Wheel alignment & its role in tyre safety

October is Tyre Safety Month and this year TyreSafe has launched the ‘Safe and Save’ campaign, encouraging motorists to stay safe and save money by learning basic tyre care. The campaign also asks them to ACT – check the Air pressure, Condition and Tread of their tyres, and in a recently published article, Straightset points out the vital role that wheel alignment plays in maximising tyre safety.

How does wheel alignment improve tyre safety?

Poor alignment can shorten a tyre’s lifespan by thousands of miles and significantly impact handling. On the other hand, proper alignment promotes even tyre wear, enhances handling and stability, improves fuel efficiency, extends tyre longevity, reduces vibrations, enhances brake performance, reduces stress on suspension components, and makes driving much safer. The air pressure, condition and tread on a tyre (ACT) are all visual clues for customers to identify with; they can see if any of these are in poor condition for themselves and act on them accordingly. Wheel alignment however is generally only detected by customers who identify their vehicle pulling to one side when driving, or by a garage conducting a wheel alignment check.

How can garage owners improve their service offering?

By garages including wheel alignment checks onsite, they can promote the benefits of proper alignment. Modern wheel alignment systems use laser, computer or 3D technology to measure the alignment of each wheel with high precision. This eliminates guesswork and ensures that wheels are aligned to manufacturer specifications. Advanced systems are faster and more efficient than ever, enabling garage owners to offer the service without causing delays for other customers. Many modern wheel alignment systems are very user-friendly and are intuitive for the technician to operate. Employees can quickly become proficient in using the tools, making it easier to seamlessly integrate wheel alignment services.

What are the key points that UK garage owners should be aware of when integrating wheel alignment services into their offering?

• Invest in quality equipment. Choose a reliable and accurate wheel alignment system that suits your garage’s needs and budget. Research different brands and models to find the one that best fits your requirements.
•  Training. Ensure that your technicians receive proper training on how to use the equipment effectively as part of the package. This will enable them to provide precise alignment services to your customers from day one.
• Marketing. Promote your wheel alignment services to your existing customers. Highlight the benefits of proper alignment, such as improved tyre life, fuel efficiency, and safety.
• Regular maintenance. Keep your wheel alignment equipment well-maintained to ensure accuracy and reliability with a trusted supplier and service partner. Up to date OEM vehicle alignment data, Regular calibration and maintenance checks on wheel aligners are recommended to provide consistent results.

What’s available and the latest technology

Wheel alignment technology is developing all the time, and it is only enhancing the capabilities of what garage owners can offer their customers. Speaking to wheel alignment specialists who can provide genuine choice and flexibility to meet your needs will ensure you have the right wheel alignment system for you. Straightset is well known for its Supertracker wheel alignment offering and was recently appointed UK partner for Beissbarth. The ability to offer both brands means Straightset is confident of offering a wheel alignment solution for any need:

• STR1 laser wheel alignment systems for quick, easy and straightforward alignment checks available in a wall hung or trolley solution.
• STR130 and STR420 CCD wheel alignment systems with comprehensive vehicle database and intuitive operating system.
• Easy 3D+ is a high speed, high precision, and easy-to-use 3D wheel alignment system with traditional cabinet, monitor, printer and wheel clamps. It includes a quick alignment check with printout within minutes.
• QLign is a compact system and the world’s first web-based wheel aligner. It is an ultra-fast, compact unit that replaces the need for a trolley, is wireless and does not require any wheel rim contact.

Those wishing to see these systems for themselves can do so at Straightset’s Wheel alignment training studio, which is scheduled to open in November.