Wheel Alignment and Tracking Workshop

Private motorists, independent garages and tyre shops that don't have their own rig, and small van fleets.

A fixed price per alignment check and adjustment, often with extra income from suspension checks and referrals from garages and tyre fitters.

• Vehicle mechanical knowledge
• Careful, accurate measuring
• Customer service
• Reading alignment data against manufacturer specs

• Public liability insurance, plus garage or motor trade insurance covering customers' vehicles in your care
• Check planning use class and the lease terms for a vehicle workshop
• Rig calibration needs to be kept up to date, and modern cars with driver assistance systems may need extra checks
• Equipment is a big upfront cost, so test demand before buying new
• Check rules on disposing of waste oil, fluids and old parts with your local council or the Environment Agency

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the rig, lift and unit you choose. These are estimates. Equipment is a big upfront cost, so test demand before buying new.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on your prices, local demand and how many garages and drivers you serve. These are estimates, and you would usually need at least about 30 hours a week.

Check public liability and garage or motor trade insurance covering customers' vehicles, plus the planning use class and lease terms for a workshop. Also check rig calibration, extra checks for driver assistance systems, and rules on disposing of waste oil, fluids and old parts.