AFT_B009

Above: HELLA rotating electrics range G arages need to appreciate the impact of hybridisation on ignition systems, which includes the increasing prevalence of Stop/Start. These are not the only changes garages have faced lately though. The MOT extension has put added strain on the aftermarket, and ignition is at the forefront. Demand for MOTs is set to double this autumn with an additional 1.7 million tests due in October. Around one in 12 of these vehicles will fail due to emissions, making Lambda sensors an in-demand item. With this in mind, throughout September and October NGK are increasing the level of reward points for Lambda sensors from 100 to 1,000 points per sensor through its BoxClever garage reward programme. NGK Spark Plugs Marketing Manager Mark Hallam said: “Garages are encouraged to insist on NTK Lambda Sensors to ensure they benefit from the temporary increase in points. Demand for MOTs this autumn is unprecedented. It is estimated that over 140,000 vehicles will fail the emissions element of the MOT test in October alone. We anticipate an increase in demand for MOTs and a subsequent increase in demand for our Lambda sensors this autumn.“ Mark added: “Now’s the time to turn to the world’s No.1 in engine sensors, NTK.” Expectations Beyond the aftermath of the MOT exemption, tightening legislation and customer expectation is pushing VMs to improve vehicle efficiency. “OEMs are developing technologies that will allow them to achieve the required improvements in emissions and economy,” said Julian Goulding, Marketing Manager at Delphi Technologies Aftermarket UK, “yet won’t be detrimental to performance and, importantly, are cost-effective. “Perhaps the most popular is the Stop/Start system, which can significantly aid efficiency, but can also place extra strain on a car’s powertrain and drive systems. Of course, start-up, particularly from cold, is when an engine is under most strain and constant starting can place additional stress on components. The likes of engine mounts, engine bearings and batteries all work particularly hard, but the ignition system also has its work cut out.” Julian continued: “For the system to work as the manufacturer intended, it’s only as good as its individual parts, so it’s essential that components like plugs and coils are all to OEM specification. With our coils, we’re able to pass on our OE expertise to the aftermarket, ensuring that customers receive the same specification part that has been factory fitted. Over 14 million applications have our coils fitted as OE, so our range offers garages and customers the reassurance of a high- quality repair.” Multi-charge As an illustration of this research and design, Delphi Technologies’ recently introduced multi-charge ignition coils have been developed to fire multiple times, in quick succession. “By increasing both spark duration and spark energy,” said Julian, “it ignites the fuel mixture at just the right time, for optimum combustion. This enables spray guided GDi engines to achieve up to 20% better fuel economy and reduced emissions, versus competitor time-controlled multi spark ignition systems. It also helps to limit emissions under cold-start conditions, by ensuring complete combustion of the fuel in the cylinder. “You can’t dismiss the importance of correct maintenance and regular under bonnet inspections either,” concludes Julian. “It’s simple actions, but whether a car’s a hybrid, has a Stop/Start function or has neither, the fitment of correct parts and routine servicing are key to its longevity and all-round performance. With a lot of newer cars using smaller, harder working engines in order to generate efficiency gains, there can be tremendous heat build-up in the engine bay, so this, plus any potential damage from the elements can affect how a part operates. A straightforward, regular inspection can often quickly highlight any potential issues before they turn into a much costlier problem.” Common symptoms Problems with ignition components, as with other areas, fortunately have 42 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2020 IGNITION www.aftermarketonline.net A deluge of additional MOT failures related to emissions, and the growth in Stop/Start systems makes ignition the topic of the moment STARTING FIRST TIME