December/January 2022

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 AFTERMARKET 53 temperature of 2450°C and is therefore very resistant to spark erosion. Consequently, the service life is doubled on average in comparison to standard nickel spark plugs. Platinum spark plugs have a platinum plate on the middle electrode ensuring a more constant output of the spark plug over the entire service life, even under difficult conditions.” On glow plugs, Mark added: “Glow plug replacement should be part of the winter service as they play an integral role in a vehicle’s economy and emissions’ performance. Instead of changing one faulty glow plug, workshops should upsell by replacing all of them. If one plug has failed, it is extremely likely that the remaining plugs will shortly suffer a similar fate.” For more information, visit: www.ngkntk.com/uk Excellent consumables According to TRICO, part of First Brands Group, a free winter wiper blade check is a must. First Brands Group Brand and Marketing Manager (Europe) Sam Robinson said: “Wiper blades are an excellent consumable to focus on when upselling, especially following the long, bright summer, because the UV rays from the sun could have damaged the rubber of the blade, so these will need checking to ensure they’re in optimum condition.” TRICO has compiled a helpful checklist that they can use to assess the blade’s condition and identify if it needs replacing. Sam observed: “Ensure the windscreen is thoroughly cleaned using warm water or specialist glass cleaning fluid. Pay attention to the areas at the top and bottom of the wipe area, as dirt and debris collect there. Check the blade is securely fixed to the arm. The blade should rotate freely, parallel with the wiper arm, to allow it to flex over the screen, but there should be no wobbling or movement perpendicular to the arm. Gently clean the rubber blade edge with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or residue. Check along its length for any imperfections in the rubber, in particular check at either end that it has not split. Ensure that the rubber element returns to a central position and is not flipped over and set in one direction. Using the washer spray or a mister bottle to spray the glass, operate the wipers and check that there are no missed areas, water smears or multiple streaks that impair vision.” Sam added: “As blades are not only affected by rain and snow, but also the UV rays from the sun, TRICO recommends that wiper blades are replaced every twelve months to ensure maximum effectiveness and visibility.” Above: A battery validation tool, such as Ecobat Battery’s EBT 420, ensures a new AGM/EFB battery is correctly assimilated into the vehicle’s BMS TH You’ll receive a very single w ade scratchcard with e iper bl 4 star hotel br getting you eak for 2, we’re in the p of the ran From the latest PS5 complete with a to ge T THE YOU GIVING BUY YOU BLADE WIPER TRICO ON UP STOCK GIVEAWAY you from icipa distri buy part ting mood Chris as wi our cha for tm th y ng vou V, to high street shoppi ch ONE WIN TO CHANCE WITH , WINTER THIS S bu scratch and s tors – ee instant o win some g nce t reat presents gue fo ers, and from Premier Lea ! PRIZES 0 0 5 OVER OF WIPER SINGLE EVERY inner! ’re a w ly if you rom TRICO! f BLADE otball shirts to a Promotion period running from Monday 22nd November to Friday 24th December 2021. F Prizes must be claimed by 31st January 2022. Prizes cannot be transferred for cash. Images or every TRICO wiper blade purchased from part are for representative purposes only and actua icipating distributors a scratchcard will be given l prize may differ from those shown. Offer not ap with the chance to win a prize. plicable to FISTER branded product