50 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2023 TYRES AND TYRE BAY www.aftermarketonline.net where ISN Garage Assist can help.” He continued: “Many equipment suppliers will note that you’re entering the tyre market for the first time and offer you a budget-friendly entry level tyre changer but there’s no guarantee it will function at a level you’re happy with, or that it will be capable of operating competently on the range of wheels and tyres you’re likely to see in your workshop. Before you are seduced into buying a cheap machine, ‘because you’re not going to see high volumes’, you should consider the type of vehicles you’re likely to service. Does the tyre changer you’re considering have the capacity to clamp larger wheels securely, or does it have the appropriate assist arms to allow you to replace ultralow profile or run-flat tyres? “ Complete confidence ISN Garage Assist has also recently rolled out a new standard for tyre changers; ARC (Absolute Run-Flat Compatibility). Mark explained: “This ensures that customers can have complete confidence in what they are buying. It’s a guarantee that every conceivable run-flat variety, regardless of make or model, has been tested on the machine. All Balco velomount, Hofmann Megaplan megamount and Luxus tyre changers are, at the bare minimum, ARC-verified. This means the machine has been tested on all of those tyres, and it handled them comfortably. ARC+ is the highest level of compatibility, and this means that the job is even easier due to additional automation or additional helpers.” Moving onto wheel balancers, Mark said: “Most wheel balancers are likely to be able to balance a wheel accurately but the price you pay will reflect the build and component quality. The additional features you pay for will make the job easier and faster. You can opt for manual or automatic wheel data input, pneumatic ‘power’ clamping, a real-time TFT Monitor display with 3D wheel animation, a ‘split-weight’ facility to allow you to hide balance weights behind the spokes of expensive alloys and laser weight positioning for example.” He added: “The important thing is to understand the options available to you, and opt for machines that will do everything you need them to do, consistently and for many years to come.” For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3YK4b62 Growth and success There is a wider opportunity beyond fitting tyres, as Julia Blake, Marketing Director at Straightset explained: “Incorporating wheel alignment services into a tyre centre’s offering benefits both the business and its customers. It enhances revenue, customer satisfaction, and the overall reputation of the garage, creating a win-win situation that supports the growth and success of the business. But with so many wheel alignment systems utilising a range of different technologies, how do you decide which one is right for your requirements? On what options are proving most popular, Julia noted: “According to the GEA 2022 Market Statistics, the largest Above: Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 on the rack Below: MAHA UK’s DUO CM scissor lift
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