DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 AFTERMARKET 53 www.aftermarketonline.net such as Ecobat Battery’s EBT 420, to ensure the new AGM/EFB battery is correctly assimilated into the vehicle’s battery management system (BMS).” For more information, visit: www.ecobatbattery.com Filters Commenting on the filter opportunity during Winter checks season, UFI Filters Sales Director UK and Ireland Karl Ridings said: “The fuel filter is a key element in the protection and continued performance of an engine. It represents a barrier against impurities and water residues that can irreparably damage the injectors, resulting in high maintenance costs. Regular replacement of the diesel filter is an essential practice to ensure the proper functioning of a vehicle engine, especially during the winter. Choosing a diesel filter with a high water separation capacity, such as those in the UFI Filters range, is essential, especially in winter. Water residue in the fuel can freeze, causing damage to the engine's injection system.” He added: “Maintenance of the diesel filter is of paramount importance, especially in winter. Its regular replacement helps to protect the engine, improve vehicle efficiency and avoid costly repairs. In addition, choosing water-separating diesel filters is a wise choice to ensure that the engine runs optimally in all conditions.” Exhausts Commenting on how the onset of winter can affect exhausts, Doug Bentley, Head of Product Development at Klarius said: “Hanging underneath a vehicle, exhausts are exposed to road conditions all year round. With the British climate, moisture is a given, but at this time of year, salt spread on the roads is the main culprit for premature exhaust corrosion. “However, spotting a corrosion damaged exhaust or mounting isn’t hard and tapping against the affected area can quickly reveal the severity of the damage. In all cases, replacing rusted exhausts and mountings with new, quality items is best. To combat rust, Klarius exhausts are produced from a special grade of durable, corrosion resistant, aluminised steel. For good measure, strong mountings kits are available for the entire range.” Looking towards catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters, and how Winter weather can affect these, Doug said: “While driving through a large flood is obviously not a great idea, even hitting a puddle too quickly can cause extensive damage to CATs and DPFs. If either is splashed with very cold water, the internal monolith can shatter due to temperature shock. Damage to either device will greatly increase emissions and necessitate an immediate replacement. While harder to visually identify, a damaged CAT or DPF will usually result in a check engine light, reduced performance or excessive smoke.” For more information, visit: www.klarius.eu Winter products Winter offers garages a range of upselling opportunities beyond direct maintenence and servicing, as Henry Bisson, Marketing Director for Ring observed: “There is usually a focus on the three B’s around the time; Bulbs, blades and batteries, but what about everything else drivers may need in winter? There are other aspects to consider when selling a battery for instance, such as a jump starter or charger to prolong its life in the future. “Batteries can be negatively impacted by the cold weather, as when the temperature drops to freezing, a battery can lose up to 35% of its power. Ring’s range of smart chargers can be left connected to a car battery without overcharging. The intelligent charger will know when a battery is fully charged and will switch to a float mode, so will only add charge again as the battery naturally discharges.” Then there are tyres: “The correct tyre pressure is incredibly important, especially in winter when road conditions are more treacherous, so should be checked regularly. To assist, Ring has a range of gauges for quick pressure checks, but if they need to be inflated, it also has a variety of tyre inflators to suit every driver’s need.” For more information, visit: www.ringautomotive.com Tips: For more information, visit www.zf.com ZF Aftermarket has offered five tips to help garages make the most of winter checks: Optimise workshop planning: Allow enough time to uncover defects Ensure transparency: Provide record via photo or video for customer Expand damage diagnosis: If looking at wheels, examine both brakes and suspension Carry out a battery test: Battery tests should be part of every winter check Market and upsell accessories: Provide option to order seasonal accessory packages
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