ISN Garage Assist Blog

ADAS Calibration Equipment is still a relatively new phenomenon. Investment in it is a big decision that can for many, be one massive headache. Speaking to someone who understands ADAS services & the full scope of systems on offer can be essential; especially when it comes to such a large investment which will enable you to complete the ADAS calibrations your customers now require. You’ve probably been thinking something like “Ok, ADAS is a thing. Do any of my customer even need these calibrations? Oh, I should be completing it after a variety of jobs? It can be an extra source...

    Hofmann Megaplan utilise information from industry leader Autodata With technical information for 142 manufacturers covering 34,000 models, Autodata gives users of compatible Hofmann Megaplan aligners all the detailed information needed to carry out alignment checks, calibrations & related servicing.  Autodata is the industry leader in automotive technical information. Their new Web Application covers 34,000 models, giving its customers all the technical information needed to carry out service, maintenance and repairs. Ssence HD 3D wheel aligner installed at D and R Tyres, powered by Autodata Suto sets out to be the most innovative, accurate and respected supplier of technical information...

We're overwhelmed with the care key workers in garages across the UK are taking to ensure others remain safe & able to travel in the isolation of their own vehicles.  We were recently able to complete the install of a brand new Digital ADAS system, along with handheld TreadReader for Central Autopoint.  ADAS Calibrations are an essential part of many jobs now & keep vehicles safe. The decision to invest in such technology shows a businesses dedication to offering the best service.  The handheld TreadReader allows technicians to check the health of your wheels without you having to leave your vehicle....

As a premium supplier of garage equipment in the UK and across Europe, we understand the complexities of developing incredible garage services equipment - and supplying the customer service to run alongside these amazing machines. So, when we receive approval from some of the greatest automotive manufacturers in the world, it means everything to us and a whole lot more to you. You know you are getting the best! You can take advantage of: The finest technology available on the marketSlick design featuresCompletely automated processesReliable, intelligent safety features Only the finest garage services equipment! Boasting approvals & recommendations from BMW, Mercedes-Benz...

Development takes place in every industry. It is inevitable. And for business owners, it is highly welcomed to enhance the prowess of their services – the automotive garage sector is no different. The past few decades have seen some of the most advanced technology come to the forefront of the automotive industry; the introduction of electric/hybrid vehicles, the use of ADAS systems within a vehicle to make driving even easier for road users, the development of garage software to complete routine services...we could go on. But these developments combined with the increasing need to service brand new technology, poses many questions...

We always knew that the service we offer our clients is good but now it’s even better! Hofmann Megaplan have partnered with garage services provider ISN Garage Assist. Formerly trading as AMN Garage Assist (and AMN Garage Services before that), ISN Garage Assist has become a growing (and glowing) force within the ISN Europe group; offering unrivalled garage equipment installation, service and maintenance, plus MOT bay design, installation and management... the list goes on! This alliance will see the integration of Hofmann Megaplan’s incredible customer service, especially within the wheel alignment arena, and ISN Garage Assist’s installation and equipment maintenance services...

Everyone has started to notice them popping up in their local town or village and they’re even more popular with those living in the city. Electric Cars or EVs, is the hot topic in the automotive industry and also a subject widely debated in parliament. For those of us who work within this sector, it is clear to see where the automotive industry is heading so for garage business owners, being one step ahead of the curve isn't a bad thing. The basics of an Electric Vehicle… We’ve seen the ads – Tesla, Volkswagen, Jaguar…the list goes on! But what truly...

ADAS has become a bit of Buzz word in the motor industry recently but, in reality, we’ve all been living with various forms of it for many years. From Anti-lock braking (ABS) and electronic stability programs (ESP) to adaptive cruise control using radar technology, our vehicles have been silently assisting us to enjoy a safer driving experience for years. So, what’s new about ADAS then? ADAS Technology in 2021... ADAS is not new, it’s the way it’s been integrated with other systems in vehicles to take safety and comfort for drivers and other road users to another level that’s the interesting...

Over the years, our range has continued to develop into one of the most comprehensive offerings available in the UK market. In fact, Hofmann Megaplan have one of the largest choices of alignment and balancing products the industry has to offer. Last year, the company invested in a further 20,000sqft of warehousing to be able to accommodate an expansion of the range; an expansion that saw several new wheel alignment products added and an increase in the availability of the product that cemented our popularity across the industry and is still to this day our best-selling line – wheel balancers. One...

For many independent garage owners, ADAS can appear a quite daunting technological advance. But in reality, it’s little more than a camera system, often mounted in the windscreen, monitoring short to medium range activities such as changing speed limits, or white lines; and a radar system, located in the front grill area, managing active cruise control and emergency braking systems. If, for example, a frontal impact misaligns the radar unit, or the camera is slightly repositioned when a windscreen is replaced, it’s possible that the ADAS systems won’t work correctly. This is where ADAS alignment systems come in and, it’s where...

This is a genuine problem the automotive industry currently faces and the battery life of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has been in the spotlight over the last couple of months, as this is one of the main reasons there is a lack of consumer confidence. Electric cars are still relatively new and everyone is just starting to find out a little bit more of what to expect from them in the future. However, it isn’t just consumers that have potential issues about the longevity of EVs. Automotive professionals from garage owners to mechanics, and even parliamentary personnel, have all been raising concerns...

2030 might seem a while away, but before too long it’ll be upon us - and all of the brand-new petrol and diesel models we’re so used to seeing in 2022 will disappear from new car showrooms for good. This obviously has serious implications for the car manufacturing industry (and for supplying dealerships), but what about the nation’s independent garages and workshops? How will they cope - and will it actually affect their day-to-day operations much? Staff shortages The first potential bump in the road for independent garages is manpower (or lack thereof). A recent study by the Motor Ombudsman indicated...

Now is the perfect time to scale up your MOT offering - or begin testing for the first time. That’s according to new research from BookMyGarage. The company recently published the results of a freedom of information (FOI) request it submitted to the DVSA for data on monthly MOT figures. According to the data it received in return, garages look set to experience another lull in MOT testing demand this spring - a consequence of the six-month extension put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Last April and May, 2.3 million fewer MOT tests took place than during the...

The DVSA intends to double down on MOT fraud, its latest business plan report has confirmed. With over 1,300 confirmed cases of MOT fraud recorded last year, the organisation is well aware of the issue - and says it plans to use ‘intelligence-based targeting’ to track the movements of vehicles. By employing this technology, the DVSA hopes to catch out garages issuing MOT tests to vehicles that haven’t even visited the garage. “We will increase our capability and capacity to investigate serious fraud and criminal activity by using advanced technology surveillance equipment and associated data processes for MOT surveillance, under the...

A new study from Centrica Business Solutions has revealed that UK businesses are expected to invest in 163,000 electric vehicles (EVs) during the course of 2022 – a 35% increase on last year. The study found that businesses invested £11.6bn in EVs and associated infrastructure (like charging points) last year. This year, that number is set to rise 15% to £13.6bn. Only the beginningAll indications are that this is only the start of an electric revolution, as businesses increasingly wave goodbye to petrol and diesel power in favour of the clean, green, zero-emission alternative. According to this study, 62% of businesses...

Autonomous cars have been the stuff of science fiction for decades, but they’re now fast-becoming a reality. Although fully autonomous cars aren’t available to buy just yet, manufacturers like Tesla continue to push the envelope with self-driving systems that can cope with a variety of situations.Wondering how these systems work? That’s exactly what we’re going to investigate in this article. Hardware and software Autonomous vehicles rely on advanced hardware and software systems, each of which have to talk to one another multiple times a second to keep the car on the road. It all starts on the outside of the car,...

Supply chain management and consultancy firm, Fleet Assist, has concluded that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are 22% cheaper to service (on average) than equivalent fossil fuel vehicles. The company reached the conclusion by analysing all of its data for 2022 thus far - all 850,000 vehicles and 5,200 garages worth. According to the organisation, the price differential largely comes down to reduced labour costs; there are simply fewer components requiring regular servicing on an EV when compared to an ICE vehicle.Parts costs can be lower, too. On average, the parts spend for an EV service is 28% less than for an...

Looking into adding an MOT bay to your workshop? If you’re not sure which type of bay you need, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at each of the different types and what sets them apart from one another, allowing you to make an informed decision on which one’s best suited to you. Class 1 and 2If you predominantly work on motorcycles, this is the type of bay you’ll need. Class 1 and 2 vehicles include: MotorcyclesScootersMopedsSidecars Class 1 and 2 bays consist of roller brake testers, headlamp testers and, optionally,...

Every car over three years old needs an MOT to be road legal. Light commercial vehicles and motorcycles need them too, so demand for testing is always high, year-round, no matter which type of vehicle your workshop specialises in. If you don’t currently offer MOT testing in-house and would like to, your first question may well be the one posed in the title of this article: what equipment do I need? Let’s take a closer look at each piece of equipment used in an MOT test. MOT testing equipmentTypically, garages looking to branch out into MOT testing will choose a complete...

Have you been told your car needs a wheel alignment or are you thinking of getting it done for a performance benefit? Wheel alignment really is a crucial factor that has a significant impact on your car’s handling, performance, braking capability and tyre wear - not to mention fuel consumption! Accurate alignment settings can make or break a car. They can drastically improve the feedback given to the driver through the steering wheel, making a vehicle safer and more enjoyable to drive… and wheel alignment doesn’t cost the Earth, either. In fact, we’d argue there are fewer more beneficial services to...