July/August 2021

MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 www.aftermarketonline.net time. It also allows us to not limit the amount of people who can do it whereas we do have capacity constraints when it comes to classroom-based training. It’s not meant to be a substitute for practical training, but our online learning does present a viable way for garages to enjoy training that is both thorough and cost-effective.” Development Kit is also key. “Braking is a product category you cannot take chances with,” commented Scott Irwin MIMI, Head of Technical Training at TMD Friction. “We invest more than € 30 million each year to make sure our products are fit for every new demand, now and in the future. As a company renowned for producing technically advanced braking products to meet the demands of modern complex braking systems, via its brands Textar and Mintex and DON, TMD Friction’s braking products are engineered to provide friction stability, comfort and consistently high performance over a wide temperature range and stopping distances.” On the company’s growing training offering, Scott added: “Along with this, and new for this year, TMD Friction is offering a training programme across pads, discs, chemicals and tooling, so workshops can guarantee not only are they using the best products but that they have been fitted safely. This also means customers are less likely to need a refund on parts if they have been fit correctly.” Upselling Commenting on the upselling opportunity represented by brake fluid tester kits, Colin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “Providing a complete, comprehensive service is the best way to ensure that customers are happy when they leave your workshop and inclined to come back to you in future. If drivers come in with suspected brake judder, or visibly corroded brakes, we would recommend also checking their brake fluid while they’re with you to ensure the whole system is functioning at its best, and that cars are leaving your garage in the best possible condition. “Brake fluid is designed to withstand the high temperatures generated during braking, but over time it absorbs water and becomes more diluted, reducing its boiling point. Brake fluid that’s in poor condition can boil and turn to vapour, which causes vapour lock and results in brake failure. By using brake fluid tester kits, available from LKQ Euro Car Parts, repairers can show customers the boiling point of their brake fluid on a digital display.” Colin added: “Letting customers see the boiling point of their brake fluid helps repairers to demonstrate their point and easily convert fluid inspections into replacements, followed by a comprehensive diagnostic brake check to ensure that the system is fully operational. A second test before the customer drives away will show them the improvement that’s been made and give them confidence in the work that’s been carried out.” Experience ZF Aftermarket, under its ZF [pro]Tech training and knowledge-based initiative, offers technical support for garages on a range of areas, including braking. Matt Shakespeare, UK Technical Sales Manager, ZF Aftermarket explained: “ZF [pro]Tech start connects the UK garages to our industry-leading specialists, allowing them to benefit from our ZF knowledge and experience and arm their businesses with the skills and proficiencies required for the vehicles of today and tomorrow.” A one-off fee gives garages access to ZF [pro]Tech start. A recent course run through the platform, Trade Parts and Warranty Update, provided participants with the most common issues reported by customers covering a wide range of areas, including brake issues. Matt added: “Once garages are logged on to the ZF portal, using their own unique passwords and login details, they have access to a wealth of ZF technical know-how which will not only assist them with the service and repair of vehicles which they see on a daily basis, but will also offer the ability to futureproof their businesses.” Compound brake discs New products for braking systems continue to be released. Commenting on compound brake discs from Bosch, a spokesman for the company said: “The compound brake disc is a made up of a profiled aluminium disc chamber, combined with a high-carbon cast iron friction ring. The two components are held together by stainless steel rivets. Compound brake discs feature various materials, binding methods and designs, depending on the vehicle model. “Lightweight component design results in lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emission, while reduced unsprung mass improves driving comfort and performance. At the same time, the enhanced thermal capacity and heat conductivity reduces brake judder. Another advantage is that the friction ring is highly resistant to thermo- mechanical stresses. The friction ring and rotor hat are joined using a special method which further reduces undesired heat flow. This reduces warping and hot tears, as well as vibration and noise. Bosch’s spokesman added: “Bosch compound brake discs follow the OE hat material concepts, combined with the robust market proven connection concept, in order to provide premium aftermarket advantages in line with concepts in OE. All Bosch compound brake discs are ECE R90 certified. Their material composition and tolerances are optimally adapted to the brake system of the designated applications. Bosch compound brake discs also come with JULY/AUGUST 20 1 AFTERMARKET 51 w.aftermarketonline.net Brake components must be reviewed because they are a safety-relevant key component ” Below: Compound brake discs from Bosch