Aftermarket March 2022

MARCH 2022 AFTERMARKET 45 www.aftermarketonline.net highest quality materials to work perfectly and over a long period. Insufficient output voltage or energy will cause misfiring and incomplete fuel combustion in the cylinder, which can increase the vehicle’s fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and potentially, damage its catalytic converter. “Therefore, if a problem arises, irrespective of the type of ignition coil, workshops must be aware that the correct fault diagnosis is critical and basic principles for the right procedure to assess them, must be followed. First check the ignition coil for mechanical damage. Then check the housing for hairline cracks and sealant leaks. Lastly, check the electrical wiring and plug connections for damage and oxidation.” Matthew added: “As vehicles continue to change, we work with vehicle manufacturers to develop the technology needed. Ignition and engine management is such a crucial element for the correct running of the engine, so to fully assist workshops, we are keen to transfer this technical knowledge, as well as to ensure that they have access to the high-quality replacement parts they need.” Benefits Then there are spark plugs. Commenting on the DENSO Iridium TT spark plug range, DENSO Europe Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager Fatiha Laauich said: “In addition to emission reductions and increased fuel economy, Iridium TT plugs provide better cold starting performance, which is an important factor for the winter season. They also deliver an extended lifespan of up to 120,000 km, more than three times that of a standard nickel plug. Additional benefits for installers are that the entire Iridium TT range consists of just 19-part numbers and just 10 of these account for 97% of the total range coverage, which means that neither party has to make huge stock commitments to effectively cater for the relevant vehicle parc. Today, the complete TT range is made up of 35-part consolidated numbers, 16 for Nickel TT and 19 for Iridium TT, which caters for 83% of the European car parc.” Fatiha added: “The offering is designed to provide independents with the highest quality replacement parts and upgrades for the vehicle’s original fitted spark plugs.” Trust Commenting on the importance of using the right components, NGK UK Marketing Manager Mark Hallam said: “Workshops carrying out service and MOT work on their customers’ cars need ignition components they can trust, ones they can fit and forget. NGK iridium spark plugs feature an iridium-alloy on the middle electrode. One of the world’s hardest metals, iridium starts melting at a temperature of 2,450°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 observed: “Instead of changing one faulty glow plug, workshops should be advised to 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.” Mark added: “The NGK Spark Plug & Diesel Glow Plug 2021/22 catalogue includes spark plug upgrades and is published with a photo of racing driver and NGK Ambassador Nic Hamilton on the front cover. It includes 28 new spark plugs and six new glow plugs, with 6,917 applications. Meanwhile, the company’s 144-page 2021/22 Ignition Coils & Lead Sets catalogue features six new ignition coils and 294-part numbers with 3,211 applications. Lead sets are included in a combined catalogue for the first time with 43-part numbers with 445 applications.” For more information visit: www.ngkntk.com/uk Dominant As we have seen the make-up of most systems has shifted radically in recent years. LKQ Euro Car Parts Workshop Solutions Director Bob Wiffen observed: “Automatic transmissions are now the dominant type coming off OEM production lines. They are easier to drive and offer a smoother ride than manual alternatives, and are better in stop-start traffic. They also offer better performance for hybrid and EV drivers, and we’re all well-versed in the direction of travel on that front, so it is fair to say that automatic transmissions aren’t going anywhere. There’s a lot of talk about garages getting hybrid-ready, and that goes hand-in-hand with being automatic-ready, too.” He continued: “There’s a misconception in the independent aftermarket that transmission servicing is a complicated, specialist job, but it’s not. Most tasks are covered by HaynesPro, which is pre-loaded into our garage management software, CarSys, and which provides detailed instructions. We want our workshop customers to run successful businesses, now and in the future, which is why ensuring they can work with automatic transmissions is vital. “A good example of the equipment we offer is the ATF Machine CAT501S, from Launch. It’s a fully featured automatic transmission cleaner and fluid exchanger, and it provides a consistent, reliable and accurate 99.9% fluid exchange. It comes with a comprehensive range of adaptors, is user-friendly and includes ongoing access to technical support, something that matters a lot to us. “When you consider that the most common complaints associated with automatic transmissions are things like rough gear changes, failing to select the right gear, stalling and warning lights on the dashboard, it’s easy to make the case for garages investing in their capabilities in this area.” Bob concluded: “Resolved transmission problems are something customers will really feel the benefit. Some might say they even feel like they have got a new car. That is a great way for garages to impress and secure repeat custom. Even if there is not a problem, it is worth bearing in mind that ZF recommends a transmission oil change every 100,000km or every eight years.” Workshops carrying out service and MOT work on their customers’ cars need ignition components they can trust ”