Aftermarket March 2022

I gnition systems have really moved with the times. As Julian Goulding, Marketing Manager Northern Europe, Delphi Technologies Aftermarket, observed, manufacturers looking to meet ever-tightening emissions legislation are opting for Stop/Start technology: “The Stop/Start system is able to deliver significant improvements in emissions and economy for relatively little development outlay.” This is not without its own challenges though: “While the system does wonders for efficiency, it does place extra strain on ignition and powertrain components. Manufacturers obviously factor this in when developing the vehicle, but issues can arise when vehicles grow older and components inevitably fail, with owners faced with several replacement options that don’t necessarily perform as the manufacturer intended.” Instantaneous According to Julian it’s imperative that owners choose quality replacements if they are to enjoy reliable starting and trouble-free motoring: “Today’s ignition systems are far removed from those in cars as little as 20 years ago, but while the technology has come on leaps and bounds to ensure efficient, instantaneous starting, a system has to work much harder when Stop/Start is enabled.” He continued: “For those who are installing ignition parts on a Stop/Start equipped vehicle, it’s essential to use quality OE-specification parts produced by a reputable 44 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2022 IGNITION www.aftermarketonline.net Vehicles are really on the move this year. Now is the time to find out the latest in ignition systems brand to effect a long-lasting repair. As an OE-supplier that manufactures more than 14 million coils per year, we can pass our expertise onto the aftermarket via an extensive portfolio of quality ignition components that are the same specification as the original part. What’s more, our size means that we can research and develop new parts for even the more recent and highly advanced vehicles, allowing independents to compete with franchised dealers for routine servicing and repair work.” Julian added: “As well as always fitting quality ignition parts, conducting regular under-bonnet inspections is another tip for any car with a Stop/Start system. It’s a simple check, but typically a lot of newer cars with the technology also use smaller, harder working engines to generate efficiency gains. As a result, especially if turbocharging is used, there can be significant heat build- up in the engine bay, which can affect how an ignition part performs. Carrying out a quick visual inspection can often highlight any issues before they cause a potential breakdown.” Demanding On the importance of ignition coils, HELLA Product and Brand Manager Matthew Smart said: “Even without any additional strain brought about by challenging weather conditions, ignition coils operate in a demanding working environment where they are subject to high electrical, mechanical, thermal and chemical stress, so they need to be manufactured to the strictest standards, using the GET A HEAD START