Factors have key role to play in maximising brake pad sales this winter, expert says

Sales remain steady throughout the year but harsh winter months can impede stopping power, Lumag reports

Factors have key role to play in maximising brake pad sales this winter, expert says
With a history spanning almost 30 years, LUMAG was founded in Poland in 1988 by CEO Marek Żak, initially focusing on the production of brake linings before later implementing its own brake pad manufacturing technology.

With a vital role to play in keeping us safe on the roads, we catch up with Colin Smit, managing director at Lumag, one of the UK’s suppliers of OE quality brake pads, to find out more about the seasonality of these commodity products.

“Surprisingly, when it comes to seasonality of sales, brake pads tend to stay quite steady all year round,” Smit said.

“The only obvious spikes tend to be around ‘MOT time’ as new cars enter the aftermarket.

“However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities for factors – and garages – to maximise sales and upselling potential during the colder winter months.

“With winter throwing everything it has at our vehicles, it represents a perfect time to ensure that brake pads are up to the job, and that your garage customers have the right products at the right time.”

The first sign of brake problems during the winter month will show itself as a noise such as grinding or squeaking, often accompanied by a shuddering or pulling sensation when the brake is applied.

Together, these elements point to the fact that maintenance or a full replacement is required.

With more replacement work taking place, it is vital that factors bring their ‘winter stock’ to the fore to ensure maximum visibility.

Brake failure

A recent benchmarking exercise, undertaken by Lumag, threw up some concerning findings.

Testing the advanced LU 701 brake material in comparative dyno tests with other brake pads from different reputable friction material manufacturers – including a true OES provider – the findings demonstrated the importance of quality above all else.

Three core areas were investigated during test were brake efficiency (according to SAE J2522), wear (of friction material and brake disc – according to SAE J2707), and noise (propensity to generate the squeals – according to SAE J2521).

Placed against four competitor parts, the LU 701 material, consistently out-performed the others, with one well-known aftermarket brand ranking bottom in all but one test.

Colin Smit, said: “With safety the paramount concern during winter, it offers factors and garages customers with the opportunity to drive sales of brake parts.

“However, the parts themselves must be up to the job, and many suppliers are compromising longevity and performance in an attempt to keep prices low.

“Whatever the weather, at LUMAG we pride ourselves on ensuring our parts provide consistent and high-quality performance.

“Our own tried-and-tested formulas and a repeatable manufacturing process underlines our commitment to quality; our vigorous research and development activities enable us to offer safe, modern and high-quality products to our customers; products that deliver time and time again.”

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