NGK highlights the top four challenges faced by auto parts clerks

The brand's expert also brings how professionals can overcome these obstacles through information

São Paulo, December 2024- In the current scenario, Auto parts clerks play an essential role in vehicle maintenance, acting as guides for both repairers and consumers. They are responsible for indicating the appropriate products for the needs of each vehicle. Although, with the constant innovations in the automotive sector, Challenges arise that require in-depth technical expertise and a consultative approach. A NGK, Niterra brand specialized in components for ignition systems, highlights the main challenges faced by clerks and offers tips to ensure an assertive diagnosis, in addition to optimizing maintenance.

1. Diversity of brands and models: The Light Vehicle Market, previously dominated by a few automakers, today it has more than 18 brands associated with ANFAVEA and 10 importers of ABEIFA. Each brand has a variety of templates and portfolios, requiring clerks to have detailed knowledge of the different types of vehicles.
2. Complexity of electronic parts and systems: the introduction of new systems, as direct injection, Turbos, Automatic transmissions, CVT and Electronic Parking Brake Systems, significantly increased complexity in choosing the right parts. The clerk needs to be up to date to adequately meet the new demands.
3. High Costs of High-Tech Components: Modern Components, such as advanced electronic and mechanical systems, have high costs due to their technology and complexity. The correct identification of these parts is essential to avoid unnecessary exchanges and ensure a good cost-benefit ratio.
4. Knowledge about the circulating fleet: No brazil, vehicle fleets are heterogeneous. Knowing the characteristics of the most common vehicles in a region allows the clerk to optimize the inventory of parts, improve the spin and, consequently, Billing.

Diagnosis and Increase of the Average Ticket

A good clerk must have solid knowledge in automotive mechanics and be constantly updated through courses and training on new technologies. The use of parts catalogs from leading manufacturers, such as the electronic catalog made available by Niterra do Brasil, It is essential to ensure the correct choice of parts for each vehicle model. Consulting technical support and participating in training lectures promoted by companies also helps to reduce diagnostic errors and improve service.

"To make more accurate recommendations, The clerk must have a deep knowledge of spare parts and periodic maintenance items, as well as the parts that make up the systems, their interconnections and technical specifications of the products. This allows him to position himself as an advisor, offering not only the requested part, but also repair-related products, with the appropriate specifications to ensure the longevity and good performance of the vehicle", afirma Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance consultant in Brazil.

Performing an accurate diagnosis during corrective repair is crucial to avoid changing unnecessary parts. While this approach may initially reduce the cost of maintenance, the identification of periodic maintenance, required according to the vehicle's mileage, such as fluid exchange, can increase the average ticket and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.