit PLAYING THE LONG GAME Diesel vehicles remain a major part of the car parc, particularly in the second-hand arena, so you need to stay up to date in this area Above: Niterra UK is urging garages to focus on glow plug maintenance this winter
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