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MARIETTA – The Auto/Diesel Technology Program at Washington State Community College has recently received a new, state-of-the-art John Bean V3400 wireless imaging wheel alignment system to its automotive lab.
The college invested $26,000 for the automotive and light truck alignment machine, sold by Snap-on, which includes the wheel alignment machine, Vehicle Identification Number reader and dual wheel adaptor.
The alignment machine provides flexible installation, usage and mobility options and has patented digital camera tracking that automatically adjusts to the height of the vehicle being worked on.
“The machine will be used in students’ first year in the Automotive Service Technology program and throughout their course of educational training at WSCC,” said Brenda Kornmiller, dean of Business, Engineering, Industrial Technologies and Workforce Development. “Students in our one-year Automotive Technician Certificate and in the Diesel Truck System program will also be trained to use the new alignment machine.”
Kornmiller said students in the Auto/Diesel Technology Program will benefit from this technology upgrade since four out of six course objectives in AUTO 1140: Automotive Chassis involve the wheel alignment machine. The new wheel alignment machine also helps students meet 25 of the 50 National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence tasks, which students must complete to pass the program.
“The John Bean wheel alignment system is a top-of-the-line system that is used by many repair facilities in our area,” said Mike Palmer, director of the Auto/Diesel Technology Program. “With the training our students receive at WSCC on the alignment system, they will be able move seamlessly from our program into the workforce.”
The Auto/Diesel Technology Program features a large laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment for hand-on experience. Students learn the use of conventional tools and new computerized engine analyzers.