Recent high profile vehicle safety recalls have includes faults with software on Volvo models and the need to recalibrate the engine control unit on Renault 1.5-litre dCi engine. These manufacturers are by no means alone in having to bring vehicles in for checks and replacements and up to now it was always assumed that such work was the sole domain of the vehicle dealer.

Independent workshops can now benefit from previous recalls with a licence to a use TecRMI, one of Europe’s leading providers of technical service and repair data. TecRMI, which is part of the TecAlliance group, offers users an option to access additional information held within its database that details manufacturer recalls, as well as any additional repair instructions that may have been issued post the vehicle’s production. This is a feature unique to TecRMI and is known as the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) option.

Although most recalls do not benefit independents instantly, there is the scope for them to generate additional revenue on every vehicle that comes in to be serviced or repaired, as vehicles are consistently being recalled. With TSB, the workshop can check on the system to find out if there has been a recall or a service addition on a vehicle when it is in for a service and whether it has been carried out. If it has not, they are equipped with the information required to carry out the update, which can result in extra revenue for the workshop and a reassured and happy customer.

Shaun Greasley, of the TecAlliance comments, "By adding the TSB option to the standard TecRMI package, workshops are able to directly access internal vehicle manufacturers’ bulletins, service notices and recalls, including current changes being made to vehicles. Each function provides the user with a service action, which states the fault symptom, the cause and the solution. It also lists the parts that are required to complete the job, along with their part numbers and any special tools that are needed.” He adds, "With this option, workshops using a customer database can proactively target their customers with a specific recall message, which could contain crucial safety information. TecRMI and the additional TSB option provide workshops with information that will help their business efficiency, profitability and overall customer service level.”