May 2018

overcome the motorist’s typical reticence when it comes to shelling out for new tyres.” New tyres are usually a distress purchase; often bought reluctantly, because there is no choice but to replace worn- out tyres. This is where technology helps both tyre retailers and motorists. “TreadReader devices produce colour-coded, 3D scans of tyre tread depth,“ explains Andrew, “which can be shown to the customer in a printed customer report, or as part of an eVHC report. These tyre scans are the deal-makers. They eliminate any perceived or real subjectivity in the assessment of tyre condition, and the conversation turns more easily to a decision to replace tyres.” Opportunity Then there’s upselling: “TreadReader 3D tyre scans reveal not just tread depth, but also any signs of wheel misalignment or incorrect inflation. This opens the door to a wheel alignment job, or an opportunity to advise the vehicle owner how to prolong the life of their tyres. So, a chance to build trust with the customer, increasing the likelihood that they’ll come back for more good advice when their tyres need replacing. “In a workshop setting, TreadReader technology takes the form of a compact hand held scanner, or drive over ramp, which can be surface mounted or fitted flush with the workshop floor. Beyond the workshop, tyre manufacturers are installing high-traffic specification drive over ramps in retail locations, such as car parks. In place of the printed customer tyre report produced in a workshop, the motorist logs in to a web portal to view their TreadReader 3D tyre scans on their smartphone or home PC.” Andrew adds: “TreadReader is the market leading technology changing industry behaviour for the tyre manufacturer, retailer and even the motorist. For workshops, the opportunity is the means to capture a bigger share of the new tyre sales revenues, whilst building customer loyalty and trust.” 52 AFTERMARKET MAY 2018 TYRE AND TYRE BAY www.aftermarketonline.net TCE 4435 pneumatic, tilting-back tyre changers provide workshops with a high speed, high performing yet durable tyre changer suitable for even the toughest UHP and RFT passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Thanks to the addition of a special accessory kit, these machines are also capable of handling motorcycle tyres.“ Wheel balancing and alignment provides another stream: “The four-wheel alignment range from Bosch offers technicians portable, easy-to-use equipment that boosts workshop turnover,” says Kevin. “The FWA 4335 and FWA 4435 both only require a single technician to undertake a complete measurement, making them easy to handle with no calibration during installation required. “The WBE 4200 and WBE 4400 semi-automatic wheel balancers provides the user with clear digital read-outs for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles. These semi-automatic wheel balancers each have a measuring time of just eight seconds, making for quick customer turnover for the workshop thanks to Bosch’s EASYFIX arm with automatic measurement of the diameter and distance of the wheel.” Kevin adds: “The 4630 is a more sophisticated piece of equipment to provide a more comprehensive service. Using ‘Real 3D’ it provides precise and fast results and once the vehicle has been driven onto the turn plates and sliding plates, the setup and measuring process will only take seven minutes.” Changing behaviour The application of new technology can create new gateways for profit according to Sigmavision Managing Director Andrew Pryce: “Innovative technology improves working practices and generates new revenue opportunities. The best new technologies go one step further, by changing consumer behaviour. “One such technology is TreadReader tyre measurement from Sigmavision. Not only is it enabling workshops and dealerships to grow tyre sales and related service revenues, the technology also presents a unique way to Below: Hunter QuickTread system