May_2021 - 41

TOOLS USED:
* SCANNER
* SERVICE INFORMATION
SYSTEM
* TIRE TREAD DEPTH GAUGE
* TPMS TOOL
* PORTABLE AUDIO
RECORDER
* NVH KIT (OPTIONAL BUT
RECOMMENDED)
* ALIGNMENT SYSTEM

scanner is performing the health report
(Figure 1), we should be checking tire
and wheel condition visually and confirm tire pressures utilizing TPMS data
within the vehicle information center or
scan data (Figure 2). Now's the time to
note any mismatched wheel/tire sizes as
well as any damage or modifications to
the vehicle.
These vehicle modifications, such as
different wheels/tires, brush-guards or
aftermarket grills, the presence of " gofast goodies, " or modified suspension
all have their own impacts upon the base
vehicle operating characteristics. This is
especially true with suspension modification, as this leads to modified suspension
geometry (lowered, lifted, stiffer) and
may compound faults already present.
While these changes may not be the
root cause of our faults, it's always important to observe, notate, and keep them in
the back our minds during the next step
of our process.

STEP 2: TEST DRIVE
A test drive should be performed on every
vehicle to confirm not only the customer's
complaint, but also to evaluate any other
concerns that may be present. During the
test, be sure to drive the vehicle exactly
as the customer drives it (or as closely as
possible). Note any pulls, drifts, bump
steer, torque steer, clunking, banging,
or vibrations as well as when they occur.

p Figure 2 - Technicians should confirm tire
pressure using a TPMS tool such as Autel's
MaxiTPMS TS408.

I have a small pocket audio recorder
that I place in the cup holder to record
my test drive. However, most cell phones
have some kind of audio recording app
that's more than sufficient for test drive
purposes. This recording not only
allows me to capture certain noises, but
also gives me a quick and easy method
of narrating my test drive and notating
changes in vehicle feel based on current
driving conditions.
Having a consistent test drive loop that
covers multiple road textures, speeds, and
conditions is paramount to identifying
and remedying complaints. Identifying a
repeatable acceleration style, braking style,
and monitoring customer test drive and
conditions allows us to more quickly pinpoint if we are dealing with an alignment,
wheel balance, drivetrain, engine fault
or just natural characteristics of a given
vehicle under certain driving conditions.

www.VehicleServicePros.com

MAY 2021

Be sure to document and differentiate between cabin, suspension, engine
noises/vibrations, and tire noises. Pay
attention to any symptoms that may
change, either disappear or get worse,
during the test drive. Tires are just one
example of a symptom that may come and
go. As tires warm up, their characteristics
may change and lead to a change in the
complaint's severity.
Another important factor in our process is understanding that different people have different levels of sensitivity to
faults. When in doubt, we should always
consult with the customer to discern their
priorities and that we are in fact experiencing the same symptoms that they are.

STEP 2A: TEST DRIVE
WITH NVH TOOLING
Using some type of NVH tooling (Figure
3) allows technicians to gather more data
during a test drive and help to pinpoint
issues even more clearly. The poten-

PROFESSIONAL TOOL & EQUIPMENT NEWS

http://www.VehicleServicePros.com

May_2021

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