The voice of the independent garage sector October 2026 www.aftermarketonline.net 6 Top Awards Top Awards glory is within reach 12 50 Spotlight The Aftermarket Quiz What really makes driving a thrill Are you an Aftermarket Troubleshooter? Original MANN-FILTER in 100% OE Quality! MANN-FILTER – Perfect parts. Perfect service. www.mann-filter.com MANN-FILTER, the premium filter brand of the automotive aftermarket, offers innovative solutions to new, challenging filtration demands. As original equipment or yellow-green boxed, whether for passenger cars, commercial vehicles or off-highway applications: Original MANN-FILTER products in OE quality are trusted around the world. Always choose Original MANN-FILTER in 100% OE quality! From the first mile to the last. MANN-FILTER – for first fit and the automotive aftermarket.
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Editor’s comment 3 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2025 Editor Chris Callander chris@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 671123 Head of Sales Angela Lyus angela@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 7823 736 629 Managing Director Ryan Fuller ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Marketing Manager Hope Jepson hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Production Design Anthony Wiffen production@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 7851 612799 Finance Department accounts@dfamedia.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Published by DFA Media Group 192 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE +44 (0)1732 370340 ISSN 2516-9149 Aftermarket is published 10 times a year and is sent free of charge to applicants meeting the publisher’s criteria. All others may subscribe at £60 per anum, £120 Europe and £150 rest of the world. While every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions, no matter how caused. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright: DFA Aftermarket Media Ltd 2026. Average net circulation July 2024 to June 2025 22,797 The unintended cost of a higher MOT fee I found an interesting perspective on the MOT pricing debate last week when I took my own car in for its annual test. My local garage was booked up, thanks in part to the demand hike in September, so I had to find an alternative. The garage I was able to secure a slot with discounted its MOT fee to £40; it was the first time I had used a garage that charged below the statutory maximum. Thankfully, my car sailed through, advisory-free, despite suggestions that some discounters make up the difference through additional work, and so when I picked it up I wanted to see what the owner’s view was on the pricing debate. He wasn’t interested in seeing an increase and was happy with charging what he did. To give some context, it was a good-sized independent with around 12 bays. The MOT work accounts for approximately 10% of the business’s turnover, and they are planning to add another MOT bay in the future, as they can accommodate more work. The garage is on the outskirts of a city, so it has local competition, unlike some more rural MOT stations. In fact, another unit offered MOTs just a few doors down. That was the owner’s main reason for offering a reduced price, he told me, to be competitive. But he said he made it work. He was happy with how he was operating; it was profitable, and he said he was happy for it to continue as it was. But it was his reason for thinking a fee increase might not be the silver bullet it is sometimes made out to be that really caught my attention. It raised an unintended consequence I hadn’t heard before. He’s convinced that if there is a hike in the fee, then it will be exploited by other retail businesses. His example was that one of the supermarket giants could open MOT centres and offer £40 food vouchers with every £80 MOT, something the independent MOT businesses simply wouldn’t be able to compete with. Is that likely to happen? I really don’t know. But supermarkets have a history of diversifying into everything from mobile phones to banking, so perhaps it isn’t such a huge stretch. Either way, it was a useful reminder that changing the MOT fee could have consequences beyond simply putting more money into the pockets of MOT stations. Like most things in this industry, the apparently simple solution might not be quite so simple after all. Chris Callander Editor
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News Top Awards glory is within reach 6 Two ways to support Ben this Christmas 8 NEW – Quick fixes 10 Spotlight What really makes driving a thrill? 12 Opinion Could manufacturer lobbying further 13 extend the life of the ICE aftermarket? Business Maximising the apprenticeship levy 16 Technical Diagnostic Doctor tackles a heater matrix fault 18 Testing with purpose, not guesswork 20 In focus Products 24 Rotating electrics 26 Lighting 32 ADAS 34 Batteries & chargers 38 Diagnostics 44 Plus On the move 49 The new Aftermarket Quiz 50 Contents Subscribe to 8 12 34 42 50
Top Awards news 6 For the technicians still in the running to be crowned Top Technician 2026, the next stop is the semi-final on 3 October at the Delphi Training Academy in Warwick. Reaching this point is an achievement in itself. The competition is designed to test entrants against some of the best people in the trade, and this year’s final ten have already come through several rounds to earn their place. So, congratulations to the 2026 Top Technician semi-finalists: Gary Brown (Arnold Clark), Brian Franklin (Franklin’s Autos Ltd), John Fountain, John Hall (John Hall Auto Electrician), David Harris, Nathan Jacobs (Snows Kia), James Leach (Diagnostic Specialists Wiltshire), Bryan Swales (Bryan Swales Auto Repairs), Kristopher Williams (Fords of Winsford), and Gordon Wright (Lamborghini). There won’t be much time for them to enjoy the achievement before the next challenge begins. At the semi-final, each technician will tackle five 20-minute live fault-finding tasks designed to test diagnostic ability, technical knowledge and the ability to keep thinking when the pressure is on. And they shouldn’t expect the everyday faults they see coming through the workshop door. The challenges are deliberately unpredictable, giving the judges the opportunity to see how competitors adapt, make decisions and work through problems that may take them outside their usual experience. Good luck to all ten. Getting this far already puts you among some excellent company – now it’s time to see who can make that final step. A fitting place to put skills to the test The semi-finals take place at the same venue that will host the 2026 Top Awards Finals on Saturday 14 November: the Delphi Training Academy in Warwick. Delphi has supported the competition with its venue, vehicles and judges since 2022, and the Academy is well suited to putting technicians through their paces. It offers more than 9,000sq ft of training space, with more than 15 modern vehicles covering a range of powertrains and systems, seven vehicle lifts, diagnostic equipment, tooling and tyre-fitting facilities. Aliya Lam, Country Director UK at PHINIA, said the Academy’s focus on practical learning makes hosting the competition particularly appropriate. “Hosting the Top Awards finals at the Delphi Training Academy is a real privilege for us,” said Aliya. “The competition represents everything we believe in at Delphi – technical excellence, continuous learning and giving technicians the opportunity to demonstrate what they can achieve.” Those who make it through the semifinal will return to the Delphi Training Academy in November, when the Top Technician finalists face a series of 50-minute live fault-finding challenges. Top Apprentice finalists will also tackle practical challenges, while the Top Garage finalists will present their businesses to an expert judging panel. The finalists in these two categories are due to be confirmed shortly. We’ll introduce the full line-up in the next Top Awards glory is within reach The finishing line is getting closer for the 2026 Aftermarket Top Awards, and after months of questions, assessments and challenges, the competition is getting serious.
Top Awards news 7 For peace of mind always use a Garage Equipment Association member. GEA accredited engineers work to an industry code of conduct. Your assurance their skills and knowledge have been independently assessed. IS YOUR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER GEA ACCREDITED? Ask your engineer for his accreditation card ! The Upholders of Industry standards since 1945 The Garage Equipment Association www.gea.co.uk GEA ACCREDITED ENGINEER Name Company Discipline Exp Date ID Number XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 issue of Aftermarket, alongside our full preview of finals day. Come and see it for yourself This year you don’t need to be a finalist, judge or sponsor to experience the competition’s finals. For the first time, the Top Awards Finals are being opened to the wider aftermarket. Garage owners, technicians, apprentices and anyone else working in the trade are invited to come along and see what happens when some of the best people in the industry are put to the test. If you’ve ever wondered what Top Technician is actually like – or thought you might fancy having a go yourself – this is your chance to find out. But the day isn’t just about standing around watching other people work. A host of Top Awards partners will be at the finals showcasing products, equipment and technology and talking to visitors. The 2026 competition is supported by industry partners including Snap-on, TOPDON UK, VARTA, Delphi, JLM Liquid Tools, Garage Hive, OMODA & JAECOO, HELLA, Hofmann Megaplan UK, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Mechanic Mindset, Garage Services Online, Castrol and The Race Group. There should be plenty of opportunity to talk shop, pick up some ideas and catch up with other people from across the trade. Breakfast is on HELLA Don’t worry if you arrive hungry. Ben’s Big Breakfast will be at the finals, sponsored by HELLA and served from a bright yellow American school bus provided by Yellow Bus Catering. HELLA is funding the first 250 meals, with visitors encouraged to make a donation to automotive charity Ben. As well as grabbing some food, visitors will be able to find out more about the health and wellbeing support Ben provides for people working throughout the automotive industry. And then there were winners… Once the tools are down and the judging is complete, attention moves to the DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry for the Top Awards Gala Dinner. That’s when we’ll discover who has done enough to take home the 2026 titles, with the winners of Top Technician, Top Garage, Top Apprentice, the Service Advisor Award and the Ben Health & Wellbeing Award all revealed during the evening. Whether you’re supporting somebody competing this year, thinking about putting yourself forward in 2027, or simply fancy spending a day with other people who care about doing the job well, we’d encourage you to come along. We’ll have the full finalist line-up, news from the Top Technician semifinal and our complete Finals preview in the next issue of Aftermarket. In the meantime, for more details on the competition, the finals day, and how to book tickets for the gala dinner, follow the link below. aftermarketonline.net/toptechniciantopgarage
News 8 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 More than eight in ten UK drivers trust the repair recommendations made by their garage, with new research highlighting the importance of clear explanations and upfront costs. A survey of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by Tempcover, found 83% trusted the recommendation made during their most recent garage visit. Long-standing relationships were particularly important, with 54% of those motorists saying they had used the same garage for years. Transparency also played a significant role, with 44% saying an upfront breakdown of costs helped build confidence and 42% valuing a clear explanation of the fault. Only 5% doubted their garage’s recommendation. Among this group, 46% worried about being overcharged because they lacked the technical knowledge to judge the work themselves, while 17% said the explanation they received was too technical to follow. Cost surprises are another potential issue. Although 78% said their latest bill matched the original quote, a quarter had experienced unexpected costs on previous garage visits, underlining the value of agreeing additional work before continuing. The findings also suggest garages do not necessarily need to compete primarily on price. Reliability and getting the job fixed correctly was the biggest priority for 42% of drivers, compared with 19% who put cost first. For garage owners, the message is straightforward: fix the vehicle properly, explain what’s needed in language the customer understands, be clear about costs and keep them informed if the job changes. Those basics can play an important part in building the longterm loyalty that the research suggests remains central to customer trust. Driver survey highlights what builds garage trust Two ways to support Ben this Christmas Automotive industry charity Ben is encouraging garages and businesses to support its work this Christmas through two festive fundraising activities – taking part in Christmas Jumper Day or buying the charity’s Christmas cards and gifts. Ben’s Christmas Jumper Day takes place on Friday 11 December, although businesses, teams and individuals can choose any day during the month. Garages can sign up, encourage their teams to wear a festive jumper and donate £3 per person. Alternatively, workshops can support Ben by buying its charity Christmas cards to send to customers, suppliers, colleagues, friends or family. Ben has produced Christmas cards featuring the motoring artwork of automotive artist Richard Wheatland for 37 years. This year’s collection includes seven designs, including a new illustration, Winter Service, alongside six previous designs. A range of Christmas gifts is also available. Money raised through both activities will help Ben provide practical, emotional and financial support to people working, or who have worked, in the automotive industry and their families. The charity says demand for its services has increased this year. Between April and June, it recorded 3,463 helpline touchpoints, up 8% year-on-year, while the number of support interventions increased 24% to 2,050. With winter bringing additional pressure from household bills and Christmas spending, Ben is encouraging the automotive community to help it continue supporting people experiencing financial, health and wellbeing difficulties. To support Ben this Christmas, garages can take part in Christmas Jumper Day and donate £3 per person (tinyurl.com/5t4vjc6p), or buy Ben’s Christmas cards and gifts (tinyurl.com/yn38ntaw). Anyone working, or who has previously worked, in the UK automotive industry who needs support can contact Ben’s free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333 or use its online webchat.
News 9 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 Niterra renews its partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP Niterra has renewed and expanded its long-standing technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP through a new multi-year agreement, marking a new chapter in a collaboration that has spanned 30 years. For the first time, NTK oxygen sensors will join NGK spark plugs as part of the technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP in Formula 1. As part of the expanded agreement, Niterra has also become an official partner of Ferrari Hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), where the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans represents one of motorsport’s toughest competitive events. The partnership builds on a relationship that began in 1996, and Niterra says it reflects the shared commitment of both companies to technical excellence, innovation and performance. “Extending our partnership with Ferrari and supporting both its Formula 1 and Hypercar programmes underscores our shared commitment to innovation, performance and technical excellence”, said Damien Germès, President & CEO of Niterra EMEA GmbH. “This collaboration accelerates the transfer of technology from the racetrack to the road, delivering tangible benefits to our customers while strengthening the global visibility of our brands.” SBxPRO has been developed specifically for professional workshop environments, with the initial range covering products technicians use regularly, including direct-fit wiper blades and maintenance sprays such as brake cleaner, instant gasket sealant and EGR valve cleaner. Simply Brands says the launch is the first stage in the development of SBxPRO, with further products set to be added to the range. Two SBxPRO jackets are up for grabs, with two winners each receiving one jacket. To enter, simply answer the following question: Which of these products forms part of the initial SBxPRO range? A) Brake cleaner B) Brake discs C) Shock absorbers Email your answer, along with your name and contact details, to competitions@aftermarket.co.uk, using ‘SBxPRO Competition’ as the subject line. Entries close on 31 October 2026. Two winners will be selected after the closing date and notified by email. Win an SBxPRO jacket To mark the launch of its new SBxPRO range for trade professionals, Simply Brands has teamed up with Aftermarket to give two readers the chance to win an SBxPRO branded jacket. Damien Germès (right), President & CEO of Niterra EMEA, and Lorenzo Giorgetti, Chief Racing Revenue Officer at Ferrari.
News 10 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 4XLFN Ꭾ[HVଉ The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has confirmed that Allianz returns as the headline sponsor of the British Independent Garage Awards for 2027. The AA has revealed that deer strikes cost businesses almost £350,000 in damages in 2025. Halfords Group has become one of the latest organisations to become members of The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) GSF’s 14th new branch of 2026 has opened in Blackpool Technology Park in Bispham, Lancashire. NAPA Racing raised over £32,000 for Race Against Dementia at the Knockhill BTCC weekend in early August. Servicesure has expanded into Northern Ireland, welcoming Auto Pro Services in Craigavon as its first member. Alliance Automotive Group UK & Ireland (AAG) has acquired the Irish online retailer of car parts and accessories MicksGarage.com. Over 80% of UK motorists want new drivers to demonstrate basic tyre knowledge when learning to drive according to Bridgestone. Castrol become Chinese vehicle company Chery’s recommended aftersales engine oil and ancillary products partner across Europe. Delphi has become an Associated Partner of Brake as part of its commitment to raising awareness of braking safety *6) ODXQFKHV+RW6WUHDN ZLWK e PLOOLRQ SUL]H SRW Schaeffler is to bring its LuK, INA and FAG aftermarket brands under a more unified Schaeffler identity, with a phased global rollout beginning in the second quarter of 2027. The change will see Schaeffler become the main brand across packaging, advertising, brochures, digital materials and point-of-sale communications. However, the familiar LuK, INA and FAG names and logos will continue to be used as supporting brands. FAG will be the first to make the transition, with new packaging appearing from Q2 2027. Schaeffler says the FAG name will remain visible on the packaging to help maintain recognition during the changeover. Importantly for workshops and factors, the move does not mean changes to the products themselves. Schaeffler says product quality, specifications and part numbers will remain unchanged, along with existing business processes and online catalogues. LuK, INA and FAG branding will also continue to appear on the components. Maik Losleben, Head of Repair and Maintenance Solutions at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions, said the single-brand approach would simplify decision making for installers while retaining the recognition built up by LuK, INA and FAG. The company will also introduce common global product naming standards as part of the transition, with training and customer information planned ahead of each stage of the rollout. 6FKDHᎱHU EULQJV DIWHUPDUNHW EUDQGV XQGHU RQH LGHQWLW\ GSF Car Parts has unveiled a huge line-up of rewards as its “Hot Streak” trade promotion returns. The prize pot is valued at £3 million, and customers can earn a range of rewards, including the latest tech. In addition, one lucky GSF customer will win the keys to a brand-new Range Rover Sport S. Running for ten weeks from 14th September to 21st November, each participating customer will have the chance to earn a choice of rewards including large-screen TVs, the latest game consoles, flagship smartphones, coffee machines and premium headphones and all items will be delivered before Christmas. Customers who regularly achieve their target will automatically be entered into the prize draw for the Range Rover Sport S. Featuring a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, the latest technology and premium materials. Hot Streak is open to all independent garages with a GSF trade account. To be included in the promotion, garages can register now via the GSF TradeHub (https://trade.gsfcarparts.com/ hotstreak) or contact their nearest branch for more information.
11 One access. Eight brands. All in one place. The new erWin went live in the UK in August. Here is what independent workshops need to know — and what to sort out before their current licences run out. Workshops servicing Volkswagen Group vehicles have spent years moving between separate erWin sites, separate logins and separate licences, one set for each brand. That has changed. Since 20 August 2026 the new erWin has been live in the UK: one central portal, one shop, one login. What the new erWin is erWin is the official Volkswagen Group online portal for repair, maintenance and diagnostic information. It is operated by Volkswagen Group Info Services AG and brings the previously brand-specific erWin solutions together into a single point of access. Eight brands are covered: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda, SEAT, Cupra, Audi and Bentley, plus diagnostic information for Lamborghini. From the portal, licensed users are guided into the connected professional systems of each brand, where the technical work is carried out. Licences run from one hour to 365 days and are brand- and topic-specific: an annual SEAT licence can sit alongside an hourly Škoda licence for the car that comes through the door once a month. You buy only the access the job in front of you needs. Two categories are live today: repair and maintenance, and diagnostics with the ODIS diagnostic software. Training is marked coming soon — for now, training data runs through your importer. What changes for your business The practical difference is administration. Your company registers once for a One Business ID account, and your company profile and users are then managed centrally in that single account. Licences are bought for the company rather than the individual and are valid company-wide. Several employees can work at the same time, each under their own licence, and one overview shows everything active across every brand. For workshop groups and multi-site operators, that replaces a set of separate brand logins with a single account. What you need to do Register your company at erwin.vwgroupdatahub.com — ‘Log in’, top right. Twofactor authentication runs through an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or FreeOTP. Verification by SMS is not supported. Have your company details to hand: companies based outside Germany go through a verification process as part of registration. It runs in the background, so you can register, transfer your annual licences and buy new ones while the verification is still under way. Your existing erWin stays available until 31 December 2026. Licences bought there can be used until they expire and annual licences can be transferred across, but new licences can only be purchased in the new portal. One point is worth sorting out early. For ODIS diagnostic licences the working context is still mandatory — but you now store it once under My erWin > My profile instead of entering it with every purchase. If you already work with ODIS, nothing has to be applied for: the number is on your Group Retail Portal account, top left, and reads like GBR12345V — country code, five-digit dealer number, brand letter. You hold one per brand; without a dealer number, ask your importer. Install ODIS before you buy: the licence period starts the moment you purchase. Where to find the detail ● Transition information, rollout dates and FAQs: drivesomethinggreater. com/erwininfo/transition ● Registration and licence shop: erwin. vwgroup-datahub.com ● erWin support: contact form on the portal, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Berlin time) One access. Eight brands. All in one place. The new erWin. Advertisement feature
Spotlight 12 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 What really makes driving a thrill? Castrol has published the findings of a study looking at what actually makes driving exciting – and the results suggest it has much more to do with being focused and in control than simply going fast. Working with UK neuroscience company Brainbox, Castrol put drivers through five very different experiences at the PalmerSport facility in Bedfordshire. While they were behind the wheel, or, in one test, sitting in the passenger seat, equipment monitored their brain activity, heart rate, skin response and eye movements. The driving ranged from tackling an off-road course in a Land Rover Defender and driving single-seat karts to getting behind the wheel of a McLaren Artura GT4 race car. Participants also drove a JP-LM race car, a Le Mans-style opencockpit two-seater sports prototype, before experiencing a high-speed run in the passenger seat with a professional driver in control. What the researchers found was that the thrill of driving appears to come from three things working together: physical stimulation, how mentally engaged the driver is and their emotional response to what is happening. Get that combination right, and the driver can enter what researchers call a ‘flow state’, essentially that feeling of being completely absorbed in the drive, highly focused on what is happening and confident that everything remains under control. Perhaps unsurprisingly, driving the McLaren Artura GT4 produced the strongest overall response. Brain and body activity increased, but at the same time the drivers showed strong signs of concentration and control. The eye-tracking results were particularly interesting. When driving the McLaren, participants averaged 70 ‘apex-lock’ fixations per minute as they concentrated on the racing line. Their blink rate also dropped to just 2.5 times per minute, compared with a typical resting rate of around 15 to 20. But the research also showed that speed isn’t necessarily what makes driving exciting. The karting session produced strong signs of engagement despite the much lower speeds involved, while even the slow off-road course generated a positive response. The difference became clearer when the participants swapped the driver’s seat for the passenger seat. During the high-speed JP-LM passenger run, the monitoring equipment picked up signs more closely associated with stress and anxiety than enjoyment. Instead of the concentrated gaze seen when participants were driving the McLaren, their eye movements became much more reactive. Blink rates increased to around 40 per minute and researchers recorded 190 separate eye fixations while the car was cornering. Heart rate didn’t tell the whole story either. Both fear and excitement can send it upwards, so researchers looked at the different measurements together to work out whether a participant was enjoying the experience or becoming overwhelmed by it. Dan Phillips, Co-founder and Director at Brainbox, said no single measurement defines the thrill of driving. Instead, it appears when physical arousal combines with mental and emotional involvement while the driver still feels in control. For anyone who enjoys driving, the overall conclusion probably won’t come as too much of a surprise. A fast car can certainly help get the heart going, but speed by itself isn’t enough. A twisting road, a kart track or even a challenging off-road course can provide plenty of involvement when the driver has something to concentrate on and feels connected with what the vehicle is doing.
Business 13 Could manufacturer lobbying further extend the life of the ICE aftermarket? BM Catalysts believes that as the automotive industry transitions towards zero-emission vehicles, growing calls from manufacturers for greater flexibility could have implications extending well beyond the new car market. Recently, big-name manufacturers have written to the government in a bid to action a relaxation in the ZEV mandate that would allow highly efficient internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, plug-in hybrids, range extenders and combustion engines utilising green steel and sustainable fuels beyond the 2025 deadline. While the debate around the future of ICE vehicles is primarily focused on vehicle production and new car sales, the potential knock-on effect of these changes to the automotive aftermarket is something worth noting. If manufacturers, and indeed the industry in general, succeed in securing greater flexibility around the transition, it could mean that combustion engine technologies remain part of the new vehicle market for much longer than currently forecast. In turn, this would expand the lifespan and commercial relevance of the ICE vehicle parc, creating demand for the components and expertise required to maintain these vehicles. Millions of petrol and diesel vehicles are already on European roads, and their presence will continue long after the sales of new ICE vehicles eventually decline. If hybrid, plug-in and range extender technologies remain a part of the new vehicle mix beyond 2035, the distinction between ICE and EV could become even less straightforward. Supporting ICE technologies For emissions specialists BM Catalysts, this reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in combustion engine technologies while preparing for the shift in the vehicle car parc. Mark Blinston, Commercial Director at BM Catalysts, said: “Even if the transition towards zero emissions accelerates, the existing ICE vehicle parc will require maintenance and replacement components for many years. If manufacturers are successful in securing a role for highly efficient combustion engines, hybrids and range extender technologies beyond 2035, that aftermarket lifespan increases significantly.” Modern petrol and diesel vehicles rely on increasingly sophisticated emissions control systems, with CATs, DPFs, GPFs and other components working alongside complex engine management systems to meet increasingly stringent emissions requirements. As vehicles remain in service longer, demand for correctly specified, durable, and compliant replacement components will remain critical. For the aftermarket, this creates opportunity but also a responsibility to maintain investment in product development and vehicle coverage. The potential evolution of the ZEV mandate raises an important question for the aftermarket: will a longer transition to zero emissions mean the industry supports the ICE vehicle parc longer too? For BM Catalysts, the priority is ensuring the aftermarket is prepared for whichever direction the vehicle parc takes, supporting the millions of combustion-engine vehicles already on the road, while continuing to develop the products and expertise required for an increasingly diverse automotive landscape. bmcats.com/news
Opinion 14 EV and hybrid servicing gap could define aftermarket winners and losers The UK aftermarket is approaching a tipping point, as the rapid growth of hybrid and electric vehicles begins to reshape what it takes to run a successful workshop. According to MAHLE, the shift is not just about new vehicle technologies, it’s about a complete rethink of skills, equipment and service capability, with those failing to adapt at risk of being left behind. The traditional workshop model, built around mechanical repair, is giving way to a far more complex environment centred on diagnostics, software and high-voltage systems. The industry has already moved from purely mechanical work to on-board diagnostics (OBD) and high-voltage technology, a shift that is only accelerating as vehicle technology continues to evolve. This transformation is being driven by the rapid expansion of the hybrid and EV parc. While electric vehicles are often perceived as requiring less maintenance, the long-term servicing picture tells a different story. By 2030, there are expected to be 34 million high-voltage batteries in operation across Europe, with around 1.3 million requiring annual maintenance. With battery lifespans typically stretching between 10 and 14 years, the independent aftermarket is set to inherit a significant share of this work as vehicles move out of warranty. Opportunities and challenges For workshops, this creates both an opportunity and a challenge. Battery diagnostics is fast becoming a core service area, enabling technicians to assess battery condition and performance, and even predict remaining lifespan. At the same time, thermal management is emerging as one of the most critical, and potentially lucrative, areas of service in hybrid and electric vehicles. As electrification increases, so too does the demand for sophisticated cooling systems to manage batteries, power electronics and drivetrains. Both rising customer comfort expectations and the technical demands of modern vehicles are driving a significant increase in cooling requirements. This opens the door for workshops to expand into new service areas, from battery cooling system maintenance to advanced air conditioning and heat pump servicing. While, beyond powertrain and thermal systems, the growing complexity of modern vehicles is also driving demand for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibrations. However, unlocking these opportunities requires investment, not just in equipment, but in people. The modern technician is evolving into a high-voltage, IT-literate specialist, with formal qualifications now essential for working safely on hybrid and EV systems. Structured certification levels for high-voltage work reflect the increasing complexity and safety considerations involved. Andy Lees, Head of Western Europe at MAHLE Aftermarket UK, said: “The workshop of the future is already here, but there’s still a gap between where some workshops are today and where they need to be. Electrification isn’t something that’s coming, it’s already in the workshop. The businesses that invest in training, equipment and service capability today will be the ones that benefit as EV and hybrid demand continues to grow.” That investment extends to the workshop environment itself. Electrification is driving new requirements around infrastructure, tooling and safety, from insulated tools and personal protective equipment to EV-compatible lifting platforms and dedicated highvoltage work areas. So e-mobility must now be considered in every equipment decision. Digitalisation Alongside these technical changes, digitalisation is reshaping how workshops operate and interact with customers. Paperless processes, automated vehicle
Opinion 15 Protecting you and your workshop Verification of Lubricant Specifications is an independent trade body here to protect you by investigating performance claims made on lubricant products so that you and your customers can be assured that the oils you use are what they say and can do what is claimed. If you have concerns about a lubricant, report them to us at 01442 875922 or admin@ukla-vls.org.uk check-in systems and real-time data sharing are becoming increasingly common, improving efficiency while enhancing transparency. Digital inspections, video health checks and integrated diagnostics are not only streamlining operations but also helping workshops identify additional work and increase revenue opportunities. Importantly, while some traditional service areas may decline, they are being replaced by higher-value, more technical work. EV servicing can command higher labour rates, reflecting the level of expertise required and the investment needed to support it. In this sense, the transition to electrification is not reducing opportunity; it is redefining it. For the aftermarket, the message is clear. The workshop of the future will not be defined by a single piece of equipment or capability, but by the ability to deliver a complete service solution, combining diagnostics, tools and technical support into a seamless offering. As Andy concluded: “Workshops don’t need to do everything overnight, but they do need a plan. The shift to hybrid and EV servicing is only going in one direction, and those who take steps now will be in the strongest position to grow as the market evolves.” With the pace of change showing no signs of slowing, the gap between early adopters and those yet to act is set to widen, making the decisions workshops take today critical to their long-term success. www.mahle-aftermarket.com/eu/en
Business 16 Maximising the apprenticeship levy The IMI demystifies post-reform apprenticeship levy funding to help businesses bring new talent into the workforce F or many job roles across automotive – both technical and non-technical – apprenticeships have been an established and reliable route for employers to future-proof their business. And the Apprenticeship Levy has played a critical role in enabling organisations to tap into this important talent pipeline, providing funding support. However, on 1st August 2026, there was a shift in how the Levy could be accessed. With the skills gap continuing to be a major issue for the sector, the IMI believes it is vital that employers of all sizes understand how to get the most out of the new levy funding mechanism. This will mean clear career pathways can be offered so that the next generation sees the industry as a modern, technology-driven and futurefacing place to build their future. Who pays into the levy – and who benefits? The levy applies to any employer with an annual wage bill over £3 million and is collected monthly through PAYE at 0.5% of the total annual wage bill. Whilst most SMEs in the automotive aftermarket, including independent garages and bodyshops, do not have to pay the levy, they can still benefit from it and receive funding to cover training and assessment costs. For those contributing to the levy, the oldest funds in their levy account are spent first and, crucially, will expire if not used within 24 months for funds added up to 31 July 2026 and 12 months for funds added after this date. And that means unused levy contributions are quietly lost on a rolling monthly basis if there’s no active spending plan. But the good news is that levy-paying businesses can transfer up to 50% to another business if it will not be spent before expiring. And that means funds can be transferred to any other employer, not just connected companies, and is often used to support franchises or supply chain partners, for example. The government’s Levy-Transfer Matching (LTM) service connects levy-payers who have unused funds with other employers seeking additional support, to facilitate levy transfers. The reality is, though, that many large levy-paying automotive employers, including main dealer groups, OEMowned retail networks, and large fleet or leasing firms, let funds expire unused. For these businesses that do not need the full funding, this money is simply
Business 17 wasted when it could be put to good use supporting smaller businesses in the industry who are urgently seeking to grow and develop their workforce. Changing this pattern and ensuring this wasted funding is utilised where it is needed could significantly change the trajectory of automotive skills gaps in the coming years. Key changes to the levy The Autumn Budget (November 2025) confirmed three changes taking effect for new funds/starts from 1 August 2026: O Fund expiry – previously, funds expired after 24 months; this is now cut to just 12 months O Government top-up – the government used to add 10% on top of all levy payments; new funds will no longer be topped up O Co-investment (levy exhausted) – previously, employers were required to pay just 5% of training fees where levy funds were shared – they are now required to pay 25% O Non-levy employers – previously, smaller employers paid 5% of training fees for apprentices of any age. Now training for apprentices aged 16-24 is fully funded by the government, providing significant support for smaller businesses and school leavers alike O From October 2026 – non-levy-paying SMEs will be able to claim a £2,000 cash hiring grant per new apprentice aged 16–24 on top of the fully funded training costs, further supporting smaller employers. The changes to co-investment are set to impact larger employers significantly. For example, an employer in the £9,000 funding band with an apprenticeship starting up to 31 July 2026 would pay just £450 towards training costs, whereas a business with an apprenticeship starting from August onwards will pay £2,250 – a five-fold increase. How to maximise post-reform levy funding The IMI has a simple checklist for employers looking to hire an apprentice. It’s also worth keeping a note of this practical guidance on how to make the most of the available levy funding: O Never forget the 12-month expiry date – funding should be carefully allocated and spent within 12 months, or it will be lost without warning O Transfer unused funds to support smaller partners – don’t let the money go to waste when it could make a real difference to a small business and bring new talent into the sector O Make the most of fully funded training – non-levy-paying employers don’t need to pay a penny of the training and assessment costs for apprentices from now on, just the apprentices’ wages O Apply for the hiring grant – launching this October, the £2,000 hiring grant could help smaller businesses tap into the multitude of benefits of apprenticeships more easily tinyurl.com/IMIlevy Levy-paying businesses can transfer up to 50% to another business if it will not be spent before expiring
Diagnostic Doctor www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 The Diagnostic Doctor tackles a heater matrix fault This month, the Doctor faces a heater matrix fault with an underlying cause that may easily have been missed. If you have a diagnostic dilemma for the Diagnostic Doctor to explore, head over to the Aftermarket website at tinyurl.com/DDoc1026 where you can share the details. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and symptoms do not always point directly to the root cause of an issue. Many faults can be misleading, influenced by servicing or assembly or related to known design or operational factors. Fast-Track Troubleshooter, available on supported Snap-on diagnostic platforms with current software, combines OEM information with experience-based repair knowledge to help technicians identify known fault patterns and make more informed diagnostic decisions. That is exactly what helped uncover the root cause in this case. The owner of a 2012 SEAT Leon 1.6L diesel complained of no hot air from the car’s heater system, and that the blower motor was also inoperative. A pre scan revealed DTC B10BE 13 (Fresh Air Blower, Front – Open Circuit). The glovebox and lower trim were removed to access the blower motor. However, a visual inspection of the motor and wiring showed no obvious faults. Power, ground, and continuity were then checked and found to be correct. So, the blower motor was removed for further testing, and with direct power and ground applied, the motor remained inoperative, confirming failure. The blower motor was replaced, and the rheostat was transferred from the original unit. A new pollen filter was also installed. After clearing the codes, the system was brought up to operating temperature and tested; heating performance initially returned to normal. However, a visual inspection of
Diagnostic Doctor www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 the coolant revealed significant contamination. On these vehicles, a silicate bag within the expansion tank is designed to prolong coolant life, but it is a known issue for the bag to burst, allowing debris to circulate and block the heater matrix. This was highlighted within the Troubleshooter Tips in my Snap-on diagnostic tool, and further inspection confirmed the heater matrix was restricted and required replacement. By applying simple diagnostic checks, such as comparing inlet and outlet temperatures, restriction can be confirmed quickly without LIQUID TOOLS FOR PROFESSIONALS www.jlmlubricants.co.uk DISCOVER THE POWER OF JLM LUBRICANTS. ;&1;* (1*&3.3, 7JRT[JX HFWGTS GFXJI IJUTXNYX YMFY FHHZRZQFYJ NS YMJ HTRGZXYNTS HMFRGJW FSI GJMNSI YMJ [FQ[JX INTAKE CLEANER & MNLM UJWKTWRFSHJ XTQ[JSY KWJJ HQJFSJW YMFY YFWLJYX FSI WJRT[JX HFWGTS IJUTXNYX TNQ WJXNIZJ FSI XTTY .RUWT[NSL JSLNSJ JKąHNJSH^ FSI J]YJSINSL JSLNSJ QNKJ. ^ ÈģèÎģĊÈģ out more. NEW! Everyone wants to get what they paid for. Aftermarket is independently verified by ABC, because we want our advertisers to know they’re getting the exposure they’ve been promised. 17,274 Average Circulation per issue, July 22 - June 23. ABC. See it. Believe it. Trust it. BE WISE WHEN YOU ADVERTISE www.abc.org.uk To advertise call Angela Lyus on 01732 370340 or email angela@aftermarket.co.uk Ad - Be Wise when you advertise - House Ad (90x129).indd 1 24/06/2024 10:55:14 22,797 Average Circulation per issue, July 2024 to June 2025 unnecessary disassembly. A common mistake in this situation is to replace the heater matrix without addressing the underlying contamination. If the system is not thoroughly flushed, debris can remain, and the fault can return. To prevent repeat issues: O Ensure the cooling system is fully f lushed O Inspect or remove the silicate bag O Replace the expansion tank where required O Use the correct coolant specification Modern diagnostics is no longer just about testing components; it is about understanding how systems behave in real-world conditions. In this case, the Troubleshooter Tips provided clear visual guidance for this issue, something that can help technicians quickly identify the root cause and avoid unnecessary repeat repairs. 19
Technical 20 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 Execute diagnostic plan: Testing with purpose, not guesswork In the latest article in our series from Darren Quinn of Mechanic Mindset, we explore the third stage in the ‘FIXDIT’ diagnostic framework: eXecute Diagnostic Plan. Other articles in the series can be found on the Aftermarket Magazine website at tinyurl.com/AM-FIXDIT as they are published. In the previous articles, we gathered the evidence and then inspected that evidence to build a logical theory. Now we reach the third stage: eXecute Diagnostic Plan. This is where thinking becomes testing. But the objective isn’t to test everything. It’s to perform the right tests, in the right places, and understand what the results mean. Every test should answer a question It’s easy to become busy during diagnostics. Connect the scan tool. Check some live data. Measure a few voltages. Scope a sensor. Swap a component. Before long, plenty of tests have been performed, but are we actually any closer to solving the problem? Before carrying out any test, ask: “What question am I trying to answer?” If you can’t answer that, consider whether the test needs to be performed at all. A good test should confirm or eliminate something from your theory. If you suspect a component isn’t operating because it has lost its power supply, for example, your test should be designed specifically to prove whether that supply is present and capable of carrying the required load. The measurement isn’t the objective. The answer it provides is. Know what good looks like Before taking a measurement, you should also understand what result you expect. A reading of 12.2V might initially appear acceptable on a nominal 12-volt circuit, but what is the circuit doing at the time? What voltage should actually
Technical 21 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 be present? Is the circuit under load? The same applies to oscilloscope waveforms, pressure readings, current measurements and scan data. Without knowing what good looks like, a measurement is simply a number. This is why technical information, wiring diagrams and known-good data are so important. They allow us to establish a pass or fail condition before the test is performed. Ideally, every test plan should answer three questions: 1. What am I testing? 2. What result do I expect? 3. What will I do next depending on the result? That final question is particularly important. A test should determine your next move, rather than simply adding another measurement to the job card. Divide and conquer An effective diagnostic plan should also eliminate as much of the system as possible with each test. One of the simplest techniques is the half-split method. Imagine a component isn’t operating and there is a long electrical path between the power source and the component. Rather than checking every connector and section of wiring in sequence, choose a convenient test point somewhere near the middle. If the supply is good there, you’ve potentially eliminated everything upstream. If it isn’t, your investigation moves in the opposite direction. Repeat the process and the area containing the fault becomes progressively smaller. The same principle can be applied beyond electrical circuits. When diagnosing a noise, you might first establish whether it comes from the front or rear, then left or right. On a network fault, a strategically chosen test point may help isolate one section of the network from another. Good diagnostics is often as much about proving what isn’t faulty as finding what is. Choose the test to suit the fault Different faults require different testing techniques. Consider the three common electrical fault types: open circuits, short circuits and resistive faults. A continuity test might help locate an open circuit, but it can be misleading when looking for unwanted resistance. A circuit may show continuity with a multimeter yet fail when asked to carry current. In that situation, a voltage-drop test under load could provide far more useful evidence. This is why there isn’t one universal electrical test. The same principle applies to diagnostic equipment. Oscilloscopes, multimeters, current clamps, pressure transducers, thermal cameras, smoke machines and scan tools all provide different information. The skill isn’t owning every tool. It’s understanding which tool and test will answer the question most effectively. Don’t try to prove yourself right There is another important discipline at this stage. Remember the theory developed during Inspect Evidence? Don’t become attached to it. The purpose of your diagnostic plan is to prove or disprove that theory. A result that proves your theory wrong isn’t a failed test – it is valuable evidence that prevents you from continuing down the wrong path. When a test contradicts your expectations, stop and reconsider the evidence. Sometimes the quickest route to the fault is proving your first idea was wrong. Diagnostic insight Before connecting any diagnostic tool, ask yourself: “What result would make me go in one direction, and what result would make me go in another?” If the answer is “I’m not sure”, the test probably isn’t ready to be performed. FIXDIT takeaway Every test should answer a question. A strong diagnostic plan turns a theory into a series of logical decisions. Each result should either confirm something, eliminate something or determine what happens next. Once testing has identified the failure, however, the investigation isn’t finished. In the next article, we’ll explore ‘Determine the Cause’; moving beyond what has failed to understand why it failed. Because finding the failed component might fix today’s symptom. Finding the cause helps prevent tomorrow’s comeback. tinyurl.com/FIXDIT The measurement isn’t the objective. The answer it provides is.
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