Aftermarket February 2023

FEBRUARY 2023 AFTERMARKET 41 Our MPM Gear Oil range includes more than 40 different fluids, with pack sizes ranging from one to 20 litres, so garages can always have the right product to hand without tying up capital or losing space to excess stock. Our MPM Engine Oil range also includes more than 35 different options, and is proven to significantly increase miles per gallon, boost motor efficiency and environmental performance, and minimize engine wear.” Approval Meanwhile, Exol Lubricants’ Optima C5 LSOV 0W-20 oil has been formally approved by Stellantis for use in Opel/Vauxhall passenger car engines. Steve Dunn, Sales and Marketing Director at Exol Lubricants, observed: “A new release certificate issued by Stellantis approves Optima C5 LSOV 0W-20 oil for service fill and aftersales, meeting the OV 040 1547-A20 standard, which is found across many Opel/Vauxhall engines. The latest accreditation joins similar standards from the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes, Chrysler, Ford, and BMW. Optima C5 LSOV 0W-20 is a fully synthetic, low SAPS engine oil designed for use in a variety of modern petrol and diesel engine applications. It provides low speed, pre-ignition (LSPI) protection and delivers significant levels of fuel economy in the latest OEM tests.” Steve added: “Exol has also introduced Optima C3 LS 0W-30 as its latest in the brand’s line of fully synthetic, low SAPS engine oils. The new generation Optima engine oil boasts outstanding thermal properties and is developed to provide excellent performance in engine cleanliness and fuel economy benefits. The latest Optima-badged engine oil is fully compatible with emission control after-systems such as DPFs.” Interval Mike Schlup, MD at Kalimex, the UK distributors for JLM Lubricants commented: “Of course, using the correct specification oil is critical but what is just as important is ensuring the oil is changed at the recommended interval and that the oil system is clean before adding fresh oil. Increasing levels of emission control systems, especially on diesel vehicles, are resulting in greater and more rapid contamination of engine oils. This is caused largely by particulates being recirculated within the engine which become trapped in the engine oil and oil system. In addition, diesel engines which are struggling to achieve correct regeneration cycles for the DPF can suffer from elevated fuel levels in the oil when regen processes are aborted.” Mike continued: “In addition to following the recommended oil change intervals, workshops should also introduce a premium grade oil flush additive as part of this process. Added prior to draining the existing oil, this will help to dissolve remnants of old oil and other contaminants that have become trapped in the oil system, plus it will clean the cylinder walls, piston, piston rings, valves and valve guides. The JLM Professional Engine Oil Flush takes just 15 minutes and is simply added with the engine left at idle. The old oil is then drained and replaced with fresh oil into a clean oil system. The benefits can include improved engine performance and extended component life.” For more information, visit: www.jlmlubricants.com Additional sales According to Harry Hartkorn, Head of Application Technology at LIQUI MOLY, good money can be made from a standard oil service, if marketed correctly: “A number of service packages can be put together, individually tailoring them to the vehicle, and the wishes and budget of the customer. One example of this is a performance oil change. Not only does it generate additional sales, it also upgrades the oil change to a premium service that sets the garage apart from the competition. It is made up of three components; Cleaning the oil circuit, the actual oil change and extra wear protection. Implementation is simple and takes no longer than a normal oil change. The oil circuit is cleaned with Pro-Line Engine Flush by LIQUI MOLY. The agent is added to the old oil before the oil change and the engine is left to idle for 10–15 minutes. During this time, the active ingredients dissolve deposits and dirt, which are then drained along with the old oil. The fresh oil enters a clean engine and can then achieve maximum performance. “Once the oil has been changed it is time for the third part of the Performance Oil Change, the extra wear protection. For this, a can of LIQUI MOLY Cera Tec is added to the fresh motor oil. Cera Tec is a high- tech wear-and-tear protection additive. Less friction also means less wear, and less wear reduces the need for repairs and increases the service life of the engine – a selling point that should not be neglected in times when many people don't want to replace their current car so quickly.” Restore Meanwhile, fuel issues can lead to the need for specialised lubricant products and other additives, as Lucas Oil Sales and Operations Director Dan Morgan observed: “Engine problems can often be caused by contaminated petrol, but they can also be caused by changes in driver behaviour related to the prevailing economic conditions. For example, we’ve had a prolonged period of fuel price volatility. Prices have been soaring, making more drivers more likely to run the fuel tank down to its lowest point. They are literally stirring up quite a lot of potential engine trouble. “Firstly, any dirt or contaminants in a petrol or diesel fuel tank will be more concentrated at the bottom. Running low increases the chance of disturbing the debris. Once in the fuel system, it could adversely affect the balance between the amount of fuel and air entering the engine. It will certainly compromise MPG. In addition to running problems, it leads to an increase in vibrations and if these are transmitted up and into the cabin, the overall quality of the ride is also affected. Lucas Oil recommends a product called Upper Cylinder Lubricant. It is designed to remove tar and resin deposits on injectors in both petrol and diesel engines. It will also help to restore MPG in either. It’s often used to increase a vehicle’s chances of passing an MOT emissions test. “Secondly, increased levels of ethanol in the latest E10 fuels, combined with the hygroscopic nature of ethanol itself, causes phase separation. This is initiated once ethanol is added and eventually generates two distinct layers of fluid in the tank. On top is petrol, while underneath is an ethanol/water mix. It’s this layer that promotes internal metal corrosion, but there are other internal problems that eventually compromise engine Oil formulations continue to evolve at a pace, catering to advances in engine technology ”