ALLDATA and Schaeffler demonstrate how collaboration empowers workshops
At Oldfields Garage, ALLDATA Europe and Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions demonstrated how the power of OE repair data and solutions assisted the repair on a Škoda Kodiaq.
ALLDATA Europe has played a prominent part in a repair that illustrated how collaboration is providing independent workshops the confidence, knowledge and efficiency to carry out complex repairs.
ALLDATA Europe was invited to Oldfields Garage, alongside Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS), to carry out a repair on a Škoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI with DQ500 DSG gearbox – using Schaeffler’s new LuK RepSet 2CT DMF clutch kit.
Spearheaded by Alistair Mason – Schaeffler VLS Technical Service Manager – and joined on the ramp by an Oldfields technician, ALLDATA Europe provided the OEM repair information, via ALLDATA Repair. Its regional sales manager, Eric Ware, was present to support the technicians through the process and demonstrate the practical value of integrating the data into everyday workshop repairs.
Held at Tim Benson’s award-winning, second-generation family business in Leominster, the repair also highlighted that independent workshops don’t need to solely rely on main dealers for parts, oil and specialist tools when carrying out OE-level repairs.
Information meets application
The alliance between ALLDATA Europe and Schaeffler also substantiated the former’s recurring message that preparation makes a vital difference to an independent workshop’s ability to quote, diagnose, repair and complete a job. Utilising ALLDATA Repair before a car is even touched increases transparency.
In this case, Alistair consulted Schaeffler’s REPXPERT information portal and ALLDATA Repair in advance to locate OEM procedures, meaning he could map out every step of the Škoda Kodiaq DSG gearbox and clutch repair. He identified that while conventional assumptions might lead to the removal of the transfer box – adding up to three hours of labour – repair instructions showed that it could remain in place.
These preliminary steps also allowed the technicians to confirm the required tooling, oil types and quantities, as well as check for relevant technical bulletins or OEM updates – again on ALLDATA Repair – all before the vehicle was placed onto the ramp.
Eric said: “One of the biggest frustrations for workshops is inaccurate labour times. With ALLDATA Repair, technicians know exactly what is required before they start. It saves time, saves money, and builds trust between themselves and the customer – a win-win for everyone.”
Complementary strengths
Alistair thanked ALLDATA Europe for participating in the repair, emphasising the importance of OE repair information in today’s climate of complex vehicle repairs.
He said: “Our focus is on providing OE-quality repair solutions – the parts, the training and the tooling – but modern vehicles are increasingly complex, and ALLDATA Repair fills the gap with wider OEM vehicle data.
“With ALLDATA Europe and Schaeffler together, workshops know they can tackle even the most complex repairs. That’s what the future of the independent aftermarket looks like – strong partnerships built on trust, expertise and quality.”
Eric concurred, adding that synergies between the likes of Schaeffler VLS and ALLDATA Europe – both championing OE-quality repair solutions – should increase standards across the automotive aftermarket.