If you’re an online car dealership, you already know that visuals are everything! To capture the attention of online shoppers, you need high-quality, innovative images and videos. Google research reveals that 56% of auto shoppers agreed that they would buy a car after watching a 360-degree video without the need to take a test drive! Want to know how to shoot such videos? Well, you’ll need a car turntable!
Let’s explore this blog to know about the Car turntables and how Spyne can help you in detail.
What is a Car Turntable?
A car turntable is a circular platform that rotates on a horizontal axis to help cars maneuver in tight spaces. A portable car turntable is a rotating platform designed for use by a car owner. It helps you optimize the space. It can be manually rotated or motorized, as per the requirement. Also, studio turntable is primarily used by car studios for 360 car photography, by dealerships for vehicle displays, and by car owners in their home garages for an easy automated car parking system. Usually, these rotating platforms are built into the floor, which means they aren’t easy to install and require professional help.
A car display turntable, also known as a vehicle turntable, has now become universally recognized as an effective selling tool for automotive dealerships. The movement of the turntable induces excitement in viewers, akin to that of a motor show. For your physical showroom, investing in a 360-car turntable is a smart choice. As for your virtual car showroom, a car turntable DIY will be great for clicking high-impact pictures and videos.
There are two basic kinds of turntables – in-ground and above-ground. An in-ground turntable lays flat on the floor, and it may require extensive remodeling of the garage turntable for installation. An above-ground turntable, on the other hand, protrudes above the floor. It can be built without any modifications to the dealership/garage floor.
What Are The Types of Car Turntables?
There are distinct types of automobile turntables designed for various purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the common ones:
1) Residential Turntables
These are normally smaller turntables established in homes, especially for people with tight driveways or garages where maneuvering an automobile can be hard. They are both above-floor or in-ground versions. Above-ground residential turntables take a seat on top of the prevailing driveway and do not require excavation. In-ground turntables are flush with the driveway or storage ground, creating an unbroken appearance, however require digging a pit for set up.
2) Heavy-Duty Turntables
As the call suggests, these are designed to withstand the burden of larger cars like trucks, buses, and RVs. They’re usually used in commercial settings, workshops, and dealerships that manage heavy machinery. They are built with more robust materials and feature a better weight potential than residential turntables.
3) Automotive Display Turntables
These turntables are specially designed for showcasing vehicles in showrooms. They frequently have a graceful layout and may rotate 360 degrees, permitting potential clients to view the entire automobile from any perspective. Some high-cease models may additionally even include lights and platforms to elevate the automobile for a greater dramatic presentation.
4) Motion Control or Photo Booth Turntables
These turntables are utilized in image applications, especially for growing 360-diploma product views or vehicle pictures in studios. They may be controlled remotely and programmed for particular actions to capture super photos or motion pictures.
Top Features of Car Turntable
Car turntables are a smart parking solution, designed to make parking and maneuvering vehicles easier. They are typically installed in driveways or garages and can be motorized or manually operated. Whether you lack parking facilities or live in a busy area, a car turntable allows you to park and exit spaces always in a forward direction.
Here are some more of the key features of car turntables:
1) Increased safety: Car turntables eliminate the need to back out of driveways or garages, which can be dangerous, especially in areas with limited visibility.
2) Improved convenience: With a car turner, you can pull your car straight in and out of your garage or driveway car turntable, without having to worry about tight turns or backing up.
3) Space optimization: Car turntables can help you maximize your parking space, especially in tight driveways or garages. By eliminating the need for clearance for backing in and out, you can park your car closer to the wall.
4) Enhance visual appeal: Car turners can be customized with a variety of features to improve the visual appearance of showrooms, garages & individual spaces.
Why Turntables are Crucial for Modern Garages?
A turntable is a crucial part of current garages which allows your automobile to stand the proper direction for coming into and exiting the vicinity. Here we’ve listed the top motives why the turntable is essential:
1) Safer Exiting: Reversing out of storage can be difficult, specifically with restrained visibility. A turntable allows you to tug your car in nose-first and sincerely turn it around earlier than exiting, lowering the danger of backing into something or a person.
2) Convenient Parking: Turntables dispose of the want for complicated maneuvering to park your car flawlessly. Just pull it in and flip it for a straight shot out.
3) Space Optimization: In tight garages, a turntable permits you to maximize area. You can park your car and now have room to move around it or use the distance for other functions.
4) Following Regulations: Some areas have policies about exiting driveways in an ahead course. A turntable ensures you observe these rules.
5) Potential Property Value Boost: Turntables may be visible as a completely unique and handy function, potentially increasing your property fee.
6) Security and Safety: Parked facing forward lets in for a faster getaway in case of emergencies and better visibility when pulling out.
7) Multi-reason Garage: With a turntable, you could use part of your storage for a garage or a workshop without demanding about how to get your vehicle out.
It’s essential to say that turntables might not be for every person. Rotating car turntable prices can be highly-priced to put in and won’t be realistic for all garage sizes and layouts.
Importance of Car Turntables for Online Car Sellers
Imagine driving your car back and forth repeatedly to get the perfect shots against the same background. The photoshoot would take hours, and if you’re unhappy with a few pictures, reshoots will take ages! A turntable would make things significantly easier and more efficient in such situations. This is a boon for online car sellers who want to create appealing & attractive Vehicle Display Pages for their online inventory. Additionally, physical car turntables make smart parking solutions that use less space and minimize risks to avoid reversing.
Turntables allow auto dealer photographers to easily capture a complete 360 car view, including the front, back, and sides. This gives potential buyers a 360 automotive walkaround experience, showcasing every detail of the vehicle without them needing to physically visit the dealership.
Also, a car picture booth turntable adds a creative backdrop for all your car visuals. It will help make your photographs look uniform, giving them a professional look. It helps automotive retailers take their online presence to a higher level and distinguish themselves from their competitors.
So, vehicle turntables act as a visual highlight, drawing in and engaging customers. The movement adds a dynamic element to the display, making it more likely that a customer will stop and take a closer look. They ensure faster and more efficient car photography, and they are also great for in-store car displays. Their correct use will help garner more leads for your automobile sales business.
How Does a Car Turntable Work?
Car turntables come in various forms and types. Some are for residential use while others are portable car turntables. However, the major function remains the same. This equipment works by rotating the automobile around a central axis.
The turntable consists of a platform on which the car is driven. Once parked, it can be activated to move clockwise or anticlockwise. Now, the platform needs power to rotate which can come from – electrical motors, hydraulic systems, or manual labor, depending on its make.
Let’s further understand this by looking into the working of two commonly used turntables:
- Driveway Turntable: These turntables are used in car parking to ensure safety and avoid collisions. It consists of a rotating platform on wheels and a stationary base. A motor is employed to rotate the platform. Friction is a major player here that drives the whole process.
- Car Display Turntable: The working of car display turntables is quite similar to that of driveway turntables. However, the rotations need more precision, thus, a pin gear comes in use. It has a series of interlocked gears to transmit torque and provide power for working. This ensures the movements have a high degree of accuracy. Making them smooth and reliable. Since these tables are often indoor they’re also space-saving and may come with remote controls.
Choosing a Car Turntable for Your Home: Key Factors
Car turntables provide an area-saving solution for residential garages, specifically for people with restricted maneuvering rooms. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations to make sure you pick out the appropriate turntable for your desires:
1) Vehicle Dimensions: The diameter of the turntable has to accommodate your vehicle effectively. Most automobile models require at the very least 4.5 meters (about 15 ft).
2) Available Space: Remember the aspect in the clearance needed for your car to enter and go out the turntable within your garage securely.
3) Operation: Manual turntables require physical effort to rotate the car, and motorized options offer far-flung-managed convenience. Consider your price range and frequency of use.
4) Installation: Above-ground turntables are extra straightforward to install but have a bigger footprint. Below-floor installations offer a sleeker aesthetic but necessitate expert help.
By carefully comparing these factors, you can pick an automobile turntable that optimizes your storage space and streamlines your parking enjoyment.
Factors for Selecting a Vehicle Turntable
With a wide range of outdoor car turntable prices in the market, there needs to be more clarity as to which is the most suitable and cheap car turntable for your purpose. Given below are some important factors to consider when selecting a vehicle driveaway turntable:
1. Capacity of the turntable
The first and most important factor when picking a turntable is its capacity. Every automobile has varied size, shape, and design. Thus, you will need a turntable with sufficient size and weight capacity. Considering the car display size and space at hand is also crucial.
Ideally, you can always pick a spin automotive turntable of 4.5 meters in diameter. However, in the case of car photography studios, a one-size-fits-all approach is required. So, you can go for larger sizes from 5 – 5.5 meters.
Finally, it is important to pay close attention to the automobile and turntable’s specifications to find the best fit.
2. The space availability
Your outdoor car turntable-buying decision should also factor in the space you have available in your studio (or garage, dealership). Here’s what you should consider:
a. Clearance Zone
The clearance zone is an additional space or meter on the radius of the turntable that facilitates rotation without collision. The clearance zone ensures that the car rotates efficiently. Hence, it would be best to consider a rotation zone of at least 6.5 meters (or more, depending on your requirements) for easy turning.
b. Anti-collision sensors
If the proper rotation zone is absent, anti-collision sensors would also work. If the automotive turntables are equipped with these sensors, they will prevent the car from colliding with surrounding elements if anything (or anyone) is in the way.
3. Accessibility of Area
While flat surfaces are ideal for turntables, installation on gradient or inclined surfaces is also possible. However in this case you must closely note all the specifications and find a turntable. Even in highly difficult access areas, finding a turntable is possible after thorough testing.
The key in such challenging conditions is to be precise and find tailored designs and engineering. A one-size-fits-all solution may not be the best approach here.
4. Power requirements
A car photo booth turntable requires adequate power to keep working efficiently and smoothly. In most cases, the power supply needed for a turntable to operate is 240 V/10 amp. Manually rotating turners do exist, and if you’re fine with a little manual labor, go for it!
5. After Sales Support
Alongside ensuring the sturdiness and compatibility of the turntable, it is also important to look into the service provisions. The company must not only be diligent but also reliable and supportive.
Thus, you must look into the warranty, quality assurance, and support reviews of the seller. This ensures you have the necessary solutions when needed and aren’t left stranded with incomplete installations, repair options, or warranty claims.
Some things to always check beforehand are:
- ISO or other industry standards fulfillment.
- Long-term durability in case of extreme weather or harsh elements.
- Warranty coverage for moving parts and structural warranty.
- Installation and repair support provision when needed.
- Track record with prior customers.
6. Safety Features
Other than anti-collision sensors, emergency stop buttons are a crucial safety feature of turntables. They’re specially designed to halt the rotation in case of mishaps.
The button must have high visibility with ease of use and a fail-safe mechanism. This ensures the operator is in full control and can intervene when needed.
7. Price
Lastly, you should consider a DIY car turntable cost check when investing in one. Set a budget and look for plenty of options, both in stores and online. You can also find a nice used car turntable for the garage at a fair price.
If you don’t like your options or if your budget doesn’t stretch too high, you can choose a DIY turntable option instead – just build your own!
Installation and Maintenance of Car Turntables
The durability of a turntable is highly dependent on its installation and maintenance. If maintained properly it will last for at least 30 years. However, even the smallest inconvenience can result in big losses. Here are the necessary requirements when installing turntables:
- Form a clean pit where the turntable will be placed and make sure it is leveled. The performance of the turntable majorly depends on the depth and precision of the surrounding floor.
- Place the turntable as close to the pit as possible. This saves time and strain for the crew.
- On installation day, have an electrician on site to connect the control boxes and motor. Also, run any tests and adjustments for smooth functioning.
- Install all components according to regulations and ensure appropriate outdoor use.
- Have permanent power for the operation of the turntable. Temporary power may not work due to the presence of VFD.
Once installed, turntables must be serviced every 3 – 6 months. Here is a quick checklist for maintenance:
- Clean the wheels and rails, there shouldn’t be any noise when running.
- Ensure the platform is flat.
- No vibration or noise should be emitted from the motor.
- The platform shouldn’t be loose or detached in any manner.
- In case of worn-out auxiliary wheels, replace them with new ones.
- Regularly inspect the control box for loose wiring or aging.
- Tighten bolts and screws when needed.
Car Turntable Applications
While car turntables beautify comfort for home garages, their applications enlarge far beyond personal use. Within the car enterprise, turntables play an essential role in various stages:
1) Assembly Lines: Turntables efficiently rotate vehicles during assembly, allowing workers easy access to different sides of the car for various tasks. This streamlines the production process and improves efficiency.
2) Showrooms & Exhibitions: Car dealerships and vehicle shows regularly make use of turntables to show off motors. Customers can effortlessly view an automobile from all angles without having to physically walk around it, improving the presentation and customer enjoyment.
3) Logistics & Transportation: Large-scale turntables facilitate the green loading and unloading of a couple of automobiles onto delivery carriers. Car turntable specifications can be beneficial for car manufacturers or logistics organizations coping with excessive volumes of automobiles.
4) Quality Control: Turntables are valuable all through excellent management processes. Technicians can effectively rotate automobiles to check out all areas very well, making sure a faultless very last product.
5) Commercial and retail spaces: 360-degree rotation shows every angle and feature of a car. This attracts potential customers and increases sales. Malls and shopping centers also use turntables to promote new cars.
6) Security and Surveillance: Security inspections need to search every nook and cranny of automobiles for proof. However, doing so manually is time-consuming and tiring. Turntables help achieve this in minutes with limited external support. Further escalating surveillance even in high-traffic areas.
7) Event Venues: Trade shows or promotional events need a dramatic element to bring in an audience. Portable car turntables help create this experience to not only attract attention but also display products.
- Parking Facilities: Parking areas need to accommodate dozens of automobiles. Employing turntables helps achieve this by maximizing space and allowing easy maneuvering. In turn, boosting efficiency and reducing the chances of accidents. Turntables also improve service speed and efficiency for valet parking facilities.
- Residential Properties: Residential homes use turntables to create efficient and convenient parking solutions. It provides assistance when parking in tight spaces and reversing into busy streets. Thus, preventing any emergencies or accidents.
In essence, vehicle turntables in the auto enterprise serve as an area-saving and time-saving solution, promoting efficient workflows and improved automobile presentation.
Garage Turntable Vs. Studio Turntable
Taking professional vehicle images calls for careful setup and the right gadget. While a turntable might appear like the answer, there is a world of difference between the sort you would possibly discover in your storage and the high-tech workhorses used in professional studios. Let’s delve into the important differences between garage turntables and studio turntables designed especially for vehicle photography.
| Features | Garage Turntable | Studio Turntable |
| Purpose | Parking and maneuvering vehicles | High-volume car photography |
| Typical User | Homeowner, car enthusiast | Automotive resellers, dealerships, manufacturers & more |
| Functionality | Rotates car 360 degrees | Rotates car 360 degrees with AI-powered automation |
| Software & Automation | None | Advanced automation for accuracy & efficiency |
| Typical Applications | Tight garage spaces, showcasing a car | High-output car photography workflows |
| Number of Cars Photographed | Low volume (personal use) | Multiple Images (Batch Processing) |
| Manufacturers | Automotive turntable manufacturer | Spyne AI-powered platform |
Virtual Turntable – Next-Gen Solution for Automotive Photography
While there are several advantages of turntables, like making 360-degree videos and car photography easier for online car sellers, finding and installing the perfect car rotating platform can be difficult and extremely expensive. Maintenance and user control expertise is an addition to the effort that goes into buying or car turntable rental one.
Additionally, most cars require a turntable with at least 4.5 diameter, which requires a clearance zone for the car being at least 6.5 meters in the radius. Moreover, automobile turntables also require constructing an elevated floor around the turntable for aesthetic appeal. As an online car dealership, would you invest your time, energy, and resources into sourcing a turntable that matches the diameter and space requirements? If it is for multiple car photo shoots, chances are it might empty your pockets and test your patience.
What if there was a way to avail all the benefits of a 360-car turntable but without the disadvantages? Yes, there is! Virtual turntables are significantly easier and more effective for car photography and videography.
A virtual vehicle turntable, as the name suggests, is a virtual platform that can be added to car images and 360-degree videos for a professional look. The shoot can be done in a dealership lot or any other location. The virtual turntable can be added later digitally, along with a Virtual Car Studio background, life-like shadows and reflections on the floor, etc.
Spyne’s AI Car Turntable VS Physical Car Turntables
Spyne offers a virtual car turntable that significantly differs in cost and functionality compared to traditional physical car turntables. Here’s a detailed overview for you to help make a wise decision:
| Aspect | Spyne’s Virtual Car Turntable | Physical Car Turntables |
| Cost | Free to use, with additional costs for premium features | Ranges from $16,000 to $30,000 depending on size and features |
| Setup | No physical setup required | Requires physical assembly, including motors and bearings |
| Maintenance | No maintenance needed | Regular maintenance is required to ensure smooth operation |
| Guided Photography | Includes guided photography to capture high-quality images | Not applicable |
| Automatic Image Editing | Automatically enhances photos by removing backgrounds and adjusting shadows | Not applicable |
| 360° Virtual Tours | Provides 360° virtual tours, allowing potential buyers to view vehicles from all angles | Limited to physical rotation, no virtual viewing capability |
| Customization Options | Offers customizable virtual backgrounds, shadow adjustments, and branding options | Limited customization, mainly in terms of physical design and branding |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible with instant updates and changes possible | Limited flexibility, changes require physical modifications |
| User Experience | Interactive and user-friendly, enhancing online vehicle browsing | Traditional physical experience, less interactive |
How to Use Spyne’s Virtual Car Turntable?
Spyne’s AI-powered photoshoot and photo editing platform makes shooting 360-degree car images a hassle-free experience. It gives you two rotating car view options – an outdoor shoot or an indoor car photography car turntable. The indoor 360 spin option consists of a car placed in a virtual studio on a rotating virtual turntable. The outdoor shoot option, on the other hand, comprises a fully digital, immersive, VR environment that rotates alongside the vehicle.
With an AI car on a turntable, you don’t need an actual turntable or set up a real photoshoot studio. All you need is a smartphone with our AI-powered app!
It assists you in creating interactive 360 videos that are fully controllable by the viewer. This gives the viewer a feeling like they are physically inspecting the car in a digital setting.
Here’s how you can shoot 360-degree car images:
Download the AI app
1) Our AI self-serve photography app is available for Android and Apple smartphones.
Choose the relevant category and sub-category
1) Open the AI Image editing app and select ‘Automobile’ in the category label.
2) Choose the correct body style of the car, such as; SUV, sedan, hatchback, etc.
Photoshoot using guided overlays
1) As per the car’s body style selected, It offers overlay sketches on the screen for reference.
2) Just line up the car as directed in the overlay and click the picture.
3) If there are any inconsistencies with what you’ve clicked, the app will suggest a reshoot.
Wait for an AI-powered Photo Editor to Edit the Images
The images of the car clicked are edited by Spyne’s sophisticated AI. This includes background removal and replacement and stitching together images for an interactive 360-degree view.
Note: In 360 spin car photography, you can choose to forgo background removal and replacement if you desire or if you’re limited by budget.
Spyne Automated Car Studio
Spyne provides the best car turntable platform that uses artificial intelligence to automate various aspects of car photography, making it easier and more efficient for dealerships and businesses to showcase their vehicles online. It offers several features, including:
1) Guided car photography app: This app helps users capture high-quality photos of their cars by providing instructions on angles, distance, and lighting.
2) Automatic image editing: The AI technology automatically cleans up and enhances photos, removing backgrounds, adjusting shadows, and ensuring consistent branding.
3) 360° virtual tours: Create interactive tours of vehicles, allowing potential buyers to inspect them from all angles.
4) Virtual backgrounds: Showcase cars in different settings without the need for a physical studio.
5) Virtual model car turntable: The platform offers a virtual car turntable feature, enabling users to display vehicles dynamically and engagingly.
Overall, Spyne Automated Car Studio revolutionizes the way vehicles are showcased online, offering a comprehensive solution that combines advanced AI technology with user-friendly tools to enhance the car photography and marketing process.
Conclusion
Car turntables are innovative solutions that allow 360-degree rotation of automobiles for various purposes. Be it for a car photography studio, parking facilities, or residential spaces, this equipment is highly useful. Portable car turntables are also easy to set up when and where required. However, the high car turntables cost and maintenance needs make it inaccessible for many.
This is where Spyne comes in. We provide a virtual car revolving turntable that not only saves time but also money and effort. Our photo studio creates a 360-degree showroom experience with the benefits of automated editing providing high-quality innovative visuals. Try this out now for free!
