From AutoTest

AutoTest Products and its network of distributors can provide many of the essential tools and equipment required for a service workshop.
AutoTest explains that it provides a range of state-of-the-art automotive testing and diagnostic products designed to improve the accuracy of the test results used to meet safety regulations, offering product lines to cover all corners of brake testing, brake friction material, brake fluid and suspension.

Diagnostic tools
Fixing vehicles today requires an intimate understanding of the computer systems that run it. Technology now has a huge impact on the way vehicles run and mechanics must have the tools to understand and repair that technology.
Most diagnostic equipment these days requires connection to either a computer or the internet or both. If you intend to do government-sanctioned roadworthy inspections, most jurisdictions now require results from testing equipment to be directly transmitted to a government website.
If you are applying for roadworthy-inspection approval, you must have certain equipment to inspect the different vehicle types listed in your approval. You must also ensure the equipment is maintained so it efficiently and accurately performs the function for which it is designed, meaning regular maintenance and calibration.
AutoTest warns that this does not limit, excuse or provide you with a defence for providing inadequate equipment that prevents an approved examiner from carrying out a thorough inspection of a type of vehicle under the relevant code of practice or vehicle-inspection guidelines.
AutoTest invites you to contact it today to find out about its range of diagnostic tools.

Inspection tools
AutoTest explains that crucial inspection tools required by service workshops include, but are not limited to, the following: light transmission meters; measuring equipment and gauges for disc rotors, brake drums, brake pads and brake linings; wheel chocks; Kingpin gauges (for HT vehicle type if applicable); turntable locking testers (for HV vehicle type if applicable) and equipment to check a vehicle’s underbody, including hoists, pit ramps, vehicle jacks or vehicle stands.
Also on the list is equipment to check a vehicle’s headlamp aim, such as a headlight testing machine; and equipment to test vehicle brake system operation, such as a decelerometer (brake meter).
AutoTest notes that any handheld or portable brake-testing equipment should be of a type that can be located securely in the vehicle that is being tested and does not dislodge under braking.
The brake testing equipment should also be capable of producing the required brake-test result (either paper or electronic) which records the date, time and GPS location of where the successful brake test was conducted. In addition, the brake-test results must be able to be uploaded to the inspection record.
Additional equipment for trailers (required for LT and/or HT vehicle types), such as equipment for testing the operation of the lighting system and any electric brakes via the trailer plug or socket, a device capable of compressing the tow coupling to test the function of any override braking system, a vacuum source capable of testing the function of any vacuum braking system, and a compressed-air source capable of testing the function of any full air or air-assisted braking system, as well as a sound-level meter and digital camera should be considered for the workshop.

Basic tools
Service workshops also require a range of general tools and equipment to allow for the removal and refit of vehicle systems and components as required and other equipment necessary to conduct a thorough vehicle inspection.
While you may use more high-tech equipment to diagnose an auto problem, you will still use traditional tools to fix the problem once they discover it. Examples include pneumatic and manual wrenches, screwdrivers, drills, lathes, grinding machines, flame-cutting tools, pliers, jacks and hoists. Other useful tools include brake fluid testers, suspension testers and emissions analysers.

For more information, contact AutoTest Products on 03 8840 3000 or visit www.autotest.net.au