The vehicle drives over a floor plate between two towers, and moments later, a service advisor presents the customer with a document illustrating the condition of their tires and wheel alignment.

This technology has existed for several years, and new models are gradually appearing in our market. A few shops here have even acquired them.

These systems, based on high-definition cameras or lasers, read and document wheel angles during a simple drive-through to detect any anomalies. Additionally, an optional floor plate measures tire wear. For tire and mechanical centre managers, this is an interesting but costly technology that must be properly monetized.

Claude Parent, independent representative for Hunter Engineering in Quebec, confirms what the company’s head office explained: that the popularity of this equipment is growing strongly in aftermarket shops. “It’s very interesting for tire centres, for example. One pass and we give the customer a document that shows in black and white whether there’s an alignment problem or if their tires are in good condition.”

Hunter offers a combination where two towers analyze wheel alignment, while a floor system evaluates the condition of each tire. Results can be displayed on a large screen, particularly in the waiting room, or printed as a highly visual report. This is the format Parent prefers.

“This diagnostic equipment is there to facilitate the technical advisor’s work and to sell alignments,” he summarizes. “The verification is done instantly and by machine, which reduces doubts in the customer’s mind. The advisor can show on their tablet or on the printed report the state of the situation and explain to their customer the risks of premature tire wear and increased fuel consumption resulting from poor alignment. We can also emphasize the importance, with advanced driver assistance systems, of a car that maintains its trajectory during emergency braking. As for tire wear, the document is clear. The advisor can even add to the invoice the customer’s refusal to change tires that have clearly become dangerous, to protect the shop.”

According to Monique Ménard from Hunter Engineering’s communications office, presenting this report to customers is a proven customer retention tool. “It shows that the shop is transparent and doesn’t hesitate to tell their customer that their car and tires are in excellent condition.”

Let’s return to Parent, who speaks to us about investment payback. “This equipment aims to optimize alignment. Vehicles found in aftermarket shops, let’s say from the fifth or sixth year of life onwards, need alignment in a proportion of up to 70%. With our system and a responsive advisor, we can easily perform an additional ten alignments per day. Shop managers can easily calculate the profitability of this investment, or we can accompany them in this process.”

As this expert points out, it’s on the alignment rack that the steering system’s condition can be analyzed in detail. It’s possible that an out-of-spec alignment signal, detected during the pass between the measurement columns, may hide a problem related to steering components or even sagging in part of the suspension.

Regarding the tire wear analysis plate, this equipment can pay for itself in a few months. The report is delivered without technician assistance and greatly facilitates the customer’s decision-making. However, it’s essential to ensure that the technical advisor takes time to speak with the customer and explain the results.

This viewpoint is also shared by Kyle Harris, Senior Director of Products at Coats, another supplier of rapid tire and alignment diagnostic technologies. “To maximize return on investment, every vehicle that comes to the shop must be analyzed by the rapid diagnostic system, regardless of the scope of work scheduled for the appointment. Consumers rely on automotive service professionals to inform them about their vehicle’s condition and their safety. A rigorous inspection system is the fastest and most cost-effective way to meet these expectations.”

As Harris points out, tire centres and mechanical shops can gradually implement these components, which can function individually or in an integrated manner. For example, after having assimilated and optimized the use of a floor reader measuring tire wear, the shop could opt to add towers for checking wheel alignment.

Valérie Véronneau, President of the eponymous group, integrated this equipment in 2019 when opening one of her shops that combines mechanical, body, and auto glass services. She echoes the experts’ advice by adding that they must be applied systematically, somewhat like triage in a hospital. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring team members understand how this equipment works and the business strategy it supports. “One thing’s for certain, we’ve seen how much this system facilitates communication with customers.”

Given that her company also offers body shop services, one of this system’s options proves particularly useful: taking numerous photos during the vehicle’s pass between the stations. These photos, filed in the customer’s record, help prevent customers from accusing the shop of damaging their car during repairs, if it’s proven that the dents were present upon arrival.

Carlos Salsa, owner of about ten body shops, has also adopted this technology, primarily to validate alignment condition before beginning repair work, but also to preserve photos of vehicles entrusted to him. “It gives us the ability to sell more alignments, yes, but having peace of mind from photos that prove preexisting damage also has tremendous value,” concludes Salsa with his legendary good humour.