Thatcham launches IMI-accredited ADAS course
Published: 25 October, 2019
Thatcham Research has today (Friday 25 October) launched IMI-accredited ADAS calibration training, designed to close what it classifies as an emerging skills gap. Since the publication of its ‘Managing vehicle repairs involving ADAS’ document in May, Thatcham Research has been engaged in industry consultation with industry associations and bodies, including the IMI, SMMT, BVRLA, NBRA and IGA.
Thatcham and the other industry stakeholders worked closely with the IMI to on the training programme. The new course will provide to technicians vital competencies, including how to interpret information relating to a specific vehicle’s ADAS features and determine the required method of calibration. It will also cover the correct use of tools and equipment and how to identify, locate and follow software-specific recalibration methods.
Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research commented: “The evolution, and widespread adoption, of ADAS features on new vehicles presents the whole repair sector with a challenge. It’s paramount that repaired vehicles are returned to customers with these potentially life-saving features operating as they were pre-accident. This course will give technicians the knowledge and skills to do that job and provide peace of mind that ADAS has been reinstated safely.”
He continued: “We’ve been looking for consensus on the key issues to be addressed. Chief among these are the lack of technical capability and capacity to effectively manage the current volume of ADAS in repair. The process continues as we work towards releasing a Code of Practice at the end of the year, to ensure a sustainable, standardised approach to the repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles.”
Steve Scofield FIMI, Head of Business Development for the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) added: “It is imperative that the ADAS Code of Practice drives technician competence in recalibration so that vehicles are repaired with safety features such as AEB fully reinstated. Motorists need to have the peace of mind that repairs are done so that ADAS technology remains wholly effective. The IMI continues to work with the sector to ensure this competence standard is up to date and assessed in a consistent way.”
In addition, Thatcham Research has updated its escribe repair methods service with dynamic ADAS fitment information. Users can also better identify sensors and their locations, as well as understand the repair scenarios in which calibration may need to be carried out.
Book a place on the IMI ADAS course here: https://www.thatcham.org/course/imi-adas-preparation-and-assessment/ or call: 01635 293174.
- IMI launches new international EV training solution
Launching today (Tuesday 11 September) at Automechanika Frankfurt, the IMI is showcasing its new Electric Vehicle eLearning modules designed to transform the way people undertake training within the workplace.
With full-electric car sales in the EU set to reach 200,000 this year, the IMI has connected with Germany’s training academy, Lucas Nülle, to make continual learning convenient and interactive for individuals of all abilities.
Steve Nash, Chief Executive at the IMI, said: “Making sure that an employer and its employees are ready for the increased number of ultra-low emission vehicles is paramount to future-proofing a business. Being able to service and maintain these vehicles safely should be the key focus, especially when the industry is experiencing the biggest growth in automotive technology that we’ve ever seen.
“Advances in new technology are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the world, and individuals working in the industry should be adopting this new training to make themselves leaders in their area of expertise. It’s an exciting time for the motor industry and the IMI is committed to making sure we’re ready to embrace the changes that are set to transform the sector.”
- Snap-on diagnostic software upgrade
Snap-on has released a new diagnostic software upgrade. Much of the new coverage relates to ADAS systems. Examples of the additions include adaptive cruise control modules on several Alfa Romeo and Fiat models, blind spot monitoring for Hyundai, Land Rover and Mazda variants, Vauxhall Mokka parking assistance and lane keep assist on several Renault and Lexus vehicles. The new ADAS coverage is on top of the wide range of new vehicles and systems added in the latest upgrade. Purchasing the update also back-fills technicians’ tools with all of the information from each previous Snap-on release, bringing the capability to deal with late-model and older vehicles alongside support for facing the new challenges coming into the workshop each day. ZEUS and VERUS Edge users will also benefit from improved management and storage of vehicle photos and diagnostic screenshots, along with faster access on their units to recently-scanned vehicles. Users of the Snap-on ZEUS, SOLUS Edge, MODIS Edge and Ultra platforms, and the VERUS and VERDICT family of products, also get exclusive access to SureTrack with the upgrade.
diagnostics.snapon.co.uk/software
- Detecting the opportunity: ADAS
Vehicles are being equipped with advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) in increasing numbers. It is predicted that by 2020, more than 40% of new vehicles will have at least two types of ADAS system fitted as standard.
- New ADAS seminar from Snap-on
Snap-on is offering a new seminar about ADAS. The event is accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and gives attendees an overview of ADAS and how the various systems must now be considered part of their everyday work.
- Looking back but motoring ahead
Just 12 months ago, the future of the UK aftermarket appeared to be in good shape with the emphasis on moving motorists to newer, greener vehicles. Then along came COVID-19 and everything changed. Although government objectives remain the same, the average motorist now finds themselves looking at a significantly altered work-life balance with new priorities and new challenges.
Sure, many would like to get their hands on the latest eco-vehicle but now most are struggling to keep their existing vehicle running and in good order. Budgets are tight. Undoubtedly this will have a big impact on the shape of the aftermarket in 2021.
Car sales statistics since lockdown began are already showing a sharp move from new car sales towards used car sales and an ever-ageing car parc; especially in those areas suffering the greatest economic impact. Motorists will naturally avoid spending money where possible and this has inevitably led to routine servicing being put off. The net result of this? Higher costs when their vehicle breaks down due to poor maintenance. It’s crucial therefore that the aftermarket emphasises the importance of preventative maintenance to motorists plus swift reaction to any dashboard faults.
Promotion
As a result, savvy motorists will save money in the longer term but vehicle manufacturers will not be letting up on marketing their shiny new models. This means the independent aftermarket, from parts manufacturers, to motor factors and workshops, need to up their game when it comes to promoting the benefits of good quality maintenance for used and ageing cars.
The motorist is aware they should be greener in all aspects of life and a well-maintained vehicle ticks the green box. A good service will immediately improve emissions. Introducing a preventative regime with additives will help the motorist maintain lower emissions and it reduces the risk of major mechanical failures such as damaged exhaust filters, blocked injectors, and fouled turbos.
Focus
Drilling down to the specifics, what should the aftermarket focus on in 2021?
Diesel Particulate Filters: Ongoing lockdowns have meant that vehicle use has changed, with normality but a pipe dream. Journeys will be shorter and more frequent leading to increasing DPF problems because the filter is unable to regenerate. Ignore it and the motorist will end up with unwelcome high bills or worse still, an unusable vehicle. The aftermarket must promote prevention which is easily accomplished with a quality DPF additive regime. For a few pounds every month the motorist will avoid unnecessary bills of hundreds, potentially thousands of pounds. JLM Lubricants, for example, provide superb quality DPF products including a professional cleaning toolkit – the dirtiest of DPFs can be cleaned by a mechanic in situ. Between services, a high-quality additive will keep the DPF in good shape.
Catalytic Converters: A CAT will often become blocked because of a poorly maintained engine. Keeping the engine clean helps keep the CAT clean, prolonging its life and avoiding unnecessary replacement costs for the motorist.
Turbos: A dirty turbo will strangle an otherwise good engine. Untreated it will lead to poor fuel consumption and increased emissions. On its own this means higher running costs for the motorist, but nothing compared to replacing a turbo. A professional quality additive will clean the turbo and importantly help prevent further contamination.
Approach
This approach to prevention and cure with additives should not be viewed as doing mechanics out of business, because in most cases it’s the mechanics using the additives as part of their service and servicing regime. Keeping a vehicle on the road by avoiding preventable DPF, CAT or Turbo issues means that the vehicle is still rolling, rather than being mothballed or scrapped. This means that suspension, brakes, and routine serving still need seeing to. The aftermarket must show it can help the motorist save money and keep their car on the road for longer. It’s likely to be three years or more before we return to anything like pre-Coronavirus normality.
The move to greener motoring should not be put on hold because of the impact of COVID-19 but it will have a different look to what the government initially envisaged. With the support of the independent aftermarket, motorists can reduce their impact on the environment and save money. They can keep themselves on the road whether they use their car for work, the school run or for that much-needed staycation. The government should embrace this approach and incorporate it into their green agenda. They too must accept there is an even tougher road ahead between today’s hard-pressed lockdown motorist and their vision of all electric motoring.
For more information visit www.jlmlubricants.com and www.the-dpf-doctor.com
