New in 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Tire Tread Scanning Methods

Frédéric Baroin

Frédéric Baroin

Global Head of Automotive Business at Anyline

Jul 24, 2024

Tires are one of the most significant costs across businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry. To remain competitive, decision-makers adopt new technologies to minimize risk, reduce costs, and improve uptime.

The tire tread scanning industry is no different. With a wide range of new solutions available to unlock tire data, the days of manually checking tire treads are gone, replaced with automated options. Tire tread scanning technology is one of the most critical investments for fleets, repair organizations, tire service centers, and other related businesses. However, knowing which one to choose for your needs requires careful consideration.

Big Tire Tread Scanning Machines

Another alternative is using large scanning machines, where tires are stacked for scanning. This method offers several benefits. It saves time and provides control over the status of tires in the tire hotel. It enables easy measurement of an entire wheel stack simultaneously, taking approximately 20 seconds with high accuracy. This method also facilitates efficient tire sales and wheel alignment management due to the clear wear image provided by the system.

However, this option also has drawbacks. It is costly, sometimes even more so than other options. It requires substantial space, which many locations may not have. It is also a single-use system, limiting the overall functionality of business premises.

Handheld Tire Tread Scanners

Handheld, device-based tire tread scanners offer a different approach. Various options exist, including tire tread gauges and digital tire tread scanners.

This option has key advantages. It is extremely fast and accurate, providing precise information often difficult to obtain from manual methods. Its compact size, no larger than a smartphone, ensures superb mobility. It can be used anywhere, in any situation. Additionally, they provide automatic diagnosis and maintenance suggestions, enabling immediate action by owners.

However, this option also has disadvantages. It is single-use and can only be used for one purpose. It can also be expensive, making it unaffordable for many locations.

Key takeaway

In conclusion, tire tread scanning solutions today range from manual methods to drive-over scanners, large scanning machines, handheld scanners, and mobile scanners. Each method has strengths but also limitations, such as cost, space requirements, and single-use functionality.

The mobile tire tread scanner, however, stands out with its unique advantages. It offers high accuracy, mobility, and versatility, all while being cost-effective. It’s not just a tool but a comprehensive solution that adapts to various situations, making it a smart choice for those seeking to enhance efficiency and make informed decisions. This is not about selling a product, but about embracing a technology that could redefine the future of tire tread measurement.

Curious how Anyline’s Tire Tread Scanning solution works? Book a call to learn more.