Monthly Archives: September 2025

Accurate alignment protects tyres, suspension and customer confidence. A disciplined maintenance routine keeps your readings trustworthy and your team efficient.

Daily checks that pay off

• Inspect clamps/targets for damage, dirt and missing parts.
• Verify level surfaces and turnplate freedom of movement.
• Run a quick reference check if your software supports it.
• Store accessories correctly to prevent knocks and drift.

Building these habits around your wheel alignment equipment improves repeatability across shifts.

Calibration routines: little and often

Follow the manufacturer’s interval for full calibration and keep a log. Temperature swings, knocks and heavy usage can nudge sensors out of spec. If readings feel “off”, re-verify before continuing work on a customer vehicle.

Common faults & fast fixes

• Inconsistent readings between techs: Re-train on target placement and run a reference check.
• Clamp slippage on large wheels: Inspect pads/jaws and replace worn parts.
• Software anomalies: Update

Choosing alignment equipment is a big decision. Get it right and you’ll boost bay throughput, reduce comebacks and build customer trust. Here’s a clear framework for selecting the right system for your mix of vehicles and volume.

1) Accuracy and repeatability first

Ask how the system ensures precise readings and consistent outcomes across technicians. Look for robust targets, quality cameras/sensors and guided workflows. The best wheel alignment machine pairs accurate hardware with intuitive software.

2) CCD vs 3D camera systems

• CCD: Proven and often more budget-friendly; good for many passenger/light-commercial applications.
• 3D: Faster target recognition, excellent for high volume and larger wheel sizes; often better for documentation and training.

Match technology to your vehicle mix and throughput targets. If you service lots of modern SUVs/EVs, favour higher-spec systems.

3) Setup speed and bay space

Consider cart footprint, target storage and how quickly the system goes from intake

Wheel alignment has moved a long way from string lines and spirit levels. Today’s workshops rely on digital cameras, intelligent software and guided workflows to deliver fast, repeatable results. Here’s how we got from analogue tools to modern systems—and why it matters for your bay.

Early “tracking” methods

Traditional methods relied on basic gauges and manual measurements. They taught fundamentals, but accuracy depended on the technician’s skill and the environment. If you’re still using an older tracking machine, you’ll recognise the limitations: slower setup, more scope for human error and fewer documentation options for customers.

The rise of digital wheel alignment equipment

Digitisation brought consistent measurements, guided setup and on-screen prompts. Modern wheel alignment equipment standardises processes so outcomes don’t depend on one expert tech being on shift. It also speeds training, reduces comebacks and captures printable reports customers can trust.

Camera systems and

Tyre vibrations aren’t all the same. As a workshop owner or lead mechanic, choosing the right balancing method saves time, reduces comebacks, and keeps customers happy. This guide explains the three core approaches—static, dynamic, and road-force—plus when to deploy each one in the bay.

Quick definitions

• Static balancing – Corrects a single heavy spot on the assembly (one plane). Best for narrow rims and smaller diameters.
• Dynamic balancing – Corrects imbalance across two planes (inner and outer). Essential for modern wider wheels and higher speeds.
• Road-force balancing – Measures tyre/wheel uniformity under a simulated load to diagnose issues that persist after a standard balance.

If you’re reviewing equipment for your bay, see our range of wheel balancing machine options suitable for everything from retail fitment to high-volume workshops.

When to choose static balancing

Use static balancing for narrow tyres, classic vehicles, and applications where space for weights is limited. It’s

Seasonal shifts change what customers need and how busy your workshop gets. Planning ahead keeps wait times down, protects margins, and ensures your tyre changers and staff are ready for the surge.

Winter: traction, pressure and safety

Colder weather lowers tyre pressure and reduces grip. Help customers prepare while keeping workflows smooth.

• Pressure checks: Offer quick checks and top-ups. Underinflation increases stopping distances and tyre wear.
• Tread and compound: Advise on winter or all-season options based on local driving needs.
• Workshop readiness: Service your tyre changer and wheel balancer before peak weeks to avoid downtime.
• Safety first: Refresh staff on bead seating limits and safe inflation practices (request our safety guide).

Spring & Summer: heat, rain and holiday mileage

Warm weather, heavy rain and long trips drive demand for pre-journey checks and replacements.

• Heat management: Verify correct pressures; heat can raise PSI and affect handling.
• Wet-grip prep: Promote tread

Improper tyre repair or replacement shortens tyre life, risks customer safety and leads to costly comebacks. Use this guide to avoid the most common pitfalls and keep your workflow safe, consistent and profitable.

1) Repairing damage outside the safe area

Repairs are only acceptable in the tread area and for small punctures. Sidewall or shoulder damage should not be repaired. When in doubt, replace the tyre.

2) Not removing the tyre from the rim

Always demount the tyre to inspect the inner liner for hidden damage, splits or previous poor repairs. External-only “plug” fixes can miss internal injury and fail under load.

3) Overlapping or clustered repairs

Avoid multiple or overlapping patches in the same location. Concentrated repairs compromise structure and heat dissipation—replace the tyre instead.

4) Using a plug without a patch

A durable repair is a plug-and-patch combination—plug to fill the path of injury, patch to seal the inner liner. A plug alone is not an acceptable permanent repair.

Consistent wheel balancing is one of the fastest ways to reduce customer comebacks, improve ride quality and protect profit in a busy tyre bay. This guide sets out a practical, step-by-step workflow your team can follow on every job.

Why wheel balancing matters

• Prevents vibration through the steering wheel, seat and floorpan.
• Reduces uneven tyre wear and protects suspension components.
• Improves customer satisfaction and cuts free rework.
• Supports higher bay throughput with fewer repeat visits.

If you need an overview of equipment options, see our category page for a wheel balancing machine that suits your workflow and volume.

Common symptoms of imbalance

• Speed-dependent vibration that peaks at specific road speeds.
• Feathered or cupped tread wear patterns.
• Customer complaints after recent tyre replacement.
• Steering wheel shimmy despite correct alignment.

Root causes you can control

1. Poor centring on the shaft — wrong cone/collet or front-coning on wheels that require back-coning.
2. Contamination

Upgrading your tyre changer with the right accessories can improve productivity, protect wheels and reduce technician fatigue. Below are the essential add-ons for professional UK workshops.

Wheel lift

Heavy wheel and tyre assemblies can weigh over 70 kg. A motorised wheel lift raises the wheel to tabletop height using a foot pedal and compressed air. It speeds up workflow, protects backs and reduces wheel damage.

Helper arm kit

Run-flat and low-profile tyres have stiff sidewalls. A helper arm applies controlled pressure to guide the bead into the drop centre, reducing strain and the risk of rim damage while improving consistency on difficult fitments.

Nylon mounting heads

Swapping steel for nylon mounting heads helps prevent scratches on painted, polished and diamond-cut rims. Keep spare inserts on hand and replace them as soon as wear appears to maintain protection.

Clamp options

• Self-adjusting clamps: Wider working range and secure hold across multiple wheel sizes.
• Extended clamps: