autocare newsletter - issue 32 / feb 2015

Also inside this issue:Premier League Darts Sponsorship | Changes to refrigeration handling legislation | New Garage: Auto Engine Tune | Important MOT Changes

AutoCare Trade Show 2015 Book your place today!!

Issue 32 – February 2015

NEWSLETTERAUTOCARE

AutoCare Newsletter02

WARM WELCOME

Warm Welcome to our New GaragesEgertons Fleet Service Ltd MILTON KEYNESGleneagle Motors Ltd DUNFERMLINEGP Motor Repairs EPSOMHTR Autocentre LTD TELFORD

Mukhtar Garage BOLTONPritchards Motor Services NOTTINGHAMRadcliffe Tyre & Auto Ltd MANCHESTERVISAR GarageTHIRSK

Maria McCulloughAutoCare Network Manager

I cannot believe that as I am writing this we are already in the middle of February. Business generally appears to be very good at the moment; a lot of this has been helped along by the welcome winter weather snap.

We are very busy planning and organising the conference which this year is held at MK Arena on Friday 17th April. The venue is ideal this year as it allows us to keep everything under one roof, including the accommodation, conference and gala dinner. I would encourage anybody who hasn’t already booked for the conference to do so as soon as possible as places are filling up quite quickly now. For any garage that hasn’t attended previous events with us this show is a must. It allows you to attend and sample the technical seminars which are run throughout the day, as well as having an opportunity to visit the manufacturer’s stands and to chat

to existing garages from the scheme and of course meet the AutoCare team. In addition to this there will also be special ‘on the day’ offers on products/equipment for all garages from our leading manufacturers. These will only be available to garages that attend the show on the day.

We are also busy finalising the arrangements, dates and venues for the demonstrations on the Rapidoo system supplied by Tekne - the augmented reality software that was presented at the regional meetings. Once these are finalised all garages will be notified and asked to book their attendance at one of the 26 venues across the UK.

Over the next couple of months we will also have Block Exemption/Right to Choose leaflets and posters available for all garages to display at their premises. In addition we will be

working on the AutoCare summer promotion and again details of this along with copies of the leaflets will be sent out by mid-May.

Inside this issue you will find important information about changes to MOT legislation and the existing computer system which is currently provided by Siemens, as well as changes to Refrigerant handling legislation and new course dates for garages that haven’t got the correct certification for this.

I will close of now with my usual message of encouraging feedback from the garages about any aspect of the programme and also to say that if any garage has any stories, advice or tips for other members of the network then please send them across to us so that we can feature them in the magazine. I look forward to seeing you at the AutoCare conference in April.

Welcome to the 32nd edition of the AutoCare newsletter and a belated Happy New Year to you all. 2014 was an excellent year for us, in total we had 86 new garages that joined us and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome them all to the network.

03Issue 32 Feb 2015

TECHNICAL TRAINING DATES

BOURNEMOUTH Air Con & Refrigerant Handling 08/05/2015

BRIGHOUSE (KITS TRAINING CENTRE) STOP-START 19/02/2015

Turbo Charged Systems 19/03/2015

Effi cient Diagnosti cs on Modern Vehicles 1 09/04/2015

SRS Safety Restraint Systems 12/05/2015

BRISTOL Air Con & Refrigerant Handling 04/03/2015

Hybrid Systems 1 level 2 IMI Qualifi cati on 17/04/2015

Vehicle Electrical/Electronics 2 07/05/2015

CARDIFF Effi cient Diagnosti cs on Modern Vehicles 2 11/03/2015

Air Con & Refrigerant Handling 01/04/2015


Engine Management & Emissions (1 day) 28/05/2015

COVENTRY Electronic Diesel Control 30/01/2015

Diesel Parti culate Filters 10/03/2015

Electronic Diesel Control 15/04/2015

Hybrid Systems 1 level 2 IMI Qualifi cati on 20/05/2015

DONCASTER Diesel Parti culate Filters 02/03/2015




LUTTERWORTH Turbo Charged Systems 26/02/2015

CAN-Bus & Multi plex 1 26/03/2015



MANCHESTER Electronic Diesel Control 27/02/2015


Diesel Parti culate Filters 20/04/2015

STOP-START 13/05/2015

MIDDLESBROUGH COMMUNITY LEARNING SERVICE Effi cient Diagnosti cs on Modern Vehicles 2 24/03/2015


Dynamic Safety Systems 06/05/2015

MILTON KEYNES (DA Autos) Air Con & Refrigerant Handling 20/02/2015

Electronic Diesel Control 20/03/2015

NOTTINGHAM Vehicle Electrical/Electronics 2 17/02/2015


European On-Board Diagnosti cs (EOBD) 17/03/2015


CAN-Bus & Multi plex 1 11/05/2015

Diagnosti cs 1 11/06/2015

Diagnosti cs 2 10/07/2015

New Technology 11/08/2015

PICO (bespoke) 11/09/2015

SRS Safety Systems (bespoke) 09/10/2015

ABS (BESPOKE) 13/11/2015

PRESTON (ADS) Frank Massey 1 day Direct Fuel Injecti on Advanced 22/02/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Oscilloscope System Testi ng 11/03/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Spark Igniti on Diagnosti cs 12/03/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Common Rail Diagnosti c Part 1 11/04/2015

AutoCare Newslett er04

TECHNICAL TRAINING DATES CONTINUED...

PRESTON (ADS) Frank Massey 1 day Common Rail Diagnosti c Part 2 12/04/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Direct Fuel Injecti on 25/04/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Direct Coil Igniti on & Variable Valve Control 26/04/2015

Frank Massey Electronic Braking and Chassis Diagnosti cs 09/05/2015

Frank Massey Engine Management System Diagnosis 15/06/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Oscilloscope System Testi ng 16/06/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Spark Igniti on Diagnosti cs 17/06/2015

Frank Massey Electronic Braking and Chassis Diagnosti cs 18/06/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Common Rail Diagnosti c Part 1 19/06/2015

SPENNYMOOR Engine Management & Emissions (1 day) 31/03/2015


ABS, Vehicle Dynamic Control 21/05/2015

SWANSEA SRS Safety Restraint Systems 12/03/2015



TIVERTON Effi cient Diagnosti cs on Modern Vehicles 1 02/03/2015


WEST BYFLEET Diesel Parti culate Filters 23/02/2015

Vehicle Electrical/ Electronics 1 23/03/2015


Pico Course 21/05/2015

STAY AHEAD OF THE GAMECHANGES TO REFRIGERATION HANDLING LEGISLATION

To book onto a course today contact the AutoCare team

on 01274 654605

rather than needing to be renewed every few years, putti ng them ahead of the game when it comes to providing adequate training for garages.

To meet the demands of the industry and ensure garages have the chance to get qualifi ed before the summer months when motorists start needing their air-conditi oning repaired, Exponenti a will be adding extra courses to the 2015 calendar.

As of the 1st January 2015, changes to refrigerati on handling legislati on now means that motor factors will be responsible for ensuring that all garages that purchase F Gases have a current qualifi cati on. Therefore it will be the motor factors that would be in breach of this legislati on if they do not have a procedure in place.

Exponenti a’s Air Con & Refrigerant Handling course is a qualifi cati on that lasts for life

05Issue 32 March 2015

ARENA MK

2012

68

390

2013 2014

GROWING YEAR ON YEAR

80

480

600+

89

2015

650+

100+

Supplier exhibitors

Delegates attended129 GARAGES

JOINED OUR NETWORKS SINCE 2014

EVENTA 25%

NETWORK INCREASE

WHEN? FRIDAY 17th APRIL 2015

Onsite accommodation at the DoubleTree by

Hilton hotel

WHERE?

WHY ATTEND?

Ideally located for GROUPAUTO network garages and members

WHAT’S ON?

Preshow Thursday evening meal

· Opportunity to meet with all GROUPAUTO approved suppliers under one roof· Interactive stands and competitions for big prizes· Meet with other garage owners· Enjoy the awards presentation and gala dinner evening

Thursday golf & footgolf competitions

Friday Gala dinner evening

Friday Trade Show, Conference & Awards

Call on 01274 654605 or email [email protected]

3000sqm trade space

VISIT THE AUTOCARE & APPROVED GARAGES STAND

On the day offers on livery, clothing and more

Premier League Darts competition to win a pair of tickets to the final

HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR PLACE?

Please contact the AutoCare team on

t: 01274 654605e: [email protected]

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NEWfor

2015

Quality clothing, workwear & gifts for your business

The AutoCare Winter Essentials Pack~ £30.00 ~

Fantastic value for keeping warm this winter!Pack comprising:

1 x fleece jacket, 1 x sweatshirt, 1 x woolly hat and 1 x pair fingerless glovesPrice includes the embroidery of GARAGE logo on left chest and AutoCare logo on right chest to sweatshirt and fleece, and either your GARAGE logo or AutoCare logo on hat. The fingerless gloves are supplied plain

as we are unable to embroider these. There is an additional ONE-OFF set-up charge of £35 for any NEW logos up to 5000 stitches and/OR a £10 set-up charge for any new text. £10.95 delivery charged extra 1 to 10 packs,

above 10 packs delivery will be quoted separately. ALL PRICES QUOTED EXCLUDE VAT.

COMING SOON... watch out for new AutoCare branded customer gifts, designed with you and your business in mind!

autocare newsletter ad FEB 15_Layout 1 10/02/2015 10:24 Page 1

07Issue 32 Feb 2015

SWINDON’S FIRST AUTOCARE GARAGE AUTO ENGINE TUNE

Auto Engine Tune has been providing high quality and good value service and repair work to the car owners of Swindon for over four decades.

Kevin and Lorraine Wadley have owned the garage for eight years and are very proud of their thriving business. They employ a six-strong team of experienced, trained technicians and pride themselves on the professional service they provide.

Auto Engine Tune was formerly a Unipart Car Care Centre but when their local Unipart branch ceased trading they turned to the AutoCare programme.

Having been part of a garage network for 15 years, the team at Auto Engine Tune appreciate what it means to be part of a larger organisati on. By joining AutoCare

they have kept their independence as a business but are now part of an internati onally recognised brand and will benefi t from the unprecedented support that the AutoCare programme provides.

The move to AutoCare was smooth sailing for Kevin and Lorraine and they are already starti ng to realise what they have been missing by not becoming an AutoCare member sooner.

“We have had more support from the AutoCare team in the six months since we

joined, than we ever received from Unipart in 15 years!” said Kevin.

“It was a very smooth transiti on to AutoCare, they organised our new painti ng and signage very quickly which has radically transformed our garage. And aft er only two months on the programme one of our customers won a BOSE sound system in the nati onal winter promoti on, which we were over the moon about.”

Kevin and Lorraine are heavily focussed on customer care and so the professionalism of their staff is paramount. They believe training and staff development is key to maintaining high levels of service. They have two fully trained apprenti ces whom they have trained since college and currently have two more apprenti ces working towards becoming fully trained technicians.

To stand out from other garages and give the main dealers a run for their money, Auto Engine Tune provide a service that is second to none; a service that gives customers the peace of mind that their motor is in safe hands.

Benefi t from great savings on your commercial insurance via Boswell Aft ermarket Insurance Specialist.

Boswell promise to provide discounted premiums and garages can receive a no-obligati on quotati on.

Boswell Aft ermarket Insurance

Contact Boswell Insurance today on 01603 626 155or email [email protected]

We have had more support from the AutoCare team in the six months since we joined, than we ever received from Unipart in 15 years!Kevin Wadley


CRESCENT MOTORING SERVICES FURTHER ENHANCING CUSTOMER SERVICECustomers taking their cars and vehicles to Crescent Motors, and already benefitting from its success in the UK’s leading national garage competition will soon be gaining further from its new role in a planned scheme to further enhance customer service.

Named National Independent Garage of the Year in an annual nationwide competition run by Motor Codes, in association with Auto Express, Crescent Motors based on Wetmore Road in Burton-on-Trent, approached the organisers six months after picking up its prestigious Award, to review how the growing business could contribute to furthering the success of the competition.

“This initiative was designed to investigate how our success could be translated into creating additional awareness and recognition for garages that are members of Motor Codes” said Crescent Motors’ Managing Director Steve Tallett.

“The Motor Codes garage scheme, approved by the Trading Standards Institute, continues to make a valuable contribution to ensuring that garages deliver high-quality, consistent service, repair and MOT work to all drivers and improving the image of garages to all members of the public”, he continued.

Crescent Motors’ 100% customer satisfaction is derived from more than 400 customer posted reviews on the Motor Codes website which is available year round for drivers to consult and find their ‘best’ local garage.

“Motor Codes is all about ensuring the highest standards of service to motorists, and Crescent Motors are renowned across the country for just that”, pointed out Burton MP, Andrew Griffiths, who joined the meeting at Motor Codes’ offices in London.

“Winning award after national award for their quality and service demonstrates that they are one of the best garages in the country, and it is why they are seen as a shining example of what Motor Codes is all about”, Andrew continued.

The Motor Codes website enables drivers to find their local approved code member garage and to read independent online

reviews. Currently some 14,000 ratings are posted monthly for the 8,000 garages that are registered to Motor Codes.

“The importance of Motor Codes to every driver continues to gather momentum”, continued Steve Tallett.

“Besides reflecting positively on our garage, it offers a valued signal to drivers of quality and attention paid to the repair, service or MOT of their vehicle at other Motor Codes registered garages. In that respect, it is unique, easily accessible and a highly reliable source of information that mutually benefits the garage and its customers”.

Part of Crescent Motors’ continuing success can be put down to its regular initiatives that has set it apart from its

competitors and continues to enable it to maintain that position.

The garage has devoted its own personal with significant contributions to local charities, new schemes like its Ladies Nights providing instruction in basic car maintenance for female drivers; and its new reception, complete with toys to keep the kids amused, whilst their parent’s car is being MOT’d.

“Achieving a 100% satisfaction rating has always been our goal. We translate that into the enhanced service offered to every customer, whether they come to us for an MOT, an annual service, or just a replacement tyre”, concluded Steve Tallett.

Crescent Motors’ Steve Tallett and Keith Green with Burton MP Andrew Griffiths

APPROVED GARAGES SCORES A SPONSORSHIP BULLSEYE!

5th February First Direct Arena, Leeds12th February BIC, Bournemouth19th February Echo Arena, Liverpool26th February Odyssey Arena, Belfast5th March Westpoint Arena, Exeter

19th March The Hydro, Glasgow26th March 3Arena, Dublin2nd April The Manchester Arena9th April Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield16th April GE Oil & Gas Arena, Aberdeen23rd April Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff30th April The Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham7th May Metro Radio Arena,Newcastle14th May The Brighton Centre, Brighton21st May The O2, London

Event Venues & Dates:

A poster to help promote this competition was sent to every garage. If you require a poster please contact AutoCare on 01274 654605.

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Approved Garages has become an official partner of Betway Premier League Darts 2015. The trusted garage network, which covers over 500 independent garages across the UK, will join current partners including ITV, Sky and Thomas Cook in sponsoring one of UK sport’s fastest growing competitions.

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Betway Premier League is the UK’s premier darts league competition, with 16 major events taking place across the country, from Brighton to Glasgow and a hatful of cities in-between. The league kicked off in Leeds on February 5th, and reaches its thrilling finale at the O2 Arena in London on May 21st.

The national coverage, along with the growing popularity of top level darts, is particularly attractive to Approved Garages.

Customers of Approved Garages all over the UK will have the chance to win tickets to their local Premier League Darts event, and also to the final at the O2 Arena in London simply by completing a

garage feedback card after having work done at one of the garages. If your customer wins, you will automatically win a pair of tickets to the same event.

Approved Garages will also be featuring regular news and views from the league, including exclusive interviews and player profiles.

09Issue 32 Feb 2015

AutoCare Newslett er10

LONDON TO PARIS 24

To help Frank reach his target, you can make a donati on by visiti ng: www.justgiving.com/Frank-Massey or by contacti ng Annett e on: annett [email protected]

For more informati on about BEN and the services they off er visit: www.ben.org.uk

London to Paris 24 is a round the clock adrenaline-fuelled cycle challenge that will push you to the limit. Cycling non-stop through the night, this is the ulti mate endurance challenge that’s not for the faint hearted.

This summer Frank Massey, from Automoti ve Diagnosti c Soluti ons Ltd (ADS) - one of AutoCare’s technical training providers - will be taking on London to Paris 24 in aid of the automoti ve industry charity BEN. The BEN charity exists to provide care, support and advice to those in the automoti ve industries who need our help in ti mes of hardship or distress.

Frank has always been a keen cyclist, but this will be his fi rst ever charity bike ride. In 2011 Frank cycled from the Blackpool Tower in Lancashire to the Eiff el Tower in Paris, but although he is familiar with what it takes to cycle to France, he has never done it under ti me constraints.

Frank added, “I am very fortunate to be in good health and appreciate those who

Feeling lost?

As you work or have worked in the automotive industry, BEN is here for you, for your family...forever!

BEN - Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund. Lynwood, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 0AJ. A charity registered in England and Wales (no.297877) and Scotland (no.SC039842). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (no.02163894). Registered with the Homes and Communities Agency (no. LH 3766).

If you need help or support please contact us on:

[email protected]

01344 876770

ben.org.uk/gethelp

BEN can help with:• Free, confidential and independent advice• Financial assistance in times of need• Nursing and residential care• Someone to talk to

and so much more!

BEN Awareness Maze advert_A5 landscape.indd 1 30/01/2015 11:37

FRANK MASSEY TAKES ONCYCLE CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY

are not need our help and support. My aim is raise support from all my friends and contacts within the independent sector to reach a minimum target of £2000, to aid this great and diverse charity. Cycling is an absolute passion of mine - next to the automoti ve industry of course - so my intenti on is to fi nish in style.”

AutoCare will also be helping this cause by sponsoring Frank Massey in this epic cycling challenge; they will feature proudly on the back and sleeves of his bright white cycling atti re.

The AutoCare garage network grows from strength to strength each year and the presence at the annual Mechanex events helps to broaden the awareness across the UK to prospect garages.

In 2015 the Mechanex Show has increased to four trade shows during the year adding London’s Alexandra Palace to the event venue list

AutoCare and Approved Garages will exhibit at each of the 2015 events. Independent garage owners and technicians have the chance to discuss the benefits of both networks. There will also be the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the final of the Betway Premier League Darts.

11Issue 32 Feb 2015

AUTOCARESHOWING AT MECHANEX IN 2015

MCKINNONS AUTO & TYRESTEAM BRIGHTEST STAR

Come and see us on stand B62/D58

24th & 25th March 2015 at Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace, London – 24th & 25th March

Event City, Manchester – 19th & 20th May

Donington Park, Donington – 6th & 7th October

Sandown Park, Surrey – 10th & 11th November

Many of our garages are involved with local charities. In the first of a new series, we look at the McKinnon Group and its work with bereavement charity Brightest Star

Nobody could fail to be moved by the story of Arlene Clark, whose son Jack died in her arms in December 2012, a few days before his sixth birthday. Jack was a bright, lively and playful little boy, struck down by a virus that attacked without warning. On that day, says Arlene, Jack became the brightest star in the sky, and she now runs a charity in his memory.

Today, Arlene’s charity, Brightest Star, aims to support bereaved parents and provide funds to give others the training and equipment they need to help save children’s lives. It was her courage and determination - Arlene manages Brightest Star entirely on a voluntary basis - that prompted Steven McKinnon and the rest of the team at McKinnon & Forbes and AutoCare garage McKinnons Auto & Tyres to get involved.

“Originally we were introduced to the charity at a fundraising dinner,” says Steven. “We bought a table and enjoyed the evening and it was afterwards that we approached Arlene and asked if we could provide support on a continuing basis. It’s a wonderful charity and Arlene does so much work on her own.”

Since then McKinnon & Forbes, the specialist truck and van repair garage near Glasgow, has supported the charity through its annual golf day, while sister operation McKinnon’s Auto & Tyres, a tyre specialist in East Kilbride, is donating a cash sum every time a customer mentions the charity. McKinnon’s Auto & Tyres donates a percentage to Brightest Star for every tyre fitting and more for larger jobs as part of their loyalty scheme.

Late last year the team at McKinnon and Forbes were able to present Arlene with a cheque for £1000, but they’re not stopping there. “We’re so impressed with what

Arlene is doing that we’re going to continue the offer indefinitely,” says Steven. “We think it’s a very worthwhile cause.”

You can learn more about Brightest Star and donate to the charity at:

www.brighteststar.org.uk


AutoCare Team

Toby Whewell Commercial Manager Sales 07867359634

Michael Howe Business Development Manager 07876880496

Mike McIntyre Business Development Manager 07739429167

Sean Barnie Business Development Manager 07587035191

Phil Weller Business Development Manager 07834342980

Stacey Eade Business Development Manager 07734292620

Zak Oades Business Development Manager 07917252526

Maria McCullough AutoCare Network Manager 07860 439171

Julie Mavin AutoCare Co-ordinator 01274 654605

Caroline Hoy AutoCare Co-ordinator 01274 654605

THE MOT TRADE CLUBIMPORTANT CHANGES TO MOTS

By September 2015 the DVSA will have moved from the present landline linked device to the new web based MOT testing system. As part of these changes the DVSA will be expecting Vehicle Testing Station’s (VTS) to have full Quality Assurance programs operating on-site and will encourage the use of trade bodies in monitoring and controlling these systems.

To help make the transition to the new system as straightforward as possible the MoT Club’s parent company, Motor Trade Technologies Ltd will provide VTSs with assistance on hardware and software issues. In addition software packages are being created to provide replacement documentation for control on QC checks, calibrations, reports and other such information that the DVSA will require to view when they visit.

The changes will start to be implemented from April 2015 onwards at a suggested rate of 1,000 test stations per month.

Areas of responsibility for VTSs under the new system:

• Whilst there will be still a requirement to complete Quality controls, VTSs will have to maintain their own records. DVSA will look for a more searching system incorporating the NTQC re-examining a proportion of vehicles that have recently been tested.

• On single tester sites, where previously no QC tests were required, DVSA will want to see efforts to correct that. This may be organising local VTSs together and checking each other’s NTs or employing third party assistance such as trade bodies.

• Calibration of equipment will no longer result in being blocked from testing when not completed within the specified timescale. The same rules will apply and the risk for the VTS is that if not done properly and caught out disciplinary action will ensue for testing with uncalibrated equipment. If this is found to be for an extended period of time, cessation orders may ensue.

• Refresher training will no longer be automatic for the foreseeable future, but DVSA will want to see how AEs and NTs keep themselves up-to-date. This generally will require on line information from Matters of Testing, Special Notices etc. but VEs will be looking at how this is used and stored for reference.

Membership BenefitsIf you would like to support these changes and be aligned with a recognised approved provider then we recommend becoming a member of The MOT Trade Club. There is a discount available for all AutoCare garages that sign up to the scheme.

• Full site audits in line with DVSA Site Assessment program.

• QC Checks on NTs.

• Representation in the event of disciplinary action for the VTS and where appropriate the NT.

• Attendance on behalf of, or in conjunction with, the VTS at all appeals anywhere in the UK.

• Training for Site Managers, NTQCs, and NTs, tailored to the requirements of the company or individual.

• MOT helpline for any MOT related issue.

• CD supply containing all VSI information, plus diary system and reminder letters.

• Pocket guide for all NTs.

• Newsletters as necessary and topical.

Contact AutoCare on 01274 654605 for more information.

autocare newsletter - issue 32 / feb 2015

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