Why your competitors have switched to computerised wheel alignment
What is computerised wheel alignment?
Computerised Wheel Alignment (CCD) is pretty self-explanatory – a computer that can measure and calculate wheel misalignment. The machine measures the position of the wheel relative to the body of the vehicle and calculates what changes are needed to ensure correct wheel alignment. The computer is then able to recheck the wheel alignment to ensure it is within tolerances.
CCD ensures that the vehicle’s suspension settings are correct to factory settings – maintaining its original factory configuration. Because it’s able to be provide more accuracy, the vehicle can be adjusted to exact specifications. By being able to adjust the alignment to the manufacturers specifications they can improve the economy and performance of your customers tyres. This is one of the reasons why they’re viewed as more accurate than laser alignment. They are becoming increasingly popular amongst auto shops, and many have switched to computerised wheel alignment because they offer the best results – meaning a faster return on investment.
Another benefit is that you can use this type of system to conduct quick inspections on vehicles almost anywhere, including on vehicle lifts, the workshop floor, or even outside. This allows your garage to prioritise workflow because only vehicles that have already been identified as requiring adjustment will occupy valuable ramp space and time. This system can also show the customer any errors on a screen in front of them and provides printouts of your alignment modifications so you can always refer to them if clients have any problems.
Some key features are:
- A detailed printout displaying before and after readings
- A full vehicle database
- A customer database with full history recall
- Adjustment help screens
- Wheel hangers & measurement heads calibrated as a unit
Increased efficiency is another advantage as It only takes a few minutes to complete and no special tools or skills are required. It’s cost efficient for your customers as better alignment will result in less resistance as they drive, which reduces their need for petrol and shortens the time between tyre replacements.
Considering how crucial safety is, computerised wheel alignment is necessary to take any guesswork out of the equation and guarantee that your wheels are accurately aligned, using the dimensions specified by your manufacturer.
What’s the difference between computerised and manual?
While the computerised system can use a laser-guided computerised system, the mechanical system uses gauges and strings for alignment. You may calibrate the computerised system manually by utilising mirrors, and can use a laser beam to measure the deviation. But precise wheel alignment calls for expertise. A skilled technician can provide you with a perfectly aligned mechanical and digital system. But a computerised laser guided wheel alignment system is unquestionably faster and more accurate than a mechanical one. Nonetheless, the system must be regularly calibrated to avoid having unreliable findings.
Some key benefits of manual wheel alignment:
- Cost-efficient: it doesn’t need pricey wheel alignment equipment and is less expensive than computerised wheel alignment.
- May be performed manually: Manual adjustments can be made by technicians, improving process control.
- Appropriate for older vehicles: older vehicles without electronic components for computerised positioning may be suitable.
The mechanical ones employ gauges and strings for alignment while the computerised one uses a laser-guided computerised system. The computerised system can be manually calibrated with mirrors, and it measures the deviation with a laser beam. However, accurate wheel alignment requires knowledge. You can receive a precisely aligned mechanical and digital system from a qualified specialist. But there is no doubt that a computerised laser guided wheel alignment system is faster and more precise than a mechanical one. To prevent erroneous results, the system must be calibrated on a regular basis.
Computerised wheel alignment is a very accurate and effective system for new automobiles, however traditional systems might be a cost-effective solution for older vehicles or vehicles on a tight budget.
Laser and 3D vs CCD
Laser alignment is a traditional method that many garages have used in the past, as it is still an accurate and inexpensive way to realign wheels. However, 3D and CCD models are the most precise as they’re technologically more advanced. Even though 3D alignment is very accurate, they typically take up more space and CCD still provides the most accurate results.
Why most auto shops have switched to CCD
Manual wheel alignment systems run the potential risk of not aligning a vehicle properly, as they’re not as accurate as their computerised counterparts. We’ve highlighted some of the drawbacks of misalignment and why most auto shops have switched to computerised wheel alignment.
Uneven tyre wear can result from driving a car with bad wheel alignment. The tyres of a car could prematurely deteriorate and become unsafe if the issue is not fixed right away. A vehicle’s suspension may experience undue stress from misalignment. This raises the possibility of harming suspension parts, which can necessitate pricey vehicle repairs. Misalignment can also make steering difficult when travelling at high speeds, which raises the possibility of an accident. Out-of-alignment tyres tend to drag to the side, which makes it difficult for the driver to maintain a firm grasp on the steering wheel. Bad alignment can negatively impact a car’s braking and handling, endangering road safety. With computerised wheel alignment you can avoid any doubt that your vehicles will be misaligned.
They are more expensive than the other systems, however due to their quick speed and access to a wider range of vehicles, they can offer a faster return on investment and are currently the most accurate and efficient system on the market. Here at SUPALIGN we have a wide range of wheel alignment systems to choose from so you can see the positive impact they can make to your garage.
If you’re unsure if computerised wheel alignment is right for you, have a read of our blog that covers the different options available.
