February 2020

JULY 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2020 AFTER RKET 37 & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & #!+ ()*+, )("% *" (%()*+, ** *)(+**% + Y AWA , *"* "'**(" "# " !" !*# ** )*+ For m Em "*% * !" "*!+)) *'' ** "() ore info Call 0800 783 3717 or ail enquiries@kalimex.co.uk – Supply Chain & Technical Service, NGK Spark Plugs (UK), said: “With diesel-powered vehicle sales still under severe pressure from environmentalists and politicians now is a good time to investigate the role of glow plugs and look at how independent garages can maximise sales this winter. “Diesel has seen a lot of evolution in recent years. While technology has moved forward, glow plugs are doing the same job they have always has done; raising the temperature inside the combustion chamber so that we can achieve stable combustion. “While this is a vital component, glow plug replacement data is unfortunately unavailable as they are not a service replacement item in an engine and no mileages or time recommendations for change are made by VMs. This means they are only really changed when a starting issue is present or if the engine management light comes on, which is traced to a failed glow plug.“ On installation, Tim observed: “Because the glow plug is now a vital part and parcel of the engine management system, as with most other components, it has never been more important to ensure that the installer is fitting the correct specification item. You cannot go for a ‘budget’ alternative nowadays because the engine management system can pick up very quickly the fact that it is incompatible with the engine management system and OBD. The OBD system will find fault with the item if it is not to the correct specification and the performance of the vehicle will suffer. My advice is always to fit a plug that was manufactured to OE specification – as all NGK plugs are.” Cleanliness The development of diesel engines over time has meant that consumables like oil has needed to evolve too. “Modern diesel engines are light years away from the dirty, rattling monsters of bygone times,” explained David Kaiser, Head of Research and Development with LIQUI MOLY. “They are low-emission highly engineered machines that react very sensitively to disruption. That's why it's so important to keep the engine clean.“ It all starts with the right choice of engine oil according to David. “In the Right: Cleaning the installed diesel particulate filter