February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 AFTERMARKET 45 certainly changed. Dan Morgan, Sales and Operations Director at Lucas Oil Products (UK) observed: “Environmental needs are driving demands for higher fuel efficiencies and greater engine power. The vehicle and engine manufacturers have responded with oil technologies of far lower viscosity levels. For example, 0W- 16 and the more popular 0W-20, feature in an increasing number of modern engines, many of which will be approaching the end of their warranty terms. “To ensure these oils continue to provide enough protection for engines in modern cars over the long term, Lucas Oil has developed its Lucas Low Viscosity Stabilizer. It is a synthetic product, specifically designed for more compact engines with greater power outputs and more sensitive engine components. This will often include performance enhancing technologies such as variable valve timing systems and cylinder deactivation. “Lucas Low Viscosity Stabilizer is compatible with all such equipment, as well as viscosity sensors. Its role is to improve and sustain protection against wear, reduce engine friction, discourage sludge production by enhancing oil dispersion, while prolonging engine oil life by inhibiting oxidation.” Dan added: “It’s a proven product, a one-shot answer to today’s engine problems that’s becoming a standard addition to the service menu at increasing numbers of garages.” Flexible While most garages can see how much has changed in the industry, Colin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, agrees that many have yet to change the way they think about oils and lubricants: “The challenge for garages is that it is still an engrained practice to bulk-buy a small selection of one-size-fits-all oil grades that will service most vehicles. We would advise garages order a broader selection of oils in smaller quantities. This small change will not incur extra costs. They will be holding the same overall volume, but it will allow them to be far more flexible when servicing different vehicles throughout the day. “Adopting this approach can help garages to bring in more revenue through selling tailored oil packages bespoke to each customer. Our recommendation is that technicians check customers’ gear oil and transmission fluid whenever they visit their garage. Explaining the importance of regular checks and changes will also help to build loyalty, ensuring drivers leave with their vehicles in top condition.” Colin added: “We offer an extensive range of different oils and lubricants, including the OEM-approved MPM Gear and Engine Oil ranges, which cover more than 99% of automatic transmissions and manual gearboxes. Our MPM Gear Oil range includes more than 40 different fluids, with We would advise garages order a broader selection of oils in smaller quantities ” pack sizes ranging from one to 20 litres, making it possible for garages to use the right product in every car without tying up capital or losing space to excess stock. Similarly, our MPM Engine Oil range includes more than 35 different options.” For more information, visit https://omnipart.eurocarparts.com Neglect While mechanics will be more than familiar with the need for regular oil changes, when it comes to hybrids, this can get missed. David Kaiser, Head of Research and Development at LIQUI MOLY commented: “If a hybrid vehicle is mostly driven on electric power, owners often neglect to change the oil.” This is where professional intervention is essential: “Garages should ensure that the oil change intervals specified by the manufacturer are actually adhered to. Even if a car is not driven much, or is mainly used in electric mode if it is a hybrid, the oil in the engine ages. It gradually oxidises, becoming less effective.” There is another problem when it comes to hybrid vehicles: “Condensation water and fuel residues accumulate in the oil circuit due to the fact the combustion engine undergoes frequent cold starts and short periods of use. In a pure combustion engine this is not an issue, because as soon as the engine oil has reached its operating temperature, the water and petrol vaporise in the oil. In hybrid vehicles, the engine oil rarely reaches the operating temperature, so more water and petrol can accumulate in the oil circuit. This increases wear and tear, and it is conducive to corrosion.” Maximum performance David continued: “It’s important not just to change the oil but also to thoroughly clean the oil circuit at the same time. This can be done using LIQUI MOLY Engine Flush. Just before changing the oil, the additive is added to the engine oil and the engine is then run at idling speed for ten minutes. During this time the active ingredients remove any deposits and debris, which is then drained out together with the used oil. The fresh oil then goes into a clean engine.” David added: “Even if the combustion engine runs infrequently, it is still important that it gets the right oil. Nowadays, oil is like a liquid spare part that has to fit the particular engine exactly. Filling in the wrong oil is like installing a spare part that doesn't fit.” For more information, check the oil guide at www.liqui- moly.com Below: Application of LIQUI MOLY Engine Flush