December/January 2022

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 AFTERMARKET 45 Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding tyre pressures and vehicle load, carry out the alignment then move on to ADAS sensor calibration. Lastly, once alignment is completed, use the wheel aligner to set the ADAS frames in minutes. This saves time compared to manual implementation.” Chris added: “ADAS calibration allied to wheel alignment is a premium product that will attract new customers, retain existing ones and support premium pricing. It also future-proofs workshops by providing an audit trail showing best practice has been followed, reassuring customers that their cars have been fully and safely repaired.” For more information visit: www.absolutealignment.co.uk Advanced DENSO is thinking about what ADAS can achieve on a large scale. “The current market for ADAS can broadly be divided into two sections, camera and radar,” explained DENSO Europe Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager Fatiha Laauich. “One of DENSO’s major forthcoming product developments is to make its ADAS available for retrofit, not just as equipment for new vehicles. Since the 1990s, DENSO has provided advanced safety and various OE ADAS equipment such as LiDAR devices, millimetre-wave radar, and vision sensors. Introducing ADAS to the secondary market not only gives a boost to aftermarket businesses, but it also makes life-saving technology more widely available, empowering confidence and peace of mind at scale. “It is advanced technology that levels the playing field between independent workshops and their vehicle manufacturer franchised dealer counterparts, enabling professional technicians to access the most technically advanced vehicle parts, thus increasing customer confidence and loyalty.” Commenting on the importance of garages having their own ADAS calibration tool, Hella Head of Workshop Equipment Neil Hilton said: ”New vehicle technologies often require new tools and this is the situation that arises with ADAS, because most vehicle manufacturers require the calibration of camera, radar and lidar systems using the static method. Workshops that no longer want to rely on the services of the respective manufacturer's workshops have no choice, they must supplement their diagnostic equipment with a calibration tool.“ Looking specifically at the CSE-Tool, Neil said: “With outstanding vehicle model coverage, the CSC-Tool, in conjunction with a Hella Gutmann mega macs diagnostic device has a proven track record in the UK and throughout Europe. The CSC-Tool Digital is the latest evolution of the Hella Gutmann calibration offering. Everything that is possible with the analogue CSC-Tool SE also works with the CSC-Tool Digital, but faster and more efficiently. Furthermore, the digital tool has some additional benefits to offer, for example, there is no need to store and carry around the large-format front camera targets. This saves both time and money because currently many different targets are required for the vehicles that are commonly used in the UK.“ When it comes to ADAS, we have seen that training is vital. Commenting on the LKQ Euro Car Parts offering, Colin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “We offer a comprehensive ADAS training course that covers operations, calibration techniques and the implications of incorrect alignment, through our LKQ Academy. On completion of the programme, technicians will have developed specialist knowledge of both dynamic and static calibration, and will be able to accurately calibrate camera and radar-based driver assist systems. “Key components of the course include an in-depth introduction to ADAS, sensors, and its relationship to vehicle alignment, as well as guidance on when to calibrate, and insight into future technology and industry developments.” Then there’s the kit, upon which Colin observed:” We can also offer a range of equipment to suit every unique garage need. This includes the Hella CSC Tool SE. Other tools include the Hoffman Megaplan Digital ADAS system. This uses a 65” monitor to display the various patterns and targets for each vehicle application, drastically reducing set- up time, and includes a full diagnostics tool. For more information, visit: www.lkqacademy.com Recommended Going back to the wheel alignment side, Colin commented: “Vehicle alignment checks are recommended every 10,000 miles, meaning that around one in five vehicles on the road at any time will need one. Offering alignment checks as standard with any service opens up a key revenue stream for garages, especially when statistics show that on average, every fourteenth check will highlight other vehicle issues that will require new parts and additional labour. “It’s important for garages to ensure they have access to the right technology, skills and knowledge to carry out alignment checks efficiently and to a high standard. Garages interested in introducing wheel alignment as a new revenue stream can access key equipment such as the Hoffman Megaplan Megaline 88 CCD Wheel Alignment system, and John Bean V2200+ Lift Package rom LKQ Euro Car Parts for as little as £25 per week. While investment is required in training and equipment, garages that offer alignment checks can expect to generate significant returns.” For more information, visit omnipart.eurocarparts.com Structural Wheel alignment is not just a garage issue, it is also a major factor on the crash repair side, and it is often not the end of the story once an alignment has been completed post-repair. Jim Masterson, Director at Tri-Sphere observed: “After alignment, many top marque vehicles require bonding and/or riveting systems to replace damaged panels. The electro-hydraulic RV/JLR 700 series structural riveting system meets the standard for use with JLR vehicles and is supplied complete with additional features and a sturdy protective case, complete with tools plus job tracking software that provides full traceability. It is an enhanced version of the Standard 700, which is also available for professional users. A failsafe intervention system is also incorporated.” www.aftermarketonline.net ADAS calibration allied to wheel alignment is a premium product that will attract new customers ”