Complexity Mark Bristow, Technical Director at ISN Garage Assist observed: “If you’re serious about wheel alignment, then the days of basic front wheel tracking are long gone. The monocoque design of today’s vehicles, combined with complex suspension set-ups, really demands full four-wheel alignment equipment, which allows you to measure and adjust front wheel caster, plus toe and camber on all four corners of the vehicle with ease. Technology has allowed the introduction of alignment machines that are compatible with two post lifts. They’re very good, and accurate – we sell them – but if you’re really serious about alignment, then there’s nothing better than a specially designed four-post alignment lift.” More complex suspension systems and the deteriorated state of Britain’s roads is increasing the wheel alignment opportunity according to Mark: “The complexity of modern suspension geometry means there’s more that can go wrong. The general state of Britain’s roads, particularly the ever deepening and widening of potholes means that no matter how careful a driver you are, you’re likely to inadvertently ‘rearrange’ your suspension geometry at some point every year. And if you ‘curb’ a vehicle with low profile tyres, the tyre isn’t going to cushion the impact - you’re transmitting the entire force of the contact through the wheel to the suspension.” The increasing number of EVs on Britain’s roads is also growing the market for wheel alignment, as Mark noted: “EV tyres are significantly different to those we have become used to. In order to maximise battery range, tyre manufacturers have been obliged to focus on reducing rolling resistance, which has led to the use of narrower wheels and tyres on EVs. With more pressure on the tyres, any misalignment is going to cause significantly more abnormal wear than you’re going to see on a traditionally powered ICE vehicle.” Looking at the overall picture, he observed: “The wheel 40 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2023 WHEEL AND BODY ALIGNMENT www.aftermarketonline.net alignment opportunity for garages is immense and alignment checks and adjustments are going to become a regular necessity. Modern power steering systems take away some of the feel you used to get through your steering wheel, so even if your customer doesn’t mention that the car is pulling to one side, or that the steering wheel isn’t central when driving in a straight line, there are things you can do to identify that something’s not right. Tyre wear provides the tell-tale signs 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. Mark added: “In the past, wheel alignment has been seen as a bit of a ‘dark art’ but these days, modern computerised wheel alignment machines guide you through the process with simple step-by-step instructions. It’s a profitable service that customers will thank you for. Why wouldn’t you want to offer the service?” For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3ESzl2t Most profitable According to Pro-Align CEO Clive Seabrook, with 70% of cars on the road believed to be misaligned, garages should be offering four-wheel alignment to every customer coming through the door, irrespective of why they booked in: “Wheel alignment could be making workshops a lot of money, day-in, day-out, yet many business owners are still missing a trick. It can be as simple as asking a question. Regardless of whether your customer has booked in for a MOT or perhaps the clutch has gone, maybe all that needs changing is the brake lights – asking the question on entry could bring in more money to your business. Indeed, wheel alignment is one of the most profitable services in the industry, returning profit margins of around 88%, much higher when compared to brakes and replacement tyres, which return just 49% and 16% respectively. Some of our most successful workshop partners are now thriving as they are asking their customers the question and putting their aligner to work.” Pro-Align is the exclusive dealer of Hunter workshop equipment in the UK and Ireland. Commenting on their The wheel alignment opportunity for garages is immense and alignment checks and adjustments are going to become a regular necessity ” Left: Hunter Elite TD at Leadgate Tyre Centre
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