Aftermarket September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022 AFTERMARKET 23 www.aftermarketonline.net LKQ Euro Car Parts prides itself on its c omprehensive inventory of parts. By ensuring tha t garages ha ve access to a range o f trusted brands to suit every budge t and vehicle, that choice is then pas sed on t o drivers, empowering them t o make their own decisions about their v ehicles , and helping gar ages to build loyalty and trust. Starline : A comprehensive professional range since 1999, the Starline brand has been at the forefront of the automotive industry, offering gar ages high- quality, professional pr oducts a t affordable pric es. The e xtensive range, covering 90% o f al l spare parts f or passenger v ehicles , has seen it gr ow into a go- to brand. And it is c onstantly evolving , growing, and improving. LKQ Euro Car Parts offers its c ustomers e xclusive access to the S tarline br and in the UK , ensuring gar ages ha ve access to the right pr oducts firs t time, every time . Most recently, it added a c omprehensive range o f batteries to its inventory, including s tandard lead acid, s tart-stop, commer cial and leisur e options. This giv es garages and c ustomers an e ven more extensive choice, knowing tha t whatever their v ehicle and budge t, they are assured the highes t quality parts. Starline’s automotive battery range is designed f or maximum s tarting po wer, completely maint enance free. Manufactured using the la test calcium t echnology, Starline batteries ar e engineer ed to cope with the e xcess heat created by regenerative braking and the c ontinuous on- off action o f a start-stop engine . And critical ly, they power the electrics when the engine is in sleep mode , such as a t traffic lights or s tuck in traffic jams. The OPTIMAL solution: LKQ Euro Car Parts offers OPTIMAL components as part of its core steering and suspension offering in the UK, to help independent garages provide a tailored service for every customer. The OPTIMAL brand has gained a reputation over the last 30 years for top quality German engineering, and manufactures all of its parts in line with OE methods, using quality materials all tested to withstand temperatures from 120°C to -40°C. OPTIMAL parts are also accredited to ISO/TS 16949 and carry the highly sought after TÜV SÜD certification. TÜV SÜD is an internationally renowned independent organisation for undertaking safety, testing, certification, auditing, and advisory services. The 2,500+ strong OPTIMAL range from LKQ Euro Car Parts includes ball joints, tie rods, track control arms, stabiliser links, bushes and mountings, with all components meeting rigorous international quality and safety standards. Most recently, the offering was further extended to include steering knuckles. These are the pivot points of the steering system and are designed to help maintain comfortable steering and suspension. With many modern vehicles becoming bigger and heavier, steering and suspension components are being put under greater stress. This can result in excessive wear, corrosion or distortion of the steering knuckle, meaning it needs to be replaced to prevent steering alignment being compromised, which can lead to poor handling and uneven tyre wear. Comprehensive range: Component parts from LKQ Euro Car Parts Riding the MOT wave The pandemic turned the traditional MOT demand curve on its head. Nearly three quarters of MOTs due in the early months of the UK’s first national lockdown were deferred until the autumn, meaning they will once again be due in the coming weeks, on top of those that have always fallen later in the year. This means it’s critical for garages to prepare now, and this is where slick customer communications come into play. Getting ahead of the curve now lets garages manage demand effectively, while also maximising revenue. Planning ahead: The first step must be getting in touch with customers who you know have tests coming up. This means you can plan resource in the best way, as well as get more tests booked in overall. And don’t forget that vehicles due an MOT can be serviced up to a month in advance – you can start to tick vehicles off early to avoid a glut. The benefit of systems like CarSys is that drivers will be reminded of their bookings, through either SMS or email, helping to minimise no-shows and helping garages keep on top of exactly what will be coming through their garage doors, and when. Technology plays a key role in helping to map out demand. Tools like HaynesPro let you accurately estimate labour costs and identify the right parts, making it easier to manage capacity and cashflow during times of high demand. CarSys is fully integrated with HaynesPro, and has stock management, parts ordering and quoting and invoicing features to streamline processes throughout the garage and enhance the overall customer experience. Top-notch business management and customer service are as crucial to ensuring existing customers keep coming back as they are to bringing in new ones. Upskilling: Keeping on top of training and skills requirements is also an easy way to win customer loyalty and trust. Sharing product knowledge and recommendations following an MOT can help customers to avoid repeat problems in the future, or stop small issues from becoming serious, and generates opportunities to upsell. We are committed to helping technicians maintain outstanding levels of service with the IMI- approved MOT training we offer through the LKQ Academy. Garages can opt for either the full annual CPD programme, due by 31 March each year, or routine refresher courses, which can be accessed online or in our classroom-based sessions. For more on GMS systems, turn to Aftermarket’s online tools and management systems feature on pages 50-53.