May 2021

MAY 2021 AFTERMARKET 43 an even greater importance on correct inflation, balancing and alignment mean that tyre equipment is not excluded from the change, and they claim to have the perfect solution in the shape of the new Sphere 3D, Tower-Free alignment system. Eliminating the need for the space- consuming, traditional crucifix for mounting the cameras, the Sphere allows the cameras to be fixed to the lift, not only saving space but also offering advanced features such as the elimination of the traditional ‘roll-back’ part of the alignment process, and a revolutionary ‘test-drive’ programme which negates the need to take the vehicle on a test drive.” Other new products are focused around mobile tyre fitting. The company have just launched the megamount 813 Compact, which is a combined tyre changing and balancing unit. “Featuring a patented, space-saving design,” said James, “it is the strongest ever produced. The 813 includes a built-in wheel balancer fitted conveniently into the chassis of the tyre changer. Leverless operation, 26” clamping, and a game-changing assist arm which promises to be virtually automatic completes the luxury specification. Hofmann Megaplan can also provide an unrivalled online tyre consumables facility through their sister operation, Tyre Bay Direct.” Further information is available at: www.hofmann-megaplan.co.uk Innovative On the wheel balancing front, the Hunter Road Force Elite (RFE) diagnostic wheel balancer has been approved for use in Porsche dealer workshops across the UK. “We are delighted to welcome Porsche as the latest premium vehicle manufacturer to approve the use of the Hunter Road Force Elite in its dealers across the UK,” said Pro-Align CEO Clive Seabrook. “The RFE is an innovative system that helps dealers to provide quick diagnostics and a solution that is much faster than the traditional wheel balancers available on the market.” Hunter’s Road Force Elite measures road force vibration (RFV) and lateral force (LF), conducting a diagnostic of the wheel and tyre assembly. To achieve this, the RFE scans the wheel rim and applies a load roller to simulate a road test. Clive observed: “Traditional wheel balancers struggle to solve the most challenging wheel vibration issues, which can often result in customers having to make multiple trips to workshops to resolve these issues. However, the RFE can provide a fast, first-time fix to these issues and allow dealers to save costs through time efficiencies and improved levels of customer satisfaction.” Challenge Wheel vibration issues are becoming an increasing challenge for workshops as more electric vehicles appear on the roads. The RFE is being used exclusively on the all-electric Taycan, the first electric car to be rolled out by Porsche. Clive commented: “Without the typical vibrations commonly associated with an internal combustion engine, drivers of electric vehicles are now much more aware of any vibrations generated by the wheel and tyre combination.” He added: “The latest RFE supersedes the popular system previously approved, reducing balance and repair times by 35% to less than two minutes per assembly.” Getting the right tyre supply is as important as having the right equipment... ” Bridgestone: Weather Control A005 EVO The Weather Control A005 EVO tyre is the second generation of the Bridgestone’s all-season touring tyre. It has been designed using Bridgestone’s high silica NanoPro-tech compound technology. Bridgestone has combined the compound with a new mixing technology that improves its silica dispersion to give the A005 EVO good fuel efficiency and enhance its overall snow potential. Bridgestone says the Weather Control A005 EVO offers the same wear life as its summer tyres. It also achieves the EU label highest-ranking A-grade in wet grip, and also comes with an EU label B/C-grade in rolling resistance. www.bridgestone-emia.com Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107 on BMW iX3 Yokohama’s ADVAN Sport V107 tyres will be fitted as OE on the BMW iX3, supplying three sizes for the new all- electric drive SAV—245/50R19 105W, 245/45R20 103W, and 275/40R20 106W.The tyres were jointly developed with BMW, and feature a compound developed to reduce tyre heat generation to a very low level, which in turn lowers rolling resistance, which is crucial for electric vehicles. As a result, the tyres have been assigned the EU labelling system’s highest A-grade. www.yokohama.co.uk