April 2018

APRIL 2018 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net The introduction of new MOT diesel emission limits is fast approaching, and workshops are being reminded by the Garage Equipment Association (GEA) to make sure their diesel smoke meters (DSMs) are ready for the new rules. On 20 May 2018 the new Roadworthiness Directive will introduce new MOT emission limits for some diesel vehicles. This includes the introduction of testing vehicles to the manufacturer’s plate value, when present, along with a new lower default limit for newer vehicles. As a result, the examiner will be prompted to look for the plate value first, before using the default limits. Plate value is the emission limit specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle manufacturer’s plate and normally outlined by a box. If the plate value is not available then the following default test limits should be used: First used before July 2008 None turbo: 2.5m or plate value if lower Turbo: 3.0m or plate value if lower First used on or after 1 July 2008 All diesels: 1.5m or plate value if lower First used on or after 1 January 2014 All diesels: 0.7m or plate value if lower The GEA has been supporting garages as they look to make sure their equipment is up to date. Commenting on the upcoming new limits, GEA chief executive Dave Garratt said: “To enable testing to these new limits, DSMs will need to be updated by the implementation date. The GEA and its members have been working with the DVSA to produce a list identifying which DSMs will be provided with the appropriate update.” The list is available in the Technical Library area of the GEA website: www.gea.co.uk 25 ‘City Brakes’ holidays to be won via The Parts Alliance The Parts Alliance is sending 25 garages on luxury mini- breaks to a host of top European cities in its biggest ever promotion. Campaign scratch cards have been included with all sets of Delphi and Bendix brake pads supplied throughout March and April. City Brakes will run across all branches of The Parts Alliance, so it’s available from Allparts, BBC Superfactors, BMS Superfactors, Bromsgrove Motor Factors, CES, Dingbro, GMF, GSF, Parts Alliance (South West), Qualvecom, SAS Autoparts, SC Motor Factors, and Waterloo. The city holidays include three nights’ accommodation with flights and transfers for two people to a choice of ten leading city destinations. Further prizes include essential gadgets such as smart speakers, fitness trackers, tablets, DAB radios and power banks along with a merchandise pool of mugs, tins of sweets, snack packs, torches and USB chargers all there to be claimed. Garages can find out more simply by visiting www.delphicitybrakes.com and www.bendixcitybrakes.com Garages reminded on diesel smoke meter update The Autofirst Network has signed up its 300th member with Sussex-based Uckfield Motor Services joining the programme. The garage has joined just six months after Autofirst reached 200 members. Uckfield Motor Services is run by founder Symon Cockill, his wife Melanie and their three children, and was started in 1992. It has grown over the years, requiring a move to new premises in 2008. The business recently underwent a period of expansion, giving it a total of eight ramps and two MOT bays, increasing its capacity. The workshop also provides both Class 4 and Class 7 MOT tests, and is even taking on small volumes of fleet work. Euro Car Parts CEO Martin Gray said: “Garages that join the Autofirst Network, like Uckfield Motor Services, are able to harness the support of the world’s leading components and system providers, enabling them to compete on a level playing field with franchised dealers.” Autofirst was set up by Euro Car Parts last year and offers members a package of national warranty programmes, marketing campaigns, access to a web-based management system and technical partnerships providing training and support. Autofirst Network bats 300