wheel servicing equipment like aligners and advanced diagnostic balancers to find a fast and effective way of unlocking these revenue generation opportunities. “The Hunter Quick Check Drive is a contactless drivethrough system which provides a fast and effective way to diagnose mis-alignment issues, and helps workshops capitalise on them. By offering accurate tread measurements and detailed reports on every car driving into a workshop, businesses can provide valuable insights to customers, boosting their trust and confidence in the suggested tyre replacements.” Offering a few top tips, Craig concluded: “Invest in a fast wheel alignment diagnostic system that requires minimal labour time to identify alignment opportunities swiftly. Then, measure the alignment of every vehicle entering your workshop, regardless of the primary reason for their visit. Lastly, ensure that your entire team, from service reception to technicians, is involved in the process and understands the importance of wheel alignment in maximising profitability.” Satisfaction Straightset Managing Director Julia Blake observed: “For those workshops already effectively using wheel alignment systems, garage owners will have recognised what an important piece of equipment it can be, driving potential revenue as well as increasing customer satisfaction. But how can garage owners make the most of this revenue stream?” Julia continued: “There is a huge range of aligners available to suit any business size and budget. Beyond the most common entry-level laser aligners, some of the most straightforward opportunities are made in the mid-range CCD computer models. CCD machines which are trolley mounted, or mobile in operation, provide the ability for geometry checks to be carried out anywhere in the workshop, adding both flexibility and speed to the process for the technician. CCD machines which operate a simple to use ‘hang on’ clampless system, have many advantages, most notably reducing, and in most cases eliminating, potential damage to wheels that clamp systems may cause, as well as being simple and easy to use. “Powered by sophisticated software programs, computer wheel aligners hold an extensive vehicle database, saving significant time trying to source these alignment 42 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 GARAGE EQUIPMENT www.aftermarketonline.net measurements. Those systems provided with printers enable technicians to effortlessly print customer reports, leading to increasing customer satisfaction and crucially, repeat business. Being able to show a customer what is wrong with their wheel alignment on a screen or print out in front of them is a powerful tool, allowing technicians to explain issues caused by misalignment and how the alignment process will benefit them.” Potential Snap-on’s National Sales Manager Diagnostics and Garage Equipment Tristain Hindle said: “Just imagine that approximately 15% of the cars rolling past your garage doors are potential wheel alignment customers, yet, that potential is considerably greater. “RAC statistics suggest that drivers in the UK are 1.5 times more likely to break down after striking a pothole now than they were when the organisation first started gathering data in 2006. With average service schedules of one year or 12,000 miles, that’s a lot of ground that could be covered with potential issues lurking on the under-car. How many services proactively check the condition of under-car components to identify issues and provide corrective measures?” Commenting on the V2280 wheel aligner from John Bean, Tristain noted: “It offers simple instructional software, focusing around core alignment function, as well as Ez-Toe. This is easy, convenient adjustment at any steering angle and eliminates the need for a steering wheel holder.” Then there is the John Bean V1200 connected wheel aligner: “This compact mobile solution can perform wheel alignments in small areas. It offers productivity-boosting software, and also features Ez-Toe.” Solution Commenting on how Hella Gutmann’s equipment offering has been put together to help garages, UK Sales Manager Julian Goulding said: “Hella Gutmann can provide the solution in three key areas; Diagnostic tools, the calibration of ADAS and headlight alignment.” Starting with diagnostics, Julian said: “The mega macs X is the most advanced diagnostic tool Hella Gutmann has ever developed. It incorporates the processor, diagnostic software and integrated diagnostic protocols, which includes among others, the CAN FD and DoIP for recent vehicle models such as Škoda Octavia, Volvo XC 90 and Golf 8 of Volkswagen, and communicates on a wireless basis.The macsRemote allows independents to legitimately access VMs own data, to diagnose diagnostic faults and activate solutions from the moment a vehicle leaves the showroom. The MT-HV module has been specifically created for work on electric and hybrid vehicles and utilises permanently integrated high voltage measurement technology. To help workshops to communicate with these and future vehicles, Hella Gutmann implemented the cyber security management (CSM) function in its mega macs range of diagnostic devices in 2020. This allows verified users to diagnose secured vehicles without accessing the VMs portal and is a genuine multi-brand function that is being successively expanded.” On the headlight adjustment opportunity, Julian said: “Correctly set headlights are vital for motorists to drive safely in poor light conditions. To make this opportunity a reality for workshops, Hella Gutmann offers the SEG beamsetter series, a new generation of alignment tools Above: Techs can buy from the AJD website shop
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