Product Focus: Atlas WB12 Wheel Balancer

In the garage equipment industry, the Atlas brand has quite the reputation. Originating from across the pond, this esteemed American brand has been trusted by garages for decades now – and its products are finally available to purchase here in the UK through Tyre Bay Direct.

Tweaked and reengineered to suit the requirements of European workshops, the Atlas products we sell have proven immensely popular – and the WB12 wheel balancer is a perfect example of what makes this brand so great.

Why buy a WB12?

Coming in at a little more than a Redback machine (but considerably less than a Hofmann Megaplan model), the Atlas WB12 really does offer the best of both worlds. Proven durability and cutting edge engineering. All of the features you need and none that you don’t. A surprisingly affordable entry point. This machine has an awful lot going for it.

As a manual data input balancer, the WB12 isn’t the most technologically advanced machine out there. But if you don’t use your wheel balancer all day long, that won’t matter. And on the flipside, this machine’s relative simplicity makes it easy to use and even more dependable. It’s a win-win.

Remember how we said the WB12 had all of the features you need and none that you don’t? Although it goes without sensors to automatically detect the size and offset of the wheel, it has built-in motors for a swift, efficient balancing process. Simply input the parameters of the wheel, lower the hood and off you go – the machine will handle the rest. Cycle times of just seven seconds allow you to complete the wheel balancing process quicker than ever before.

An intuitive wheel hold pedal and internal LED light allow you to apply wheel weights accurately every time, too. And, impressively, the WB12 can accommodate rims of up to 32” in diameter!

When it comes to value for money, we think you’d really struggle to match the WB12. Explore its standout features and order yours online today.

Explore the full range of wheel balancers

Looking for something a little different? We have a wide range of different wheel balancers to choose from, including models from top brands like Atlas Platinum and Hofmann Megaplan. Whether you’re in the market for a bargain manual balancer or a high-tech automatic one, we’ve got something for you. Explore the full range of wheel balancers online today.

The post Product Focus: Atlas WB12 appeared first on Tyre Bay Direct.

Motorway Names 10 Most ‘In-Demand’ Used Cars of 2022

Despite significant challenges for the new car market – which is only just beginning to bounce back after the Covid-19 pandemic – the used car sector performed strongly once again in 2022.

That meant it was another good year for Motorway, the used car sales site. If you’re not familiar with the concept, Motorway allows users to enter their registration for an online valuation.

Dealerships across the UK then effectively ‘bid’ on the car, the company with the highest bid then getting the opportunity to sell it (provided the owner accepts their bid).

A high-profile advertising campaign saw the business expand further in 2022, with more cars and more dealerships involved than ever before. So, which cars made waves on its platform last year?

Speaking to Car Dealer Magazine, Motorway’s sales director James Bush revealed all.

The top 10 most ‘in-demand’ vehicles

According to James, the following 10 vehicles attracted the highest number of bids on the Motorway platform last year.

1. Land Rover Range Rover Autobio D MHE (2022): With just 295 miles covered, this nearly-new Range Rover Autobiography was a hit with dealerships. And it’s not hard to see why: a fully-loaded Range Rover like this is a real status symbol.
2. BMW 520D M Sport (2011): With 39,750 miles on the clock, this 5 Series had covered far fewer miles than most on the market, which made it an obvious target for dealerships.
3. Ford Focus Zetec (2015): The ever-popular Focus hatchback is still a winner on the forecourts. This seven year-old model had covered just 30,138 miles from new.
4. Ford Fiesta Zetec S (2013): Another popular Ford, the Fiesta regularly tops Britain’s new car sales charts. This well-appointed Zetec S model had covered 40,439 miles from new.
5. Volkswagen Polo Match (2012): A popular choice for young drivers, the classy Polo is always in high-demand. This example had 67,250 miles on the clock.

The remainder of the top 10 included:

1. Mini Cooper S Electric Level 3 (2020): 9,800 miles
2. Mercedes-Benz C180 Komp Classic SE (2004): 12,685 miles
3. BMW X5 xDrive 40d M Sport MHEV (2022): 10,800 miles
4. BMW i3 Range Extender (2017): 33,835 miles
5. Volvo V60 R-Design D3 (2013): 82,700 miles

Buy garage equipment online

Looking to upgrade your workshop for the year ahead? Explore our huge range of garage equipment online today and place your order from the industry-leading supplier, Tyre Bay Direct.

The post What were the most sought after used cars of 2022? appeared first on Tyre Bay Direct.

Read the inspirational journey of one man and his mission to supply urgent garage equipment to Ukraine with the help of Tyre Bay Direct.

Devastatingly, the war in Ukraine continues, a year on from when it started. The world has come together to provide support and supplies.

However, when considering ‘urgent’ supplies, we can sometimes forget the essential equipment required to support front-line vehicles such as ambulances and military vehicles that are being used daily in war zone conditions.

Paul, an ex-soldier felt compelled to help the people of Ukraine and on a visit to Kharkiv back in December 2022 he met Andrei.  Andrei owns a small garage in the heart of Kharkiv and Paul found him on a cold night wearing a head torch repairing an ambulance (the electricity had been cut). Andrei explained that he repaired all military and emergency vehicles for free, as part of his contribution to war effort.

Paul to his own testament is no garage equipment expert but looking around the small, dark garage he could see that the equipment was old and worn out.  Andrei explained it was not possible to get new equipment or indeed spare parts. It was then that Paul vowed, once home, he would help replace the garage equipment that was so vital in supporting the military and emergency services – in effect saving lives.

After launching a successful just giving campaign, family and friends generously donated to Paul’s cause and he was overwhelmed by how much he raised within two weeks!  It was then that Paul contacted Tyre Bay Direct, the one stop shop for garage equipment and consumables.

Anthony Yates from Tyre Bay direct commented;

“When we received the email from Paul, we wanted to help straight away, we knew he needed reliable equipment suitable for the vehicles out in Ukraine, so we spoke with Paul and asked him to supply us with a wish list of items that Andrei needed, then we created a package suitable for purpose and within his budget.”

The package included:

A new Redback  24” Fully automatic Tyre Changer  complete with assist arm and a new 200 litre air compressor for the workshop. There were also a selection of tools and accessories required, that Tyre Bay Direct was happy to supply.

“It felt important for us to work with Paul on supplying this aid”. Anthony added, “Equipment for emergency and military vehicle maintenance is vital and we’re so proud to have been able to help”.

With the equipment secured, Paul worked with “Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid Collection Point” who were in the process of delivering 30 (yes, thirty) vans full of aid to Ukraine!  The vans will stay in Ukraine for use by the military and other organisations.

The trip wasn’t without its problems, but Paul made it back to Kharkiv and united Andrei with the equipment he desperately needed.

“Words cannot describe the feeling of arriving in Kharkiv and seeing Andrei’s face when he saw the equipment, it was full of gratitude and happiness. I can’t thank the team at Tyre Bay Direct enough for their support, guidance and being part of the journey” Paul concluded.

As for Andrei, the equipment has been crucial in his continuous support maintaining the emergency vehicles in Ukraine; he remains positive for the future.

The post Tyre Bay Direct plays it’s part in the Ukrainian war effort appeared first on Tyre Bay Direct.

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!

The post Battery booster buying guide: Key features and specifications appeared first on Tyre Bay Direct.

What is a vehicle lift? Exploring 2 post lifts, 4 post lifts & more

Car lifts, sometimes known as vehicle lifts, play a crucial role in automotive maintenance and repair facilities, enabling mechanics and enthusiasts to work on vehicles efficiently and safely. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a passionate car enthusiast, understanding the benefits of different types of car lifts can greatly enhance your automotive projects.

In this blog, we will delve into the world of car and vehicle lifts, highlighting their advantages and exploring the various types available.

The benefits of car lifts

1. Enhanced Accessibility: Car lifts and vehicle lifts provide easy access to the undercarriage, engine, and other components, making maintenance, repairs, and inspections more convenient. By elevating the vehicle to a comfortable working height, mechanics can avoid strenuous bending, kneeling, and crawling.
2. Increased Efficiency: With a car or vehicle lift, technicians can complete tasks more efficiently by reducing the time required for lifting the vehicle, accessing components, and performing repairs. The improved accessibility allows for faster diagnosis and swift execution of maintenance procedures.
3. Safety and Security: Car lifts offer a secure platform for lifting vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents associated with using unstable jacks or ramps. These lifts are designed to provide stability, ensuring the safety of both the mechanics and the vehicle.

What is a 2 post car lift?

A two-post car lift is the most common type of vehicle lift used in automotive facilities. These vital pieces of garage equipment have a range of lifting capacities and feature two upright columns as well two arms with adjustable lift pads positioned under the vehicle’s lifting points. Sometimes referred to as 2 post ramps, 2 post lifts offer a compact design, excellent versatility and are suitable for various vehicle sizes and weights. The minimal concrete depth for a standard two post lift is four inches, so be sure to keep this in mind before making an investment.

Tyre Bay Direct are vehicle lifting experts and stock a wide range of high-quality car lifts. The best example of the 2-post variety is the ATP9 vehicle lift.

What is a 4 post car lift?

4-post lifts provide increased stability and are ideal for the long-term storage of vehicles. They have four support columns and four adjustable arms that engage the vehicle’s lifting points, making the performance of heavy-duty maintenance tasks much safer. Depending on the model, four-post lifts may also feature an additional technician’s lift to ensure mechanics can work at the required height. In some instances, they can even be used to lift aero engines.

4 post lifts are most commonly used for vehicle storage, maintenance and wheel alignment. The best example from our collection is the Atlas Platinium Quadro, which is available in platform lengths of 4.5m and 4.8m and lifting capacities of between 4000-4200kg.

Other common types of automotive lift

1. Scissor lifts: Scissor lifts utilise a mechanism of crisscrossing arms to raise and lower the vehicle. They are known for their compact design and versatility, making them suitable for both home garages and professional shops. Scissor lifts are particularly useful for quick inspections and wheel service. The Redback RB3000 is our most popular scissor lift and boasts a lifting capacity of 3000kg.
2. In-ground lifts: In-ground lifts are embedded into the workshop floor and provide a clean and unobstructed workspace. They come in various configurations, including two-post, four-post, and scissor lifts. In-ground lifts are favored for their aesthetic appeal and the ability to maximize space utilisation. Please call us to discuss your in-ground lift requirements.
3. Portable lifts: Portable lifts are an excellent option for those with limited space or requiring mobility. These lifts can be easily moved and set up whenever needed, making them suitable for both personal and professional use. Portable lifts come in different styles, such as scissor lifts and single-column lifts. The Atlas SL25 is the perfect option for this requirement.

Do I need a vehicle lift?

Car lifts and vehicle lifts are essential tools for automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike. With their numerous benefits, including enhanced accessibility, increased efficiency, and improved safety, these lifts have become indispensable in the automotive industry.

Understanding the different types available, such as two-post lifts, four-post lifts, scissor lifts, in-ground lifts, and portable lifts, can help you choose the right solution based on your specific needs. So, whether you’re a mechanic looking to streamline your operations or a car enthusiast eager to work on your own vehicle, investing in a car lift or vehicle lift is a wise decision that will greatly enhance your automotive projects.

To purchase a vehicle lift suited to your needs from a supplier you can trust, get in touch with the experts at Tyre Bay Direct today.

The post Exploring the Types of Car Lifts and Vehicle Lifts appeared first on Tyre Bay Direct.