March 2020

JULY 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2020 AFTER RKET 41 here according to Kevin: “Undertaking car diagnosing and diagnostics is not for the faint hearted though and would require an engineer to have access to a number of tools but not limited to; a good diagnostic machine, a separate oscilloscope, voltage meter and access to wiring diagrams. “However, despite an engineer having access to this plethora of tools, it’s the education in advanced diagnostic fault finding that is the most important aspect to modern car mechanics. It can seem strange to use the term ‘mechanics’ when discussing vehicle technicians, but with advanced technology now found in most modern cars and the evolution of the car integrating autonomous features and electric powertrains, repairing cars is now mostly a job for computers, with a brain behind them of course. “This shift in the automotive industry has meant that mechanics are now needing to spend potentially thousands of pounds on diagnostic equipment to enable them to do the job correctly, rather than using spanners and impact airguns. The importance of using diagnostic machines for modern vehicles can be underrated by some, with replace and bin having the desired effect in some cases. What if replacing a part doesn’t cure the fault though? How many parts will you need to replace to get to the ‘real’ fault?” Information Commenting on the ACtronics view, Kevin observed: “We often see control units sent to us as a last resort with a car going from garage to garage because a fault cannot be traced. Sometimes, simple diagnosing and testing would find the fault, which could be a simple broken or corroded hidden wire. “When we are testing electronic automotive components, we are relying on the full diagnostic information and testing being conducted by the mechanics. Conducting a full diagnosis for our engineers to work from enables them to identify and confirm any faults found within the unit. This will then allow us to remanufacture the unit at a reduced cost to replacing with a new unit and provide a two-year warranty.” Of course, this considers what is already on the vehicles on the roads. What about new kit being fitted to Right: Camshaft and crankshaft sensors from NTK vehicles. What will the impact be there? Engine speed and position Last year, NGK released a new range of NTK camshaft and crankshaft sensors. Also known as engine speed and position sensors, these are a vital part of the engine management system and provide information about engine speed and the exact position of several engine parts, camshaft/valves and crankshaft/pistons. The supply of this information to the ECU enables the fuel injection and ignition systems to function efficiently. The range, with more than 200 UK- specific part numbers opened up replacement opportunities for garages, and NGK Spark Plugs Sales Representatives said they received a positive response from garages and distributors. Charlie Keable, whose area includes Hampshire, West Sussex and South London, said: “Our distributors have been very open to the new sensors from launch. It’s a product they have been excited about because it is a fast mover. Garages too have been very receptive to the products as when they think NGK, they think quality. When they see ‘Mr NGK’ arrive they trust that the products he is selling will be good.” This was a view echoed by fellow NGK Sales Representative Karl Pearce, whose area includes Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. He said: “Garages have been very positive about our new camshaft and crankshaft sensors because they like a brand that they know and can trust. Factors and wholesalers have also welcomed them because they know that if we put our name to a new product then the quality is a given and most wanted to stock them straight away. Most garages want to diagnose an engine management problem and deal with it straight away, first time with a brand that they also trust.” Long-standing NGK Sales Representative Steve Padbury added: “Many of my customers have said they are pleased we have introduced camshaft and crankshaft sensors because they respect NGK and they respect the NTK brand. For garages they are quality parts that can be easily fitted. It’s going back to the old saying; they want ‘to fit and forget’. They have been very favourably received and since launch there have been no warranty issues.”