Pro-Align will be showcasing the “Service Vision of tomorrow, today” at MechanEx’13 in Manchester’s Event City. With a stand bigger than event before, a whole host of Hunter equipment will be available for visitors to see including the Elite TD wheel aligner, the Road Force Touch balancer and Quick Check – THE revolutionary wheel alignment diagnostic system.

The latest Hunter system provides a rapid six point preliminary alignment reading, enabling workshops to pre-filter potentially misaligned vehicles in less than a minute. This then allows maximum utilisation of their main alignment system, in the knowledge that all cars identified need a full alignment.

MechanEx ’12 was a huge success

Visitors to the Pro-Align stand are not only welcomed, but encouraged to have a go on all the equipment, ranging from the customer favorite Elite TD wheel aligner right up to the latest in balancing technology.

Come and discuss the significant business opportunities available from Hunter four wheel alignment and how it will help to transform your business and bottomline –

Apply now for your free ticket at http://mechanex.info/manchester/

The brand new Golf GTD released in April 2013

For many drivers, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving a brand new car out of a vehicle manufacturer’s showroom for the very first time. Not only is the car sparkling clean and fresh smelling, the ride and drive characteristics are set exactly to how the vehicle manufacturer intended, giving the most pleasurable driving experience possible.

However, as the vehicle goes through its working life, general wear and tear or ongoing knocks and bumps can mean that settings such as the steering and suspension vary from the original specifications or components needs replacing, adding further variance to the mix.

The result is often an inferior driving experience that is quite far removed from how the vehicle manufacturer intended and how the car drove when it originally left the factory. The car may experience drift issues, suffer from irregular tyre wear or wheel vibration issues.

“Until now, many drivers simply attributed these typical characteristics down to an ageing vehicle or aftermarket servicing,” explains Paul Beaurain, managing director of wheel servicing equipment specialist Pro-Align. “However, with two of the latest systems from Hunter, these aftermarket challenges can be minimised and cars can be returned to provide similar levels of comfort and ride quality as they had when they left the showroom for the first time.”

The benefits of wheel alignment are well recognised with cars correctly set up experiencing reduced tyre wear, better fuel consumption and improved handling. The launch though of the Hunter HawkEye Elite TD last year, means that workshops can now conduct a full 14 point, four wheel alignment check, including a critical rolling compensation and results printout in just 90 seconds. With an extensive database containing the exact geometry settings specified by all of the world’s major motor manufacturers, workshops can quickly and easily return the car to its original settings.

With the car’s alignment fixed, another key aftermarket issue affecting many drivers is that of wheel vibrations. Again, OEM’s are careful to minimise these when the car leaves the factory, but it can become an issue when the driver fits their first set of replacement aftermarket tyres. Often this results in vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel, which can be distracting for the driver or even cause them to think that something is fundamentally wrong with the steering or suspension system.

Hunters new balancer applying Road Force to the tyre

In many instances, wheel vibrations are caused by Road Force Variation. As the tyre rolls along the road, the ‘stiff spot’ in the tyre’s sidewall, which is an inherent feature from the tyre’s construction method, transmits its reduced level of flex through the vehicle, causing a vibration.

Thankfully Hunter has once again developed a unique and innovative system to tackle this issue, helping to replicate the original levels of comfort delivered by the OEM. Through a process known as ‘Force Matching’, the position of the tyre’s stiff spot can be matched with any low spot on the wheel rim, which effectively cancels out or minimises any vibrations.

To do this, the Road Force Touch (RFT) balancer applies a load roller to the tyre during the balancing process, effectively taking the wheel for a road test, identifying any errors in the wheel and rim assembly. Then by undertaking the rim runout and identifying the rim’s low spot, the RFT can pinpoint the tyre’s stiff spot. This accurate diagnosis removes any guesswork as to the optimum position of the tyre on the rim. Workshops equipped with the Hunter Auto34 leverless tyre changer can the quickly and effortlessly force match the assembly, by rotating the position of the tyre on the rim to minimise and vibrations.

“The combination of the Hunter HawkEye Elite TD aligner and the RFT balancer is unrivalled in terms of solving wheel issues, delivering the ultimate customer experience and helping return the car to the way the manufacturer intended,” concludes Beaurain.

Most workshops now realise that whenever steering or suspension components are repaired or replaced, a four wheel alignment check is necessary to in order to complete the job properly. This ensures the vehicle is set back within the manufacturer’s tolerances, improving the quality of the job and avoiding any customer comebacks.

However, a large majority of workshops are ill equipped to face another steering and suspension challenge that is the ever growing number of cars that have Steering Angle Senors (SAS), which must be reset at the time of an alignment check (as required by the OEM’s). However, workshops with the Hunter HawkEye WA Imaging Aligner and equipped with CodeLink are already ahead of the game.

Steering Angle Sensor Development

The SAS works in conjunction with a network of other sensors that track wheel speed, lateral forces, vehicle roll and other variables. These measurements, along with steering data provided by the SAS, are used to control various driver-assist systems such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electric Power Steering and Active Steering. In recent years, workshops have started to see more and more cars fitted with a SAS and this trend will accelerate even faster with the introduction of the compulsory fitting of ESC systems as standard from the start of this year.

For the ESC system to work properly, it requires the SAS to be properly calibrated to the straight-ahead position in line with the front wheels and the vehicle’s thrustline, to relay accurate steering information.

Historically, to reset the sensor or to cancel the dashboard warning light was a lengthy process requiring one or more expensive diagnostic tools. Few of these provide documentary proof of the reset, for the customer. Thankfully, workshops equipped with a Hunter’s WA alignment system can overcome this problem quickly and easily with the Hunter CodeLink tool. What’s more, the process is fully integrated within the Hunter alignment service which helps to reduce time, maximise efficiency and provide the all important documentation confirming the reset was completed properly.

“Hunter aligners have an enviable reputation for technical innovations designed to help workshops overcome business challenges,” explains Paul Beaurain, managing director of Pro-Align, the exclusive UK distributor for Hunter alignment systems and wheel servicing equipment. “CodeLink is another great example of this level of forward-thinking as it’s an existing, proven tool that is now helping workshops to overcome a new problem.”

How CodeLink works

The process of the alignment check by the Hunter HawkEye WA imaging aligner remains unchanged; a full four wheel alignment measurement and any necessary adjustments ensure the vehicle is within the manufacturer’s specifications.
The CodeLink handset is then plugged into the vehicle’s OBD port. The fully integrated system on the aligner displays a number of simple instructions via the aligner’s screen, allowing the SAS reset and calibration to be undertaken quickly and easily. The alignment and CodeLink report is then printed out.

Improved efficiency and profits

As workshops continue to see more and more vehicles equipped with ESC systems, and therefore Steering Angle Sensors, efficient servicing and calibration will become increasingly important.
With the ease of use, precision and professionalism that the integrated CodeLink system provides at the end of the standard wheel alignment service, there’s little point in spending lengthy amounts of time on this operation separately, or worse still, spending money sending the car to a main dealer for this potentially simple operation.

The event, which will be held on 3 May at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon in Warwickshire, is expected to attract key decision makers from many of the UK’s most influential car dealerships who are all looking for innovative ways to increase their profits.

“We are delighted to put our name to such a prestigious and relevant event,” comments Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align. “Our wheel servicing equipment is being used by a growing number of dealers to help boost their profitability, so this is a fantastic opportunity to share these experiences and help others benefit.”

Visitors to the free-to-attend event will see demonstrations of two of Pro-Align’s latest systems which are helping dealerships improve customer service levels and generate extra revenue. The Hunter Quick Check is the company’s latest wheel aligner, designed to act as preliminary alignment diagnostic system to facilitate speculative alignment checks and increase workshop efficiency. Meanwhile the Hunter Road Force Touch is a unique advanced wheel balancer that can help eradicate the most difficult wheel vibration challenges.

Delegates will also hear from four other key speakers alongside Pro-Align, about their own products and services designed to boost dealership profitability. After lunch, the conference will resume with, for the first time, a live Q&A session, giving delegates the opportunity to ask any burning questions on how to make more profit, maximise sales or simply what others think about the ongoing trading conditions.

To find out more about the conference or to register for the event click here

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The Road Force Touch is the world’s leading diagnostic wheel balancer, providing exceptional balancing results. It performs a Road Force diagnostic test faster than a traditional wheel balancer performs a typical balance, this is on top of all the extra features such as SmartWeight and StraightTrak.

Road Force Touch machines for BMW and Mercedes-Benz are built embedded with each OE’s specific settings. Pro-Align’s Managing Director Paul Beaurain said, “Many manufacturers take a strong interest in Hunter’s Road Force balancers because they identify ride disturbances before they become a customer concern. As suspension designs evolve, the manufacturers want diagnostic balancers that most closely replicate the equipment used in their production facilities.”

Mercedes-Benz has endorsed Hunter’s Road Force technology since 2001. BMW has endorsed Hunter’s Road Force technology since 2003 and made it an essential tool in the dealer market since 2005. Both manufacturers offer Hunter’s Road Force technology to their worldwide dealers through their approvals scheme.

Why should my car need a wheel alignment? Here’s some advice on how to get around

those awkward customer objections!

Are your customer’s choosing not to have a wheel alignment

because they see it as a costly and unnecessary extra service?

Many customers simply write off having a wheel alignment because they just don’t understand what the benefits are. With the right advice and an easy to understand printout, plus supporting documentation, it can be relatively easy to educate the car driver as to why an alignment is an essential service!

In the first of an E-News series, we are going to look at ways to help educate YOUR CUSTOMERS, if they want the best efficiency and performance from their vehicle.

1. “A four wheel alignment will SAVE you money, fuel and tyres”.

-This sentence is probably the most popular phrase and enough for some – Who wouldn’t want more miles to the litre/gallon?

However, some will ask WHY will it save them money. A receptionist or technician can explain on a simple and easy to understand level that is not too technical for an inquisitive motorist:

• For a car with wheels out of alignment (called misalignment) the tyres are scrubbing along the road.  It is this scrubbing action which will cause the tyre to wear out quicker than if the tyres are set straight through having a wheel alignment.
• This scrubbing effect on the tyres means there is greater rolling resistance (will not roll as freely) on the wheels.  With increased rolling resistance the car’s engine needs more power, therefore more fuel is needed to remain at the same speed.
• With your tyres wearing down earlier and by your car using more fuel, you are increasing your motoring cost – so spending more.

Put an explanation in context of the customers vehicle and show them, with their own car, what alignment (and perhaps more importantly misalignment) is. This simple demo will give clientele a better understanding of why it would be useful for them.

2. “Having an alignment check is as much about prevention as it is about the cure“.

A majority of customers will only ask about alignment when there is visible evidence that there is a problem – mainly worn tyres.  It’s always good to mention that it is not always possible to see misalignment, and by the time you see the problem it too late to save your tyres.

•  There are other factors that misalignment will influence:
•  Driving Safely –Misalignment can make your car less stable in the event of having to take emergency / evasive action.
• Ride and Handling – by setting the car back to your cars motor manufacturers specifications, it will ensure it drives as they intended!

Once a customer understands the benefits of an alignment, it would hard for them to walk away knowing that there could be a severe problem with their vehicle. If you would like more information on other marketing materials, contact enquiries@pro-align.co.uk

In the next blog, we will continue to look at those magic words and help you convince your customers that having an alignment is the way forward – try using the above and let us know how it works for you!

A state of the art Hunter HawkEye Elite TD wheel alignment system has helped ABP Motorsport in Shavington secure CAT magazine’s prestigious ‘Large Garage of the Year’ award.

The system, installed just six months ago, has already proven its worth by helping to increase efficiency and significantly boost business further. Typically performing four or five full alignment checks a day, the new system has helped free up extra capacity in the workshop meaning more cars can be serviced by the same number of technicians. Checks with previous alignment equipment took in excess of 30 minutes but, with the new Elite TD, they are now carried out in a matter of minutes.

“Our congratulations go to ABP Motorsport in securing this well-deserved award,” said Paul Beaurain, managing director of Pro-Align. “The business was already performing very well so it’s reassuring to see how our equipment can deliver a further boost to even the most successful of businesses.”

ABP Motorsport is no stranger to success, having secured ‘Garage of the Year’ titles for the previous three years before taking this year’s inaugural ‘Large Garage’ award.

While high-performance cars looking for the optimum track set-up (pictured) are one group benefiting from the Hunter aligner at ABP Motorsport, around half of the workshop’s business also comes from everyday road cars. For these customers benefits such as reduced tyre wear, better handling, lower fuel consumption all give peace of mind that the car is returned to the vehicle manufacturers’ original specifications.

Chris Meredith, managing director of ABP Motorsport, said: “To win another award is fantastic news for the business but also very touching as it’s based on happy, satisfied customers voting for us. However, we never rest on our laurels, continually striving to provide an even better service and the addition of the Hunter aligner is a prime example of this. What’s more this investment will also help to future proof the business, ensuring we continue to deliver an excellent service, long into the future. ”

Installed at the end of 2011, the Hunter HawkEye ‘Special’ replaced an outdated aligner which was used fewer than 20 times a month. However, such is the speed and ease of use of the new Hunter system that the business typically now conducts more than 20 alignment checks in just a single week.

“When Raw Tyres won the prize, we confidently predicted that this would transform the business so we’re delighted to see that in less than a year, it has well and truly delivered,” commented Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align.

As well as helping to improve the efficiency of the workshop operation and allow speculative alignment checks to be carried out, the Hunter system has also enabled Raw Tyres to attract new business from local garages.

“The Hunter imaging aligner has been a fantastic addition to our business,” explains Steve Raw, director, Raw Tyres. “It has opened up a host of marketing opportunities for us and we’re now being sent repeat business from local garages that are unable to carry out this type of work as efficiently themselves.”

The increased number of alignment checks being carried out by the business has given it a significant financial boost. After making the initial alignment check, the company charges £25 for a front toe adjustment, followed by £12.50 for each subsequent adjustment.

Customers using the service are treated to a front-row experience of the Hunter aligner’s highly effective operation as the waiting room looks directly out onto the alignment bay. From here, customers can see Steve Raw or his two Pro-Align trained colleagues carry out the full 14 point alignment check in less than 5 minutes before being presented with a printout identifying any areas of misalignment.

“Our 20^th anniversary competition was a unique opportunity to help make a big difference to one lucky business and it would seem that Steve and his team really have made the most from their Hunter HawkEye ‘Special’ aligner,” concludes Beaurain.

The importance of correct wheel alignment was discussed at the February Jaguar Enthusiast forum, held at the Castle Bromwich Jaguar Visitor Centre. Enthusiasts were presented with alignment issues on the Jaguar Aluminum XJ (2003-2009) models and were clearly shown the benefits of having a full four wheel alignment using a Hunter.

One of the attendees highlighted where members could locate a Hunter centre via www.alignmycar.co.uk and learn more about wheel alignment.

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