ELECTRONIC parts cataloguing firm TecDoc has linked with technical data publishers Vivid to give workshops a free 30-day software trial.

Keeping up with technical developments is a bit like a hamster running on a wheel; you've got to put in a lot of effort just to stay in the same place.

CAMBERLEY Auto Factors (CAF) has been given Approved Assessment Centre status by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

The company says it has a solution to anyone struggling to find spare parts for ageing split-bed brake testers made by other manufacturers.

CARSHALTON College in Surrey is offering weekend refrigerant handling courses to help techs meet the EU regulations coming into force later in the summer.

The company has ranges of specific like-for-like lambda sensor replacements and a universal range that uses a patented connector to offer a quality replacement option in a simple-to-fit system.

THERE are scores of bargains packed inside the latest edition of Unipart's Megawisebuys brochure which comes free with the forthcoming issue of Aftermarket.

MARTIN Pring has taken on the role of general manager at spark plug firm NGK.

rong>Units for the Citroen Nemo, Fiat Scudo, and Vauxhall Vivaro are out now from the Bromsgrove-based company.

As vehicles get more complex, those pesky VMs get more and more demanding about what you pour into cars if you want to keep the warranty in tact.

MOTOR CODES has launched a competition to search for the best service and repair garages in the UK.

rong>This new piece of kit is part of the Geogas 3000 range of VOSA-approved emissions testers.

THE FINAL 12 contenders for the title of UK's best car repairer have been revealed.

This latest range offers precise calibration of +/- 2% and is resistant to loads of nasty workshop chemicals to stop it rotting away in front of your eyes.

TECHNICAL expert Frank Massey has pioneered a new way to measure current flow through broadband lambda sensors.

Amid all the garage schemes and codes fighting to win consumer awareness, the trusty old three-triangles of the MOT remain one of the best known motoring symbols around. So you might as well shout about the fact you offer a testing service.

SHELL has been named a preferred supplier for all Kia dealerships in the UK.

HOWARD Price has been appointed to the new position of workshop concepts manager at Bosch.

No matter how many times you polish a lump of coal, it's always going to be a lump of coal. According to the team behind this brake lathe, the same is true for brake discs.

Hooray for AC Delco's general manager Lee Quinney who's one refreshingly honest industry figure when it comes to his business plans. He says he intends to promote his braking products "aggressively" during the first quarter of 2010.

Manbat says there are three criteria to judge battery suppliers by: Quality, performance and range.

rong>Parts distributor Universal has everything from pads, shoes and discs to drums, hoses and brake cylinders from manufacturer Veco.

Yes, it's more AGM batteries! This time, Unipart is the company promoting its stock of units for vehicles fitted with stop-start systems.

CONTENDERS for the title of UK's best car repairer fought it out at the regional finals of Top Technician 2010 today (Friday 5th February).

Motor Codes is claiming a slow-down in the rate of complaints about garages is due to its consumer advice line.

FUEL and emissions parts firm Fuel Parts UK has acquired new warehouse premises after an extensive product development programme.

FRANK Massey has joined forces with the IAAF to represent the interests of independent workshops.

TV TALENT show judge David Massey has responded to criticism of the BBC's Young Mechanic of the Year show.

This tester is said to allow quick and reliable testing of remote key fobs on most vehicles.

Lambda sensors play a vital role in managing engine function and Denso is investing big bucks in keeping its range up-to-date.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) has launched a Bodyshop Executive group to address the needs of body shop owners.

Designed to give rapid and accurate tests of DC currents on 12V vehicles, this device plugs straight into a vehicle's fuse box and displays readings on the large LCD display.

COLIN Parlett has been appointed interim chairman of the Retail Motor Industry Federation's Independent Garage Association (IGA) with immediate effect.

The French company is gearing up for a move into the UK market with welding units - and battery chargers - like the Gysmi 146 dual voltage and 196 flexible voltage MMA/TIG machines.

This simple tool does the business on VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda vehicles any time you need to whip out the wheel nut caps.

SNAP-ON Equipment has unveiled new-look vans for its customer service fleet.

Earlier this year, TRW added an SAS function to its Easycheck service tool. That doesn't mean an elite team of anti-terrorist soldiers will be setting up camp in your garage. But it does mean you'll be able to tackle Steering Angle Sensor work more easily - resetting angles after work on front suspensions to keep a car's stability control system happy.

Like hamsters on a treadmill, the guys (and girls) at Autodata are always working away to keep their technical repair information up-to-date.

Featuring both standard and deep sockets, the company's latest sets include a slim 48-tooth gear-to-gear wrench that flips easily into reverse and also has a handy quick-release mechanism.

IF YOU'VE got £500,000 burning a hole in your pocket, you might fancy relocating for the beautiful scenery of New Zealand and the chance to to get to work on the locals' cars!

THE REGIONAL finalists in the hunt for the UK's best vehicle fault-finder have been announced.

Designed to quickly check steering and suspension components, the product can be used as part of an ATL or OPTL test lane to detect wear in ball joints, bushings, fixations, pivot points, link bolts and shock absorber mountings. It comes with a 5-year warranty.

TRAINING courses for its latest French vehicle software have been announced by Autologic Diagnostics.

This new range of 'fluid handling products' or 'cans' to everyone else, is designed with universal seals to store liquids like brake fluid, oils and coolants.

OXYGEN sensors have been added to the range of aftermarket products offered by VDO - a brand of the Continental Group.

The chemical additives in this treatment have been formulated to remove harmful deposits from the entire fuel system in all engines.

This engine cleaning product is now available in 25-litre containers for workshops.