May 2019

www.aftermarketonline.net MAY 2019 AFTERMARKET 3 CONTENTS BUSINESS 8 Big issue: The customer and you 12 Neil Pattemore: BER 14 Andy Savva: The art of self improvement TECHNICAL 16 Andrew Marsh: Geneva Motor Show 18 John Batten: Mechanical diagnosis 20 Technical update 22 Frank Massey: Engine management 24 Ian Gillgrass: MOT Annual Training IN FOCUS 26 Euro Car Parts: Back to basics 28 Garage visit: Fergie’s 30 Top Technician/Top Garage 2019 32 Automechanika Birmingham 2019 40 Tyres and tyre bay 46 Air conditioning 47 National Refrigerants 50 Remanufactured components 54 Additives and cleaners PLUS... 57 General products 99 Competition: Comline 50 CV Show preview 60 Training update 64 Recruitment – New appointments 66 Teabreak EXCITEMENT BUILDS Editor | Alex Wells alex@aftermarket.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 345 Sales Manager | Claire Hodder claire@aftermarket.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 349 Contributors John Batten | Ian Gilgrass | Andrew Marsh | Frank Massey | Neil Pattemore | Andy Savva Commercial Director | Ryan Fuller ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Operations Manager | Ewa Hodden ewa.hodden@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Operations Administrator | Emma Floyd emma.floyd@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Finance Manager | Clare Jackson clare.jackson@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Publishing Director | Ian Atkinson ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Published by | DFA Media Ltd 192 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BE Alex Wells, Editor Average net circulation July 2017 to June 2018 21,503 aftermarketmagazine @aftermarket01 ISSN 2516-9149 Aftermarket is published 10 times a year and is sent free of charge to applicants meeting the publisher’s criteria. All others may subscribe at £60 per anum, £120 Europe and £150 rest of the world. While every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions, no matter how caused. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright: DFA MEDIA LTD 2018. W elcome to the May issue of Aftermarket. It has probably been a long road for the contestants, but we are finally nearing the completion of Top Technician and Top Garage 2019. The semi finals for Top Technician are taking place just after we print this issue on Thursday 25 April, and you will be able to read all about it next month. Meanwhile the Top Garage semi final is ongoing as we speak. Best of luck to everyone involved, and thanks to everyone who has taken part so far. If you want to be involved in the exciting conclusion, make sure to secure your table at the Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Dinner 2019, taking place at the Jurys Inn Milton Keynes on Saturday 22 June. Turn to page 30 for all the details, as well as information on how to book. It is not that far away and tickets are selling fast! Speaking of things that are almost upon us, Automechanika Birmingham 2019 is just over a month away now. With this in mind, on pages 32-39 we are taking a look at what you can expect at the show in our pre-preview. In this issue, we are looking at what some of the key exhibitors will have on show. What’s more, we have the link that will take you straight to where you can get your ticket. Remember, from this year, Automechanika Birmingham is going to be held every other year, so if you don’t go in June, you have to wait until 2021 to go again. Prior to the frantic madness of being at Automechanika, Aftermarket is having a reflective moment. On pages 14-15 Andy Savva is considering the art of self improvement in relation to businesses. Just before that on pages 12-13 Neil Pattemore is ruminating on the Block Exemption Regulation, and what we might expect next time around. On pages 18-19 John Batten is looking at how using a scope can help you save time with regards to diagnosing mechanical misfires. Frank Massey’s attention has turned to the past and future of engine management. You can see his thoughts on pages 22-23. We also have Ian Gillgrass back on pages 24-25, looking at the MOT Annual Training requirements. Heading out and about, we have some technological insights from the Geneva Motor Show courtesy of AIC’s Andrew Marsh on pages 16-17. Meanwhile, Top Technician 2018 winner opened the doors of his brand new business for us recently. Turn to pages 28-29 to see what’s what at Fergie’s in Thatcham. Otherwise, we have features on tyres and tyre bay, air conditioning, remanufactured components, as well as additives and cleaners. If that all does not tide you over until they open the doors at the NEC for Automechanika Birmingham on Tuesday 4 June, I don’t know what will. Enjoy! Alex Wells Editor