February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 AFTERMARKET 33 month, from 31 March to 30 April. While this is good news from an organisational perspective, as it allows more time to deal with any backlog, for individuals and businesses the clock is still ticking. Adam commented: “As well as being the right thing to do from a professional point of view, this will help to build trust, and will encourage customers to come back again in future. At LKQ Euro Car Parts, we offer IMI-approved MOT training through our AutoEducation Academy – both full annual CPD and routine refresher courses. We also offer MOT bundles that include a new MOT bay alongside training courses for the team – and that can be paid for over time with our Easy Start Scheme. “We hope that any technicians with the capacity to complete their MOT training do so as soon as they can. The key then for garages will be flexing resource to manage an influx of demand throughout the year, and to ensure they never have to turn away work.” Adam added: “Signing up to the AutoEducation Academy is free. Courses can be completed and paid for individually, or gold, silver and bronze Training Membership Packages are available, starting from a one-off annual payment of £499 plus VAT. All courses are available UK-wide, and are accredited by the IMI and City & Guilds.” Wipers You need to consider how to turn the test into an opportunity as well. According to the DVSA’s Matters of Testing MOT blog, the top three MOT failures are headlamp aim, or headlamp aim incorrectly set, tyre tread depth and crucially, windscreen wipers. “Arguably,” said TRICO Group Brand & Marketing Manager (Europe) Sam Robinson, “wiper blades are one of the easiest checks for a technician to make, as the wipers just need to effectively clear water and leave no smears on the driver’s side to pass the test. “Although they are perishable and should be changed every 12 months, it’s often something drivers forget to change before the MOT.” There are typical signs that wiper blades need to be replaced; Streaking, when the blade doesn’t completely clear the windscreen, leaving streaks of water or debris; Chattering, when the blade doesn’t move smoothly across the windscreen; Smearing – when the debris or water is smeared across the windscreen, but not removed. Sam continued: “Drivers do not rush to a workshop for new wiper blades at the best of times, so, during a MOT, technicians need to be proactive. They are not expensive items and once highlighted of the facts, we’ve found that drivers are usually willing to have them replaced, which is where we step in to provide the premium quality products required. He added: “By fitting a pair of our OE-quality wiper blades, selected from a wide range of options including conventional, hybrid, beam and rear, technicians and drivers can be assured of their effectiveness and reliability in any situation.” www.aftermarketonline.net Gl b l l d i e in EXCE 19 h l i i bl d t very blade LLENCE per 17 blade products that co Today, we use this original equ products to almost For more than 100 years, TR o a ea ers n w me through at the moment you need themmost. ipment expertise to bring you reliable, innovative wi every major vehicle manufacturer worldwide. ICO® has been trusted to deliver premium wiper blade e ec no ogy s nc per a e 1917 NCE SI CTURER A MANUF EQUIPMENT ORIGINAL EMO trico e com . u.