AFT_B912

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 AFTERMARKET 41 www.aftermarketonline.net leverage the sales opportunity fully. As an OEM supplier to many vehicle manufacturers, NGK products have a strong reputation with the OE fitment benefitting end-users.Reliability is key to our success. Vehicle owners can be confident that their engines are fitted with glow plugs which meet or exceed vehicle manufacturers’ specifications. This ensures improved drivability during engine warm up and the ever-important reduction of emissions – thanks to outstanding extended post-glow capability. NGK recommends the fitment of glow plugs manufactured to OE specification and says ‘budget’ alternatives should be avoided.” Mark added: “With NGK glow plugs, engines run quietly and smoothly. They are kinder on the environment too, thanks to the promotion of clean combustion and lower toxic emissions. For more information on NGK Spark Plugs and its products and services, please visit www.ngkntk.com. “ Principle We are talking about winter checks, but the principle could and should be applied all year round. TRICO said it has always encouraged technicians to offer their customers a free wiper blade check, whether their vehicle is in for a routine service or clutch replacement, and while winter may be the obvious time of year to offer it, the company insisted blades are not seasonal products and the offer should be an all-year-round one. TRICO Senior Brand and Product Manager Sam Robinson, said: “Of course, this is the busiest time of year in terms of wipers, as motorists prepare for a potentially cold snap. However, we would urge technicians not to take their eye off the ball and push wiper blades throughout the year. They are a constant revenue stream for workshops. After all, a MOT considers the condition of the windscreen, as well as the wiper blades and washers that help clean and wipe it. A vehicle will fail its MOT if wiper blades are missing, insecure or in poor condition; torn rubber, for example, is a common fault and reason to fail.” Sam believes that wiper blades are a forgotten product among consumers, as they have no definitive failure point: “Having them on display, either in the workshop waiting room or reception area, is ideal for reminding customers that they might be due a change.” To build consumer confidence, technicians can offer some important maintenance tips. Sam said: “Throughout the year, whenever a motorist is washing their car, they should also wipe their wiper blades with a clean, damp cloth. They should also pay close attention to the windscreen, cleaning areas at both the top and bottom of the wiper sweep where heavy amounts of dirt can build up.” Specific to winter, though, there is always one golden rule added Sam: “Don’t start or operate wiper blades on a snowy or frozen screen. Starting them on a frozen screen can completely tear the rubber from the blade and trying to clear built-up snow or ice can put undue pressure on the motor with catastrophic effects on the complete wiper linkage and/or motor failing.” Sam concluded: “As an OE manufacturer and supplier, TRICO offers multiple solutions to make wiper blade replacement simple and easy for workshops. Exact Fit wiper blades, for example, can be replaced in as little as three seconds, while other ranges, such as TRICO Flex, offer consumers an upgrade to the latest beam blade technology.” www.aftermarketonline.net