VLS concludes 5W-30 investigation
Published: 14 April, 2020
VLS has announced the outcome of case VLS010163, a complaint against Gulf Formula CX 5W-30 Engine Oil. The product is now in compliance and the case is closed.
In October 2019, VLS received a complaint about marketing claims were being made by the product. The allegation stated that there was no technology currently available to meet the combination of the latest OEM specifications PSA B71 2290 and BMW LL-04 (including N20 and B48 performance). In addition, the claim on the Technical Data Sheet (TDS), dated February 2018, to meet PSA B71 2290 did not specify which iteration and therefore risked misapplication by the end user.
The independent VLS Technical Panel upheld the complaint and entered into discussion with Gulf. The company stated that there had been a subsequent formulation change and change in product pack labels in December 2018/January 2019 and the TDS dated February 2018 had been superseded. Since then there had been no formulation changes but there had been periodic changes to the Technical Data Sheets/product labels to align with the changes in OEM specifications and approvals of the product. As evidence Gulf provided updated copies of the latest TDS dated October 2019, and latest product labels reflecting the current claims made.
The latest version of the Technical Data Sheet removed the marketing claims against the following specifications for which manufacturer approvals had been obtained MB 229.51, MB 229.52, BMW LL-04 and VW 505 00 and 505 01. In addition, the marketing claim against PSA B71 2290 was withdrawn.
David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said: “Lubricants are increasingly complex products, catering to specific engine needs. It is vital that any product labelling and Technical Data Sheets are up-to-date and accurate so that end users can be confident the oil they are using is fit for purpose.”
- Webinar from Gates on cooling system hose issues
Gates will tackle cooling system hose problems in a new technical webinar being held on Thursday (7 May).
- Autotech Recruit teams up with ZF Aftermarket
Autotech Recruit has teamed up with ZF Aftermarket Technical Training in order to provide access to in-depth, technical courses. Courses will cover transmission systems, steering, suspension, driveline components and on electric and hybrid vehicles.
Autotech Recruit Managing Director Gavin White commented: “Garages are under pressure from rapid advances in technology, and, while we still need to focus on bringing in new talent, it is essential that the current workforce is trained sufficiently. Through our close connections with the industry, we recognise the exact needs of both garage owners and vehicle technicians today and it has become increasingly apparent that we need to provide training on specific vehicle components to give technicians a greater level of understanding. We need to build a fix first time mentality.”
Mandla Ndhlovu, Head of Training at Autotech Recruit, added: “I am excited by the partnership with ZF Aftermarket Technical Training, which will enable us to offer this high quality of training the automotive industry desperately needs. It will give garages an opportunity to equip their technicians with the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to be able to successfully maintain and repair the vehicles of today and the more technologically advanced vehicles of the future.”
For further information email training@autotechrecruit.co.uk or call 01234 240 503.
- Ring: Bulb wall chart
Ring has issued a quick-reference wall chart for 6V and 12V bulbs. The chart features images, ECE references, dimensions, technical drawings and part numbers for over 600 replacement bulbs.
The chart also includes information about Ring’s xenon HID range, which features well-established references as well as the newer D5 bulb that is now being fitted on a growing number of vehicles. Research from Ring suggests that xenon HIDs should be replaced every three years, to prevent a drop in light output and maintain visibility for drivers.
Ring’s Vehicle Lighting Product Manager Matthew Flaherty said: “The chart gives a quick reference guide for a wide range of bulb references. We’ve included some of the newest bulbs now being fitted to vehicles, including up to date HID references and the latest in performance upgrades. Our aim is to help technicians identify the correct replacement and offer potential upgrades, so that they can give their customers the best bulb for their vehicle with up to date information and options.”
To order the chart, call Ring’s UK Customer Service Team on 0113 213 7389 quoting part number CAT1248
- Future-proofed: Training technicians for the long-term
While experience in the day-to-day activities of a workshop is vital in building a technician’s knowledge and skills, it is only one piece of the puzzle. For example, a technician who has been servicing solely petrol and diesel vehicles for the past 15 years will unlikely be able to help a customer with a hybrid or electric vehicle. What’s more, given the safety concerns involved, it would be dangerous for them to try. What about servicing the latest safety-critical systems, like ADAS? Certainly not a worthwhile risk without the appropriate knowledge or equipment.
Systematic training in new technologies is, therefore, the best way to ensure a workshop will continue to successfully serve aftermarket customers, even in times of rapid change.
“The Auto Education Academy portal from Euro Car Parts brings IMI-approved online and practical courses together with a database of over 500,000 resolved technical queries, with an average of 600 new repairs added daily,” observed Adam White, Workshop Solutions Director at Euro Car Parts. “It provides technicians with one of the largest technical training and knowledge resources in the independent aftermarket.”
“Training is an integral part of ongoing success in this industry,” continued Adam. “It allows technicians to further their career and workshop owners to develop a highly-skilled team of professionals.”
While many would agree to education’s importance in principle, it can be difficult to carry out a training plan and accept lost revenue in the short-term. Online learning can provide the flexibility to bridge that gap.
“Repairers can login to their own skills portal to view the content of more than 75 different courses, registering and booking their place on training workshops all over the country at the click of a button,” said Adam. “They can also assess their strengths and identify weaknesses in nine key areas: Petrol engines, diesel engines, engine management and emissions, vehicle electronics, hybrid and electric cars, brakes, powertrain, tyres, steering and suspension, as well as air-conditioning.
“Results are automatically added to an interactive skills diagram, illustrating a repairer’s current skillset and enabling them to set their own training and development targets. Where gaps exist, the learner management system intuitively recommends Auto Education courses that can help increase knowledge in those areas.”
Invaluable
“The platform has been designed so that anybody can complete a skills overview,” pointed out Adam. “This makes the tool invaluable to workshop managers looking to monitor staff skillsets or test potential hires. Our new learning portal represents a significant investment by Euro Car Parts in helping to nurture the knowledge and skills of technicians across the country.
“As with any profession, it is important for technicians to continue professional development throughout their career. It is also the role of managers to identify gaps in their team and commit staff to training that will address shortcomings in the workshop’s capabilities. For more immediate solutions, the programme features a technical helpline that provides fast responses to troubleshooting, repair, diagnostics and technical information queries on any vehicle, from any manufacturer.”
Adam concluded: “For those with an eagerness to learn and evolve, it is an exciting era for the independent aftermarket. “We consider the success of technicians and independent workshops as the foundation of our industry and believe nothing plays a greater role, or makes more of an impact, than education.”
- The secret behind Top Technician: Process
I guess it’s just human nature to want to take a peek behind the door that says ‘Private, Members Only’. What could be so special, and what are we missing out on? It’s with that in mind that I’m writing this article. In the next four minutes I’ll reveal what goes on behind the scenes in the Top Technician technical tests, and what it takes to diagnose a vehicle in 20 minutes. You’re going to love it!
I first became involved with Top Technician as a judge in 2008, I was hooked from the start as it epitomised everything I loved about the industry. Watching dedicated technicians work progressively through each technical test was a thing of beauty. Not knowing who would win, as so few points separate most entrants, would keep me on a knife edge throughout the day.
Here’s the deal though; While this is a competition, the skills used to win are exactly the same skills that need to be displayed in your workshop every day. These skills ensure your diagnosis happens in a timely manner, and you can bill all of your diagnostic time. Not only that; Anyone considering taking a Diagnostic Technician or Master Technician assessment needs to display the same skillset. There’s a blueprint for diagnostic success, and if your follow it then you’ll progress in leaps and bounds.
What’s in a technical task?
There are a few core skills that a technician should possess, so each technical task is designed so that a competitor can display the following:
