Vehicle alignment and wheel servicing are areas of business opportunity that many motor trade businesses tend to overlook. However, with the right equipment, training and marketing they can be built into a highly profitable business area with excellent margins and the potential to bring in many new customers.

One company that has been alive to this potential is Discount Tyres based in Blanchardstown. As one of the leading suppliers of premium ultra high performance and run flat tyres they have worked closely with Hunter Wheel Alignment Systems supplier Pro-Align to develop a full wheel service and alignment package that is now reaping considerable rewards.

Discount Tyres now has in place a GSP9700 Road Force Touch diagnostic wheel balancer that quickly solves wheel vibration problems that traditional wheel balancers cannot fix, an advanced Auto 34 Leverless Tyre Changer that makes changing even the toughest performance tyres and wheel assemblies simple, while minimising potential wheel damage, and a Hunter 4 Wheel Digital Alignment System all supplied by Pro-Align. Robert Ferguson, of Discount Tyres has been hugely impressed by what the equipment can do. He comments, "The equipment package we have from Pro-Align has allowed us to tackle lots of our existing work with greater speed and accuracy and has also opened up many significant new business opportunities. The quality of the equipment is excellent and the back-up, training and support we get from the Pro-Align team is first class.”

Robert  says that the trend towards large size alloy rims means that more and more drivers are now complaining about noise and vibration, while drivers who fit inferior quality budget tyres also have similar problems. He points out, "Standard balancing equipment and techniques are very often not enough to solve these issues, but with the equipment we have we can quickly identify and resolve any problems.” Robs says that this means that Discount Tyres will often undertake work on behalf of garages and dealers so that issues can be fully resolved to the satisfaction of the customer.

Pro-Align Sales and Service Technicians Shane McGinty and Eddie Magill believe many more garages and fast fits can significantly increase business through their advanced balancing and alignment equipment. Shane says, "The growing technological sophistication of modern cars makes accurate alignment and balancing essential. Discount Tyres is a good example of how a progressive business can benefit from the potential this offers by making sound investments in the right type equipment.”

Rob says, "The Pro Align equipment means we can offer faster job turnaround, precision accuracy and increase customer satisfaction. We have also received good advice and practical tools on marketing our services that has really brought results.”

For more information on Pro-Align equipment and services call 01-506-0699 or visit www.pro-align.ie. For information on advanced alignment and balancing services from Discount Tyres call 01-811-9027 or visit www.discounttyres.ie