What is Truck and Trailer Alignment?

Alignment refers to the adjustment of the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other. This is accomplished by adjusting the camber, caster, and toe angles of the wheels.
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Camber refers to the angle of the wheel in relation to the vertical plane. If the wheel is tilted outward at the top, it has positive camber. If it is tilted inward, it has negative camber.
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Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis in relation to the vertical plane. If the steering axis is tilted forward, the caster is positive. If it is tilted backward, it is negative.
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Toe refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. If the wheels are pointing toward each other, the toe is said to be "toe-in." If they are pointing away from each other, the toe is said to be "toe-out."

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Why is Alignment Important for Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks and Trailers?

Proper alignment is essential for the safe operation of heavy-duty diesel trucks and trailers. These vehicles carry heavy loads and travel at high speeds, making it crucial that the wheels are properly aligned to reduce wear and tear on the tires and improve fuel efficiency.
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Alignment also plays a critical role in the handling and stability of the vehicle. An out-of-alignment vehicle can pull to one side or the other, making it difficult to control and potentially causing an accident. Additionally, an out-of-alignment vehicle will wear its tires unevenly, which can lead to decreased fuel economy and increased wear and tear on the vehicle.

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How is Alignment Done at Inland Truck Repair?

At Inland Truck Repair, we use state-of-the-art alignment equipment to ensure that your vehicle's wheels are properly aligned. Our technicians will first conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle to identify any issues that may be affecting the alignment. This includes checking the tires, suspension, and steering components for wear and damage.
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Once the inspection is complete, the technician will use our alignment equipment to make the necessary adjustments to the camber, caster, and toe angles of the wheels. This equipment uses lasers and cameras to measure the angles of the wheels, allowing for precise adjustments to be made.
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After the alignment is completed, a test drive is conducted to ensure that the vehicle is operating correctly and that the alignment is correct. Our technicians will also provide the customer with a detailed report of the alignment, including the before and after measurements.
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It's important to note that alignment should be checked at regular intervals, usually around every 10,000 miles, depending on the type of usage and road conditions. Not only it helps to maintain safety and efficiency of the vehicle, but it also helps to extend the life of the tires and other components.