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Wheel Alignment

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Toyo Web-Based Ad Development System

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has launched Toyo ADS (Advertising Development System), a Web-based program that enables Toyo dealers to create their own unique ads for newspaper, print, direct mail and in-store materials. This tool makes it possible for any dealer with a computer, Internet access and a printer to make first-rate ads to promote their own business, according to Toyo.

The password-protected Web site features a step-by-step ad-builder with customizable templates. Dealers create their own print ads using Toyo brand items, product photography and logos along with their own company logo and contact information. The templates also include value-added specials such as a tune-up, brake inspection, oil change and wheel alignment. Personalized ads are saved on the site and can be easily updated at anytime with new products, prices, sizes and sales promotions.

9th September 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

The Eagle Has Landed…in the UK

Wheel alignment has traditionally been one of the most challenging daily jobs in the workshop, mainly due to the costs of employing specialised personnel available and the risk of losing valuable time after discovering that a vehicle’s alignment does not need to be adjusted. Due to these factors, alignment is often only carried out when visible signs, such as uneven tyre wear or steering wheel misalignment, indicate bad tracking.

22nd August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Pro-Align Going the Extra Mile for Customers

Pro-Align says its passion for wheel alignment means the company is prepared to go far beyond simply supplying Hunter wheel alignment equipment. It has been instrumental in initiating the debate on the creation of a wheel alignment standard, which can be recognised by the industry and consumer alike.

From Pro-Align’s own experience and feedback from customers who have selected Hunter alignment systems, a demand exists for a ‘proper’ four-wheel alignment service. By ‘proper’, businesses mean they are looking to make sure the alignment service they offer is carried out as close to the car manufacturer’s procedures for wheel alignment as possible – thus leaving minimal room for criticism that ‘they don’t do it right’.

19th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Quality Alignment and Garage Equipment from Snap-On

Snap-on Equipment has been building on its long-standing position as a leading garage equipment manufacturer, supplier and service provider with a comprehensive range of wheel alignment systems, including the John Bean Visualiner 3D Arago, Ultra, V3D1 and V3D Lite systems, through to the new hybrid PRISM.

Three-dimensional wheel alignment offers workshops the latest technology for accurate alignment readings in an easy-to-use package. Designed with the UK wheel service market in mind, the John Bean V3D Lite wheel alignment system has been well received since it was introduced in 2007 complementing the John Bean line up, through to the top-of-the range 3D Arago aligner. The Reading-based company has also gained endorsement for the 3D Arago for all marques under the Volkswagen Group.

18th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

A Lifetime in the Business

Throughout three decades of working in the wheel alignment industry, Beissbarth UK’s managing director, Philip Hodges, has been a driving force for improvements in standards, training and technical innovation. Coming from a family background that can trace its roots in the tyre industry as far back as 1915, Philip’s own time in the business has also seen many developments. He shares with us his insights and experience in the industry from his beginnings in the 1970’s through to becoming managing director of Beissbarth UK – an iconic and long-established brand that has become closely associated with groundbreaking technology in its field.

18th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

How Many Vehicles are Misaligned?

How much of the car parc is running on misaligned wheels? A new initiative (‘Alignment Data Collection Day’) led by Pro-Align, the UK’s leading four wheel alignment specialists, is seeking to answer this question. Those involved in wheel alignment claim to have a good idea already, but there is a distinct lack of accurate and current data, which is what led to the research being conducted. The statistics are being collated and will be published on the Pro-Align website from the 1 September.

The key is to ensure a random sample of cars is selected in measured. The easiest option for Pro-Align would have been to ask their Hunter equipment users to supply the data about the motorists who came to them for alignments. However, it was felt these results may not be representative as the car drivers tend to go to an alignment centre because they suspect a problem.

11th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

John Bean Unveils ‘Prism’ Mobile Alignment System

John Bean, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, has introduced the Visualiner Prism, a mobile wheel alignment system ideal for workshops with lift bays unsuitable for a full 3D alignment machine. Prism is a hybrid of Charge Coupled Device (CCD) and 3D alignment technology and enables a run-out compensation procedure to be undertaken to ensure precise wheel alignment.

Accurate wireless data communication is ensured through the use of Bluetooth technology, which provides uniform alignment readings on vehicles ranging from small cars through to vans. The system also features long-life rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, with sufficient power reserves to last three days, based on three to four alignment checks per day. Furthermore, the batteries are software-controlled, providing an early low power warning to prevent interruption of an alignment procedure.

1st August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

25 Years and Still Fitting In

In July, Simon Pardoe of Chemix Autocentres in Stourbridge, West Midlands, celebrated 25 years with the company. Pardoe, now the senior technician at Chemix, helps mentor the younger fitters as well as championing the specialist four-wheel alignment equipment. Simon comments “the technology in tyres and alignment has advanced so much over the years, there is always something new to learn. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years. But the job is interesting and it keeps me fit – and I’m looking forward to the next 25!”

30th July 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

The Right Alignment Equipment is Essential – Supertracker

Offering a wheel alignment service is arguably essential for any garage workshop or fast fit operation wishing to remain competitive. When customers request this service it is important to make sure the correct equipment to carry it out is at hand, and, says Supertracker Limited, if they’re not asking for wheel alignment, it should be a service that is on offer and actively promoted.

The wheel alignment system manufacturer recommends that garage and fast fit operators make this a part of every customer visit. Tyres should be visually checked for uneven wear and customers asked if they have noticed any handling problems, such as whether the steering wheel is straight when the car is driven. Offering such a free inspection service will generate income, Supertracker adds.

28th July 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Put an End to Wasted Fuel With Correct Truck & Bus Alignment

New in 2008 to the Rema Tip Top UK Limited range is a mobile laser wheel aligner for trucks, buses and trailers. Truck Align is a product with a firm emphasis upon reducing fuel consumption and maximising tyre life, and thus is, says Rema Tip Top, an absolute necessity for any serious commercial or haulage fleet. The automotive product supplier notes that field testing has demonstrated a significant cost benefit that can be delivered through Truck Align: Vehicles with misaligned wheels consume up to four per cent more fuel than vehicles with correctly aligned wheels.

25th July 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Ride Straight With ProBike

As a firm that specialises exclusively in the supply of workshop tools and equipment for motorcycles and quad bikes, ProBike Ltd is able to fully understand its clients’ particular needs. Therefore it is little wonder that the company has grown over a period of twenty years to become the UK’s leading workshop equipment specialist.

The latest alignment products available from the Northampton based firm are the Probat alignment tool for motorcycles and the Proquat, suitable for ATVs. These German manufactured laser aligners offer, reports ProBike, a very quick and accurate method of measuring motorcycle or ATV wheel alignment. Two separate laser line generator modules project vertical laser beams from the rear wheel forward, striking the screens attached to the front wheel. Viewing the position of these beams on the front screens provides the operator with instant, easily readable information about the vehicle’s current alignment and camber settings.

24th July 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Hunter Chosen as Ford’s US Aligner Supplier

The Ford Motor Company has chosen Hunter Engineering as its exclusive wheel alignment system supplier for Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the United States.

Hunter Engineering has maintained a strong partnership with Ford since joining the Rotunda equipment program in 1964 as the first supplier of alignment and balancing equipment. The relationship between the two companies has strengthened over the years, as Hunter’s product line has expanded to include tyre changers, brake lathes and inspection equipment, which are also approved for the Rotunda program.

4th July 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Beissbarth UK Release Online Alignment Tutorial

Automotive servicing equipment manufacturer and distributer Beissbarth UK have released an online tutorial, bringing together the basics of wheel alignment in a Flash animated presentation. The guide provides an interactive education in the subjects of suspension geometry and tyre technology, taking visitors through the terminology particular to each subject with detailed explanations of concepts such as rear wheel thrust, toe adjustment and the “basic rules” of alignment. Each section of the guide provides much of interest for those needing to know more about wheel alignment.

Meanwhile, Beissbarth UK’s concern with educational matters is reflected in managing director Philip Hodges’ website statement on the shortfall in skills within the UK servicing industry. He says that the advances made by the industry in new technology are “not being matched by the availability of suitable technicians and apprentices.”

25th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone US Retail Outlets Now Hybrid-Ready

Bridgestone’s BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC), owner and operator of the world’s largest number of automotive retail outlets, has announced that selected Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, ExpertTire and Wheel Works centres in the US are now equipped for the servicing of hybrid vehicles.

“Almost 40 per cent of our stores are now approved to service hybrids,” said Darrell Rowe, BFRC manager of Education & Development. “We’re committed to providing our store teammates with the most current training and information available to ensure that our customers have a positive experience every time they visit one of our locations. In order to service hybrid vehicles, a store must complete a comprehensive training programme.”

24th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Haweka and John Bean Release New Wheel Aligners

With governmental taxation of truckers on the rise and fuel costs for all soaring, road users are on the lookout for anything that can help reduce costs and fuel consumption. Responding to this need, Haweka of Toddington, Gloucestershire and John Bean, a brand within Snap-on Equipment – a fully-owned subsidiary of global tools firm, Snap-on Corporation – have released new wheel alignment tools and technology.

Haweka’s TA-20 laser wheel alignment system is designed for speed and ease of use, which they say “allows the operator to measure a 2-axle semi-trailer tractor’s to and thrust angles within about 10 minutes.” The system strives to achieve this feat through the use of a patented laser measuring head “placed on the rim by means of powerful magnetic feet (with additional grab arms for aluminium rims)”, which allows measurements to be taken immediately.

20th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors