Sears is now offering complimentary alignment
inspections at selected locations as more than half of
its 850 auto centers have installed a new version of
Hunter Engineering's HawkEye Elite3D alignment
equipment.
The device reduces the time to inspect vehicle’s
alignment specifications to 90 seconds or less.
Previously the process took an average of 20 minutes,
according to Joe Finney, president of Sears’ automotive
division.
Motorists will automatically and seamlessly be receiving
an alignment checkup when bringing their vehicles in for
any type of service.
“With the old alignment technology, customers typically
declined the offer of a wheel alignment check because of
the time it would take and the $15 charge for the
service,” says Finney. “Now we offer the complimentary
alignment service and the ability to check all four
wheels in less time than it takes one of our Sears Auto
Center specialists to record a customer’s vehicle and
contact information.”
Nearly two out of every three vehicles that come into
the facilities for wheel alignment checks do not fall
within the manufacturers’ specifications, he reports,
adding that “we’re in a much better position today to
help our customers save money by reversing the tire-
damaging effects of misaligned wheels.”
As described by Finney, a customer’s vehicle is driven
into a special service bay equipped with the proprietary
HawkEye Elite 3D alignment equipment. A technician
installs high resolution 3D alignment heads – also known
as targets – that are mounted on spring-loaded clamping
arms to each of the vehicle’s four wheels. Each target
and clamping device is designed to adjust easily to
various wheel sizes. A thumb lever locks each clamp in
place. The clamping arms are major enhancements to
alignment technology and service; they grip the tire
tread, not the wheel, thereby preventing any possible
damage to customers expensive alloy wheels and rims. The
entire target and clamping assembly weighs just six
pounds, facilitating quick handling and easy
installation.
Digital imaging sensors using high-resolution cameras
provide instant on-screen alignment readings and provide
3D modeling of wheel position and orientation. As the
digital imaging continues, a technician rolls the
vehicle forward one to two feet to capture and record a
complete alignment assessment of the vehicle. Since the
particular technology eliminates the need for a
hydraulic lift, the diagnostic time requirement is
slashed, as the vehicle remains on the garage floor
exactly where it was parked upon arrival, according to
Finney.
In 90 seconds or less, a customer can be advised of
their vehicle’s wheel alignment assessment and the
appropriate service required if and when needed. If a
wheel alignment is recommended, that process usually can
be completed in 30 minutes or less, which is up to 50
percent faster than the previous method.
“New car factory wheel alignments, unfortunately, do not
last forever and are adversely affected by normal wear
and tear,” Finney says. “Pot holes and off-road driving
also are big contributors to poor wheel alignments.
Given the cost of tire replacement, which generally
includes added charges for balancing, new valve stems
and disposal of old tires, motorists end up making a
sizeable investment that can be protected by having
their vehicle’s wheel alignment checked on a regular
basis.”
For more information, visit www.sears.com.
