INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
REGULARS
2 Welcome note from the MD
3 For Your Information
WELCOME
Note from the MD
12 Newsdesk
13 Take a Break with POLCO
22 FPS Product Index
24 Competition Time
Your chance to win a Garmin fenix ® 5 watch, courtesy of NISSENS!
FEATURES
4 Aftermarket Fast Movers Fahren Well
FAHREN talks to VITAL NEWS about wheel bearing kits and their
ever expanding range.
6 Steering Towards Proper Installation
FEBI gives best practice insight on control arm and console bush
replacements.
7 Measures for optimum precision
CAMBIARE speaks to VITAL NEWS on common issues and causes
for misdiagnosis in MAF sensors.
8 Heart of the Engine
Components of the timing chain system each play an important
part in smooth engine operation, BGA explains.
9 Running On and Keeping Cool
FIRST LINE shares input on the growing popularity of auxiliary
electric water pumps.
10 More than Comfort
GATES explains how accessory belt drive systems are support more
than a car’s comfort.
11 Optimising Performance for Shocks
BOGE talks about the best practices for shock absorber installations.
14 A Glowing Report
NGK discusses current market trends for diesel vehicles and
glow plugs.
15 Spring Ahead
Kilen shares technical information about their coil springs.
Happy New Year and welcome to the first
issue of Vital News of 2018!
2017 proved to be an eventful year. At the
time of writing this, we are waiting on
the outcome of EU’s go-ahead for Brexit
negotiations to get a clearer idea of trade
and transition. The race towards a future
of “electric cars” continues. With all
this going on, some may feel that we’ve
barely had a chance to digest the year-
end festivities before we hit the ground
running for 2018.
Some of you may have noticed that the
headshot accompanying this welcome
note has changed. I have been tasked to
fill the shoes of Neil Davis who had taken
FPS from strength to strength over the
past 17 years. This succession followed
the planned decision by Neil and Adrian
Parker (Commercial Director) to step
down from the business at the end of
2017.
Neil and Adrian have left a significant
legacy for us to build upon in terms of
the FPS values. With a reputation built
on service excellence, our mission is still
to continue developing and maintaining
long term partnerships with our channel
customers and suppliers. With my team,
I will strive to carry this torch and to
fulfil the FPS promise “we deliver”.
I’d like to sincerely thank Adrian and
Neil for their contribution to FPS over
the years and I look forward to the future
working closely with all my colleagues
across the business.
I would also like to take this opportunity
to welcome Duane Trower, our new
Director of Logistics who joined us from
Unipart on 1 st December 2017.
Our cover story features Fahren as Vital
News explores the common issues with
wheel bearing kits and helps us to get
better acquainted with the rest of the
portfolio. You can read more about this
on page 4. Over on page 17, on the topic
of futureproofing the aftermarket, Vital
News investigates the race to a future of
“electric” vehicles and what it means for
the aftermarket.
In this issue, we get insight from
our component suppliers, Febi,
Cambiare, BGA, First Line, Gates,
Boge, NGK and Kilen. In respect of our
leisure, maintenance and accessories
proposition, you’ll find articles from our
suppliers Unigloves, Comma, St Gobain
and Energizer.
Happy reading!
Jonathan Eden
16 The Stem of Valve Problems
FEDERAL-MOGUL shares some troubleshooting pointers on valve
stem failures.
PROUD TO SUPPORT
17 The Great Energy Debate
VITAL NEWS investigates the “electrified vehicle” race and what it
means for the aftermarket.
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE…
18 All at your Fingertips
UNIGLOVES talks to VITAL NEWS about the various types of
disposable gloves and sales opportunities they present.
19 Don’t Stop Short
COMMA uncovers how brake fluid has evolved significantly with
vehicle technology.
20 Smoothing Things Over
SAINT-GOBAIN provides surface-finish solutions of various
complexities within the aftermarket.
21 Big Performance in Small Packages
ENERGIZER ® introduces their latest jump starters.
2 CONTENTS
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 49