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The Wheel Alignment Blog | The Only Prerequisite is Training
As alignment engineers, we often get calls from customers who have become frustrated because they are experiencing readings that they do not understand or that appear incorrect. It could be that these different reading are also resulting in alignment errors and cars not driving straight.
These erroneous reading are often down to a mistake made by the user, often because they are missing the basic prerequisites of working with alignment technology, TRAINING! A a garage owner it could be detremental to your business ignoring the training needs of your team. It could cost you customers and as such revenue. We've dug a little deeper below.
Why is this so important?
When a new alignment system is purchased Hofmann Megaplan always train the customer. This puts them in a position to start utilising this equipment immediately in generating revenue.
Of course over the year's staff are going to come and go. If you have a 100% staff retention rate in your garage then congratulations, but even your A* alignment guy that said he'll never leave you will retire someday.
This can quickly result in other members of the team having to step up without notice or training to complete alignments. After all, the odds are its one of your most profitable services and the only other alternative might be to send customers elsewhere.
You can't blame a technician standing in or an untrained user for missing required checks he's never seen or not realising the machine is due for an update or the equipment needs calibration.
These include:
- Always checking tyre pressures before an alignment
- Review suspension height to ensure there are no broken/incorrect springs or incorrectly adjusted coil overs
- Check for play in:
- The lower ball joints
- Upper ball joints / Top mounts
- Lower wishbone bushes
- Subframe mountings
- Tie rods and ends
- Wheel bearings
- Also, check:
- Vehicle height and ensure air suspension is set to Jack mode
- Body distortion
- Shock absorbers
- Check for abnormal tyre wear
- Correct tyre size fitted
- Check adjusters to ensure they are free and adjustable
- Vehicle height and ensure air suspension is set to Jack mode
- Is Alignment software up to date and is someone ensuring the equipment has been calibrated as required?
Without sufficient training, how can you expect someone to complete a process that depends on precision and accuracy? Ensure you meet the main condition for successful alignment in your workshop. Talk to Hofmann Megaplan today about alignment training, support, calibrations and updates. Our team of experts are never far away if you require a helping hand.
Author | Warren Carr | Wheel Alignment Specialist
My name is Warren Carr and I'm from the team of alignment engineers at Hofmann Megaplan. I will be using this blog to regularly highlight some practical hints and tips which will help you, our garage professionals, achieve great results with your equipment, no matter the make of alignment machine.
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