November 2019

the package, which is backed by an impressive three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, contains over 2,800 of the aftermarket’s most popular part numbers.” Chris continued: "Our steering and suspension line-up is fast becoming one of our most successful ranges alongside braking and filtration. “Produced in world-class ISO compliant manufacturing facilities, Comline’s steering and suspension components are precisely crafted for quality and reliability. Utilising state- of-the-art production techniques such as cataphoresis, a coating process which enhances anti-corrosion properties by up to 50% vs traditional painting and dipping methods, the quality of the range is validated by an exhaustive quality testing programme. The process which involves checks for full tension, compression and hardness, weld penetration, life performance and corrosion resistance allows Comline to confidentially supply one of the most comprehensive warranties available in today’s aftermarket.” For more information on Comline’s Total Control steering and suspension range, please visit www.comline.uk.com Complex On fitment, EAG Managing Director Adrian Lamb advised: “It is important to use quality parts that meet or exceed OE quality and to carry out thorough checks during routine maintenance and MOTs. Components, such as springs and shock absorbers, ideally, should be replaced in pairs to maintain safety and ride quality. “Technicians also need to be ready for more complex components. The introduction of electronics continues to make replacement and diagnosis more challenging.” EAG has recently introduced 2,500 new steering and suspension part numbers – now totalling 4,500 references. In total, the company offers both Monroe and EAG branded products. With winter on the way, Adrian highlighted the potential opportunity for technicians: “With the effects of salt contaminating components, combined with the poor state of some of the roads, which puts additional stress on steering and suspension components, it is inevitable that the next few months will see a surge in vehicles entering workshops in need of attention.” Quality Safety is absolutely paramount for your customers, and it is a garage’s responsibility to provide a finished product that will perform as intended. However, while you are doing this, you also need to be functioning in an efficient and profitable manner. That means when you are looking at fitting any parts as part of a service or repair, that the job can be done in a timely manner, and done right first time. Part of this will come down to the skill of the technician who is 38 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2019 STEERING AND SUSPENSION Above: Comline suspension group Below: Comline tie rod www.aftermarketonline.net performing the work, and how much relevant training and experience he or she has. Another key element is having the right parts. This means parts that are uncomplicated to fit for the skilled tech, and parts that will not fail prematurely, necessitating the return of the customer. In this situation it might be the last time you see that customer, and you definitely don’t want that to happen. So what to do? Streamline Delphi Technologies believes its replacement steering and suspension parts streamline the repair process and retain the driving qualities of the original components, their design, effectiveness and durability being ensured through a rigorous development process. Julian Goulding, UK & Eire Marketing Manager, Delphi Technologies explained: “A car’s chassis dynamics are only as good as the health of its steering and suspension. Although it may often go unnoticed, progressive wear and tear and the fitting of non-OE replacement parts can have a negative impact on the way a car drives. They can also affect durability, requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement, increasing the time spent off the road and the cost of keeping an older car roadworthy. “Steering and suspension systems are vastly complex and give cars their familiar traits, mannerisms and, of course, reliability; safety is ultimately the most important factor so to compromise in any of these areas is ill-advised. Lower quality parts don’t just wear out faster Above: Comline tie rods