IN PERFECT ALIGNMENT

As vehicles become increasingly complex, the demand for precision in repair processes has never been greater, and bodyshops continue to be aligned with tech trends as modern vehicles require more and more calibrations.

Jeff Labanovich, vice president of operations for Fix Network Canada, originally outlined for Collision Repair magazine that the complexity of vehicle parts is greater than ever before.

“Take the headlamp for example. Before, a vehicle’s headlamps were just for lighting the road, but now, they serve multiple functions and feature complex technology like sensors and advanced driver assistance systems.”

With this complexity in mind, when looking at emerging technologies and trends for automotive alignment and measuring, collision repair shops increasingly make use of 3D wheel alignment systems. Utilizing high-definition cameras and advanced software, these systems provide precise measurements of a vehicle’s alignment angles.

Additionally, laser alignment systems further help to project beams onto the vehicle, allowing technicians to see alignment issues clearly and make necessary adjustments with greater precision.

Finally, the integration of alignment systems with vehicle diagnostic tools is a growing trend. This connection allows technicians to analyze not only alignment issues, but also other electronic systems that may have been affected during a collision.

As a result, while traditional repair methods may have relied on heating and pulling damaged areas to ensure they fit back to their original shape, as vehicles become more sophisticated, the relationship between technology and repair processes becomes increasingly intertwined.

Ultimately, the future of collision repair is not just about fixing dents; it’s about achieving alignment on all fronts. After all, when it comes to keeping vehicles in line, precision really is the name of the game—no ifs, ands or buts!