The Technology in Mounting and Balancing

In today's world of increasingly difficult to service lower profile tire/wheel fitments it is important to use up-to-date tire service equipment. Modern, full feature tire mounters typically utilize a powered roller assist device and/or a variety of attachment arms to effectively position the tire's bead correctly into the drop center of a wheel. This type of equipment eliminates much of the stress to the wheel rim, tire, and machine operator while reducing the possibility of damage to an expensive alloy wheel/tire combination.

While having state-of-the-art mounting equipment is a smart and profitable investment, equally advanced balancers are an often-overlooked tire service equipment purchase. Though many installers are concerned about the possibility of mounting damage, they fail to realize the need to match their premium mounting machine's capabilities with a high quality balancer. Buying the "economy" or basic balancer option or not properly maintaining a balancer can lead to vibration and ride disturbance issues. Ultimately, customer service and installation quality complaints will follow.

Promote the Technology at Your Location

Today's performance products customer is becoming increasingly aware of the technology in mount/balance equipment and may recognize certain brands of equipment by name. They frequent automotive web boards, have local car club affiliations, and/or are involved with various racing organizations (SCCA, Porsche Club, BMWCCA, etc.) where installer experiences and equipment knowledge are shared. Many of these same customers discuss installation in detail with Tire Rack's sales specialists before they select a Recommended Installer to whom they'll ship their purchase.

The following are actual quotes from customer comments received through Tire Rack's Recommended Installer surveys:

"(Installer) was using the latest balancing machine (Hunter GSP9700). Very impressed by the technology. This machine will 'hide' sticky weights behind the spokes... will tell the technician exactly where to put the weights (with the help of the sticky weight swing arm), and will automatically adjust tire pressure."

"The tires were drop shipped to (this installer) and they use the latest top-of-the-line Hunter equipment designed to mount low profile tires without scratching the wheels. They scheduled an appointment and started immediately upon my arrival. I was out of there in just under an hour..."

Tire Rack now offers installers the option to name their mount/balance equipment in their listing on tirerack.com along with a brief description of its capabilities!

For example

Mounting Equipment: Corghi Artiglio Master (state-of-the-art, Run Flat and PAX-capable)

Balance Equipment: Hunter GSP9700 (state-of-the-art, RoadForce and StraightTrak-capable)