Protec, the new Irish aftermarket brand, has launched a new “Thinking outside the box” initiative aimed at helping garages save time and money.

Under the new programme, many popular parts will be supplied under the Protec brand in OE quality and at very competitive prices, but also with unique added value in terms of fittings and linked components.

Brendan O’Reilly of Protect says, “Many traditional parts suppliers just see components as a commodity and give little thought to what a mechanic might actually need or what a part does.” He adds, “We have looked at things differently, identified problems that mechanics encounter and come up with innovative and time saving parts solutions.”

A simple example of this is in relation to the suspension arm on Audi and VAG models. Protec found that when removing the old part the fixing bolts are usually seized and invariably become damaged when hammered out. This usually means the garage has the time and expense of buying new bolts. With Protec, the fixing bolts come complete with the arm at no extra cost, making the fitting of the part faster and far more convenient.

Protect have found another very common problem encountered by garages in relation to ball joints on the Renault Laguna and Renault Trafic, Opel Vivaro and Nissan Primastar vans. Brendan points out these ball joints give trouble and will often need replacing, particularly on vans going through the DOE test. He says, “Because the ball joint is riveted to the arm it is a major job to remove it by cutting or drilling the rivets and it is a difficult, time consuming and potentially dangerous job.” The Protec team also found then even if this ball joint can be successfully replaced, the repair will not be 100% unless the bushes are replaced as well, adding more time and cost.

Protec have found a solution to the problem by sourcing a complete arm, in original equipment quality and can supply this to the garage through their local motor factor for a price, which is equivalent to the usual cost of the ball joint, and bushes on their own. Brendan says, “The garage is effectively getting the arm for free, but the key issue is that they can save around two hours of fitting time. It makes the whole repair far more convenient and effective and gives both the garage and parts supplier the ability to up-sell.

Brendan says, “We have lots of other examples of components where we have added value by supplying free fittings or linked products. We have also innovated in terms of parts identification and unique packaging.”

Protec is keen to get feedback from garages about other common repairs and components where they may be able to provide a more practical, convenient and cost saving solution and welcomes suggestion from the trade.

If you believe there is a common repair or component that would benefit from some “Thinking outside the box”, contact Protec 01- 830-6320 or email your suggestions to info@protecauto.ie. There is a free Protec GT Headband Worklamp for all suggestions made.