Dayco, OE belt and system manufacturer, explains why factors should be urging customers to adhere to the ‘Check & Change’ rule when servicing auxiliary drive systems.
Motor factors will be conscious that there are few options to really increase product sales in such a mature market, but the auxiliary belt and drive system provides just such an opportunity. The main reasons why the auxiliary drive system has traditionally been ignored is due to, firstly, the fact that it is generally very reliable, and secondly, it is rarely mentioned in the vehicle manufacturers (VMs) service schedules.
However, Dayco is encouraging factors to grasp the opportunity that auxiliary system-related sales can yield, by raising its awareness with their workshop customers, so both parties can benefit from the potential.
Check & Change
As the current EPDM formulated auxiliary belt wears gradually, not unlike a tyre, its wear is difficult to gauge, which is why factors should be advising technicians to use the vehicle’s mileage as their first point of reference. If the vehicle has covered 60,000 miles or more, the belt should be thoroughly inspected and if it shows any sign of damage or wear, should automatically be replaced – therefore applying the ‘check & change’ rule.
Market opportunities
By applying the generally accepted average annual mileage of 12,000 to the latest Department for Transport figures, there are almost 18 million cars in the UK that are likely to have covered more than 60,000 miles. So, the vast majority of the cars that enter the typical independent workshop on a daily basis will be relevant to the ‘check & change’ rule, so providing them and the factor supplying the replacement with a tremendous business opportunity.
As a further encouragement, factors should be highlighting the fact that the PV belt should also be considered when technicians undertake timing belt, alternator or water pump replacement because they will have all covered the same mileage and have a similar life expectancy. In addition, since the PV belt will have to be removed to change any of these components, it is the ideal time to replace it, as it will incur no additional labour costs, so why should they compromise?
Range and quality
Dayco has almost 1,500 belts – 48 of which are elastic and more than 20 double-sided – in its PV range and all are application specific in accordance with the specification of the OE belt, which means that factors can be sure they are able to supply the right belt for each application.
As Dayco is a full system supplier to the VMs, it is ideally placed to offer the independent sector the full range of components, which includes tensioners, TVDs, idlers and water pumps alongside its comprehensive belt range. This means that factors are able to supply a like for like, OE replacement, to their valued customers.
