Gates way to better drive belt installation

Student technicians from Armagh, Portadown and Newry have taken part in a Synchronous Drive Belt Systems technical workshop delivered by Gates, at Northern Ireland’s Southern Regional College.

Gates Technical Support and Training Specialist Andrew Vaux and District Sales Manager Bob McAvan were invited to the Hamiltonsbawn Road Campus to discuss timing belt installation issues and highlight some basic diagnostic techniques to Motor Vehicle students who are at various stages of training and development.

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of belts and tensioners for OE and aftermarket installation, Gates provides technical workshops and training to more than 1500 automotive technicians around the UK each year. As garage mechanics of today and the garage proprietors of the future, Gates sees apprentices and student technicians as important members of its technical workshop audience.

“We are very happy to visit colleges and training providers to give them information and help to develop the appropriate drive belt installation skills they will need. Failure to replace a timing belt correctly can cause severe engine damage. Experienced mechanics may have many years of experience, but technology has changed along with the techniques required to install them.” said Andrew Vaux. “It’s essential that they develop a diagnostic approach and use the appropriate tools for the job.”

 For more information on Motor Vehicle courses at Southern Regional College call 0300 123 1223 or visit www.src.ac.uk

PICTURE Caption : Gerry McGivern, SRC Motor Vehicle Lecturer, Andrew Vaux, Gates Technical Support and Training Specialist and John Muckian, SRC Deputy Head of School for Construction and Engineering with Motor Vehicle students in Armagh’s Hamiltonsbawn Road Campus.