JLM Lubricants has recently launched the Friends of JLM campaign, aiming to shine the spotlight on exceptional technicians in the 46 countries where its products are distributed. In this special feature we lift the lid on one of the First Friends of JLM – the multi award winning AJ Fleetcare based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
‘‘I love Leeds!” proclaims Jeanette Landale, joint owner of AJ Fleetcare, based only several miles from the city centre. She goes on: “Not just because I was brought up here, or that there’s so much to do, but because of the people. They are so friendly and helpful.”
Jeanette met her husband, Alan, at a local social club as a teenager. One marriage and a successful business later, Jeanette is now the front of house for AJ Fleetcare.
The couple’s son Matthew works full time in the business as a master technician. “Matthew is a real problem solver, which has helped me,” says Alan. “It was his insistence that we modernise and raise our standards. This is why we work so well today with not just the best products but also the best companies. And the arrival of John Curver last year has enabled us to expand into machining and light engineering.”
A perfect match
Alan and Jeanette discovered JLM Lubricants at a motor industry trade event and since then, the couple claim, rarely does a day go by when at least one JLM product is not used in their workshop. Jeanette explains: “We use JLM Lubricants because we believe in it. The products have been evaluated by technicians in their workshops as well as in the lab. We see them work. We use them ourselves and offer the in-tank range to customers. They always live up to their promises.”
“We group certain JLM additives in an A&S service pack,” continues Jeanette. “On one car, we used JLM’s oil flush, and the customer came back after a week. The oil was so clean he could not see it on the dipstick. So, he added more and overfilled the engine. We had to drain out the excess!”
Alan explains that in the workshop, periodic intake cleans are ideal for showing customers how effective AJ Fleetcare and JLM Lubricants are at keeping engines clean internally. “We take before and after pictures of the intake to show customers proof. On older vehicles intake cleans are essential preventative maintenance. With the JLM intake toolkit and products it’s always outstanding results.”
No techy talk here!
Jeanette is passionate about instilling confidence in customers by avoiding technical talk saying: “Some customers can be suspicious when charged for additives. The answer is to explain the products that have been used on their car in a clear and friendly manner. This builds trust and confidence. We help them to understand the role that additives are increasingly playing in vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repairs. I also encourage customers to use JLM products in between workshop visits so they can see the results with their own eyes and keep their car well maintained without paying over the odds. Whilst this is not possible for intake cleans and engine oil flushes for example, it is feasible with in tank additives. I know that all this has played a big part in so many women and older people deciding to use us. They feel comfortable enough to book their car in and to drop it off on their own.”