Finding the Best Alignment Machine for Your Shop

A wheel alignment machine may not be the least expensive piece of equipment a shop purchases, but it will have one of the fastest returns on investment. With a ready supply of work, high margins and the ability to do alignments all day, every day, it's easy to calculate a payoff date.

Vehicle manufacturers have set specific alignment specifications for every vehicle they produce. Ensure the aligner you choose maintains current information and can guide the technician through the correct procedures.

An increasing number of modern vehicles have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These systems can be impacted by mechanical wheel alignment adjustments. Does the aligner you're considering allow you to meet these safety requirements?

Does the equipment protect the wheel and rest of the vehicle from damage? Can it handle the range of vehicles you will see in your facility?

Even the most experienced technician will occasionally see unfamiliar vehicles. Knowing which adjustments are available and how to use them can save valuable time.

Does the wheel alignment equipment you're considering feature any software tools to make common adjustments faster and easier?

While all wheel aligners are designed to complete the job, some do it much more efficiently than others. Consider whether your aligner has the capability and durability to handle high-production work.

In the equipment world, vehicle manufacturers test equipment to ensure it's capable of measuring vehicles to the appropriate level of accuracy. Has the equipment been tested and approved by any third party, such as vehicle manufacturers?

Make sure the manufacturer supports its products in the field with a team of skilled and reliable service representatives.

High-resolution cameras can provide alignment measurements with precision and accuracy while keeping electronics up and out of harm's way. 

Consider installation time, wheel and tire fitment coverage, and rim protection with no metal-to-metal contact.

Your software should provide an extensive vehicle information database and vehicle-specific procedures, frequently updated.

Proper adherence to OE specifications will ensure that the vehicle's wheels are precisely aligned. 

Printouts should include all captured readings and record accurate measurements and details of the alignment. 

It is highly recommended that a wheel aligner can prepare a vehicle for calibration.