Commenting on how additives help from a technical perspective and from a business point-of-view, Lucas Oil’s Dan Morgan observed: “Additives can be used to support general service and maintenance routines, but they should also be considered as integral components of preventive maintenance programmes.” He continued: “Additives have shown that component removal and replacement is not always the right answer. Squealing steering racks might not have to be removed and then replaced. A greener and more sustainable solution might be to treat the existing rack with Lucas Oil’s Power Steering Stop Leak. It can reduce slack, squeals and hard spots in worn rack and pinions. Moreover, the results are immediate, noticeable and long lasting.” According to Dan, mechanics attending sessions the Lucas Oil Academy are learning that oil alone is not enough: “They appreciate that oils help reduce engine friction and prevent engine wear, but not always that oil additives go further. For example, Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer is an additive that eliminates dry starts. These make significant contributions to engine damage. When the oil drains down into the sump during a lay-up of any kind, a thin layer of lubricating additive remains behind, protecting every moving part. It’s an additive that also prevents thermal breakdown, increases lubricity and subsequently, can prolong the life expectancy of the engine.” Technical tips Offering technical tips for garage users, Dan observed: “Tip one; Don’t use a flush ahead of an oil change. Lucas Oil believes abrasive, solvent-based engine flushes can do more harm than good. This is because they leave behind solvent agents that contribute to the early breakdown of the added oil. Complete Engine Treatment is an oil additive, rather than an engine flush. It can be used at any time. It works with an existing oil and helps to clean engines from the inside. Moreover, the additive technology is such that it can be used to achieve similar cleaning goals within a fuel system as well. “Tip two; As part of a routine service, use an additive such as Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner to lubricate and clean the entire fuel system. Simply add it to the fuel tank before you test drive the car after a service or maintenance routine. It is oxygen sensor and catalytic converter safe, alcohol free and each 473 ml bottle treats up to 30 gallons of fuel. It will gradually help improve fuel economy, reduce greenhouse gases, but also increase power. Soon the customer will feel the car becoming more responsive to the accelerator – and it’s all since that last service.” Profitable jobs On how to deal with customers, Dan added: “Saving customers’ money by procrastinating on maintenance can be counterproductive. It might actually saddle them with 40 AFTERMARKET MAY 2023 ADDITIVES AND CLEANERS www.aftermarketonline.net more expensive bills at a later date Utilising the power of additives can save money, help to prevent further damage and create a more efficient workspace at the same time. For example, additives such as Power Steering Stop Leak will generate revenue, solve a problem and free up a mechanic’s time for more profitable jobs.” All-time high With panic at the pumps subsiding, but the cost of living still a major concern, Mike Schlup, MD of Kalimex, the sole UK distributors of the JLM Lubricants’ product range said the continued focus for the professional technician is on how to repair and service a vehicle in a lean, efficient manner: “Go back just a few years and additives and cleaners were still treated with scepticism. However, times have changed with some additive brands blossoming on the back of a great reputation, and technicians are listening. Global brand JLM Lubricants is one such company with their products used by technicians in over 46 countries. In the UK, trade demand is at an all-time high.” Mike continued: “JLM Lubricants is very much a trade trusted brand. Darren Darling, founder of the independent DPF Doctor Network is a longstanding JLM brand ambassador. However, he was using and recommending the JLM Lubricants product range, notably the DPF Cleaning range, long before accepting the invitation to work more closely with JLM. Darren and several of his Doctors play a key part in the development of many JLM products, putting them through their paces before launch. It is this level of detail and scrutiny coupled with a focus on using top quality, highly concentrated formulations that give JLM a genuine trade trusted badge. The JLM GDI Cleaner is a Above: TerraClean treatment in action ADDING UP TO A LOT With many motorists hit by the cost of living crisis, additives and cleaners could provide a host of benefits for you and your customers
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