How Raff’s Tyre Shop Overcame Space Limits with the FASEP VCO-K2 Aligner

Short runway? Odd indoor lighting? Not a problem. This aligner works with what you can't change.

Can a compact wheel aligner really remove the limitations of short hoists and tricky workshop layouts? Raff’s team put it to the test.

Case Overview

Challenge: Raffs Tyre Shop in Turangi faced a sudden setback when their existing wheel aligner failed. And with limited runway length on their hoist, traditional rolling compensation methods restricted the number of vehicles they could align. They needed a fast, reliable, and modern solution that would allow them to service a wide range of vehicles despite this limitation.

Client: Raffs Tyre Shop - Turangi

Nature of Business: Independent tyre and service workshop providing passenger, light commercial, and truck tyre solutions, along with wheel alignment services.

Solution: Treadway Equipped supplied and installed the FASEP VCO-K2 wheel aligner, delivering training and setup on-site. The system’s infrared cordless sensors, rapid setup, and ability to perform alignments without rolling compensation perfectly suited the shop’s layout and workflow.

The Challenge 

When Raff’s previous wheel aligner failed, it immediately limited his ability to offer one of the most in-demand workshop services: wheel alignments. Every day without a reliable system meant lost opportunities and potential revenue.

But beyond replacing the broken equipment, Raff also faced long-standing limitations with his existing workshop setup. His hoist has a shorter runway, which makes rolling compensation difficult.

On top of this, Raff’s old system was sensitive to light interference. Many alignment machines use camera-based or optical sensors that can be disrupted by direct sunlight, workshop lighting, or reflective surfaces. When that happens, jobs can be delayed by misreads or system resets, extending job times.

So, the challenge wasn’t just about replacing a broken aligner. Raff needed a modern, compact, and interference-free solution that could bypass the limitations of rolling compensation, avoid delays from lighting conditions, and get his team back to delivering fast, reliable alignments across a wide range of vehicles.

The Solution: FASEP VCO-K2 Wheel Aligner

• No Rolling Compensation Required – The VCO-K2 eliminates the need for vehicle roll-back, opening up alignment services for more vehicles.
• Infrared Cordless Sensors – No light interference, no tangled cables, and smoother workflow in a busy shop environment.
• Portable and with Long Sensor Range - Compact design allows movement between bays, or performing pre-alignment checks on cars in queue while bays are still full. Easy to transport or relocate.
• Long Battery Life - The sensors' battery lasts up to 30 hours, ensuring the shop can last an entire shift or off-site service appointment without interruption.
• Fast Setup Time – Designed for efficiency, the system cuts preparation time down to 20%. The wheel clamps attach to the tyres instantly, no need to remove wheel covers and hub caps, and no need to use adapters for different rim shapes.
• Italian Engineering – Built for precision and durability, with a reputation for high-end accuracy in performance and commercial applications.

How Fasep VCO-K2 Eliminates Need for Rolling Compensation

Traditional wheel aligners clamp directly to the rim, but rims are not always perfect; they can be bent, scratched, or have small manufacturing tolerances.

If the sensor is attached to a bent rim, it will “read” that bend as part of the wheel’s alignment, giving inaccurate results.

To solve this, technicians do rolling compensation - rolling the vehicle backward and forward so the aligner can average out the rim’s imperfections.

In short, rim clamps require rollback to cancel out rim errors.

FASEP’s contact clamps attach to the tyre tread/sidewall instead of the rim edge. Here’s why that matters:

1. Tyres are rounder and less damaged than rims.
   - While rims often have flat spots or bends, tyres tend to maintain a more consistent circular profile.
   - By clamping to the tyre, the aligner is referencing a “cleaner” surface with fewer distortions.
2. Orthogonal positioning between clamp and wheel plane.
   - The clamp is designed to hold in perfect parallel with the wheel plane.
   - This mechanical precision reduces misalignment introduced by clamp positioning, allowing the sensor to stay parallel to the car and generate accurate measurements, even if the clamp is not centred to the tyre.
3. Sensors read from the clamp, not the rim.
   - FASEP’s WinTRAX2 infrared cordless sensors are mounted to the clamp itself.
   - Because the clamp sits securely and evenly on the tyre, the sensor’s reference plane is already accurate without the need for averaging movement.  
4. Software geometry filtering.
   - Any small inconsistencies in tyre shape are handled by the aligner’s software algorithms, which model and correct these variations instantly.

By avoiding the rim entirely, the system eliminates the biggest source of measurement error. FASEP solves the problem with rim imperfections at the hardware + software level, so technicians don’t need to move the vehicle.

• His shorter hoist is no longer a limitation.
• The team can align more vehicle types without worrying about runway length.
• Jobs are completed faster, improving daily throughput.
  
  

Why Surrounding Light Does Not Disrupt FASEP VCO-K2 Accuracy

Traditional wheel aligners often rely on cameras or laser optics to read the position of each wheel. These systems can be disrupted by bright sunlight, reflective workshop surfaces, or overhead lighting, which interfere with the sensor’s ability to capture accurate data. When interference occurs, technicians face delays, errors, or even failed alignment attempts.

The FASEP VCO-K2, by contrast, uses infrared (IR) cordless sensors. Infrared light operates on a different wavelength than visible light, meaning it’s not disturbed by sunlight or workshop lighting. The sensors communicate wirelessly with the central unit, ensuring consistent and interference-free readings in all workshop conditions.

The Results 

After our team delivered Raff's new FASEP VCO-K2 wheel aligner and provided hands-on training for Raff and his team, Raffs Tyre Shop is back to full operational capacity. Their new wheel aligner allows them to enjoy the following benefits:

• Maximise Existing Equipment ROI - Instead of replacing the hoist or reconfiguring the shop, the FASEP VCO-K2 allows wheel alignment services to continue without costly layout changes. This means Raff gets a high-performing alignment system without additional infrastructure spend.
• Increased Service Capacity – Faster setup allows the team to complete more alignments per day, and with no runway length restrictions, more vehicle types can be serviced. The tyre-mounted clamps adapt to a wider variety of wheel and tyre configurations, including staggered wheel setups often found on performance vehicles. This expands the range of vehicles the shop can service without special workarounds.
• Mobile Servicing Capability - The compact, mobile design of the VCO-K2 makes it easy to move between bays or even to different service areas. For smaller workshops or those with multiple hoists, this flexibility means one aligner can cover more ground, instead of requiring multiple dedicated units. This also gives them the opportunity to service  vehicles outside their shop.
• Improved Accuracy – Advanced Italian technology ensures consistent, high-quality alignment results.
• Improved Technician Safety - Eliminating the need for vehicle roll-back during compensation reduces risks for technicians working in tight spaces. 
• Reduced Downtime from Light Interference - Because the system is not affected by ambient light, technicians don’t waste time re-doing measurements.
• Long-Term Serviceability - Investing in durable, serviceable equipment means lower replacement frequency and reduced total cost of ownership.
• Future-Proof Investment – The aligner integrates seamlessly with Raff’s existing Steiner ST270HA tyre changer and ST588 truck tyre changer, reinforcing the workshop’s capability across all vehicle sizes.

The FASEP VCO-K2 has already proven to be a valuable investment, reducing downtime and boosting workshop efficiency.

Driving Precision Forward in Turangi

Upgrading to the FASEP VCO-K2 has given Raffs Tyre Shop improved  speed, flexibility, and accuracy. And with Treadway Equipped’s 100/100 guarantee, expert training, financing options, and product warranty, Raff’s team has the tools and support to keep growing their alignment services well into the future.

Ready to see how the FASEP VCO-K2 can transform your workshop? Contact Treadway Equipped today for a demo or to discuss the right fit for your business.