The Rise of AI in Vehicle Inspections
Traditional vehicle and tyre inspections have relied on manual processes and an individual’s expertise. But often this is time-consuming and sometimes susceptible to human error.
Enter AI-assisted digital inspection systems. Systems that use artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technologies to automate and enhance the tyre and vehicle inspection process.
The Benefits of AI Inspection Systems
Drive over ramps are not new to the automotive aftermarket, but AI-driven enhancements to data capture, interpretation and reporting are developing at pace. Rapid inspection, data analysis and visual reporting now present full diagnostic findings within seconds.
Tyre inspection drive-over ramps are best installed to capture vehicles as they enter the workshop. Automated inspections will significantly reduce the time required to perform thorough checks. In turn, this translates into cost savings and business process efficiencies.
Remote Inspection with Mobile Devices
The recent innovation of digital vehicle inspection using a mobile device (think smartphone or tablet) now allows vehicle damage, tyre wear and sidewall information to be read remotely. And capturing the data requires no specialist operator skills or training.
These ‘self inspection’ processes guide the user to acquire all the data. The AI does the rest to assess exterior damage and each tyre’s sidewall ID, tread depth and alignment condition within seconds.
Data Accuracy from AI Inspection Systems
When it comes to vehicle body damage, AI algorithms will detect even minor defects that might be overlooked by the human eye. By analysing high-resolution images and data, these systems ensure a level of accuracy and consistency that is difficult to achieve manually.
Very often, the ability to identify damage at an early point in the customer engagement process prevents ‘bad news’ being stored up that may sour the relationship further downstream at the point a transaction is made.
AI Inspection System Data and Reporting
AI-assisted systems produce detailed reports with high-resolution images, descriptions of detected tyre or vehicle issues and even repair cost estimates. These features create transparency and lead to more informed decision-making – for both service providers and customers.
By replacing manual inspection processes, AI systems remove subjective biases. This leads to objective assessments that build customer confidence in recommendations from service providers.
Dealerships and workshops who use inspection data to give customers the good news that tyres don’t yet need replacing (or that there’s a chance to save money long-term, by realigning tyres to lengthen tyre lifetime) are well on their way to increasing customer retention.
Dealerships and AI Inspection Systems
Dealerships are already using AI-assisted tyre inspections to drive service revenues from replacement tyres and alignments.
Uptake of AI inspection systems is set to increase dramatically with dealers needing more aftersales revenue and overhead absorption. ZEV sales targets, an ageing vehicle parc and continued changes in omni-channel car sales models are all creating commercial challenges.
But here’s the good news. Digital and AI-assisted solutions allow dealers to easily connect inspection processes across multiple aftermarket functions: Part-exchange vehicles and marketplace or auction purchase valuations can now include up-front tyre condition assessment. Regular tyre checks as part of dealer service plans can now also be done remotely.
The opportunity is to fully integrate the technology and solutions right across the business and customer processes, to access new revenue and profit streams.
Remote Inspections for Used Car Retailers
AI-assisted digital inspection systems provide more accurate and efficient vehicle assessments. This is particularly significant for the high volume of vehicles processed by marketplace retailers.
AI-powered inspection systems automatically detect damage and estimate repair costs. The result is a more accurate vehicle valuation and a better customer experience
How to Select the right AI Inspection System
New business partnerships are opening up this rapidly growing market space. Collaborations between inspection equipment specialists, AI developers, and automotive service providers are crucial in delivering comprehensive and effective solutions.
The specialist nature of AI inspection solutions means that the combined skillsets and expertise of these new supplier partnerships is making AI-driven inspection solutions more accessible to aftermarket operators.
Conclusion
AI-assisted digital inspection systems present exciting opportunities for the automotive aftermarket. By improving accuracy, efficiency, and transparency, these technologies are setting new standards for tyre and vehicle inspections.
Businesses that adopt AI-assisted systems can improve their service offerings and find a competitive edge by taking advantage of new ways to build consumer trust in aftermarket services.
The future of automotive inspections is here, and it’s powered by AI. Are you ready to take the leap?
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