SKF is the first in the market to start printing fitting instructions directly inside the SKF VKMA timing belt and VKMC timing belt with water pump belt kits product boxes as part of a new initiative to further improve technical standards in the automotive aftermarket and to support garage technicians. Fitting instructions were gradually implemented into these boxes from August 2011.

As a precision parts manufacturer, SKF has traditionally printed helpful generic fitting instructions on sheets of paper inserted into the product boxes, but SKF believes that this new initiative of printing directly onto the product box, will deliver a number of added practical benefits.

According to product manager Gary Czapski, the company is constantly looking for ways to improve technical competence in the aftermarket, "and part of that process is making sure vehicle technicians always have the correct technical information at their fingertips. Printing our generic fitting instructions directly onto the timing belt kit product boxes means that technicians don't have to be concerned about handling separate pieces of paper during the repair process. We are the first supplier to introduce this simple initiative which will definitely help to improve basic working practices."

The initiative only applies to SKF's generic fitting instructions for the timebeing. If a kit requires specific fitting instructions, these instructions are glued above the generic diagrams on the timing belt kit box or simply inserted in the timing belt kit with water pump box. End users will find the specific fitting instructions sticker on the box.