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Things to Consider: Wheel Aligners
Industry Insights
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Hunter Engineering 
Hunter Industry Insights
Finding the Best Alignment Machine for Your Shop

Want to make sure you're making the right choice for your business? Read further for important considerations when researching wheel alignment machines and how innovative and productive Hunter alignment equipment can boost your shop's profitability. When you're ready to learn more, contact your local Hunter team for detailed product information, onsite demos and pricing options.

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Quick stats
Wheel alignments

 Alignments are a large underserved market, with up to 50% of all vehicles on the road today out of alignment. 

  Alignments are a highly profitable and easily performed in-house service, with a $70+ average profit margin.

  Proper wheel alignment maximizes fuel economy. Vehicles with poor wheel alignment can suffer a decrease in fuel efficiency by up to 7%.

Benefits of wheel alignments

 

 

Wheel Alignments
Top Considerations
Shop Type
Features
Configurations
Consoles
FAQ

 

 

Top 9 things to consider
What defines a good wheel aligner?
ROI

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-Specific Procedures

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.

OBD2 Interface

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?

Vehicle Protection

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?

Training Assistance

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

Software

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

Speed & Efficiency

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.

 

Vehicle Manufacturer Approval

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?

Service Support

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

Intro to Wheel Alignments
Hunter University

Designed for all student levels and can be used as an integral supplement to instructor-led training courses. Register now

 

 

Shop types
How do shops benefit from wheel alignments?
General repair shops

General repair shops should always keep alignments in-house. Alignments are day-in, day-out profitable work. Hawkeye Elite® 

Tire dealers
Collision
Calibration centers
Automotive dealerships
Heavy-duty shops
Government & Education

 

 

Features of alignment systems
What are the most important alignment system features?
Camera sensor technology

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

Wheel-mounted targets

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

Software

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

OE vehicle specifications

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

Printout documentation

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

Compatible with ADAS calibrations

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

 

 

Types of camera configurations
How can aligner cameras be configured?
Cabinet-mounted cameras
Patented

Cabinet-mounted configuration allows service in multiple alignment bays and provides a manual lift camera adjustment for a wide range of lift heights.

Movable cameras
Patented & exclusive

Motorized and manual movable-camera configurations provide a full range of vertical travel for additional lift height. 

Wall- or ceiling-mount cameras
Patented

Wall- and ceiling-mount configurations are perfect when space is at a premium.

Fixed-column cameras
Patented

Fixed-column cameras will be suitable for most service bay applications.

 

 

Console lineup
What are the types of aligner consoles?
Large console

Maximum storage space and convenient mobility

Compact console

Mobile console unit for tighter spaces

 
 
 
 
 

 

Wall-mounted console

The most compact configuration — mount to wall or sensor column

 

 

Which alignment rack to choose?

Finding the best alignment rack is an important decision. We've prepared a list of considerations to guide your research. See them here

 

 

Browse aligners
Wheel alignment solutions for every market need

 

Featured aligner
Hunter HawkEye Elite®
The world standard in wheel alignment equipment

Supports light and some medium-duty vehicles.

Learn more
MADE IN THE USA

3-YEAR WARRANTY

LOCAL SALES TEAM

HawkEye® XL
Perform fast alignments for trucks and more
Learn more
Get a quote
Collision Alignment
Find hidden damage before it finds you
Learn more
Get a quote

 

 

Wondering about your return on investment?

Easily calculate your expected revenue and quick payoff with the most profitable undercar service.

Wheel Alignment ROI 

 

 

FAQ
 What is a wheel alignment?
 Is wheel alignment necessary?
 How long does wheel alignment measurement take?
 What are the benefits of wheel alignments?
 What is the return of investment on wheel alignments?
 How to find training on wheel aligners?

 

 

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