Thursday 24 May 2012

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.

Monday 16 January 2012

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