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The Best Wheel Balancers For Under £1,000

Are you after a new wheel balancer but don’t want to spend more than £1,000? You can still get an excellent machine for that money. Wheel balancing technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, which means that accurate, efficient and durable machines are now more accessible than ever.

To make things better still, at Tyre Bay Direct you can now order using PayPal Pay in 3. Instead of spending your entire budget in one transaction, this feature allows you to spread the cost over three months, softening the blow and making it easier to budget. Look out for the option when you check out.

Anyway, back to wheel balancers. We have plenty in stock and ready to go, but here are three standout models that come in under your £1,000 budget. Let’s take a look at each one.

Redback 800

This great-value model from entry-level brand Redback comes in at just £645.00 excluding VAT, but still packs a punch.

It is a manual data entry machine, so you’ll have to input the rim diameter, width and offset yourself, but it has a built-in motor to save you the effort of spinning up the wheel manually. Simply lower the hood and off you go. It supports rims up to 24” in diameter, and can also be used with our motorcycle adapter.

Redback 825

The next step up from the RB800, at £750.00 excluding VAT, the Redback 825 has all of the former machine’s great features but adds in semi-automatic functionality.

Its 2D auto data capture feature automatically enters rim diameter and offset following the simple action of touching the measuring arm against the rim, saving you the hassle of checking or measuring it manually (although you still need to input the wheel width yourself). If you expect to use your balancer frequently, the time savings offered by this machine will soon prove invaluable!

Atlas WB Lite

Atlas Equipment isn’t a name you’d normally associate with budget equipment, but its entry-level WB Lite model allows you to enjoy the manufacturer’s renowned build quality and precision for an affordable price: just £995.00 excluding VAT.

Its feature set is similar to the Redback 800, with manual data input and a motorless, hand spin balancing process. It does, however, support rims up to 26” in diameter, larger than the Redback machines can handle. The main advantages of the WB Lite are its compactness (without a lowering hood, it’s ideal for cramped workshops or mobile installations) and its durability: Atlas is second-to-none in the build quality stakes.

Order yours online today

Ready to get shopping? Explore our full range of wheel balancers online and place your order today!

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What Is An Automatic Wheel Balancer?

Just like cars themselves, the garage equipment used to service and repair them has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. Modern advancements make servicing processes simpler and more efficient than they’ve ever been – just as well when you consider how complex cars have become!

Wheel balancers may have a relatively simple job to do, but that hasn’t stopped manufacturers from developing new features and implementing new tech. The biggest advancement in wheel balancing tech has been the emergence of automatic machines, designed to make the balancing process as efficient and user-friendly as possible. But what exactly do these machines do differently – and what makes them so sought after?

What does ‘automatic’ mean?

On a conventional wheel balancer, before the balancing process can take place, you first have to manually input the wheel’s width, diameter and offset. Semi-automatic machines take away part of this responsibility, automatically inputting the diameter and offset – but you still need to measure the wheel width yourself.

Enter the fully automatic balancer. These machines measure all three parameters automatically and input the data, saving you the job. Not only does this make them extremely user friendly, it saves time.

Why choose an automatic machine?

Garages that balance wheels regularly (think busy tyre shops) will notice immediate efficiency improvements with an automatic wheel balancer. Measuring the wheel’s dimensions yourself can be a little fiddly and, though not especially time consuming, over a full day the time spent measuring can soon add up.

Although automatic wheel balancers are pricier than manual or semi-automatic variants, the efficiency improvements they can deliver allow them to pay for themselves in the long run (provided you use the machine often enough). You’ll be able to get through jobs more quickly, allowing you to balance more wheels per day. Stretched out over a month or a year, this additional revenue can make a significant difference!

Order yours online today

At Tyre Bay Direct, you’ll find a selection of durable, well made automatic wheel balancers from top brands like Atlas Platinum and Hofmann Megaplan. Explore the full range today and place your order online.

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Used Car Market Remains Buoyant Despite Economic Uncertainty

Used Car Market Remains Buoyant Despite Economic Uncertainty

Demand for second-hand vehicles remains high here in the UK despite the current economic climate, says online used car platform Auto Trader.

According to the company’s latest data, the volume of advert views on its site in September was still 17% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

This unprecedented demand continues to have an effect on prices, too. This September, they were 11.2% higher than at the same time last year, making September the 30th consecutive month of price growth.

According to the data, used cars on Auto Trader’s platform took an average of 26 days to sell last month – two days less than in August.

The expert’s view

Reflecting on the data, Auto Trader’s Director of data and insights Richard Walker said: “It seems almost every week the market is having to contend with another potential headwind, most recently the Chancellor’s not so mini budget. And as we’ve seen following other recent economic disruptors, some have been quick to suggest it’ll be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

“However, we’re simply not seeing any sign of it, with levels of consumer demand, intent, and budgets all remaining stable.

“To understand the current and future health of the market, it’s important to look beyond the headlines and assess the data for the true picture.

“Whilst the used car market won’t be immune to these macro changes, including the potential impact of rising interest rates on finance deals, there are a range of factors unique to the automotive market which we believe will continue to insulate it from broader economic disruption and continue to fuel sustained levels of demand, and with it strong used car prices.”

Garage equipment for sale

If you’re in the motor trade and need garage equipment, you’ve come to the right place. At Tyre Bay Direct, you’ll find a vast selection of lifts, tyre changers, wheel balancers and more at competitive prices. No matter your budget or requirements, you’re sure to find a machine to suit among our range – and we can deliver your order no matter where in the UK you’re based!

Explore our full range of garage equipment for sale and place your order online today.

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Tyre care advice to give your customers

If you’re reading this, you’re probably well aware of how important tyres are. As the one component that directly connects a car to the tarmac, they have a vital role to play in keeping us safe on the road. Having good brakes and suspension is one thing, but without the tyres to match, stopping distances remain high and handling remains unpredictable – and the consequences can be tragic.

With all that in mind, it’s important to give your customers regular advice about the condition of their tyres and how it affects their safety. Here are four key tips to remind them of.

Inflating to the correct pressure

The pressure of the air inside a tyre has an enormous impact on the way it behaves. Too low and the handling is wayward and unpredictable; too high and the contact patch is reduced (and so is grip). As if that wasn’t bad enough, tyre pressure can significantly impact rolling resistance – so advising your customers to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure could help them save on their fuel bills.

Regular inspections

Some motorists only get their tyres checked by a garage at their annual MOT test, choosing to skip services. This can have serious consequences, though. It’s wise to remind them to check their tyres themselves by inspecting the sidewalls and measuring the tread depth. Your words of advice could make all the difference.

Avoid mixing brands

Anyone in the trade knows it’s unwise to mismatch tyres across an axle, but some customers might choose to risk it. Make sure you fill them in on the risks of doing this and the implications it could have in an emergency situation – particularly in the wet.

Prepare for winter

We’re not widespread users of winter tyres here in the UK, but maybe we should be. They don’t just help in the snow – their softer compound allows them to cling onto the road much more readily in sub-zero temperatures, improving safety. A lot of motorists don’t know this, so it’s worth mentioning, particularly if they do a lot of rural B-road miles throughout winter.

Get your tyre changing equipment online!

In the trade, or looking to begin offering tyre changing services for the first time? Whatever your workshop needs, you can find it online at Tyre Bay Direct. Browse our full range of tyre changing equipment today!

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What are the different types of vehicle lift?

Buying a lift can be a minefield! Single post, 2 post, 4 post, scissor, MOT / ATL, baseless, with base, for tyre work, especially for bodywork, it can become quite a specialist subject.

If you’re looking to invest in a new lift for your workshop, the options can be quite overwhelming so, to help you decide which one to choose for your garage, we’re going to run through some of the key features of each design in this handy guide. First up, two post lifts…

Two post lifts

This is the most common type of vehicle lift, and for a good reason. Two post lifts are versatile, reasonably space-efficient, durable, convenient and cost effective – they pretty much have it all.

Although they’re not as substantial as four post lifts, they can still lift heavier vehicles with ease. If you plan to work on commercial vehicles or trucks, it might be comforting to know that our Atlas ATP10 two post lift has an impressive five-tonne capacity – plenty for most vehicles you’re likely to encounter.

Because they lift vehicles up at the sides, using their jacking points, every mechanical component can be removed and reinstalled on a two post lift. So, whether you’re doing a simple oil change or a full-blown underbody restoration, a two post lift is an essential tool to have in your arsenal.

And, while we’re at it, there’s a common misconception that you cannot offer wheel alignment services unless you have a four post alignment lift. Not true – there are a number of wheel alignment solutions that can be used with two post lifts.

Four post lifts

Take your choice of wheel alignment versions, MOT / ATL versions, Dual Revenue versions (a combination of MOT and alignment in one lift) and straightforward flat platform models for general service work. There’s a huge variety of four-posters which can then be either recessed or surface mounted depending on your preference.

Because all four wheels of the car are supported, you won’t be able to access and remove every component like you can with a two post lift. However, four-posters are extremely safe and easy to use, making them ideal for tasks like exhaust repairs, inspections and servicing. The addition of a jacking beam provides the ability to lift the front or rear off the platform, giving access brakes and suspension.

Scissor lifts

From the popular tyre service or mid-rise, wheel-free scissor lift through to oversized, long-platform scissors with integral auxiliary lifters for wheel-free application, scissor lifts cover a multitude of functions.

If space is really at a premium in your workshop, a scissor lift could be the ideal solution. Even if it’s not, the absence of columns associated with the traditional 4 post lift creates a ‘clean and clinical’ environment. Full height and mid-rise versions are available.

They’re easy to use too, and some models are even portable – allowing you to move them around the workshop with ease.

Which is right for me?

There is no one ‘best’ type of vehicle lift – buying one is all about choosing one that is right for you. Carefully consider the weight capacity and lifting height you require, how much space you have to play with and how much money you have to spend – and don’t forget to take into account the type of work you plan to use the lift for.

At Tyre Bay Direct, you’ll find a variety of vehicle lifts to suit your needs and budget. Explore the full selection and order yours online today.