July/August 2021

prevention is the best way forward. The older the vehicle, the more important this becomes. In many cases, increased exhaust emissions are caused by deposits in the engine preventing it from burning fuel as cleanly as it should. Carbon deposits can foul injectors and valves, or prevent the turbo or EGR from functioning correctly. In turn, a less efficient fuel burn results in increased emissions leading to the inevitable MOT failure. Using a quality additive, such as JLM’s professional Emissions Reduction Treatment (ERT), will remove the contamination and deposits, helping the engine to burn fuel more efficiently and ultimately bring emissions back down to acceptable levels.” Mike added: “ERT should ideally be used a few days before the MOT to allow it to work through the fuel system, the engine and ultimately the exhaust. JLM has developed two dedicated formulas, one specifically for petrol and another for diesel. Each uses different additives in order to achieve the best clean depending on the fuel type. For example, the diesel ERT also contains a DPF cleaning additive to help reduce the soot load.” For more information visit www.jlmlubricants.co.uk Essential When it comes to reasons for a MOT test failure, the condition and performance of the wiper blades is also high on the list. Fatiha Laauich, Pan EU Strategic Marketing Manager at DENSO Europe commented: “This proves that despite their essential role in driver safety, they are often overlooked by vehicle owners. Supplying and fitting wiper blades is therefore an important provision that should be offered by every workshop, not only when carrying out a MOT test, but as part of their general service and repair package. The best place to start is at the DENSO E-catalogue at www.denso-am.eu/e-catalogue/ Fatiha added: “DENSO also has a wiper blade overview available on YouTube.” To view the video go to https://www.denso-technic.com/denso-wiper-blades Then there is lighting. According to the latest figures on areas of MOT failure, lighting far and away accounts for the highest number – 29.6%. HELLA UK’s Senior Head of Marketing and Communications, Helen Goldingay commented: “Lights remains one of the most common reasons for test failure, while at the same time, giving an easy upselling opportunity. The compact under-the-bonnet design of modern vehicles makes headlight bulb replacement both time consuming and incredibly difficult, which means the annual MOT test not only presents workshops with the opportunity to check the safety of a vehicle, but to earn additional revenue in the process.” Richard Armstrong of Lumileds, who are responsible for Philips Automotive Lighting, added: “There are several aspects of lighting that one should be aware of when it comes to MOTs. If one defective bulb needs to be replaced to allow a vehicle to pass a MOT, then it is always best to look at replacing both bulbs – because if one fails the other is likely to follow shortly afterwards. It might be an upsell, but it is likely to be a cost-effective one for the motorist, saving them the cost and inconvenience of having to take their vehicle in to have a second bulb replaced. It is also an opportunity to talk to the vehicle owner about potentially upgrading their bulbs – which will create an additional income opportunity for a workshop, while offering the customer a safer and more comfortable driving experience.” JULY/AUGUST 2021 AFTERMARKET 49 EYEBROW www.aftermarketonline.net % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % IS YLN OT BA YOUR M Y C ('& $#"!# '! " ' " O EBMEMAEGESU ALIBRATED COR ' # &# ' # " # #& ' !" &" # ' & !!&# # # ##& '& !' # ' !' ! SREENIGNER RECTLY? "&" # $ # # $ # ' " & !# When vehicles that are due a MOT are eventually tested, many thousands will fail on emissions ”