Aftermarket May 2022

own a number of tyre equipment brands, including Hofmann Megaplan, Atlas, Atlas Platinum and Redback. We can compete at every level in the tyre equipment market and we’ll have a solution for every scenario, be that for a customer is considering entering the tyre market for the first time, looking to upgrade their equipment, or running a busy tyre bay that needs the very best machines on the market. We can provide everything from the most basic, yet easy-to-operate equipment, right through to state-of- the-art automatic machines for the highest volume businesses and, of course specialist machines for a mobile fitting outfit.” James also had some tips: “Not all equipment is equal; Before you buy a tyre changer, or wheel balancer think hard about what you’re going to need it to do. Alloy wheels, large rims and run-flat tyres for example, all present unique challenges and some equipment does not have the physical capacity, or is just not up to handling the job. Be clear about the market you want to cover and speak to your supplier before making a decision.” Capable Commenting on what he feels the new Hunter Revolution TCRH tyre changer could offer workshops, Pro-Align CEO Clive Seabrook observed: “The fully automated tyre changer is capable of changing each and every tyre in the same amount of time, every time, regardless of the tyre’s size or sidewall stiffness. “For every workshop, time is of the essence as long servicing times can increase labour costs significantly. However, with the Revolution TCRH’s unique WalkAway feature, operators are given an extra 80 seconds of spare time while the innovative system does all the work. This allows the operator to focus on other tasks such as wheel balancing, meaning technicians can reduce the time it takes to conduct a four-tyre changeover by more than 25%.” He added: “Furthermore, when using a more traditional system, the user must make at least 17 critical decisions to avoid damaging the wheel, the tyre, the TPMS system or themselves. However, the Revolution TCRH only requires the user to make four decisions, while the automated operation takes care of the rest allowing your business to utilise technicians time more efficiently.” For more information, visit www.pro-align.co.uk Cost-effective Commenting on Air-Seal Products’ range of tyre sealants, Managing Director Alex Burnard said: “These premium tyre sealants are a major solution to tyre management and have been proven to reduce operating and tyre replacement costs. They can prevent 95% of punctures up to 30mm in the tread area of a tyre, giving a permanent repair for the life of the tyre. Air-Seal tyre sealants will help maintain optimum tyre pressure in a cost-effective and safe way by stopping all rim, bead, and other slow air leaks. This means these sealants will increase fuel efficiency up to 3% and the life of the tyre up to a staggering 20%.” Explaining how it works, Alex said: “The product spreads evenly over the inside surface of a tyre as it rotates. When a puncture occurs, the air pressure immediately forces a combination of aramid fibres and fillers to inter-lock and form a seal, preventing any further air-loss. The driver may not even realise a puncture has occurred until he later inspects the tyre. Aramid fibres are some of the strongest, abrasion-resistant synthetic fibres used to date and were specifically chosen by Air-Seal Products to ensure that punctures are sealed, without failure, for the life of the tyre.” For more information, visit: www.air-sealproducts.com Solution Meanwhile, Autogem has produced a new and improved TPMS First Aid Kit. This is put together to enable techs to repair broken, corroded and perished TPMS valve stems, and is Autogem’s fourth incarnation of the product. The kit includes 72 components, including 48 metal valve stems, 20 rubber valve stems and four service kits. It also features QR codes linked to free training support, and an online part number look-up tool. Autogem’s Managing Director Prashant Chopra observed: “Our latest TPMS First Aid Kit is another example of us refining our product range as the TPMS market evolves. We have called it a First Aid Kit because we want our customers to think of Autogem as their go-to brand whenever they need some TPMS associated pain relief.” He added: “We pride ourselves on being genuine innovators in TPMS and never standing still when it comes to product development and service innovation. Our First Aid Kit underlines this point, as we constantly strive for more solutions to make our customers’ lives easier.” For more information, visit autogem.co.uk/tpms/ Left: Hunter Revolution TCRH MAY 2022 AFTERMARKET 53 www.aftermarketonline.net Right: Hofmann Megaplan megamount 613 Racing tyre changer, which includes quadraclamp cylinders, operating the jaws, which clamp the wheel