Aftermarket Magazine April 2025

The tyre bay 22 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2025 More than half of younger drivers in the UK favour replacement tyres that look as good as they perform, according to a recent survey by Vredestein brand owner Apollo Tyres. In the survey of 1,000 who said they ‘love’ or ‘like’ driving, 54% of those aged 18-24 agreed with the statement that: “Tyres look boring – I’d like to buy a tyre with a sidewall design that is more distinctive than that of normal tyres”, Apollo said. The survey also identified that 26% of respondents overall agreed with the statement: “I prefer the overall look of cars with larger wheels.” Apollo said this aligns with the rising demand in the UK for lower-profile tyres that enhance the sporty appearance of high-performance vehicles. Apollo introduced its flagship ultraultra-high-performance Vredestein Ultrac Pro in 2024. The tyre featured an asymmetrical horological sidewall design created by Italdesign and marked the firm’s 25th anniversary of creative partnership with Apollo. Visit https://www.vredestein.co.uk/ for details about Apollo Tyres. Supertracker has been a trusted name in wheel alignment solutions for decades, delivering reliable products that stand the test of time. Now Straightset, the independent garage equipment expert behind the brand, has been endorsed by a loyal customer who has used their original Supertracker system for 22 years. The customer, Auto Exhaust and Tyres, has upgraded to the latest STR1 green laser wheel alignment system — a move that Straightset says highlights the enduring quality and innovation behind Supertracker. In a testimonial, the company said: “We are still using the Supertracker I bought in 2002, so very happy to buy the same again. “It’s incredible how the green light is so much brighter than the red light. This is a great product.” The latest STR1 builds on Supertracker’s reputation for precision and reliability. By incorporating green laser technology, the system offers significantly improved visibility and clarity over the traditional red lasers. Thanks to the human eye’s heightened sensitivity to green light — known as the photopic response — green lasers appear brighter and perform better in a variety of conditions, including outdoor environments and over longer distances. These enhancements make the STR1 ideal for year-round use across a broad range of applications, from workshops and MOT stations to race teams and mobile alignment services. The bright, precise laser ensures accuracy in environments that demand pinpoint precision, even benefiting operators who are colour blind. The STR1 is manufactured in the UK and is available as a wall-mounted solution to save space or on a mobile trolley. With a battery life of more than 16 hours on a single charge, and the option to upgrade to include a camber castor gauge, the system offers a reliable, versatile solution that meets the needs of today’s automotive professionals. Supertracker has also recently updated its range of commercial laser wheel alignment equipment to also feature green lasers. Contact the Straightset team (info@ straightset.co.uk) for details or call 01909 480055 for expert advice and a no-obligation consultation. :K\ JUHHQ ODVHUV DUH PDNLQJ D GLᎭHUHQFH 7\UH ORRNV DQG SHUIRUPDQFH turn younger heads, says survey

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