What to Look for in a Wheel Balancer for Your Shop | JMC

All business owners dream of growing their business. For auto repair shops, doing this requires investing in new equipment and offering new services. Both are effective in improving retention and bringing in new customers.

Making the right choices in this endeavor means knowing what customers need. A wheel balancing machine for cars and other types of vehicles gives you a piece of equipment that offers a new and valuable service. Find out what to look for in this machine to make the most out of your investment.

How to Choose a Wheel Balancing Machine

The best wheel balancing machine is specific to your auto shop’s needs. When choosing one, consider who your customers are and the kind of driving they do. Keep them in mind along with the following factors to find a machine that will help achieve your business goals. The right machine will also prevent errors and ensure success.

Types of Wheel Balancer

There are three types of wheel balancers. Each one has a design that dictates its process. Determine which one suits your operations by comparing them.

• A static wheel balancer uses gravity to detect imbalance. Although smaller, more affordable, and more portable than other designs, this machine is prone to inaccuracies.
• A dynamic wheel balancer spins the wheel to detect imbalance. The movement mimics its activity on the road, providing an accurate reading. Additionally, it can accommodate a wide variety of wheel diameters.
• A bubble wheel balancer uses an oil-filled sighting gauge to detect imbalance. Considered to be the precursor to the static wheel balancer, this machine is the most affordable but is better suited for mechanics who want to learn about the wheel balancing process.

Types of Technician Interface

Wheel balancing is only as effective as its technician. Recent technology has made this machine more user-friendly to streamline the process. Find out which technician interface is best for your shop.

• An LED keypad gives technicians a basic entry pad and digital screen to log and read data. This limits their ability to see other issues with the wheel as it only provides information on balance.
• An LCD monitor with a touchscreen gives technicians a display monitor that provides accessibility and efficiency. Although using this requires gloves to prevent contaminating the screen with oil and other substances, it provides comprehensive data on the wheel’s condition.

Other Factors to Consider

As you browse different wheel balancing machines, ask the shop or look at the product details for specifications. The following factors determine the machine’s performance:

• Centering accuracy
• Vibration diagnostics
• Shaft durability
• Tire pull diagnostics

Growing your auto repair shop is an exciting endeavor. Ensuring its success lies in how well you prepare for it. This means choosing the right partners to obtain the necessary equipment.

JMC Automotive Equipment is a family-owned business that works with small to medium auto shops. We carry a wide selection of wheel balancing machines for different requirements. Let us help you find the right equipment.

Call us at 800-562-4791 or email info@jmcautomotiveequipment.com to learn more.