Above: Balco i-lign 3D vehicle safety but also improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of tyres. Understanding how wheel alignment services can boost revenue for your business and ultimately choosing a system that’s up to job for you and your customers is the starting point to making the most of this opportunity. “By offering this routine maintenance service, you can attract a larger customer database. Looking at it as an upselling opportunity, providing a one-stop-shop for all your customers motoring needs can lead to additional repairs as well as potentially tyre sales. Providing comprehensive services like wheel alignment can also enhance customer loyalty, and set your business apart from competitors who do not provide this service.” Julia continued: “Wheel alignment systems, like all workshop equipment, range in price depending upon a range of factors including the technology it employs, the manufacturing process, whether everything is included for four-wheel alignment or optional extras, the support supplied. It’s important to take time to really understand what you are getting for your money and ensure with your purchase you will receive aftercare support and readily available parts to remain operational. There are systems available to suit any most business sizes and budget. “From entry level laser systems where mechanics use simple lasers and visual indicators to measure the angles and orientations of a vehicle's wheels. This manual, yet simple and popular method of wheel alignment does however require operators to source the vehicle manufacturer specifications, calculate the measurements and does not usually provide a customer report or data storage. Computerised systems use four measuring heads that are fitted to each wheel and connect instantly to a computer database. With systems providing before-andafter alignment reports, these reports can be shared with customers to demonstrate the value of the service and provide tangible evidence of the alignment's impact.” Julia added: “Beyond CCD technology there are many innovations utilising advanced cameras and sensors to create a three-dimensional model of the vehicle's alignment parameters. This technology provides a comprehensive view of camber, caster, and toe angles, allowing mechanics to identify even the slightest misalignments, achieved with speed and efficiency.” For more information, visit: www.supertracker.com Diagnostic approach How wheel alignment is integrated with the overall approach really makes a difference. Commenting on how Hunter’s Quick Check Drive system and Elite TD can help garages increase revenue Pro-Align CEO Clive Seabrook said: “Embracing a diagnostic approach where every vehicle is driven through the Quick Check Drive upon entering the garage not only ensures optimal vehicle health but also proves lucrative for businesses. “The Hunter Quick Check Drive system quickly suggests whether an alignment is necessary, and if so, the Hunter Elite TD can conduct a full 14-point check in just 90 seconds. The speed and precision of this process means that garages can quickly identify alignment issues, thereby presenting an opportunity for added services, and income. “With wheel alignment offering profit margins of around 88%, compared to brakes at 49% and tyres at 16%, it's a service offering that can't be ignored, especially when data suggests that seven out of 10 cars on the road require some form of alignment. Workshops nationwide can often overlook the importance of offering a complimentary wheel alignment check for every car. With the efficiency of Hunter equipment, these checks can be conducted in seconds, opening the door to profitable service opportunities. Furthermore, the alignment results, can be communicated to customers using Hunter's advanced tools. These results can be delivered via printouts, displayed in the reception area, or emailed directly to the customer, providing them with immediate feedback on their vehicle's health.” Clive continued: " This strategy not only boosts profits but also strengthens the trust between garages and their customers. Training plays a pivotal role in this strategy. It's essential that every employee, from the front desk to the technicians, understand the importance of these diagnostic checks.” He added: “Additional tools like HunterNet enable workshops to monitor their performance and track the opportunities they've identified and converted. This continuous review is crucial for refining the approach and maximising potential revenue.” For more information, visit: www.pro-align.co.uk Choice On which way garages should go when it comes to wheel alignment kit, ISN Europe Technical Manager Mark Bristow said: “There’s really nothing new in terms of the technology used for wheel alignment. Essentially, a garage workshop has a choice of CCD, or 3D technology. Both work exceptionally well and in some respects each has advantages over the other. It’s really down to a matter of personal choice.” Change is afoot though, as Mark noted: “The development of note is a move to tablet operated wheel alignment equipment. We introduced it on our i-Lign range from Balco; We now have an 8CCD and a 3D version. Tablet operation brings advantages in that you are free to take the readout with you anywhere around a vehicle, you’re not restricted to a single alignment station and you can use the equipment on multiple bays. In general everything is much 40 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 WHEEL AND BODY ALIGNMENT www.aftermarketonline.net
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