With so many wheel alignment tools on the market it’s hard to know which one is right for your workshop or garage. We’ve highlighted the most popular alignment systems and outlined the pros and cons, so you can get a better idea of which one is right for you.

What is Laser Alignment?

Although it may seem complex, laser wheel alignment is a straightforward process. By employing light beams to check that your car's wheels are aligned properly, laser wheel alignment ensures that the wheels are in their proper position.

By ensuring that the tyres have the most surface area contacting the road, the alignment process helps to protect your car from uneven tyre wear while also increasing handling and safety.

The wheels of the car are rotated by placing it on a ramp. Each wheel has gauges attached to it, and a light beam travels from one wheel to the next. The technician can determine the alignment by detecting where the laser hits the scales on each wheel. Camber and castor can be measured with a digital camber castor gauge; if corrections are required, the alignment will be restored.

You don't need to be an expert to get the right calculations. With a wireless display device, you can see real-time values wherever you modify the machine, not just where the dial gauges are located, so you can follow the machine's movement.

The types of alignments and measurements you can perform can be expanded with the best laser alignment equipment. This means you will be able to handle the machine setup procedures, such as measuring straightness and base flatness.

Using laser alignment, measurements can be taken with as little as a 40-degree shaft rotation. When piping and machine parts are in the way of a greater rotation, this fixes the issue. Long term energy reduction is made possible by precise measurements from laser alignment. Machines that are out of alignment need more energy to accomplish the same tasks as well-aligned assets. Decreased energy use is excellent for the environment as well as your electricity cost, of course. Older equipment may have dial hands that stick or a resolution that is too low to measure accurately enough. Based on high-resolution non-contact technology, laser alignment systems are error-free. By using laser alignment, you may get rid of problems with outdated technology including bar sag, poor dial bar quality, and difficulties with clamp setup.

How is 3D wheel alignment different from Laser alignment?

Technology has progressed and laser alignment can be seen as less efficient. The clamps that attach to the wheel require routine calibration and are sensitive to shocks and drops, making the technology more complicated and less practical. There is always a risk of damage in a workshop where dozens of technicians are operating the equipment.

Also, a specialist repair person is needed to perform the calibration and repairs for most of the calibration.

If this isn't done and the technicians keep using the equipment, the alignments frequently turn out to be inaccurate, resulting in the steering wheel being misaligned or tyre wear becoming a concern. For the past ten years, this alignment system has been faded out, and more businesses are switching to a more contemporary setup. As manufacturers will only accept a 3D system rather than a laser aligner, all dealerships have transitioned to 3D imaging alignment machines.

Why most workshops choose computerised wheel alignment

Computerised wheel alignment (CCD) and 3D alignment technology are both very accurate. However extensive testing has demonstrated that CCD machines can be more precise than 3D machines. This is due to the measurement sensors being directly attached to the wheel instead of depending on an image taken of a target placed on the wheel.

CCD systems also have a bigger database (over 90,000 vehicles and growing). Naturally, it will be simpler and easier for your mechanics to carry out precise alignments based on OEM specifications rather than "best guesses”. In the end, this results in improved customer service—their vehicles are serviced more quickly and accurately—and better customer happiness, both of which should be significant goals for any auto business.

Moreover, customised cars may be aligned relatively readily using CCD systems, and they can deal with larger vehicles than a 3D alignment system can. This creates lots of new opportunities for your alignment service to generate new revenue streams.

Which one is right for you?

Laser alignment can provide accurate results and is more affordable than computerised wheel alignment, whilst also having the added benefit of being easy to set up. However, for a high output workshop where every minute counts, a computerised wheel alignment system would be more suitable. The affordability might be appealing, however it’s worth noting that the return on investment might not be as high you think as it’s a slower system and can’t service a larger variety of vehicles.

3D wheel aligners can be more precise than laser alignment and are sometimes more affordable than CCD but tend to use the “crucifix system” – so you need to factor in space for a dedicated alignment area. They don’t match the speed of CCD so if you need the fastest system and the option to service a larger variety of vehicles, we recommend opting for a computerised wheel alignment system.

Computerised wheel alignment gives you the flexibility of servicing a larger variety of vehicles and is also the most accurate of the wheel alignment machines. They are more expensive than the other systems, however due to its quick speed and access to a wider range of vehicles, it can offer a faster return on investment. 

We are one of the U.K’s leading wheel alignment equipment suppliers, partnering with Ravaglioli to provide you with the best tools and machinery for your garage or workshop. If you’re interested in which alignment system is right for you, get in touch today.