Get SMART: Parts quality initiative launched
Published: 17 January, 2023
A quality standard for aftermarket performance components and their suppliers was recently launched at Autosport International 2023.
The SMART campaign, which stands for Safe Modification and Responsible Tuning, has been put together by the Performance Automotive Aftermarket Association (PAAA).
It is intended to be a quality standard for aftermarket components and their suppliers.
A spokesman for the PAAA said: “In response to the changing market and pressures applied on the industry by motor manufacturers and government legislation, the SMART campaign has been introduced to provide PAAA member companies with a mandate to support and promote safe and responsible vehicle modification and engine tuning for cars that are used on public roads.
“The mandate aims to unify and focus the performance tuning industry to manufacture and supply products that are safe, road legal and fit-for-purpose, while continuing to offer improved performance and vehicle dynamics. The campaign will also emphasise to consumers the importance of carrying out modifications and tuning in a manner that is safe, legal and socially responsible, while taking into consideration the enthusiasm and passion they have for their cars.
“PAAA member companies will seek to promote the campaign by displaying the SMART identity and message - whenever possible - on products, packaging, and communications. This will help to create a quality standard that will be easily recognised by the industry, allowing consumers to make an informed choice on the parts and services that they buy.”
The SMART initiative was launched at the show in the PAAA Member’s Area in the Engineering Section of the show. MP for Lincoln Karl McCartney attended the stand on Thursday to lend his support for the initiative and its launch. Also, the SMART-modified Ford Focus RS of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, with its driver and Youtube star, Sergeant Owen Messenger also attended the launch – as a precursor to other forces supporting the roll out of this safer approach to car modification and tuning.
Youtube and social media sensation, George Chester-Master, of the George’s Car media Channel also stopped by the stand throughout the show to lend his support, while all three guests lent their expertise and skills to two interview panels, led by TV presenter and car restorer, Paul Cowland.
For more information, visit: paaa.eu.com
- Nissens air conditioning condensers
- DR!VE+ Filters added to GSF Car Parts filtration offering
GSF Car Parts has become the sole distributor in the UK for the DR!VE+ Filters range of air, cabin, fuel and oil filters.
- BM Catalysts joins Parliamentary road air quality commission
BM Catalysts has become am affiliated member of the Westminster Commission for Road Air Quality (WCRAQ), set-up to improve air quality in the UK.
- The shape of things to come
Engine and exhaust management can be a formidable task, including working through multiple symptomatic issues to finally reveal the heart of the fault. This can include sensor diagnosis and fitment as part of a high-quality repair. Such a small thing as sensors can make a huge difference to the dark art of emissions management.
The increasing desire for emissions compliance for more than just an annual roadworthiness test is pulling focus on the workshop’s emission management know-how. For instance, it matters when it comes to selling the vehicle, and quite rightly vehicle owners will feel very strongly about looking after one of the bigger investment pieces in their life. It is also a viable eco-friendly strategy to keep existing vehicles on the road for longer and maintaining them to optimum emissions standards.
It’s reassuring for garage customers to have their technicians well informed about exhaust management, as often the workshop needs to enter into a teammate type working relationship with the vehicle owner, including agreeing investigation time and even exploring DPF-saving strategies together. Technician confidence about where to start and why paves the way to a smooth customer service experience.
The serious business of tackling exhaust management is the shape of things to come for the NTK portfolio. A new group of exhaust pressure sensors will be rounding out NTK’s engine management offering, including exhaust pressure sensors (EPS), differential pressure sensors (DPS) and high-pressure sensors (HPS). The new exhaust sensors make the perfect accompaniment to the existing exhaust offering making the NTK portfolio a go-to solution for technician confidence in the parts selected.
So why does starting small matter? Firstly, it could prevent jumping to worst case, and expensive-case, scenarios which can be quite a pain point for the vehicle owner and hard for them to understand the technical rationale behind the work. Starting with sensors can empower much needed accurate diagnostics, as well as optimum on-board management for the driver. A high performing sensor like those in the NTK range can also help prevent additional damage to related components like turbos and filters through fast and reliable measurement. Finally, sometimes it can be the required repair itself, cutting through the uncertainty from a mix of fault symptoms.
Becca Knight, Marketing Manager for Niterra UK commented: “Exhaust management is no longer the reserve of a specialist garage- all workshops need to be prepared to tackle emissions as part of their core service offering. The sensors currently in our portfolio, and the new range coming by the end of 2023, furnishes workshops with market-leading precision and performance so they can offer the best repairs for their customers.”
Also available from Niterra UK is the online Training Academy, helping technicians upskill and up-confidence in exhaust and engine sensors, standard servicing, hybrid technology, and so much more at ngkacademy.com. Starting small with the skills and the knowledge is one of the best ways to tackle emissions-readiness head on and to show your customer’s that they and their vehicle are in safe hands.
For more information about Niterra UK and its products and services, visit: www.ngkntk.com/uk
- UKS/TRICO partnership continues to prosper
UKS has been reflecting on the success of its relationship with TRICO, as the partnership nears the four-year mark.
