What's New

September/October 2004

	It's a Speedy thing The brand has been around since 1957, so there's no doubt you and your customers are familiar with Speedy Wheels. Until now, of course, the brand has been best known for its range of chrome and white steel wheels, but that's all changed now. Thanks to its involvement as an exporter to the US market, Speedy now has a huge line-up of alloy wheels to suit an equally enormous line-up of vehicle makes and models. The latest releases include the Envy HP to suit late-model Commodore and Falcon in 18 and 19-inch fitments, the Lite-7 lightweight rim for front-drive applications and the new Cruizer wheel for LandCruiser 100 Series and the Lexus LX470. There's a brand new catalogue that spells out what's available and what it fits, and for your copy, you need to talk to Speedy Wheels on (02) 9609 3399.
	Aunger beams into lighting Driving lights these days tend to fall into two distinct categories: those that are for looks, and those that actually do a job. In any case, Aunger has both bases covered with its latest range of auxiliary lighting. In the `looks' category, Aunger has a variety of shapes, sizes and mounting options on offer, so there should be something for everybody. For those of us who need extra illumination for country driving, there's a line-up of round or rectangular quartz Halogen units that suit DIY fitting. All Aunger's lighting range features its universal mounting system and the kits include a relay, switch and all the wiring you need to complete the job. Talk to Aunger on (07) 3260 2400 for more details.
	LPG gets an injection of interest Here's another one you just knew had to be around the corner... While the price of unleaded keeps pushing higher and higher, the alternative, LPG, is getting more and more attractive. But until now, aftermarket systems have suffered a loss in performance and economy, partly because the metering system for the gas has been less efficient than the electronic fuel-injection that's now the default system for petrol-engined cars. But Autogas has the solution to that with an electronic LPG injection set-up that is set to do big business. The new technology has already been seen in the US and Europe and is said to give LPG technology a boost similar to when petrol engines went from carburetors to EFI. The systems are already available for some local cars and are, according to Autogas, being considered as OE fitment in some cases. The system uses a computer to control the gas which is injected sequentially, straight into the ports of the engine. As well as more accurate mixing of the air and fuel, the set-up also eliminates the traditional mixer. With better control over mixture, it's also fair to assume that some of the reliability and durability issues of LPG will also be ironed out. And clean? Well, Autogas reckons the systems can easily meet the tough Euro 3 emissions targets which will be the local target by next year.
	Pulley alliance Repco and Precision Parts have joined forces to offer what they claim is the most comprehensive range of engine pulleys in Australia. Taking into account the ever increasing numbers of late model vehicles using serpentine belts, engine pulleys are becoming more of a serviceable item than ever before. Many OE pulleys are manufactured in plastic, but Repco's range consists of iron or steel replacement pulleys that offer increased strength and wear resistance. Repco's engine pulley range now expands to cover 150 parts including more than 30 new part numbers. Fast movers are sure to be the replacement engine pulleys for the Toyota range of four wheel drive and commercial vehicles including the Hi-Lux, Hi-Ace and LandCruiser. To place an order call 133 227.
	Coolant goes interactive We're constantly being reminded of the importance of changing a car's coolant regularly and at appropriate intervals. But for consumers, it's pretty easy to forget all about it. But a new product called Chameleon Coolant might be what some car owners are looking for because it'll alert them that a coolant change is necessary as the coolant degrades. It does that by changing colour from hot pink when it's brand new to a pale yellow when it's ready for replacement. So, every time the consumer checks the coolant level or even glances at the see-through catch-tank, they'll get an idea of whether the coolant has any life left in it or not. It's beautifully simple and the stuff is currently being sold through Super Cheap Auto stores.
	No more touch parking How clever is this? While proximity sensors are gaining popularity on new cars, owners of older vehicles are still bashing into their garage walls each night, apparently. So, B and D (better known for its garage doors and openers) has come up with this little beauty. It's called the Park-A-Lert and, as you can see from the photo, it uses a wall-mounted ultra-sonic sensor to warn the driver that the car is within coo-ee of the wall. It can be mounted with either crews or a Velcro strip, and there's even a bright, flashing yellow light that's easy to see in the rear-view mirror. The light goes red when the vehicle is as far back as the owner wants it. It can be set for different distances and for the life of us, we can't think why nobody ahs invented it before. beats the heck out of a ping-pong ball on a length of cotton. Surf on to www.bnd.com.au for details of your nearest B and D office.
	Pressure sales You know it, we know it, but so many car owners don't: that tyre pressures are absolutely critical to the way a car goes, stops and handles. So how come so many people out there in consumer-land don't get it. Part of the problem, of course, is that a tyre doesn't look under-inflated until it's really, really low on air. Anyway, Speco Thomas has the solution, because its latest product makes checking tyre pressures a whole lot easier. Speco's Digital Tyre Gauge kit is also packed with enough gadgets to efficiently test virtually every tyre and wheel combination. The kit incorporates: 50mm digital gauge with 250mm hose and 3.125mm quick connection coupler. Euro ball foot adaptor with an angled head for use in limited space applications. Locking chuck valve adaptor for one-handed operation. Straight valve adaptor for easily accessible wheels. * 150mm dual foot adaptor for dual wheel applications. Tread depth gauge (units are shown in both inches and millimetres. Pencil-type tyre gauge. Moulded carrying case. The price might just pleasantly surprise you too, and for more information, contact Speco on (03) 9555 7244.
	Trojan force Trojan trailer components are renowned throughout Australasia for their quality and performance and claim to be the market leaders in their field. They've been supplied to the Original Equipment market in New Zealand for more than 40 years. And now they're available here through Repco. New Trojan products include alloy-bronze disc brake rotors, stainless-steel brake calipers and brake hoses with stainless-steel fittings. Within the Repco range of Trojan light trailer products are coupling, hub sets, leaf-spring kits and a wide range of spare parts and trailer-body hardware. More Trojan light trailer components will expand the range over the forthcoming months.

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