Professional Distributor - 34

The diagnostic power
of thermal imaging tools
Boost sales by helping shops understand how
thermal imaging tools can streamline diagnostics.
Image courtesy of FLIR

T
BY STEFANIE VON RUEDEN
ASSISTANT EDITOR

920-563-1602
Stefanie@VehicleServicePros.com

echnicians rely on accurate diagnostic tools
that enable them to quickly troubleshoot
vehicle problems and find the most efficient
repair. As vehicles become increasingly complex,
technicians need to utilize a wider variety of diagnostic testing equipment to keep their diagnostic
time as efficient as possible. One tool category that
assists with this is thermal imaging tools.
Thermal imaging tools utilize sophisticated sensors to detect differences in temperatures on surfaces
of various components, and compose a picture of
those temperature variations. This makes it easier
to pinpoint abnormal temperatures on a component
that is not working efficiently, or that is facing imminent failure. These tools also allow technicians to
take pictures of a problem to show customers a vivid
color portrayal of a problem that needs repairing,
helping to lend credibility to the shop's repair quote.
"For many years, thermal imagers were priced
out of the budgets of many automotive shops," says
Richard Wexler, Director - Instruments, FLIR. "Now,
with more affordable models increasingly available,
the rapid diagnostic power of thermal imaging is
within reach of many dealer and standalone automotive repair facilities."
As thermal imaging tools continue to become
more cost-effective for automotive repair shops, this
provides a sales opportunity for distributors who
understand the diagnostic value this tool category
has to offer.

USES OF THERMAL IMAGING TOOLS

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Thermal imaging tools can be used to diagnose a
wide variety of issues. Wexler offers the following
examples of applications where a thermal imaging
tool can streamline diagnosis:
* An electrical component is not working properly. A wiring connection or fuse might be corroded, causing increased resistance and overheating. An issue like this might be concealed by electrical tape, connectors, or wireloom, but a thermal imager could pinpoint the issue. Similarly,

34 Professional Distributor I May 2019 I VehicleServicePros.com

a thermal imager can be used to diagnose other
electrical components such as coil packs.
An accessory belt is failing repeatedly. A thermal imager can reveal if a misalignment of pulleys
is causing overheating and putting stress on the
belt. It can also test whether the air conditioning
system is working properly. Surface temperatures
of high- and low-pressure lines can be checked
for damaged insulation. Failing thermostats or
clogged or blocked radiators or coolant lines will
be apparent when only part of a radiator shows it's
working properly, or a line has a sudden change
in temperature.
Drivetrain and suspension diagnostics. A thermal imager can reveal excessive friction from
worn components.
Brakes with stuck pistons. Stuck pistons might
be causing one caliper to stick, causing abnormal wear and heat on one rotor. The same might
also be true for a stuck parking brake with a
damaged cable.
Exhaust system leaks, cracked manifolds,
failed gaskets, and clogged catalytic converters.

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