Engine emission and fuel consumption reductions are now a key objective of engine design with vehicle manufacturers striving to meet ever more stringent regulations. Effective thermal management is central to this objective which is why, with engineering partners such as Dayco, they have developed innovative solutions or new concepts to ensure their engines not only reach their operating temperatures as quickly as possible, but are maintained at these optimal working levels.

Electric water pumps that can be activated instantaneously, alongside imaginative design solutions for mechanical pumps, such as those with vane shields or Dayco’s friction wheel, which can provide an instant response to coolant temperature changes, therefore play an important part. Over the last few years, manufacturers have also moved to integrate the water pump into the primary drive (timing) system, rather than it being driven by the auxiliary belt.

This has a direct effect on the aftermarket because, in contrast to the auxiliary belt, which rarely has a scheduled replacement interval, the timing belt does and this means that technicians come into contact with the water pump more frequently than previously and it is therefore far easier for them to assess its condition. As a consequence, more are found to be either in need of replacement, or are being changed as a ‘best practice’ precaution, so sales are on the rise.

Dayco have responded to this development by adding a water pump to their timing belt kits to provide workshops with a complete aftermarket replacement solution. Designated by the KTBWP classification, each of Dayco’s 300 plus water pump kits includes the replacement pump alongside the belt, tensioner and idler combination. There are also 75 references containing the patented Dayco High Tenacity (HT) or ‘white’ belt. These sit alongside its comprehensive thermostat range, which together provide independents with a complete, original equipment quality, thermal management solution.

Dayco Aftermarket National Sales Manager, Steve Carolan points out, “Sometimes, for the best of intentions, workshops will try to save their customers money and replace only the belt and its ancillary components. This policy runs the risk of their customers having to face a much larger bill to virtually replicate the job, if the water pump goes on to fail.” He adds, “As a timing belt replacement is a relatively expensive, although extremely important scheduled service requirement, there is complete logic behind changing both the water pump and timing belt at the same time. Therefore, for the peace-of-mind of the owner, as well as the most profitable result for the workshop, Dayco recommends they opt for a full timing drive system replacement, rather than change just the water pump or timing belt in isolation.”

Steve adds, “As well as providing the replacement components that correctly reflect the developing technology of the vehicle parc, another benefit from the workshops perspective is the ability to be able to fit a wider range of thermal management products from a single trusted supplier. OE derived components provide workshops with a number of tangible benefits from premium quality and fit first time installation, to increased durability and reduced warranty claims. In addition however, when they fit an HT water pump/timing belt kit, Dayco can also provide them with an even greater level of reassurance by offering the opportunity to extend the existing two year warranty by a further year.”

Steve says the Long Life +1 year warranty is a perfect example of how Dayco’s technology can provide workshops with a ‘real-world’ competitive advantage over those fitting other brands, while giving the motorist a level of protection that cannot often be matched, even by the franchised dealer.

For more information regarding the OEM quality power transmission products in the Dayco range, please email: info.uk@dayco.com or visit: www.dayco.com