Sykes-Pickavant Tools Now Available For Hire At Rent2Repair

We at Sykes-Pickavant are delighted to hear that our automotive tools are now available for hire through Rent2Repair. Launched in May 2012, the company provides a tool hire service to independent garages for specialist tools that are required for specific jobs, whether it be a diesel injector remover or a gas analyser. 

In the past many independent garages have been faced with no option but to turn certain jobs down due to the fact that they do not have the required piece of equipment. Stocking all the gear required to repair every problem on every model of car is simply too costly for many garages. There is also the issue of where to store so many items and as a result, dealerships have had somewhat of a monopoly on certain repair jobs. 

However, for a small monthly subscription, independent garages can now have access to a huge range of Sykes-Pickavant tools.  Having paid a rental fee, the item will be delivered to the garage the next day and then collected when finished with. Rent2Repair also offer the option of purchasing tools outright. You may even decide to use their hire service first to try out one of our tools, before you commit to buying. 

Using Rent2Repair’s tool hire service really could have a positive impact on your garage’s business. Not only can it increase your turnover by taking on more jobs; you will also instil confidence within your customer base and encourage repeat business. Plus customers will be happy with the convenience of taking their vehicle to a local garage, rather than having to travel to the nearest dealership. 

So we are wishing Rent2Repair automotive tool hire service the best of luck on their business venture and look forward to a long lasting relationship - one that should benefit garages and consumers alike.

Are you prepared for the new MOT changes from 2012?….

From 1st January this year, The Department for Transport added a number of new mandatory test items to the annual MOT, to comply with a revised European testing directive and in respect of MIL ( warning lights ) the following statement applies:-

“Illumination of malfunction indicator light (MIL) for electronic power steering, electronic stability control, electronic park brake control, brake fluid warning lamp, tyre pressure monitoring system and air bag/ pre‑tensioner“

As well as electronic parking brake and electronic stability control warning lights (where fitted), the MOT test will also include checks for the correct function of the following, where fitted;

- Headlight main beam warning light

- Electronic power steering warning light

- Brake fluid level warning light

- Tyre pressure monitoring system warning light

- Air bag warning light

- Seat belt pre-tensioner warning light

These changes (along with several others) will be “advisory” during the period January - March 2012, following which they will then become compulsory failures.

Help is at hand to prepare for these changes, with the recently launched TPMS Tester – An all-makes service tool that covers Sensor Activation, Sensor Checking and Sensor Replacement. 

For those looking for a more comprehensive tool – the SPe Electronic Service Tool works with ease on modern vehicles with electronically controlled service functions – including Service Light / Service Module Reset, Power / Electronic Steering Controls and Brake & Clutch Bleeding.

Full details of the new mandatory test items can be see in the 2012 MOT Inspection Manual

New Addition to the Export Team……

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Clelia Serot as Export Sales Administrator. Clelia will be working alongside our Export Manager, Sebastien Excoffon and assisting in daily duties including processing sales orders, producing reports and handling customer requests. French born Clelia has been in the UK for 7 years and joins us from Tata Steel Automotive where she worked in the Commercial Department as an Account Co-ordinator.

CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT DETAILS

18580000 - Injector Puller Kit proving a success

 
We have been hearing about many success stories when it comes to the new 18580000 Hydraulic Injector Puller and how using this kit has saved so much time for many of you when faced with the problem of a stuck injector.

 

The pictures shown are another example of the kit working on a Renault 1.9DCi engine.

You can read more about the kit by CLICKING HERE or to watch a VIDEO of the puller in action, please CLICK HERE

Intelligent Battery Care from ‘Keepower’

The new ‘Keepower’ Battery Care range that can be seen in our new promo brochure is a handy tool for battery testing, charging and boosting.

88813800 - XL-Pro Charger

With three powerful versions available to suit a number of requirements and suitable for all battery types, the keepower battery charger is the perfect choice.

The video link below is an example of the 88813800 – XL-Pro Intelligent Charger in action, primarily  showing the capability it has to maintain a steady battery output voltage, regardless of the demands placed on the battery – For example during workshop based events when diagnostic testing is being carried out.

The charger is also a great time saver, as for many garages it is essential that a stable output voltage is achieved to avoid any unnecessary faults, which in the past has led to certain tasks taking longer than expected to complete. The Keepower charger provides a stable voltage ensuring smooth communication and correct functionality.

The video also highlights how efficiently the Keepower range is able to react to the electrical loadings placed upon the battery and these chargers react quickly due to their superior quality components and by doing so help to reduce internal damage to batteries and can lengthen their service life by as much as 50%.

The Keepower range – The perfect choice for the professional workshop or garage user.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE XL-PRO INTELLIGENT BATTERY CHARGER

New Promo Brochure – Available Now!

Over the last few weeks we have been busy working on the next Special Offers & New Products promo brochure and we are pleased to announce that this is available now! CLICK HERE  

The brochure features a mixture of new products and supplier brands including Power Probe – A new testing range that is suitable for a number of requirements, for example Relay, Circuit and Harness testing.  Also on offer is a new range of Battery Chargers from our friends at Keepower – Intelligent Battery Care that covers testing, charging and boosting.

The existing SPe – Electronic System Tester now includes new software options - available as an Electronic Service tool for the workshop AND an Electronic Bodywork tool for the bodyshop.

Other new additions include braking, suspension, servicing and workshop tools – So be one of the first to take a look at the new brochure – Available to view and download HERE

It was all go go go at Unipart – Nottingham’s Karting event

Jason with the Unipart - Nottingham Team

Unipart Automotive - Nottingham got all in a spin last Wednesday when they arranged a staff team building race night at PF International Kart circuit near Grantham. Our very own Jason Bavin, Regional Sales Manager for the North went along for support and took part in what was an action packed (but rather wet) night full of bumps and crashes.

Race awards were presented to the staff by some of the Unipart team who included Pete Brown, Area Sales & Operations Manager, Dave Clelland – Business Development Manager and Ian Parsons – Branch Manager.

Unipart commented on the event saying “A great time was had by all and a few crashes made the night more of a challenge ...as did the wet weather. Many thanks to Jason & Sykes Pickavant for their support”

Another successful event from the guys at Unipart, although Jason may have to put up with a bit of stick for a while as he finished in second to last place! Well Done Jason!

Unipart Automotive is the UK’s largest independent supplier of car parts, workshop consumables and garage equipment to the aftermarket. For further details click here