The braking range from CES has grown and includes over 16,000 brake discs and 13,000 brake pads, covering the cast majority of car makes and models. The Chester-based distributor has added over 300 part numbers in the past six months and brands available include Delphi, Bosch, Blue Print, Apec, Brake Engineering and ATE.

Four new part numbers, covering more than 93,000 vehicles, join the FAG wheel bearings range from Schaeffler. A generation 1 bearing (front) covers models such as Vauxhall Meriva II variants and Gen 3 front and rear bearings will fit vehicles including the Suzuki Grand Vitara and Renault Clio Grandtour.

More than 140 new coil spring references and 59 updated part numbers feature within the 2012 KYB catalogue, giving 2,300 references in total.

A diesel particulate filter diagnostics tool enables you to regenerate the DPF, reset the EOLYS additive light, check for DPF fault codes and perform a filter replacement and static regeneration, without the need for main dealer involvement.

An advanced battery charging system from Snap-on Tools has a 300 amp engine starting power and is adaptive, with different charging cycles for each type of battery, whether its standard, deep-cycle, AGM of Gel Cell. The mobile battery charger charges 6, 12 and 24 volt batteries with 4, 15 and 60 amp charging rates.

Extended post-heating, ceramic and instant heating plug technologies can be found within the Denso range of glow plugs. Benefits of which include excellent cold start performance with fast heat-up from as little as two seconds and extended post-heat temperatures of up to six minutes.

A new line of coated and composite brake discs that are OE identical and previously unavailable outside of OES channels, are now available from TMD Friction. The OE range complements the original Textar brake pad range and provides for all vehicle types.

An existing standard test lane  can be upgraded to a one person test lane or automated one by using the 4400.3 MOT lift from Ravaglioli, which is designed to fit perfectly into an existing MOT recess or pit, approximately 130mm deep. The lift has a 4,000Kg capacity and 4,460mm long platforms.

A couple of months ago we looked at the rising problem of catalytic converter theft and bemoaned the lack of products to help prevent it. The problem is getting worse too - last month, we heard of one company in the aftermarket that had its vans targeted... Ironically, the firm is in the business of supplying exhaust components.

A new range of fast moving OE sensors have joined Valeo's catalogue providing 20 references, including speed, knock, camshaft, oil pressure and air intake temperature.

The use of fuel additives can save your customers money on expensive repairs and provide you with an additional service to motorists without additional expense.

One hundred references join the Sensors range of engine management components and include new cam and crank sensors, manifold pressure sensors and Mass Air Flow sensors.

The latest software upgrade for the Snap-on brand of diagnostic tools provides users with nearly 20% more vehicle coverage than the previous software and now completely covers SMART vehicles.

Hybrid vehicles are starting to enter the independent's workshop doors so if you haven't done so already, it's time to take a look at the equipment out there that you'll need to service a hybrid safely and effectively.

This CAN test box gives you easy access to the 16 pins of the diagnostic connector which, depending on the configuration of the vehicle, allows you to check power, ground and the CAN Bus signal.

A full set of measurement results is said to be delivered in just 90 seconds with the revised Hunter HawkEye Elite TD from Pro-Align.

A range of multimeters join the Facom range of tools. The Automobile Multimeter carries out diode and continuity tests, cyclic reports, measures cam angles and internal battery resistance.

The 2011/12 First Line wheel bearing catalogue is now out and contains individual bearings, kits and 14 complete brake disc and wheel bearing assemblies. A further 148 new to range additions have been made.

This compressed air-powered machine is a coolant exchanger and system checker which handles antifreeze replacement, recommended every five or six years. The Vacufill from Autoclimate is also suitable for bodyshops where thorough testing of the cooling system is required before refilling.

This cabin purifier not only makes the cabin smell that bit nicer but also gets rid of lurking bacteria.

Technicians have been encouraged by SKF to replace upper suspension components at the same time as a vehicle strut replacement for economy and safety reasons and now there's even more incentive to do so with a 10% discount in place on all suspension products sold in October - so get your skates on readers!

The micronAir cabin air filter catalogue from Corteco has come to town and features 600 models for more than 900 vehicle types, providing coverage for over 95% of the UK car parc.

The latest spark and glow plug catalogue from Denso contains 50 new spark plug applications including the Honda CR-Z, Kia Soul and Skoda Roomster.

Improve your first-time fix rate when electrical fault finding by taking one of AK Automotive's one or two-day course this winter.

Five new parts join the Champion Contact flat wiper blade range from Federal-Mogul and cover popular Volkswagen vehicles fitted with Fed Mog blades as OE.

Since the launch of Dayco Aftermarket in March, the popularity of its timing belt kits has grown substantially.

If we have a repeat of last winter's conditions then we could all do with some snow socks or 'snocks', according to Automotive Wheels.

New front bearings are available for Vauxhall's Meriva 1.3CDTi, 1.5, 1.7CDTi released Jun 2010 onwards, from Schaeffler.

Here's a way of letting the car leaving your service bay smell a little sweeter.

OE and aftermarket manufacturer, Denso has introduced scores more sensors to its aftermarket line - most of which are not covered by other OE suppliers, according to the firm.

The Micro-V XF range of belts available from Gates has been boosted by a further 17 references, taking the total to more than 660 which covers 98% of the UK car parc.

This 24V low voltage disconnect unit is a low power device which protects batteries from damage and helps extend battery life.  A 12V version is also available.

Bulb maker Osram has warned that inadequate bulbs could fail the MOT due to not giving a 'good beam pattern'.

New to range additions from LuK include eight cylinders, 17 dual mass flywheels and eight new Rep Set kits.

The Boston range of equipment benefits from 36 years of MOT experience and features include automatic software updates, optional VRM look up and immediate remote assistance. Lifts exceed ATL load, platform length and width criteria and its brake testers are designed to be quick, safe and easy to use.

The third generation Power Probe is a 12 to 24 Volt circuit tester created to promote fast and accurate electrical systems diagnosis. The tool features a voltmeter, test light, integrated flashlight, short circuit indicator, relay/component tester, three level continuity tester and bad ground indicator.

An air conditioning service programme is now available from Launch UK, providing essential equipment, tools, consumables and training to get you up to speed in this lucrative service.

A multifunctional work light from PCL features a 24 watt high intensity output LED that never gets hot and lasts 100,000 hours.

Traditionally, rack ends are sold in singles and gaiters in pairs, which can lead to many workshops being cluttered up with gaiters.

The Standowin software from Standox is a colour matching tool and paint reporting programme in one, covering every aspect of stock and management reporting.

The VOSA-approved Stargas 898 Plus does not need to connect to an external PC in order to function, the unit performs exhaust gas tests and incorporates an oscilloscope, technical database and now features increased processing speed and memory capacity.

Do you have customers coming in with blocked diesel particulate filters? If so, you will be aware of the look of sheer horror on their faces when you tell them how much it is going to cost to 'put that light out' on the dashboard.

A ten piece slide hammer puller kit joins ECPs MasterPro range of tools and comprises a 2.5kg slide hammer and 570mm shaft with external 2 and 3 jaw pullers, internal 3 and 2 jaw pullers, a grip wrench adaptor and lip puller.

The ignition range available from Wood Auto covers both automotive and CV applications and consists of ignition coils, modules, switches, suppresser caps and glow plugs.

A multipurpose sealant and adhesive applicator from the manufacturer PC Cox, delivers both bead and spray and is said to replicate the full range of accurate spray patterns produced by the original vehicle manufacturer.

An ultrasonic leak detection kit from Automotive Garage Solutions does not require recalibration and comprises an ultrasonic solid state receiver, an audible tube for air or gas leaks, high fidelity ear phones and contact probe.

Several new products join Denso's range of starters and alternators.

A more comprehensive range of Rolson tools are now available through car care and accessories distributor Saxon, extending its range to incorporate more useful gadgets. Its catalogue includes 20 pages of Rolson items including the emergency car charger which appeared on BBC's The Apprentice recently.

Vehicle technology continues to evolve and ignition is constantly being tweaked to reap a cleaner and more efficient burn, this has resulted in the old school heating element being replaced with glow plugs capable of reaching temperature up to 1,000 deg C which have dramatically increased duty cycles.

Older diesel cars are prone to failing MOTs due to excessive exhaust gas readings but Liqui Moly says its Diesel Purge should fix this by cleaning the engine and the combustion chamber; dissolving deposits and improving exhaust gas values.