Top Awards news 10 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2026 Aftermarket parts specialist, DriveTec is urging garages to double-check brake fluid specifications on modern vehicles after a growing number of reservoir caps that don’t match the OE requirement have been reported by workshops. On many post-2015 vehicles, the cap still states “DOT 4” even where the system is designed for DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV). Going by the cap alone can lead to the wrong fluid being used. As a safety precaution, DriveTec is advising technicians to rely on manufacturer specifications rather than under-bonnet labelling when confirming the correct product. The shift to advanced braking systems means low-viscosity fluid is now critical to system performance. DOT 4 LV (ISO 4925 Class 6) is formulated to flow more quickly at low temperatures, supporting the rapid response needed for systems such as ABS, ESC and automatic emergency braking. Using standard DOT 4 in systems calibrated for low-viscosity fluid can slow system response and weaken brake intervention when it’s needed most, particularly in colder conditions or high-demand braking events. News Study highlights ongoing hesitation around EV adoption A survey carried out by Bridgestone has revealed that more than one in four UK motorists insist they have no intention of making the switch to an electric vehicle. New consumer research commissioned by Bridgestone has found that 26% of motorists say they will never buy an electric vehicle (EV), up significantly from 17% in 2025 and marking a return to levels seen in 2024. Meanwhile, just 16% plan to purchase an electric vehicle within the next 12 months. The findings suggest that despite the increasing presence of EVs on UK roads, many of the concerns that have surrounded electric motoring for years remain firmly entrenched. Battery longevity and replacement costs continue to top the list of worries, cited by 55% of respondents. Half of motorists are concerned about the cost of charging an EV, while 44% remain worried about vehicle range and the initial purchase price. Charging infrastructure also continues to be a sticking point, with 43% believing there are still not enough charging points available. In addition, 41% expressed concerns about the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle. Despite the hesitancy, the longerterm outlook remains more positive, with more than half (53%) of motorists saying they expect to buy an EV within the next five years, while a further 7% remain undecided. Don’t trust the reservoir FDS IRU EUDNH ᎯXLG VSHF 4XLFN Ꭾ[HVଉ The average garage has around £6,000 tied up in unpaid invoices at any one time, according to Klipboard. SELECT Automotive has introduced a comprehensive 12-month warranty across its entire product range. The Eurorepar Car Service network has set a target of achieving 1,000 members by 2031. GSF has opened a new branch in Fareham. The Motor Ombudsman has opened a new hub in Liverpool, Merseyside. Kwik Fit has discovered that one in eleven drivers admit to telling their partner or family that they had checked the car before setting off on holiday, even though they hadn’t. Jayar Car Parts has opened new branches in Warminster, Wiltshire, Brackley in Northamptonshire, and Spalding, Lincolnshire. BookMyGarage’s Ollie Sanderson has raised just under £2,500 for automotive charity Ben through a 1,123-mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Servicesure has reached 500 independent garage members in England and Wales. Cataclean has expanded its Liverpool headquarters by acquiring an additional 11,836 ft². facility.
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