that there may be an alignment problem so it’s always a good idea to check them thoroughly every time you have a vehicle in your workshop. The chances are, your customer would rather pay for you to check and realign the suspension geometry, than have to replace the tyres prematurely.” For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3UZrARh Accurate solution According to Supertracker Marketing Director Julia Blake, really getting to grips with the technical specifics of wheel alignment will help garages make the most of the opportunity: “Understanding wheel alignment geometries can lead to increased work.” She continued: “To the untrained, wheel alignment can appear to be a mystifying artform. However, once the basics principles are grasped, wheel alignment services can be added to any workshop. With some workshops still only offering tracking, a 4-wheel alignment solution offers a more accurate solution for the customer. Unless the rear axle thrust of the vehicle is considered, a vehicle that has just had its tracking measured and adjusted can crab down the road instead of all wheels pointing in a straight line. If you are only relying on front tracking gauges, the kit to 4-wheel alignment perfection does not need to be prohibitively expensive. “Supertracker, as leaders in wheel alignment systems, stress the importance of going back to basics to understand what wheel alignment angles mean, common forms of misalignment and how to conduct a wheel alignment check in the correct order. This is particularly important to thousands of garages using Supertracker laser alignment systems. Common forms Explaining the common forms of wheel misalignment, Julia observed: “Referencing the rears before adjusting the fronts in wheel alignment checks is a crucial first step for ensuring accurate and comprehensive alignment adjustments. By prioritising rear wheel alignment, technicians ensure a stable baseline, address potential suspension issues, optimise vehicle stability and handling, and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the alignment process. This systematic approach helps deliver superior alignment results that contribute to improved vehicle performance, safety, and overall driving experience. “Geometry misalignment can manifest itself in several ways. Five of the most common issues seen by Supertracker are issues with front toe, rear toe, thrust angle, camber, and castor. “Front toe issues refer to the wheels pointing outwards from the vehicle central line if viewed from above. Should the wheels be pointing inward, towards the centre line, www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2024 AFTERMARKET 39 The wheel alignment opportunity for garages is immense and alignment checks and adjustments are going to become a regular necessity ”
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