PCL's digital inflation kit hits the road with Hi-Q's Tyre Fitting fleet
International tyre inflation specialist, PCL, has teamed up with national car care specialist Hi-Q to provide a fast and accurate unit for its mobile tyre fitting vans. PCL's fixed digital tyre inflator unit has so far been installed in 50 of Hi-Q's nationwide fleet of over 300 - and has already earned an enviable track record amongst its operators as a reliable, time-saving device.
Launched in 2002, PCL's fixed digital unit is ideal for depots, tyre shops, fleets, car dealers, and racing outfits, where fast and accurate inflation is vital.
The unit inflates tyres safely and precisely to within half a pound accuracy and can also be used in test mode to check existing pressure. Simple to use, the secure unit is linked to a compressor driven by the van motor and all the engineer has to do is switch on the compressor/inflator, enter the required information and clip the connector onto the tyre. The unit will automatically inflate the tyre to the level required then alert the engineer when it has finished by beeping and flashing up "end". The process is so reliable and accurate that it enables the operator to get on with alternative work whilst the tyre is inflating and, unlike the less secure, manual, handheld units, it isn't open to abuse.
In addition, where a complete tyre change is being undertaken, the digital unit also has an Over Pressure Setting (OPS) to speed up the seating of the bead. As part of the inflation cycle the over pressure function can be set to a level to permit the seating of the bead and then automatically deflate to the final tyre pressure required. Where the OPS is used this further increases the engineer's availability either to do the next tyre or perform other alternative checks - further enhancing efficiency and customer service.
Brian Beech, PCL's Digital Technical Sales Manager, provided training for Hi-Q's operators and has been delighted by the feedback: "The fixed digital unit has proved itself to be extremely reliable and accurate. The Hi-Q engineers are very pleased with its performance – not least because they simply put the connector on and it does all the work for them. They have described it as a key tool that removes all of the inconvenience of tyre inflation."
Since its launch, thousands of the digital units have been supplied worldwide to leading names for all areas of tyre inflation, such as major car manufacturers and petrol companies, gaining the unit a well-earned reputation as a premium yet cost-effective product.
Backed by Goodyear Dunlop, Hi-Q is one of the UK's leading MOT and servicing chains with stores nationwide, and is a supplier of high quality, fast fit products and services.
Stuart Powell, Hi-Q’s Training Manager commented: "We are very impressed by the new PCL digital unit which is ideal for our new high quality mobile units, providing state of the art tyre inflation extremely quickly and accurately. This allows our service engineers to get our customers safely back on the road more efficiently, whilst making our engineer available for next customer sooner. The excellent service and training provided by PCL has also allowed us to swiftly implement and make the most of the new units."
He added: "Hi-Q provides a guaranteed service, using only top quality parts but at the lowest prices possible and therefore PCL’s fixed digital inflator unit was the ideal choice for our mobile fitting vans."
