In light of the recent revelation that most owners ignore VM recalls on their vehicles, TecAlliance calls on the independent aftermarket to help reverse this trend. PMM speaks to Shaun Greasley from TecAlliance to find out how.
According to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) statistics, less than 48% of the 2.2 million vehicle recalls involving airbags, fire risks and steering failures since 2012 have actually been carried out. These statistics – which are likely to be replicated across every area of the vehicle – just go to show how difficult it is for the franchised dealer sector to cope with recalls, which opens the door for the independent sector. That said, it has traditionally been very difficult for independents to step in and take advantage of the opportunity, which is where TecAlliance and its RMI technical service data comes to the fore.
Under normal circumstances, the typical independent might ask how they can reach motorists if the VMs can’t. However, the TecAlliance system provides the answer in the shape of the recall information option, which provides easy access to this information on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. During the course of a normal vehicle service or repair, the RMI
system obviously provides the necessary information when it comes to what needs to be carried out and the process to accomplish it, as well as how long it should take and the replacement parts that are required.
However, what really sets it apart is the service schedule and recall option, which allows users of the web-based subscription service to check the recall status of every vehicle that comes through the workshop, in a matter of seconds.
If we were to use Audi as an example, should an S6, S7, RS and RS7 manufactured between January 2012 and August 2013 enter the workshop, interrogation of the system will reveal that, due to incorrect manufacturing tolerances, the fuel line can become damaged and cause leakage, which requires replacement of the fuel line.
Another issue, this time affecting the A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5 and Q7 build over the same period, is a possible reduction of brake performance due to engine oil entering the brake servo via the vacuum feed line, which requires replacement of the vacuum line.
Armed with this information, RMI users can simply check that the recall has been undertaken and, if it has not, inform the customer and put the problem right, which not only reduces their exposure to any potential risk, but endorses the standard of service that their workshop provides.
