• HOFMANN unveils New Geoliner 580 PRISM fully portable wheel aligner
• Euro Car Parts stocks React Diesel Particulate Filter Tool
• Warning Lamp Failures “now an opportunity to generate revenue”, claim Butts
• Breaker yards send £1m worth of part quotes Each in six months thanks to online used parts finder
• New Engine Timing Tool Kit for the BMW Mini Diesel
• High Resolution Infrared Twin-Spot Thermometer from Laser Tools
• Heavy-duty deal: Milwaukee portable power tools now available at Euro Car Parts
• Continental takes over diagnostics specialist Omitec
HOFMANN unveils New Geoliner 580 PRISM fully portable wheel aligner
System features innovative PRO 42 software for fast and accurate alignments
HOFMANN, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, has introduced Geoliner 580 PRISM, a fully portable wheel alignment system that can be used with virtually any four-post lift. Geoliner 580 PRISM features Snap-on Equipment’s high resolution icon based PRO 42 software that’s designed to make the most effective use of information required by the technician carrying out the alignment procedure. PRO 42 provides all required system functions through a one touch programme, which enables alignments to be carried out faster than ever before.
Geoliner 580 PRISM uses tough but light magnesium front wheel targets and rear-wheel ‘pods’ to carry out wheel alignment, which enables a run-out compensation procedure to be undertaken in ten to 12 minutes. Accurate wireless data communication is ensured through the use of Bluetooth technology to provide uniform alignment readings on vehicles ranging from small cars through to vans. The system also features long-life rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, with sufficient power reserves to last three days, based on three to four alignment checks per day. These unique features enable the Geoliner 580 PRISM to be easily integrated into an existing MOT bay.
Geoliner 580 PRISM comes fully equipped with global OEM data and information for virtually every vehicle built over the past 25 years, enabling almost every vehicle – be this a Smart car or a van – to be accurately aligned in the workshop. Other standard items include a colour printer for pre and post-alignment reports to be presented to the customer. Records are also stored and updated on the system, providing a full audit trail.
An “ideal solution”
William Bruno, Snap-on Equipment’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, comments: “The new Hofmann Geoliner 580 PRISM is the ideal solution for workshops requiring a fully mobile aligner, or for those with lift bays unsuitable for a full 3D system. We can provide workshops with a fast, accurate wheel alignment solution that suits their business, now and in the future.”
All Hofmann wheel aligners are supplied with installation, operator training and a two-year warranty as standard. Hofmann products are exclusively available via the company’s UK-wide distributor partners.
For details of your nearest distributor please call 0118 966 9121 or visit www.hofmann.co.uk.
MOT Workshop Magazine
Euro Car Parts stocks React Diesel Particulate Filter Tool
We all know modern diesel vehicles are fitted with complex anti-pollution systems. These systems require servicing & resetting which can only be completed via diagnostics.
Euro Car Parts, has responded to garages’ need for a DPF diagnostic capability by stocking the Diesel Particulate Filter Tool from React.
Featuring a simple push-button interface, it covers most popular DPFs, including Bosch, Delphi and Marelli systems, on vehicles from Audi, Citroen, Ford, GM, Peugeot, Saab, Seat, Skoda, VW and Volvo.
Managing Director, Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, commented: “React’s competitively priced, hand held DPF Tool enables independent repairers to regenerate a DPF and reset the ECU without sending the car away to the main dealer. It covers a comprehensive range of vehicles (from 2000 onwards) with further models added via monthly software updates.”
Available throughout the ECP network of 114 branches.
MOT Workshop Magazine
Warning Lamp Failures “now an opportunity to generate revenue”, claim Butts
Once the necessary legislation is in place, it will become necessary to fail cars which have warning lamps showing. This can be a real opportunity for the VTS to gain extra work by not only diagnosing the problem but fixing it. A new tool on the market designed specifically for this task is the MOTpro.
JHM Butt claim “The MOT Pro has revolutionised the diagnostic world – never before has so much knowledge been contained in the palm of your hand”. The MOT Pro covers over 40 different vehicle manufacturers and the makers claim that you will cover most of the market place with this tool.
With updates continuously streaming through the tool and the ability for the updates to be controlled with no system lock-out or back-dated surcharge, Butts claim you can tailor a package that works for you, with its all-system scan covering: engine, transmission, ABS, Airbag, EPB, oil service reset, climate control, TPMS and steering wheel sensor and more.
Butts claim that this simply is the must-have tool in every MOT Station and garage workshop, allowing them to say “yes” to “any electrical work”. The MOT Pro is styled in a robust casing that’s scratch and oil resistant so if the worst case scenario happens no damage will affect the tool’s performance.
Butts also claim that this tool is coming to the market place with one main purpose “to make the MOT Workshop make more money!”
With the reports that it can produce, it allows you to break down what the faults are within the vehicle, it allows the customer to see the problems first hand so they know they aren’t being deceived.
The tool also allows the user to clear old faults within the vehicle that again you can fix and charge for. The tool comes complete with EOBD Cable and USB Cable to connect to your vehicle, all protected by a professional blow mould case.
Butts of Bawtry claim that for the money, this tool will pay for itself in no time at all!
Available EXCLUSIVELY from Butt’s of Bawtry 01302 718220 who offer a wide range of garage equipment and Tools. www.buttsequipment.com
MOT Workshop Magazine
Breaker yards send £1m worth of part quotes Each in six months thanks to online used parts finder
Site statistics from the UK’s number one network of approved national breakers for new and used car parts have revealed that suppliers which partner with the site have the potential to quote over £1 million worth of business in just six months, with the leading supplier quoting in excess of £18 million pounds worth of parts quotes during this period.
Site statistics from www.Breakeryard.com have revealed that suppliers, such as breaker or scrap yards, which partner with the site have the potential to be able to quote more than £1 million worth of business in the first six months that they are signed up; a figure that many suppliers already on the site are experiencing, allowing them to develop their businesses further.
Breakeryard.com has helped over 3.5 million motorists around the UK find new and used parts for damaged vehicles. Providing an extensive network of UK car dismantlers and breakers, the site provides quotes for car spares for every make and model of vehicle. Customers submit their requests for parts on the site, which are then sent to every dismantler on the site. The breakers and scrap yards holding the parts then reply with competitive quotes for the customer to choose from and, once the customer has chosen the quote they are happy with, Breakeryard.com will then contact the sellers direct who can sell and dispatch the part to the customer’s home, or their local garage.
Founded in 2003, Breakeryard.com was the brainchild of Matt Bott, who came up with the idea for the site after one too many fruitless trips to breaker yards trying to find a wheel for his Saab. Breakeryard.com was created to try and help motorists by linking them directly with car breakers which had the parts they were looking for, saving them both time and money.
The site is calling for more breaker yards around the country to come forward and register on the site, to help increase the options for customers seeking quotes. Breakers who are interested in signing up to the site can do so here: www.breakeryard.com/breaker_registration.
Matt Bott said:
“We’re delighted to have given breakers the opportunity to be able to quote so much business over the last six months! We offer a great opportunity for garages and mechanics to save big money on used parts as well as breakers to boost their sales!”
He continued:
“Now, we’re on the hunt for more reputable suppliers to expand our network and provide an even better service for customers?”
Steve Nicholls of Braydon Motor Company, one of the suppliers on Breakeryard.com, had the following to say:
“Breakeryard has enabled us to reach remote customers we would not otherwise be able to reach, especially from locations such as Wales and Scotland, where the car parts demand is high and the supplier levels are quite low. The Breakeryard system brings together the demand and the supply efficiently. It brings the most obscure and hidden requests for any part of any make and model, regardless how difficult it is to find, into the light of the supply chain.”
MOT Workshop Magazine
New Engine Timing Tool Kit for the BMW Mini Diesel
New to Laser Tools’ comprehensive range of very high quality timing tool kits is the BMW Mini W16D timing tool set (part no: 5456) which fits the W16D16(9HZ) and W16D16UO engine ranges as used on the Mini and Mini Clubman (07-10) with chassis R55/56/57.
Modern interference engine design allows pistons and valves to ‘interfere’ or make contact if the timing belt or timing chain slips or breaks — resulting in piston and valve damage requiring an expensive engine rebuild with new pistons and valves. However, this inference can also occur if the camshaft / crankshaft timing sequence is not set accurately to the manufacturer’s specification when fitting a new timing belt or chain.
As is usual with the Laser Timing tool range, the 5456 BMW Mini Diesel kit is comprehensive and includes the crankshaft timing pin, two camshaft/HP fuel pump timing pins, and the flywheel holding tool with fixing bolts.
A complete list of model applications is included (the kit also fits some Citroën and Peugeot models) as are clear and concise instructions.
This new timing tool kit is an essential part of the procedure of timing chain replacement for the diesel Mini.
Available now at a price of £58.40 but remember to check your local supplier for the best prices and special offers.
More details from www.lasertools.co.uk
MOT Workshop Magazine
High Resolution Infrared Twin-Spot Thermometer from Laser Tools for safe measurement of hard to reach surfaces
Laser Tools’ new high resolution laser thermometer (part no: 5418) is suitable for a wide range of garage and workshop applications, including vehicle heating and air-conditioning systems, radiator and thermostat function, exhaust manifolds and brakes.
Infrared thermometers use infrared technology to quickly measure the surface temperature of objects, providing fast temperature readings without physically touching the object. The Laser 5418 Infrared Thermometer can safely measure hot, hazardous, or hard-to-reach surfaces without contaminating or damaging the object. It can also provide several readings per second, as compared to contact methods where each measurement can take several minutes.
Twin-spot laser targeting enables accurate readings by guiding the user to the unit’s optimum targeting distance; when the two laser dots merge into one, unit is reading a 13mm circle of temperature.
Especially suited for work where space is at a premium and where accurate focus on the target is required such as in engine bays and on circuit boards.
Temperature is displayed on a switchable back-lit LCD display and features hold function for ease of use.
Temperature can be shown in either °C or °F. Powered by 9 volt battery. Supplied with sturdy belt pouch.
Available now at a price of £97.24 but remember to check your local supplier for the best prices and special offers.
More details and from www.lasertools.co.uk
MOT Workshop Magazine
Heavy-duty deal: Milwaukee portable power tools – designed by professionals for professionals – now available at Euro Car Parts
Euro Car Parts, has signed yet another new supplier to its impressive range of tool suppliers by bringing on board the range of heavy-duty, portable electric power tools from Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, a leading manufacturer of tools for industry professionals.
Founded in 1924, Milwaukee has always set out to produce ‘the best heavy-duty electric power tools and accessories available to the professional user’.
With more than 500 models and 3,500+ accessories, Milwaukee offers a three-year warranty on tools and a two-year warranty on batteries.
Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, managing director of Euro Car Parts, commented: “I am delighted to announce that Milwaukee tools are now available at the 110+ Euro Car Parts branches nationwide. The Milwaukee brand has a long and distinguished history – the name stands for quality, durability and reliability. They only make professional tools and, as shown at the Mechan-Ex show, they have an impressive and growing automotive product range.”
Matt Handley, head of marketing at Milwaukee, added: “Milwaukee is very pleased to partner with Euro Car Parts and we see an exciting future ahead, with huge potential for both companies. If you are searching for the fastest growing range of cordless and corded automotive power tools and accessories, nothing comes close to Milwaukee. We offer the largest 12-volt and 18-volt cordless automotive range in the market. Our tools provide the most efficient blend of power, weight, performance and reliability.”
Using the slogan ‘Nothing But Heavy Duty’, Milwaukee is also strong on promotions and incentives. They are currently running several promotions including a competition which offers customers the chance to win prizes including a Milwaukee quad bike, a weekend at a the British 2013 Moto GP event, and a fantastic 2 hour Motor Racing experience day out. For more information contact any one of the 114 ECP branches around the UK.
MOT Workshop Magazine
Continental takes over diagnostics specialist Omitec
• Business segment Independent Aftermarket further expands the diagnostics business
• Innovative diagnostic product portfolio for service and repairs
Frankfurt am Main, Germany / Birmingham, United Kingdom, 04 July 2012. The Independent Aftermarket business segment of the international automotive supplier Continental is intensifying its activities in the diagnostics business and is taking over the diagnostics specialist Omitec Group Ltd. The company, with headquarters in Devizes, United Kingdom, employs a staff of over 250. Omitec is a global supplier of diagnostic as well as workshop equipment for the motor vehicle market. With the takeover of Omitec by Continental, the two enterprises combine their ideally complementary strengths and become a major supplier in the sector, with a broad portfolio of diagnostics products and solutions.
Founded in 1924, Milwaukee has always set out to produce ‘the best heavy-duty electric power tools and accessories available to the professional user’.
With more than 500 models and 3,500+ accessories, Milwaukee offers a three-year warranty on tools and a two-year warranty on batteries.
Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, managing director of Euro Car Parts, commented: “I am delighted to announce that Milwaukee tools are now available at the 110+ Euro Car Parts branches nationwide. The Milwaukee brand has a long and distinguished history – the name stands for quality, durability and reliability. They only make professional tools and, as shown at the Mechan-Ex show, they have an impressive and growing automotive product range.”
Matt Handley, head of marketing at Milwaukee, added: “Milwaukee is very pleased to partner with Euro Car Parts and we see an exciting future ahead, with huge potential for both companies. If you are searching for the fastest growing range of cordless and corded automotive power tools and accessories, nothing comes close to Milwaukee. We offer the largest 12-volt and 18-volt cordless automotive range in the market. Our tools provide the most efficient blend of power, weight, performance and reliability.”
Using the slogan ‘Nothing But Heavy Duty’, Milwaukee is also strong on promotions and incentives. They are currently running several promotions including a competition which offers customers the chance to win prizes including a Milwaukee quad bike, a weekend at a the British 2013 Moto GP event, and a fantastic 2 hour Motor Racing experience day out. For more information contact any one of the 114 ECP branches around the UK.
MOT Workshop Magazine
TRW Says Garages Won’t Fail With Easycheck
Solihull, UK, May 3rd, 2012 – TRW Automotive Aftermarket has spoken out to remind garages that due to recent changes in the UK MOT test, vehicles still exhibiting a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) for the following technologies: Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS); Supplemental Restraint System (SRS); Electric Parking Brake (EPB) and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) after testing, will fail once the necessary legislation is in place.
They stress that without the necessary service tools – such as TRW easycheck, which can identify, read and then clear the fault behind the MIL and thus extinguish the warning light – garages will be unable to do this in-situ and will have to rely on external, expensive main dealer support.
TRW’s European product manager, diagnostics, Helen Sheasby, explained: “If garages want to remain competitive in a difficult climate, it is vital that they can meet the needs of the customer. When drivers take their vehicle to an independent garage or an MOT test centre for repair or testing they want to know that any work that needs to be carried out can be done immediately and on the spot.
“Adding the cost of expensive main dealer support will simply drive the customer away,” Helen continued. “Calculations based on a cost of £50.00 per hour mean that the average garage will make back the cost of a year’s subscription to TRW easycheck in as few as four external trips to a main dealer; when the cost of the tool is pitted against the price of external support.”
Helen concluded: “Lights on the dashboard indicate a problem with a particular technology. Being alerted to a problem via a light on the dashboard and then able to diagnose the problem with a service tool such as TRW easycheck, offers the technician an opportunity for further repair work, and therefore a chance to make further revenue.
TRW easycheck really is simple to use. It only has six buttons, requires very little training and is easily updated via the internet. This all serves to make it the perfect all-round tool; perfect for less experienced technicians due to its simplicity, and equally useful to the more experienced mechanics as a complementary tool to more in-depth diagnostic equipment for the simple service tasks.”
TRW offers a range of handheld easycheck service tools. This comprises: the entry level service tool which comes complete with one function of choice and to which, under the concept of ‘build as you go’, the customer can add to when necessary; the full function service tool with all seven functions; the new Engine Management System (EMS) tool with full scan European on-board diagnostics (EOBD) capability and comprehensive EMS functionality for petrol and diesel cars and the premium EMS and service tool with EMS functionality plus all seven service functions.
Functionality available is as follows: Brake including ABS and EPB; Climate for dealing with climate control systems; SRS, including airbag and pre-tensioner systems; Service, including service interval data and service light reset; Steering Angle Sensor (SAS), essential to reset the steering angle for the stability control systems after any work on the front suspension, TPMS which allows the reset of automatic tyre pressure systems after puncture repairs, new tyre fitting or tyre rotation and Scan which deals with live data, EOBD and manufacturer specific fault codes.
MOT Workshop Magazine