Aftermarket March 2023

NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2023 www.aftermarketonline.net An increase in the availability of counterfeit vehicle lubricants is being predicted, as criminals look to exploit the cost of living crisis, garages are being warned. Industry trade body the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) is urging garages to be on the look-out for fake concoctions. VLS Chairman Mike Bewsey observed: “Compared to standard formulations, counterfeit products might have fewer or even no additives at all. This can significantly affect the lubricant, resulting in poor or possibly even dangerous performance compared to genuine products. Cash-strapped motorists may also try to buy oil themselves to save money. With limited knowledge in such a technical area, they risk buying counterfeit oil online or from other unscrupulous sources, which isn’t what it purports to be.” To avoid counterfeit products, garages are being reminded to buy from reputable sources such as official distributors or motor factors, and be wary of heavily discounted or end-of-line promotions. They should also check product labels, and for authentic marks on packaging. Garages can also ask for Technical and Safety Data Sheets. For more information please visit: www.ukla-vls.org.uk Counterfeit lubricant wave warning March MOT spike to meet UK pothole epidemic Delays to MOT testing resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the sheer number of potholes appearing across the UK could lead to a very high amount of damage identified during MOT tests during March, garages are being warned. According to figures from the AA, between April 2018 and June 2021, there were over 1.5 million potholes on local roads reported to UK councils, with Northumberland, Cornwall, West Yorkshire and Northern Ireland seeing some of the highest numbers. The situation could be getting even more dire though, as Andy Davidson, National Sales Manager at Concept Garage Equipment observed: “Due to 22% of funding being cut from local road maintenance budgets during 2021/22, the pothole issue is even worse across the UK in 2023 than in previous years. We could be moving into a very challenging and busy time for MOT testing stations across the UK, as well as an expensive period for drivers.” To report a pothole, visit: www.gov.uk/report-pothole Schaeffler REPXPERT ‘Tea- break Training’ returns The Schaeffler REPXPERT team has another set of ‘Tea-break Training’ sessions coming up on Wednesday 1 March, at 12:30 and 18:30 respectively, with Future Technology the subject of discussion. Schaeffler Technical Manager Alistair Mason commented: “As the work we are doing with vehicle manufacturers at original equipment level filters down to the aftermarket, it will impact the guys servicing and repairing vehicles fitted with what we are currently calling ‘future technology’, but for us it has been years in the making.” To register for the ‘Tea-break Training’ session on Future Technology, visit: https://oeparts.typeform.com/to/LWtWkaTq For more on training, turn to pages 60-63 . Follow us on Facebook @aftermarketmagazine