Choosing the Right Wheel Alignment System for Your Shop

In every shop, the work looks a little different. Some places are buzzing with quick-turn service bays, others steady paced for custom suspension jobs or thorough diagnostics. But wherever you fall on the spectrum, one thing’s for sure: wheel alignment is still one of the most essential services in your bay – and one of the most profitable.

At Coats, we’ve worked side-by-side with shops of all sizes and specialties. And we’ve built a lineup of wheel alignment systems that make sense for the real world. Whether you’re just getting started or standardizing across a multi-location operation, here’s how to find the setup that fits your business – not just your equipment checklist.

Why Wheel Alignment Still Matters

Alignments aren’t just a maintenance item—they’re a driver’s first impression of your work. Misalignment can mean uneven tire wear, poor fuel economy, and sloppy handling. With the right system in place, you can:

• Raise ticket averages with alignment checks and bundled service
• Catch suspension issues early and prevent costly comebacks
• Build trust with visual, data-driven inspection reports
• Keep vehicles tracking straight – and customers coming back

But to deliver consistent, quality results, you need a system that fits your workflow, not one that slows it down.

Matching Systems to Shop Volume

For Entry-Level or Tight Spaces: CWA 6000

This one’s a solid choice for shops starting out in alignment or working in tighter bay layouts. It’s simple, compact, and includes everything you need to start performing alignments:

• 4 Standard Clamps
• 4 Black Diamond Mini Targets
• Brake Pedal Depressor
• Steering Wheel Holder
• 23” monitor

No fluff, no overkill—just a dependable system that does the job right.

For High-Volume Shops: CWA 6500

If alignment is a core service—or you want it to be—go with the CWA 6500. This full-featured aligner is designed to power through a large volume of cars and light trucks without breaking a sweat. It comes with everything a busy bay needs:

• 4 QC Tire Gripping Clamps
• 4 Standard Clamps
• VIN Scanner
• Mobile Cabinet on Wheels
• Printer
• 4 Black Diamond Mini Targets
• Brake pedal Depressor
• Steering Wheel Holder
• 32” Monitor

This is a true turnkey solution. Pair it with a Coats scissor lift for a smooth, technician-friendly setup that keeps vehicles moving through your bays.

For Dealerships and Multi-Bay Operations: Coats Drive-Through Alignment Towers

For shops that already have an alignment system—or want to speed up the check-in process—our EVO and PLUS Drive-Through Alignment Towers add serious value. These systems use high-precision lasers to check total toe, sideslip, and more with no clamps or operators required. Just drive through and scan.

Perfect for:

• Dealership service lanes
• Express service programs
• Multi-tech shops that need to screen vehicles fast

They help flag alignment issues before the customer even parks—boosting upsell opportunities for wheel alignment and keeping your bays full without slowing things down.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

No matter which system you’re eyeing, here are a few things to check first:

Bay Layout & Ceiling Height

Make sure your space can support the system and the lift. We’ll help you measure and plan.

Software Integration

Look for alignment systems that sync with your shop management or DVI platform. Cloud reports make it easy to show customers what you see.

Technician Workflow

Choose systems with guided setup and workflow that uses camera-based measuring system . They reduce training time and help techs work faster—with fewer errors.

Anchoring & Flooring

Proper installation starts with the right foundation. Coats technicians can inspect your floor and handle anchoring the right way.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Make sure your shop layout is ready and properly set up for an aligner—especially before installing a CWA 6500. Watch the video and begin the checklist to get ahead of common delays and avoid setup issues.

The Coats Alignment Lineup: Built for Shops That Work

We design our alignment systems like we design every piece of Coats equipment: for durability, ease of use, and uptime.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Smart Design: Our systems are built to minimize setup time and streamline daily use.
• Full-Shop Integration: From aligners to balancers to lifts, everything works together to keep your shop efficient.
• Nationwide Service Network: Factory-trained techs. Fast repairs. Real support.
• Custom Fit Consultations: We help you find the right setup for your shop—not just what’s in stock.

Keep Your Alignment Operation on Track

Choosing a wheel alignment system isn’t just about specs. It’s about finding the right fit for your space, your team, and the way your shop runs. At Coats, we bring decades of shop-floor experience into every recommendation—and back it up with equipment and service you can count on.

Let’s keep your business moving, your techs efficient, and your customers driving straight.

📞 Talk to your Coats rep or visit coatscompany.com/contact/ to learn more.