Reflecting on 2021

replacement mirror glass

Rising demand for replacement mirror glass

During the last quarter of 2021, ELTA automotive reported a significant rise in demand for replacement mirror glass and mirror components. The increase was largely credited to the surge in MOT demand resulting from the huge number of postponed MOT’s during the previous year’s lockdown extension. Mirror glass falls under the 'Driver's view of the Road' section of the test which is responsible for around 7% of failures, so it is not surprising that this product group alongside bulbs and wiper blades has seen growth during the new busy MOT period.

A large percentage of the nation’s drivers will have also been feeling the financial effects of lockdown and furlough. This will have resulted in many drivers seeking more economical or DIY repairs to get their vehicles through a looming overdue MOT. Bumps and scrapes involving door mirrors are common as these parts are often the first point of contact in collisions. But many of these incidents incur only minor damage such and broken glass or covers which would not require the complete mirror unit to be replaced by a garage or body shop.

ELTA’s range of replacement mirror glass, mirror covers and mirror indicator lenses offers an easy, cost effective fix in the many cases where the mechanism and the body of the mirror unit remain intact. The range covers most makes, models and importantly, specifications. Standard black covers are available alongside ready primed versions that can be painted either professionally or with spray cans (providing great cross sell opportunities for those selling paint aerosols). Similarly, ELTA’s extensive range of glass includes both heated and non-heated glass for a simple O.E. quality repair.

The range is ideal for motor factors and retailers of all sizes, especially those serving both a garage network and the general public. The team at ELTA are even offering suggested stock packs to ensure you have the stock you need at hand to maximise potential sales conversions during the winter period. Contact ELTA Automotive Limited on +44 (0)1675 466 999 or email sales@elta.co.uk for pricing and availability.

TechASSIST: ABS (Wheel Speed) Sensors

ABS Sensor Technical Advice

OUR GUIDE TO ABS SENSORS

Fundamentally, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents skidding and loss of control under harsh braking. The Anti-lock braking system uses ABS Sensors (also known as wheel speed sensors) to sense conditions in the wheel which could result in a skid or loss of traction. But ABS sensors are also used by other vehicle systems aside from the ABS system including:

  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Hill descent control
  • Collision avoidance.

The rapid and accurate feedback from the ABS sensor is vital to an effective anti-lock braking and other safety systems.

The ABS sensor works in conjunction an ABS ring (sometimes referred to as a tone or pulse wheel) that is mounted to a component moving at the same rotation as the wheel. This is often the wheel hub but can also be the brake disc, CV joint or the drive shaft. The ABS sensor is mounted next to the ABS ring and communicates the rotational speed back to the ECU. The way in which rotation in measured depends on the type of sensor and ring in use. The most common sensors are either passive or active.

The ABS Sensors and Ring Diagram

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