The growth in the automotive industry has led to a significant increase in the demand for clutches, yet they tend to be distress purchases and are rarely stocked en masse by workshops. Valeo Service UK explains how full clutch kits offer motor factors an upselling opportunity.
Widespread wear
As a clutch is an integrated system where all the parts function in relation to each other, set replacement as opposed to replacing individual clutch components offers a ‘common sense’ solution.
Nowadays, the service life of individual clutch components is almost identical. For that reason, most manufacturers only offer clutch components together as a complete kit, based on the consensus that if a clutch disc is worn, other parts have also reached a similar point.
Accessing clutch components is not a quick job, so kit replacement offers a more labour efficient solution for garages, with a longer-term cost-saving benefit being passed on to the motorist.
‘All-in-one’ solution
An example of how clutch kits are meeting a growing customer demand is through Valeo’s FullPACK clutch kit, an all-in-one simplified offer featuring a two-piece kit and a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) hydraulic bearing. It is widely recommended for technicians to replace the CSC at the same time as the clutch kit, which means the FullPACK kit offers garages a straightforward, convenient solution.
Wide coverage, wide choice
Manufactured in twelve sites across four continents, Valeo clutch parts and kits are distributed across more than 80 countries. In Europe, one in three vehicles is originally fitted with a Valeo clutch and its aftermarket range covers 98% of the European vehicle parc.
All clutches are supplied in bespoke packaging that holds the clutch kit under a film and prevents the components from moving. This packaging ensures the protection of the parts during carriage.
The company’s clutch programme features well over 1,900 references for passenger car and commercial vehicle applications. The clutch programme includes traditional clutch kits, high-efficiency clutch kits, self-adjusting clutch kits, dual mass flywheels, clutch master cylinders and concentric slave cylinders.
