significantly less than cheaper equipment. He added: “A range of Hofmann Megaplan tyre changers and wheel balancers will be displayed and demonstrated on the ISN Garage Assist Stand R70 at Automechanika in June.” For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3JP5vgP Performance According to Adam Hilton, Sales and Marketing Director, Tecalemit Garage Equipment, the rise of EVs means workshops have to adapt to make up a growing income shortfall resulting from less servicing work. He said: “Tyres are now playing a crucial role in replacing lost revenue for workshops. EVs can wear out their tyres up to 30% faster than traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, due to their weight, making the need for tyre replacements more frequent.” As Adam observed, the key is choosing the right tyre fitting equipment: “Starting a new tyre business can be overwhelming, with many different tyre machine combinations available. At Tecalemit, we are not just another garage equipment supplier. With over 100 years of experience in the industry, we have a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise that we are eager to share. What sets us apart from the rest is our commitment to helping new ventures succeed. We understand that their success is our success, so we go above and beyond to provide them with the best possible solutions for their business. All our tyre fitting equipment is produced in Europe and designed with the operator in mind. For example, all our tyre changers, from our budget-friendly TIROPLUS to the flagship F10, can easily handle run-flat and low-profile tyres. No add-ons or optional extras are required. And this nononsense approach extends to our wheel balancers too. Using digital technology, all our wheel balancers provide the proven performance required in modern, demanding workshops.” Adam added: “The most important thing to remember is not to buy your equipment on price but to consider the features you need now and in the future. That is one of the main mistakes we come across because tyre fitting equipment can vary massively, even if, at first glance, they all appear similar. Tecalemit offers a wide range of highquality tyre fitting equipment to suit every budget. We also provide excellent advice, alongside our first-rate customer service and technical support, to ensure you get the right equipment for your workshop.” For more information, visit: www.tecalemit.co.uk Personalised and flexible Tyres are a major MOT opportunity too, as Colin Ferra, Product and Business Development Manager at Snap-on Diagnostics and Garage Equipment, noted: “A high percentage of MOT test failures are due to worn or defective tyres. Recent DVSA MOT statistics suggest that from July 2021 to June 2022, tyre-related defects were responsible for 6.31% of Class 3 and 4 vehicles failing their MOTs. This equates to over 2 million vehicles each year with worn or defective tyres that are deemed unfit for road use. “EVs are more likely to fail a MOT due to their heavier weight, causing greater wear on components, including tyres. Recent statistics have also shown that petrolpowered vehicles are 6% more likely to pass a MOT than EVs of the same age, and after six years, this figure 38 AFTERMARKET MAY 2023 TYRES AND TYRE BAY EQUIPMENT www.aftermarketonline.net increases to 29%. Moreover, 22% of all electric vehicle MOT failures are related to tyre defects. Independent garages can capitalise on this trend by expanding their communications to attract EV customers with vehicles over three years old.” How you market this part of your business counts too according to Colin: “Independent garages have an opportunity to offer personalised and flexible services to customers, particularly by providing free interim tyre checks as part of routine maintenance. This demonstrates concern for helping customers avoid unnecessary expenses and identifying issues that require immediate attention. As a result, it can create an opportunity for value-added up-sells such as wheel alignment, which can again assist in the prevention of premature tyre wear and undue wear on suspension components plus help drive additional revenue from tyre fitting services. “Independent garages must have a well-designed and up-to-date website with a good selection of tyre brands and sizes, reasonable prices, and without exception. a simple booking procedure. Customers' purchasing decisions will be influenced by a variety of factors, including the business's hours of operation and availability. To increase mid-week bookings, offering a mid-week vehicle collection service from a customer's home or workplace can appeal to many who don't have time during the day to drop off their vehicle. Offering extended hours or a drop-off facility into secure parking on specific days may be the deciding factor in increasing mid-week business and distinguishing the garage from the competition.” Experience To make the most of the opportunity, you need the right kit, as Leigh Stote, E-commerce Director at Tyre Bay Direct observed: “Specialist tyre fitting equipment suppliers sometimes overlook the needs of a small garage, a mobile fitter or those considering tyre fitting as a business they want to pursue for the first time. If you’re new to the market you can find yourself left confused over what you really need in terms of specification to get you up and running, how much it should reasonably cost and who to trust with your order – you might even wish you’d never considered it. Tyre Bay Direct help those smaller, less experience ventures find their feet, and we have done for coming up to 20 years. That’s not to say we don’t have the Right: TIROPLUS F10 tyre changer
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