The Garage 360

How
TYRES
much do motorists
know when it comes to
purchasing new tyres?
TYRE SUPPLIER SEES SAFE RETURNS
USING AUTOMATED TREAD DEPTH READER
Based in St Helens, Merseyside,
Stone Tyres provides a wide range
of budget, mid-range and premium
tyres for cars, 4x4s and vans up to 3.5
tonnes. The company is known for its
responsive service and free lifetime tyre
repair on every tyre fitted, budget, midrange
or premium, a unique offering in the
St Helens area.
“With such a high throughput of
vehicles, we decided to invest in the
Treadreader DriveOver to reduce manual
input and increase tyre measurement
accuracy,” says Director, John Stone. “We
were the first independent tyre supplier in
Europe to fit the system and over the last
five years its efficiency has made it seem
like an extra member of staff. Indeed, the
system has more than paid for itself with
an ROI of around 3 years!”
According to John, the DriveOver not
only provides 100% accuracy with a full
report for each tyre but also reveals
where wheels are out of alignment. This,
says John Stone, enables the company to
offer an alignment service - which is good
for driver safety and an added commercial
benefit.
“The DriveOver measures each tyre
tread depth across its full width, as
the vehicle passes over the ramp,”
explains John. “A pressure switch
automatically triggers the sensors and a
laser system captures the tyre data. This
is then transferred to the TreadReader
management system and displayed in a
3D render of the actual tyre tread, with
automated comments on tyre condition
and simple tread depth summary with red,
green and amber colours to discuss with
customers.
“Accurate and easily readable info’ is
shown to the customer to provide full
transparency and reassurance regarding
recommended tyre work or replacement,”
says John. “Plus of course, the graphic
readouts tell us, and the customer, when
a wheel needs balancing or a vehicle
requires aligning.”
John added, “The TreadReader system
includes automated air-powered shutters
and cleaning features that protects the
unit from debris and leaves, meaning
that physical maintenance by our team is
minimal.”
According to TreadReader, each 3D scan
uses up to 400,000 measurement points
with accuracy to within 0.2mm. Also by
scanning the full width of the tyre and
50-60mm around it, the system achieves
a level of accuracy and consistency far
greater than conventional analogue and
digital gauges, or competitor systems
which only take a single-line scan.
DriveOver is suitable for all workshops,
car dealers and tyre suppliers with a
larger footprint or drive-through facility.
Plus, advises TreadReader, the DriveOver
ramp is surface mounted and requires no
groundworks.
Stone Tyres carry over 2000 new tyres
in stock, enabling same day fitting. The
company also provides TPMS checks,
tyre repairs, tyre rotation, winter checks
and operates a mobile tyre fitting service
under the brand Gorilla Tyres, across the
North-West.
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