The experts at Accu, a leading provider of reliable engineering and precision components, have analysed BMW’s patent (DE469242297), which covers three head styles: cap head, countersunk and flanged button head. Additionally, automotive expert Richard Rackham, former Head of Concept at Lotus Cars, weighs in on what this means for mechanics, manufacturers and owners. Here’s what ...

The post BMW’s new patented screws appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

Comline is reminding independent workshops of the importance of not applying copper grease to brake pads.  Comline, the brand of choice for many aftermarket businesses and technicians around the world, is urging independent workshops to reconsider the use of copper-based grease on brake pads, as modern braking systems become ever more reliant on electronic sensors ...

The post Should you use copper grease on brake pads? appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

Parts supplier febi discusses timing chain rattle in the EA111 engine 1.4 TSi and what you can do about it.  The 1.4 Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSi) variant of the EA111 Volkswagen Group engine was produced from 2005 to 2015, after which it was replaced by the current belt-driven EA211 series of engines.  This engine was used in many different models with various power outputs and ...

The post Ways to fix timing chain rattle appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

Gigacasting is changing vehicle manufacturing – and repair practices along with it. Helpfully, with ALLDATA Repair, workshops and bodyshops can either replace or repair complex aluminium structures, like those on Tesla models.   The body structure differs from conventional vehicles. The manufacturer promotes the use of gigacastings, large-format structural parts that are made of aluminium in a single casting. This ...

The post Replacing aluminium vehicle structures appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

The good news for the UK aftermarket is that the car parc is ageing. But along with the increase in work comes added responsibility to ensure customers’ cars run as smoothly as ever. Here, TotalEnergies outlines how age resistance technology is helping preserve older vehicles.  As the rising cost of living bites, seven out of 10 independent ...

The post Engine oils for an ageing car parc  appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

MANN-FILTER, experts in automotive filtration, explains why you shouldn’t even consider cleaning your customers’ air filters.  The air filter is an often undervalued filter, with the ‘oil and filter’ interim service or perception that the air filter is of secondary importance to the engine commonplace. There are many stories of air filters being cleaned or ‘blown out’ to save ...

The post Why you should never clean air filters  appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

Motaquip reveals some of the techniques required for quick and accurate air mass meter diagnosis.  Air mass meters (AMMs) measure the mass of air entering the engine, providing the ECU with the data it needs to calculate precise fuelling for efficient combustion and low emissions. Using a temperature-controlled platinum sensor, airflow is translated into a signal the ECU can interpret – but what ...

The post Techniques needed for air mass meter diagnosis appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

Febi’s technical team outlines a recent timing belt replacement on a Ford Kuga.  The vehicle  Make: Ford  Model: Kuga  Year: 2011  Engine: 2l Common Rail Diesel  The routine replacement of the timing belt is an essential procedure in order to avoid failure of the belt and serious engine damage. However, replacement intervals have been considerably extended over the ...

The post How to replace timing belt on a Ford Kuga  appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

PMM’s indignant investigator Ben Johnson explores why many modern cars sometimes give up the ghost, without even having the decency to explain why!  Modern cars are rubbish at failing properly. They no longer expire with drama or dignity. There is no bang, no puff of smoke, no heroic mechanical sacrifice. That sort of thing belonged to an era when ...

The post Ben Johnson on why modern cars mysteriously fail appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.

ALLDATA presents a recent case where its information provided one garage with the knowledge and confidence to accurately price up a big job for a customer.   Upon discovering the engine must be removed to replace the vibration damper on a Mercedes A-Class (Type 169), a workshop needed evidence to justify a nine-hour labour charge – step forward ALLDATA Repair and its ...

The post Keeping yourself and your customers informed  appeared first on Professional Motor Mechanic.