February 2022

C olin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “With travel patterns continuing to evolve, it’s likely that drivers will begin to notice tell-tale signs of rust build-up, known as stiction, most commonly in the form of brake judder. This in turn can cause further damage, wearing down brake pads even further, which can eventually cause them to seize up entirely. “In some instances, the damage is severe enough that parts must be replaced straight away, and the chances of this are high at the moment, given the drop-off in vehicle usage over the last two years. However, less serious damage can be fixed on the workshop floor.” Colin added: “We encourage garages to ensure technicians are equipped with the latest training, skills and tools to effectively service braking systems. Our LKQ Academy provides IMI-accredited braking and chassis training courses. These give technicians all of the information they need to properly diagnose potential brake issues.” For more information, visit https://omnipart.eurocarparts.com Strong opportunity With vehicle usage back to pre-pandemic levels just in time for harsh winter conditions, brakes will continue to represent a strong opportunity for independents according to Julian Goulding, Marketing Manager, Eire & Nordics, Delphi Technologies Aftermarket: “Braking has always been a core product for us and while 2021 presented issues that we had to overcome, our development of new braking components hasn’t faltered. New, more advanced vehicles continue to come at a pace and our OE expertise has enabled us to mirror this with new products, providing independents with the means to cater for these vehicles 46 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2022 BRAKES www.aftermarketonline.net At a time when profitability really counts, being able to provide the best service on braking systems could help your garage serve your customers BRAKE INTO 2022 and compete with a main dealer. “Our first-to-market brake pad offensive continued throughout the year, with 51 new pads produced for a wide array of manufacturers’ models, while in total we launched 251 new braking components, including 77 discs, 51 pads, 44 hoses and 62 accessory kits. All of these developments have taken our current UK vehicle parc coverage to 99.53% on pads and 97.81% on discs.” High proportion Included in Delphi’s recent offering is a high proportion of parts for electrified vehicles. Julian observed: “During 2021 we had a big focus on producing brake components for hybrid and BEVs, introducing lines for the Tesla Model 3 and X, Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, Jaguar iPace, Hyundai Ioniq and the Kia e-Niro and e-Soul. By doing so, we’ve supported garages as they look to take their first steps into catering for the increasing number of electrified vehicles.” Durability and comfort Brembo recently restyled its Brembo Xtra aftermarket brake pads, featuring new graphics including a new grey shim with red pad printing bearing the Brembo Xtra logo. The pads now match up visually with the company’s aftermarket range of drilled and slotted discs. Commenting on the range, Group Product Manager at Brembo Stefano Previtali said: “We are especially proud of our X-Range. With 394 discs and pads, this range of premium braking components guarantees high performance, durability and comfort.” With both Brexit and the pandemic causing concerns over supply, Brembo continues to keep an eye on the situation. Stefano observed: “At the start of 2021, additional support was provided to customers to ensure that their orders were transported with minimum disruption. In 2022, imports from the EU are subject to the same requirements applied to goods imported from the rest of the world, so Brembo is working closely with UK customers to again prevent disruption.” Above: Brembo Xtra brake pads with new packaging Below: Working on a Brembo drilled brake disc