Reminding customers to maintain their vehicle's oil levels is a good idea but Comma says putting clean oil into a dirty engine makes no sense at all.

An advanced battery charger has recently joined the Snap-on Tools range, specifically designed to cope with the power-drawing engine management systems and accessories on vehicles today.

A massive overhaul is set to shake up ACDelco's brake pad programme in September and will result in what the company describes as 'a more comprehensive and relevant product offering to the aftermarket'.

The easycheck range from TRW comprises a family of four diagnostic tools.

A software update for the ISSCAN II is promising to make it a lot easier to upload software upgrades to the handset.

The availability of Klarius exhaust parts has been increased across the range due to a 'national re-profiling exercise' at distributor, FPS.

The B461 and B441 four post lifts are the culmination of 25 years of lift manufacturing at Boston and are designed to meet the needs of future MOT legislation; both models feature platform recesses into which hydraulic or pneumatic play detectors can be installed or retrofitted at any point.

The MPL2 from TCS Products is both an MPL battery charger and a battery support unit that can be used on both cars and vans.

Hot Wheels is the latest car care product from Tetrosyl and joins its Wonder Wheels range of cleaners.

As Delphi gain more OE common rail contracts, the company is turning its expertise to its aftermarket products as the vehicles come out of warranty.

The B-Touch ST-9000 scan tool features an easy to use touch screen interface, a faster processing speed and a comprehensive vehicle application database. It performs ECU reading, parameter, status and error reading, cancellation adjustments, coding and shows you the position of the diagnostic socket and which cable to use.

The EELD100 smoke machine, available from Snap-on Tools, is said to make the invisible, clearly visible, saving the bodyshop tech the hassle of replacing and stripping down engine components and finding the smallest of leaks.

A range of lightweight free-standing safes from Securikey have been introduced to keep your valuables safe in the workshop or at home (perhaps not your favourite pair of shoes though - see pic).

As people tighten their purse strings they can take on the simple touch-up repair jobs they once left to the professionals.

Bilstein has announced the introduction of its B6 shock absorbers to increase the road-holding ability and directional stability of the new VW Passat, designed to boost damping force without sacrificing performance.

Polishing up a motor? Independent workshops can prepare customer cars with even more sparkle according to car care firm Autoglym, as it has launched a new version of its best-selling trade polish, Radiant Wax.

A new range of BendPak XPR9 two post lifts are now available from Liftmaster.

Stocks are ready for dispatch of the AP brand new flywheel conversion kit for the Ford Transit 2.4 TDCi 6 speed gearbox model (including the Tourneo) and are available now from Fuel Parts.

Users of the REVO 180 infrared paint drying system are reporting huge savings in annual gas consumption, according to supplier Tri-Sphere.

The OBD Log's big brother has been created by Texa and is named, the OBD Matrix. It can detect and interpret the errors on all electronic systems in modern vehicles and by using the IDC4 software, can be used on road tests.

Following the lead of VMs, a range of wheel assembly kits for passenger cars has been introduced by Comline Auto Parts and are designed to reduce fitment time.

This new jack from French tool maker Facom is different from others in that the mechanical locking system supports the vehicle's weight. It locks into place and stays at the lift height whereas a traditional jack can experience leaks from the hydraulic system, causing it to fall.

The MXS 10.0 10A 12V battery charger from CTEK features an extended five pulse per second de-sulphation stage, an analysis stage which quickly confirms whether the battery is capable of holding a charge or whether it needs replacing and an AGM charging cycle specifically designed for stop-start technology.

As Delphi gains more OE common rail contracts, the company is turning its expertise to its aftermarket products as the vehicles come out of warranty. Recently, its Multec diesel common rail system was chosen for the DW10C engine, a shared platform for Citroen, Fiat, Ford and Peugeot diesel vehicles. A number of replacement items are available including a high pressure pump, injectors and an electronic control unit.

A range of cordless, air, hand, corded and digitally controlled tools have been introduced by AC Delco and are available from Hickleys. The tool show here is the ½” drive super torque impact wrench. This provides 500 Nm or 369 flt lbs of torque, features an aluminium gearbox housing and has a variable speed with reverse and electric brake switch.

rong>A new line of twin-tip spark plugs has recently been launched by parts firm Denso.

rong>A new ¼” TechAngle torque and angle wrench is available from Snap-on Tools, designed to save techs time while also increasing accuracy.

SmartCharge battery chargers have a seven-stage charging cycle and have been designed to diagnose, recondition and service vehicle batteries.

Gates has expanded the number of replacement parts available for the accessory belt drive system. The programme includes OE equivalent multi-ribbed belts, all necessary metal components, tools, routing diagrams and technical bulletins to guide technicians.

rong>Over 1,500 applications are covered by only 118 wiper blade part references available from Denso. Products include standard, spoiler, curved and twin-screw options, covering more than 95% of the European car parc.

rong>The Accura Qube may be small but the tiny unit provides fast and accurate tyre inflation. The new inflator from PCL has three modes: standard inflate/deflate, tyreshop (which features overpressure) and nitrogen (top off and complete purge).

rong>Delphi says research shows more than 80% of fuel injection repairs are caused by fuel contamination or poor fuel quality and with biodiesels becoming more popular this figure is likely to rise as it is not regulated to the same standards as diesel.

rong>The new web-based garage management programme developed by MAM Software has been chosen as the preferred choice by the Bosch Car Service network.

The latest battery charger to join Snap-on Tools is said to be the most advanced yet with 300 amp engine starting power and different charging cycles for each type of battery - standard, deep-cycle, AGM and gel cell.

Recent additions to Tecalemit's range of garage equipment include a Class I and II adapter kit for the standard Class IV and VII roller brake testers and the option of headlamp beam testing which indicates a pass or fail on the integrated LCD screen.

rong>Three treatments available from Forte have been developed to help independent workshops keep their customers’ fuel systems and components clean. They aim to prevent contamination which can make oxygen sensors in petrol engine vehicles fail, resulting in misfiring, juddering and a loss of power.

rong>This nifty piece of kit communicates with the on-board computer and once faults are identified and repaired, resets the warning light - an essential service tool for today's garage.

rong>This new range of automotive batteries is available exclusively through FPS. GS Batteries cover 99% of the vehicle parc and include car, CV, marine and leisure applications.

rong>The Hunter WA series aligner console can now benefit from the latest WinAlign 11 operating software, helping to simplify alignment tasks further and reduce the time it takes to undertake complex wheel alignment work.

THE REST of the country might grind to a halt at the first sign of a snowflake, but that simply isn't an option for the garage trade.

rong>The Cypher is a PC-based diagnostic tool pitched at the experienced diagnostic technician; enabling you to work now and into the future.

rong>This scanner is also J2534 pass-thru enabled and provides auto-search facilities for most makes, so there’s no need to enter VIN details or engine type.

rong>In Spring 2010, 250 steering and suspension part numbers joined FAI Automotive’s steering and suspension programme and were listed in a supplement to its catalogue, adding more than 1,000 new applications.

rong>An Air Gun Sucker/Blower Kit with a standard airline and an air pressure of 90psi is available from Laser Tools.

rong>Anyone who has a classic Mini turn up in their workshop with one of the frequent gearbox problems will be pleased to know that the first and second gear complete inner assembly for all four-speed synchromesh gearboxes is once again available from Huddersfield-based Mini Spares.

rong>A VW-approved antifreeze and coolant is the most recent addition to Comma’s Xstream range containing Glysantin from BASF. 

rong>The new FSA 500 Mobile Tester and FSA and Hybrid Tester from Bosch are said to provide fast and accurate troubleshooting and the latter aids professional diagnosis of electronic and hybrid drives.

rong>Brake Gray is a heavy-duty brake fluid-resistant paint, containing pure stainless steel pigment in an ultra durable epoxy ester resin. Phew.

rong>If you’re after a MIG/MAG welder that offers a simple set-up then look no further than the Synergic single phase 13/23-V from GYS. Select the welding mode, wire thickness and metal type, set the current and you’re ready to go - the best wire speed is automatically chosen.

rong>The glue barons at Design and Engineering Inc have come up with a handy solution to sticky situations.