Category: Latest News

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Battery booster buying guide: Key features and specifications

Battery boosters, jump packs or jump starters – whatever you want to call them – are an essential tool for any garage owner or DIY enthusiast, especially during winter. 

Increased load is placed on batteries during the colder months and, often, this renders them useless and unable to start the vehicle. This is where a battery booster comes to the rescue, rapidly recharging your flat battery to get the vehicle moving once more.

Battery boosters are a quick fix – they won’t restore the health of your battery if it’s past its best. For that, you need a dedicated battery charger, or perhaps a new battery. 

Anyway, without further ado, let’s take a look at the key features of a battery booster to help you work out which model is right for you.

Size and weight

Are you looking for a more compact, lightweight model that’s easily portable, or a larger machine that can jump start more vehicles without needing to be recharged? Size and weight are key factors to consider, as the smaller your jump pack, the less juice it’s likely to have (although battery technology is progressing at a rapid rate). 

Output voltage 

Are you expecting to jump start 6v, 12v or 24v vehicles? The majority of vehicles use 12v batteries so, as you’d expect, most jump starters are built to work with 12v batteries too. There are options out there to suit larger commercial vehicles using 24v batteries, however, so make sure you choose a jump pack that’s appropriate for your needs.

Boost peak rate and cranking rate

The higher these numbers, the more power the battery booster has. Essentially, for smaller, 4-cylinder petrol engines, a cranking rate of around 200 amps should suffice. The larger the engine, the higher this number needs to be. 8-cylinder diesels, for instance, will demand a cranking rate of around 700 amps. 

Battery capacity

Measured in Ah, the higher this figure, the longer the jump pack’s battery is likely to last. If you’re expecting to jump start a number of vehicles each day and don’t want to have to charge your booster regularly, go for a larger battery capacity (20 Ah or higher). 

Brand and warranty

This one should go without saying, but make sure you choose a product from a reliable, trusted brand – preferably one that offers a warranty as standard. Our SIP products have a 12-month warranty as standard, for instance. 

Find your perfect battery booster

Ready to start shopping? Explore our expansive range of battery boosters online today and place your order – we deliver nationwide!

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Buying Guide: Semi-Automatic Wheel Balancers

Buying Guide: Semi-Automatic Wheel Balancers

Whether you’re thinking of buying your first ever wheel balancer or are planning to upgrade from an old manual input model, a semi-automatic wheel balancer makes an awful lot of sense. This category is the most popular across the industry, offering an excellent blend of efficiency, ease of use and affordability.

 

We have a number of different semi automatic machines in stock here at Tyre Bay Direct. So, to help you decide which one’s right for you, we’ve put together a handy guide to the ins and outs of these popular models.

 

What is a semi-automatic wheel balancer?

As you might have guessed (the clue’s in the name!), manual wheel balancers are exactly that: you’ll have to input the parameters of the wheel you’re balancing manually. That means measuring the diameter, width and offset yourself, wasting precious time.

 

Semi-automatic wheel balancers remove a large part of this process. Using built-in sensors, they work out the rim’s diameter and offset automatically, saving you the time of checking or measuring it. Rim width still has to be measured manually, but the time saving is still significant.

 

Who is a semi-automatic balancer suitable for?

Semi-automatic models are ideal for garages that expect to do a lot of wheel balancing, purely because of the time savings they can deliver.

 

Over the course of a busy day, the time saved per job adds up – and when you multiply these time savings over a full month or year, it’s clear that the extra cost of a semi-automatic machine is well worth it. Time savings mean more work can be completed in less time – so it’s easy to see why so many garages invest in a semi-automatic balancer.

 

Fully automatic machines are available, but they come at a premium; semi-automatic versions offer a great blend between both extremes, which is why they’re so popular.

 

Features to look out for

When buying a balancer, there are a few key features and technical specifications to be aware of:

 

  • Rim diameter – different machines have different maximum rim sizes (and total wheel sizes with the tyre included)
  • Cycle time – the lower it is, the faster the balancing process
  • Maximum wheel weight
  • Warranty – this varies from brand to brand

 

Comparing brands

A variety of different brands produce semi-automatic balancers, ranging from budget options like Redback to high-end, high-tech alternatives like Atlas Platinum and Hofmann Megaplan.

 

Which you choose depends entirely on your own requirements. If you’re on a budget and don’t anticipate wheel balancing being one of your bread-and-butter services, a Redback machine would fit the bill perfectly. If, on the other hand, you expect to get a lot of use out of your machine, it may be wise to invest in a more advanced and durable machine from a higher-end brand.

 

Explore our range of semi-automatic wheel balancers

Now you know a little bit about semi-automatic machines and what to look out for, why not explore our complete range? We have a wide variety of wheel balancers in stock for you to choose from, and if you have further questions, you can always get in touch – we’re here to help.

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What Are the Different Types of Wheel Balancers?

What Are the Different Types of Wheel Balancers?

New to the world of wheel balancers? On your travels, there are three main types of machine you’re likely to have encountered: manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic. The question is: what do all of these terms mean, and what makes each one different?

We’ll take a look at each of these types of machine in the guide, before summarising at the end to help you decide which one is right for you.

 

Manual

The entry-level category of wheel balancers. Manual machines are the simplest option out there, and the most affordable, but they’re no less accurate or capable than semi or fully-automatic alternatives.

The only real downside to manual wheel balancers is that they’re less user-friendly and less efficient. That’s because, with these machines, the user has to input the wheel rim data manually – meaning rim width, rim diameter and offset. On some wheels, measuring or determining some of these parameters can be a little time-consuming, which is a no-no in a busy garage that balances tons of wheels on a daily basis.

Two subcategories of manual wheel balancers are available: hand spin and motorised. Hand spin models require the user to manually spin the wheel to initiate the balancing process, at which point an electric motor will kick in to do the rest of the work. Motorised models remove that burden, handling the balancing process once the hood is lowered.

Although hand spin models are a little more labour-intensive, they do have one distinct advantage: size. Without a hood, they’re the most compact option around – ideal for small workshops and mobile tyre fitting services.

 

Semi and fully-automatic

Semi and fully-automatic balancers seek to speed up the balancing process, saving the operator valuable time. Although they’re no more accurate, they do eliminate the risk of human error to a large extent, guaranteeing correct results every time provided they’re in good working order.

  • Semi-automatic machines measure offset and rim diameter automatically, but still require the operator to measure the rim width
  • Fully automatic models sense all three parameters, saving yet more precious time

 

Which is right for you?

Ultimately, this decision comes down to how you plan to use your wheel balancer. To make your choice a little easier, we suggest…

  • For mobile installations and compact workshops: Manual hand spin
  • For light usage and improved user-friendliness: Manual motorised
  • For moderate usage and great value for money: Semi-automatic
  • For garages intending to make wheel balancing a bread and butter service: Fully-automatic

 

Explore our complete range of wheel balancers today to find a machine that ticks all your boxes. And don’t forget: we offer PayPal Pay in 3, allowing you to spread the cost!

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All You Need to Know About Redback

Garage equipment is expensive. Tyre changers, wheel balancers, lifts… you name it, it costs a lot to invest in any of the crucial equipment needed to operate a garage. But there are brands out there that continue to challenge the norm and offer more for less. One of those brands is Redback, which has become the industry’s go-to budget equipment supplier here in the UK.

Redback products first hit the market back in 2005, and have since established themselves as the ideal solution for lower volume users or ‘first-timers’. Today, the factory boasts 870 employees and four production facilities spanning 160,000 square metres. These factories produce between 6,000 and 8,000 products every month and export to 99 countries, of which the UK is (we are proud to say) one of the most successful.

Want to learn more about the brand and what it has to offer? That’s exactly what we’re about to cover.

A proven track record

Redback isn’t just about low prices. It invests heavily in research and development, continually revising its products to ensure they deliver maximum bang for your buck. With a team of over 120 R&D specialists, Redback is serious about the quality of its products.

In 2019, it introduced an upgraded range packed full of new features; the 202 tyre changer featured an improved clamping range, for example, allowing it to support rims up to 24” in diameter.

At Tyre Bay Direct, we’ve stocked Redback products for over a decade now and have had tonnes of positive feedback from customers.

Unbeatable value

No other manufacturer offers such a winning blend of quality, features and affordability. With Redback, you don’t have to forego advanced features; the brand still produces fully automatic tyre changers and two-post lifts with electric locks, for example.

And, although its machinery isn’t as tough and sophisticated as the likes of Atlas Platinum and Hofmann Megaplan, it still stands the test of time. Redback products are ideal for less frequent use. Say you want to begin offering tyre changing and wheel balancing services, but it’s not something you anticipate being your bread and butter. Redback equipment would be the perfect solution.

Comprehensive range

Redback’s range of products is just as vast as many higher-end brands. Its product line ranges from extremely affordable, entry-level models to more advanced, full-featured versions, with tyre changers, wheel balancers, two-post and scissor lifts available.

Order your Redback garage equipment today

In summary, Redback is the nation’s go-to budget garage equipment supplier for a reason. Well, several. Its products are stout, effective and represent exceptional value – and they’re easy to get hold of! We stock the full range here at Tyre Bay Direct, with Pay in 3 available to help you spread out the cost of your order.

Explore the full line up of Redback garage equipment online and place your order today.

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Highway code rules

Rules on Self-Driving Vehicles Enter Highway Code

New ground was broken on 1st July when rules relating to self-driving vehicles entered the Highway Code for the first time.

 

Intended to anticipate the availability of level 3, 4 and 5 ‘autonomous’ vehicles – which could become commercially available as early as next year – the new rules also have their own section.

 

Currently, only ‘level 2’ self-driving vehicles are available here in the UK. Tesla’s Autopilot system falls into this category, as it’s only able to take control of the car in specific circumstances. It currently isn’t advanced enough to allow the driver to take their eyes off the road safely.

High Way Code

Although this new breed of autonomous vehicle will be more advanced and capable of handling a variety of situations itself, the Highway Code still states that motorists must be ‘ready to resume control in a timely way if they are prompted to.’

 

It does, however, somewhat controversially stipulate that motorists are allowed to look at built-in screens displaying non-driving-related information or content (like films or videos) while their vehicles are moving.

 

Commenting on the initial announcement earlier this year, Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “This is a major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles, which will revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable.

 

“This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.

 

“In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower.”

 

Reacting to the changes, RAC’s head of policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Automated vehicle technology has the potential to make our roads safer by eradicating driver-induced errors – a cause of a great many collisions – and could also make lengthier trips a more enjoyable and less tiring experience.

 

“While we’re still some way off truly ‘self-driving’ cars, the journey to get there begins with driver assistance technologies such as automated lane keeping systems, as they’re only focussed on one element of driving.

 

“It’s vital the Highway Code changes covering automated vehicle technology are crystal clear, setting out exactly what drivers can and can’t do when certain features are engaged otherwise there’s a very real risk that drivers will be confused.

 

“This itself could lead to avoidable road traffic collisions – especially if a driver hasn’t taken back control of the vehicle after they’ve been told to. Many people will be highly sceptical and may not trust their vehicles to do some of the driving for them. And even if they’re permitted to take their eyes off the road, just how many drivers will actually choose to, and feel safe doing so?”

 

Garage equipment online

Whatever your garage needs, from lifts and tyre changing equipment to hand tools, we have it in stock and ready to go at Tyre Bay Direct. View our vast range of garage equipment online and order today.