As a leading original equipment manufacturer, Dayco has been proactively undertaking technical training within the independent aftermarket for many years. Traditionally this has taken place through workouts and trade events and more recently through specialist training programmes such as Autoinform LIVE in Wolverhampton last November and in Dublin this coming April. 

“In common with many of the components fitted to the modern vehicle, timing and auxiliary drive system replacement is a highly skilled process that requires attention to detail and the necessity to strictly follow a series of procedures in order to be completed successfully,” explains Dayco’s National Sales Manager, Steve Carolan, “which is why we are so committed to providing training to reach as many professionals as we can.”

Steve adds, “ Autoinform LIVE in November proved to be a great event for us, largely because the calibre of the visitors was so high, which came across most clearly in the level of engagement we had from them and just how much they wanted to learn and increase their workplace skills. We undertook four one-and-a-half hour seminars per day, two focussing on water pump replacement and the other two on the auxiliary drive system, but because the level of interaction between attendees and presenters and interest in the subjects was so high, every one of these sessions overran, and one lasted more than two hours.”

“With this positive experience in mind, we look forward to the next event in April in Dublin with great expectation. We are addressing two subjects, the first the design of FEAD systems and their drive components, including new belt materials and the importance of using the correct, vehicle specific application. The second concerns belt in oil systems, and focuses on the design, installation and service/maintenance best practice requirements for the Ford EcoBoost and PSA PureTech timing systems.”

Steve concludes, “Technical education at all levels of the industry is paramount to its ongoing success and fortunately there are keen and committed technicians out there who really want to develop their skills and do the best possible job they can. To that end, it’s our goal to help the entire trade to reach that standard, which is why Dayco is not only committed to supplying OE quality products and the best possible technical advice, but first-class training as well.”