July/August 2021

range of applications. This is particularly useful for vehicles with radar sensors that are mounted higher up, like larger SUVs and lower down, such as performance orientated vehicles.” Refinements Neil continued: “Other refinements include greater protection of the mirrors that are integrated into the horizontal adjustment bar, which itself is also redesigned to make it adjustable by a single technician and with an extra 10cm to increase the range of vehicles that can be calibrated. Another practical measure is the use of larger diameter castors that improve the tools manoeuvrability. Additionally we have also introduced line lasers on the wheel clamp modules, enabling even faster setup times.” He added: “Finally, as both systems, the CSC-Tool SE, as well as the Wheel Alignment Kit, are modular, the combination allows workshops to provide a solution that suits their individual requirements, but with a level of accuracy that provides their customers with a level of service on which they can truly rely upon.” For more information visit: www.hella-gutmann.co.uk Opportunities “There’s nothing more expensive than a missed opportunity,” said Colin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts. “In fact, our calculations have shown that the average total monthly profit garages can generate by having the tools to offer carbon cleaning, ADAS, wheel alignment and air conditioning services is close to £17,000. As well as ensuring that technicians have the right training to carry out these services, having the right equipment in place is key – and it doesn’t have to be an expensive exercise requiring swathes of complex machinery and tools. “Take wheel alignment; This is recommended every 10,000 miles, meaning that around one in five vehicles on the road at any time will need doing. Offering alignment checks as standard with any service opens up a key revenue stream for garages. While investment in training and equipment is required, garages that offer alignment checks can expect to generate a monthly profit of £1,366. This is based on just two alignments being carried out per day, at an average cost of £45 each, and factors in all labour and equipment charges. Garages interested in introducing wheel alignment as a new revenue stream can access key equipment such as the Hoffman Megaplan Megaline 88 CCD Wheel Alignment system, and John Bean V2200+ Lift Package, from LKQ Euro Car Parts, for as little as £25 per week under LKQ Euro Car Parts’ Easy Start Scheme.” Colin continued: “Similarly, carbon cleaning is an increasingly lucrative revenue stream for garages, as advancements in engine and emission control technology mean that vehicles are increasingly susceptible to a build- up of carbon deposits that will impact their performance and lifespan. Offering carbon cleaning can help drivers avoid costly engine repairs further down the line, pre-empting the need to invest in replacement parts, by keeping the originals in peak condition. On the average price of a DPF clean, conducting just one per week can generate £13,000 of revenue every year. Similarly, one engine carbon clean a day can generate £25,740 annually – and with cleaning systems available from as little as £25 per week, it’s easy to generate return on investment almost instantly.” Cost savings Meanwhile, on the body repair front, Integration Technology recently launched a new portable UV LED system. With an output of 500 mW/cm²,the company says the new AC-500 UV system is the highest power battery- operated device on the market and offers a faster and safer instant curing process across a greater area: “Building on the success of our proven AC-850 mains-powered UV LED curing system, the AC-500 adds flexibility to the performance and safety benefits we already provide users across North America and Europe,” observed Integration Technology’s Managing Director, Simon Roberts. “From ‘smart repair’ operators through to larger bodyshops, a portable, handheld solution offers cost savings at a time when insurers are squeezing margins.” Above: Integration Technology AC-500 Left: HGS wheel alignment kit MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2021 AFTERMARKET 41 The average total monthly profit garages can generate by having the tools to offer carbon cleaning, ADAS, wheel alignment and air conditioning services is close to £17,000 ”