Garage Wire Podcast

This week we’ve got renowned REPXPERT, Alistair Mason joining us as special guest to talk all things LuK, INA and FAG. Alistair shares his latest research on switchable water pumps and double clutch systems, including the latest DQ500 direct shift gearbox. We also find out more about the tremendous work the REPXPERTs have been doing to support independent garages through the COVID-19 crisis. Before that though, imagine working hard to build your first garage business only for a global pandemic to strike and the UK forced into lockdown just weeks after opening your workshop shutters to customers for the very first time. That’s exactly the situation today’s first guest, Gavin Cunningham of Cunningham Autocare in Worcestershire, found himself in. . . . . . . . . . . Music: Cantina Blues - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100407 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Sound effects: Impact wrench thanks to www.freesfc.co.uk

With DVSA data forecasting a huge spike in testing demand following a return to mandatory testing on 1 August, we’ve got Autotech Recruit’s Gavin White joining us as special guest to share his expertise on garage recruitment with essential tips on what you can do to manage your workshop in what’s going to be a busy few months ahead. We also discuss the challenge of finding the right people for the job, industry licencing and training. GW contributor, Andy Parsons of Shortfield Garage in Surrey shares his reaction to the latest industry news and talks business investment, diversification and electric vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . Music: Cantina Blues - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100407 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Sound effects: Impact wrench thanks to www.freesfc.co.uk

This week The Garage Inspector, Andy Savva joins us to share his thoughts on the sector’s current state of play and we welcome Garage Wire contributor, Aaron Philips of Jackson & Phillips Automotive Services in Bedfordshire onto the Garage Wire Podcast. . . . . . . . . . . Music: Cantina Blues - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100407 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Sound effects: Impact wrench thanks to www.freesfc.co.uk

Welcome to a newly refreshed Garage Wire podcast. Every couple of weeks we'll be joined by Garage Wire columnists and special guests to discuss the latest industry news and what it means for independent garage owners. In this first episode we speak to Garage Wire columnist Barry Parker of BTE Automotive in East Hampshire about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected his business and Stuart James, chief executive of the Independent Garage Association joins us as our special guest. . . . . . . . . . . Music: Cantina Blues - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100407 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Sound effects: Impact wrench thanks to www.freesfc.co.uk

TMD Friction’s Textar brand was launched into the UK’s automotive aftermarket in 2017 and covers 99.9 per cent of UK car parc. To find more about the brand, GW visits the TMD Friction headquarters in Germany, home to the research and development of Textar. The GW Podcast starts in the lab where Silvia Hofmaa of TMD Friction explains the first steps of new friction material development.

In this GW podcast special, garages are being warned to ensure that the brake pads that they are fitting are indeed what they think they are fitting. Regulation 90 (R90) specifies the design, construction and performance requirements for brake friction material and should guarantee that replacement pads will provide equivalent performance when compared to the original. However, Ian Featherstone of global OE manufacturer, TMD Friction, told GW that technicians should be vigilant to ensure the parts they’re fitting do indeed meet this standard. During the interview, Ian explains how TMD Friction helped Trading Standards to uncover a counterfeit part, which was marked with TAXTE T490 FF as opposed to TEXTAR T490 FF. Highlighting the risks involved for an independent unknowingly fitting such parts, he advises technicians to ensure the box is sealed and that the contents match the description on the lab.

Whether you’re an apprentice or a technician with 40 years’ worth of experience, you’ll gain a valuable insight into the latest clutch technology and will appreciate exactly why careful fitment is essential if you want to avoid unnecessary down time and future job rectification work. That’s the views of the delegates who had just completed the IMI ZF clutch test paper and whom I had joined during the classroom theory and workshop practical demonstrations. The course opens with an introduction to clutch function, design and ratings. It’s an opportunity for the younger delegates to get to grips with the basics and also for the more experienced in the group to learn about some of the latest clutch technology such as the XTend cover assemblies which provide automatic wear compensation. Having covered clutch operation and components, discussion turned to practical fitting tips and diagnostic skills…

Copying or programming vehicle keys and remotes can provide a lucrative extra income for independent garages. Key programming specialists, Hickleys are hosting presentations across the country to highlight the benefits that come with this niche service. The presentations, which will continue to be held throughout the year, include live demonstrations on a variety of vehicles and an overview of the Key programming tools available, as well as the huge range of keys and remotes available through a next day delivery service. According to Hickleys, the majority of independents currently outsource key programming opportunities to main dealers or locksmiths but with the right equipment and knowledge, they could significantly boost their revenue and even increase their customer-base.

More than 220 delegates from across the UK gathered at the GTG Training Academy in Wolverhampton recently for the return of AutoInform Live. The weekend event offered hands-on diagnostics and showcased the latest products, technology and equipment available in the aftermarket. Organised by the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESAA), the two day event proved hugely popular among independent garages with a number of courses selling out in the weeks leading up to the weekend.

Garage Wire joins UK motor factors and independent garages on a facility tour of REMSA, manufacturer of brake friction components for Apec Braking. Apec brake components are manufactured to match OE quality and are marketed for the aftermarket. The Bristol-based braking supplier has more than 300 delivery points throughout the UK. During the trip, we're treated to a rare ‘behind-the-scenes’ glimpse at two REMSA factories in Spain, covering everything from research and development to production.

REMA Tip Top has officially opened its brand new training facility at its Leeds head office. Attending the opening, Garage Wire reports on why the company has made the investment and how independent garages can benefit from it. The new facility will offers comprehensive, industry specific training for the repair of tyre injuries on passenger car to agricultural vehicles and operative skills on its range of CORGHI garage equipment. Tyre repair techniques are instructed and carried out in accordance with the current British Standard by our qualified technicians and instructors.