Low cost repair system
Leak detection from Ring
Published: 28 May, 2014
UV dyes are perfect for finding leaks, especially 'invisible' leaks involving air conditioning gas. Ring Automotive has an inspection lamp and a range of UV dyes to detect leaks involving oil and fuel, the coolant and air con system as well as surface water leaks.
The lamp provides 1,000 Lux and incorporates a UV lamp and LED torch. A powerful magnet on the base and two hooks on the rear allow you to work hands-free. Four UV dyes are available to use with the lamp, supplied in single measure bottles for use in the air con system, for coolants, water ingress and engine oils.
The dye is added to the system being tested, left to blend for 20 minutes, then you can use the lamp to look for a fluorescent glow. Once the leak has been found and repaired the lamp can be used again to make sure the work has been successful.
- Performance bulbs
LED lighting technology presents a challenge for future sales to the aftermarket as the non-replaceable light source has started to be fitted onto new typed-approved vehicles. However, Ring Automotive's Technical Director Nick Cameron remains positive: "Whilst LED lighting technology is a long-term threat to bulb replacement, there are still plenty of new and existing opportunities for bulbs in the aftermarket." Xenon HID bulbs were once limited to luxury and executive cars but are increasingly fitted as standard to wider range of vehicles. The replacement of these presents a higher profit margin for garages but may be put off by the high voltage involved and referred the task back to the main dealer. As demand for replacement increases it's important for independents to retain this work and Ring Automotive provides direct OE replacements. A training manual and video guide has been produced by the firm to increase installers' confidence. The XenonStar+ range of halogen bulbs has been introduced as motorists want to replicate the ultra-bright light output of Xenon. "By offering premium bulb upgrades that improves the light output, style or drivers' visibility, garages could increase their sales by 50%," stated Cameron. "Once customers see the improvement for themselves they do not go back to standard bulbs and continue to fit higher value performance halogens."
- Right oil for the job
Denso's air conditioning range has been boosted by 29 new compressor references this month. The update covers applications for BMW 1, 3, 5, 7 Series and X5, Jeep Cherokee, Mercedes M-Class and S-Class, Toyota Yaris, RAV4, Land Cruiser and more. All of the references are OE quality. The programme now stands at 479 air con parts for 2,650 applications and include reciprocal, rotary and electrical types. All units are new, filled with the correct amount of oil and supplied as complete assemblies. Its thermal systems range also includes receiver driers, pressure switches, expansion valves and evaporators have also been added to the inventory this year. Engine cooling parts include radiators, oil coolers, heater cores, condensers, intercoolers, cooling fans and cabin blower fans. Denso spokesman Martin Pring says it's essential to use the right compressor oil: "Primarily to lubricate moving parts, i.e. the compressor and the expansion valve needle. It also enables heat to escape from the compressor. Insufficient lubrication due to universal oil is the second most frequent reason for DENSO A/C compressor damage and failure."
- Super fresh
Three Sun Koolkare air con units from Snap-on are fully automatic and include Dual Gas, Blizzard and Blizzard HFO/PRO. They have been redesigned to make them simpler to use. A 5"colour display guides users through procedures. Larger 100mm gauges have been added to the Blizzard PRO, with visual indicators and a colour-coded light system to show a unit's status. The Blizzard and PRO model are supplied with a comprehensive vehicle database as standard and technicians can add new vehicles they come across if required. KoolKlean is a purification system on the PRO model which leaves the car smelling fresh after use as it eliminates smells and the bacteria which cause them.
- Service the latest systems
The ArcticPro 200yf service unit is designed for servicing the latest vehicles with air con systems using the R1234yf refrigerant and is available from Mahle. A mobile analysis unit identifies the refrigerant used and can be left to run an automated sequence or programmed manually. Standard AC systems are also catered for by the Behr ACxpert 1000a unit for systems using R134a refrigerant. The equipment is backed by a network for maintenance, servicing and technical support.
- Parts for older cars
Hella has introduced 126 alternative products into its compressor and condenser range. These are offered in parallel to the original spare part and are particularly suited for repairs on older cars where maintenance costs need to take into account the vehicle's value.
