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.
Wheel Alignments
Your Guide to 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.
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%.
Top 9 things to consider
What defines a good wheel aligner?
ROI
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.
Shop types
How do shops benefit from performing ADAS calibrations?
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General repair shops
General repair shops should always keep alignments in-house. Alignments are day-in, day-out profitable work. Hawkeye Elite®
Tire Shops
For every set of tires sold, tire dealers can add alignments as a value-added service. Hawkeye Elite®
Collision Shops
Wheel alignments are vital after a collision. Additionally, alignment is usually the first step in the ADAS calibration process, which is another way collision shops can keep profits in-house. Collision Alignment
Calibration Centers
Nearly all ADAS calibrations begin with an alignment. If the vehicle is out alignment, then subsequent ADAS calibrations could be at risk. Hawkeye Elite® DAS 3000
Automotive Dealerships
Alignments are one of the pillars of service provided by any dealership, while also serving as a gateway to a steady stream of profitable ADAS work. Hawkeye Elite®HawkEye® XL
Heavy-duty Shops
Wheel alignments are 70% underserved in the heavy-duty market. Proper alignment has a sizeable impact on fuel economy and tread wear in the HD field. HawkEye® XL
Government & Education
Saving fuel and reducing tire wear through period wheel alignment extends the annual budget for public service vehicles.
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
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
Motorized and manual movable-camera configurations provide a full range of vertical travel for additional lift height.
Wall- or ceiling-mount cameras
Wall- and ceiling-mount configurations are perfect when space is at a premium.
Fixed-column cameras
Fixed-column cameras will be suitable for most service bay applications.
Console lineup
What are the types of aligner consoles?
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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.
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
Collision Alignment
Find hidden damage before it finds you
Wondering about your return on investment?
Easily calculate your expected revenue and quick payoff with the most profitable undercar service.