October 2020

OCTOBER 2020 AFTERMARKET 33 Beloq: EGR valve from Delphi Technologies Aftermarket www.aftermarketonline.net cars feature OE-fit Delphi Technologies’ EGR valves and the company is using its expertise to continually evolve its aftermarket range to cover a growing proportion of the European car parc.” Having a robust solution is essential, as contrary to what many believe, EGRs are not maintenance- free. Julian explained: “Carbon build-up is the most common cause of failure eventually causing it to stick and, potentially, fracture. Fragments of EGR can cause terminal engine damage, hence some of the negative connotations of the valve, but this is normally the result of poor maintenance.” Julian concluded: “Even if neglect can cause issues, there’s absolutely no reason to consider removing an EGR. If a car is to perform as the manufacturer intended, then it simply must be included in the emissions control system. What’s more, with quality OE-specification replacements available, there’s no need to be concerned about reliability issues.” DPFs Looking at the impact of lockdown on DPFs and the many problems they present from partially blocked to full on limp mode, it is important that mechanics ensure their DPF diagnostic and fault fixing capability up-to-date. Failure to stay abreast of things could mean you are handing lucrative work to neighbouring workshops that are more DPF-savvy. “As we work through this pandemic, we’re seeing more DPF problems than ever,” said DPF Doctor Network founder Darren Darling. “With travel restrictions in place this has led to a huge upturn in blocked DPFs. Stop-start short journeys are largely to blame as well as the general delays in servicing. The members of our DPF Doctor Network are working 12-hour days and more to deliver a premium DPF service to customers keen to get their faulty DPF beleaguered vehicles back on the road. “Traditionally we’ve only seen vehicles that other workshops have struggled to fix but we’re now seeing a high volume of blocked DPFs because of the short journeys we’ve been restricted to under lockdown. This has opened a new avenue of preventative measures to keep the DPF clean given there’s little point in cleaning it without taking appropriate measures to stop it blocking up again. It’s important that we give our customers sound advice on how to avoid the problem reoccurring and that we recommend the right products.” Darren continued: “We have seen fantastic results using JLM Lubricants’ DPF Regen Plus and JLM Catalytic Exhaust Cleaner Diesel to keep DPFs clean while only doing short journeys. In fact, my own vehicles have not had a long journey in over five months but the DPFs are nice and clean thanks to JLM. There has never been a better time to promote JLM additives as a preventative measure and of course the DPF cleaning range as a real problem solver. These are products that are effective, safe and that do exactly what they say on the tin. The big tick goes to the JLM Professional Toolkit. It enables a mechanic to clean a fully blocked DPF in around one hour without the need to remove it. This is incredible and why I recommend it to any workshop serious about offering a complete DPF cleaning service.” Oil choice When it comes to DPFs, the choice of oil makes a big difference. “A critical point for cars with diesel particulate filters is the motor oil,” says Tim Keller who is in charge of UK operations at LIQUI MOLY. “It must be a low ash oil. When conventional oils burn in the combustion chamber, ash forms. This ash lands in the diesel particulate filter, clogging it after a short time. This is why cars with diesel particulate filters need so- called low SAPS motor oils. At www.liqui-moly.com LIQUI MOLY offers a free oil guide to help you be sure which oil is the right one for any certain vehicle. “Diesel particulate filters clogged with soot can be freed up quickly and easily with the LIQUI MOLY Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner. This cleaning set allows clogged filters to be freed up again without having to remove them. The cleaning process requires 30 to 60 minutes and is considerably cheaper than installing a new filter.” Tim added: “By offering this service workshops can prove they are state- of-the-art and simultaneously help customers save money. Both increase customer loyalty and help set you apart from your competitors. Once a customer already experienced problems with a prematurely clogged DPF, he is open to accept this service at every inspection as preventative maintenance.” Additional Commenting on the impact lockdown had on diesels and their DPFs, Colin Cottrell, Marketing and Central Operations Director at LKQ Car Parts said: “Many vehicles have made shorter, less frequent journeys during lockdown. Those DPFs might well face system blockages as a result, because their exhaust temperature hasn’t reached a high enough level for long enough – normally achieved through motorway driving – to cleanly burn off the excess soot. This will hamper the car’s performance, and can potentially lead to respiratory issues. “A DPF check has been part of the MOT since 2014. With lockdown restrictions gradually easing – and a surge in deferred MOTs on the way – the need for quick, comprehensive carbon cleaning in the independent aftermarket has never been greater. It’s also a service worth buying from the customer’s point of view, even if the build-up in their filter is fairly minor, because removing carbon deposits before they become serious can reduce the need for costly repairs later down the line.” Colin added: “Investing in and being able to offer carbon cleaning as a service is a great way for workshops to bring in additional revenue, while increasing customer satisfaction and retention. LKQ Euro Car Parts can supply carbon cleaning systems from just £25 per week.”

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