What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment?

Published on: 06 September 2019 Last Updated on: 04 November 2024

Heavy duty truck is precision instruments. They need to be consistent and reliable because hauling dense material can be dangerous if not done correctly.

To keep the precision of these trucks, maintenance is of the utmost priority. Cutting corners on maintenance can result in catastrophic failure and may even result in injury.

One of the most crucial maintenance tools for heavy-duty trucks is the alignment equipment. These work like the standard alignment equipment for cars only on the heavier side.

Having aligned wheels helps lessen tire to road resistance. It also helps keep the back axles in tandem with the front. This provides more stability and safety for the truck.

Adequately aligned wheels have benefits, including speed, fuel efficiency, road stability, and performance.

This is why you should have the right tool when investing in heavy duty truck alignment equipment.

Here’s a short checklist of what you should be looking for when searching the market for this critical maintenance tool.

What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment:

Quick and Consistent:

Time is of the essence in the trucking industry. You should look for a maintenance tool that can do the job in a short period of the day.

Truck companies can invest in this equipment to make sure their fleet is ready for any hauling needs in any season. Business people can also invest in truck alignment equipment so that they can help maintain private truck owners.

No Roll No Push Feature:

Older alignment equipment required a dangerous roll and push maneuver to align truck wheels.

Technology has allowed for safer and more accurate measurement and alignment of trucks.

This should be one of the foremost things to look for when considering an alignment tool.

Pinpoint Accuracy:

The alignment is not for show. It is an essential factor in ensuring safe driving and transport of materials from location to location.

Test the alignment equipment a few more times and see if the accuracy is always the same for every test done. Consistency is an indication that you have a piece of proper heavy-duty truck alignment equipment.

This will ensure the owner and the truck operator that they can rely on the vehicle to work well even in long distances.

Easy Operation:

Even though precision is key to having a useful alignment tool, you should still look for one that is easy to operate. With the many technologies available, high precision can be achieved in a simple operation. There is alignment equipment you can operate with a smartphone.

Durability:

Since you will be dealing with heavy duty truck, it should be able to withstand heavy loads day in and day out. It should be able to last for decades. Make sure to pick one that will endure the test and abuse of time.

Investing in maintenance equipment should be a top priority. But you should also look into what these tools can benefit you for a long time.

Find the one that is both feature-packed and functional. Don’t compromise on this equipment. Ensure that this equipment will stand the test of time, weight, and even abuse from heavy duty trucks.

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Get to Know Interstate and Intrastate Heavy Haul Transport

Heavy haul fleets offer interstate and intrastate transport choices, and both cover different regulations and protocols. Interstate hauling refers to the trucks that cross state lines in delivering cargo. Intrastate, meanwhile, means the fleet operates locally. Its permit and operational limitations don’t allow it to cross state lines. They also differ in terms of regulations they have to comply with. Regulations Covering Interstate Heavy Haul Fleet: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the primary agency that oversees and monitors interstate heavy hauling fleets. Trucking companies need to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Material Regulations. Of course, each state has its regulations, fees, and permits covering cargo trucks that pass its borders. Regulations Covering Intrastate Heavy Haul Fleet: For intrastate operations, the state has the primary responsibility to ensure that the fleet is following all rules and regulations governing transport. Typically, the rules and regulations are the same as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. But some states, due to the products they move, have stricter quarantine regulations. They also have different rules on the number of hours a truck driver needs to be on the road, the health qualifications, and age limits. What is a DOT number? The Department of Transportation, where the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is attached, assigns different numbers to heavy haul trucks. For instance, there’s a particular number if the truck is transporting hazardous material across state lines. The same goes for the weight of the cargo or if the truck is carrying 9-15 people. For intrastate trucking operations, the regulations vary. Some states don’t require a DOT number and some do. The DOT number should not be confused with the DOT certification. If the fleet is DOT certified, it simply means that the truck driver possesses the competence, skills, and knowledge to drive such a big vehicle across the country. Truckers can’t secure a commercial driver’s license without this DOT certification, and they have to renew their permit every two years. State authorities always check the DOT certification when they flag down delivery trucks and heavy haul fleet. Fees: In terms of fees, it stands to reason that when the fleet routinely crosses state lines, it is subject to much higher fees. To illustrate, their insurance coverage is higher because they are exposed to more risks. The longer the truck driver is on the road, the higher the risks he would be exposed to. Each state also has its fees, surcharges, and levies. For intrastate cargo, the fees, license plate, and insurance coverage are lower. Again, each state has its own rules covering fees, so for the most part, the trucking company only has to worry about those. These regulations are necessary considering that the trucks remain the primary mode of transport for cargo across the US. For example, statistics show that trucks carry 80% of the total cargo that’s shipped around the country. The industry is also worth $726 billion every year. Read Also: Why Times Are Tough For Truckers And Why It Concerns You How Servicing For Your Commercial Boiler Works: A Step-By-Step Guide To The Process

Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car

If you've owned a car for many years, you've probably encountered a flashing check engine light at least once. If you haven't, then you should know that this light indicates trouble. It signifies that there is a problem somewhere in the car. The trouble is, you don't know exactly where it is, and with all the technology people have in their cars nowadays, it's even more challenging to figure out. Thankfully, code readers were invented. A code reader is a portable tool that you can plug into a vehicle, and it shows you precisely what area needs fixing. Sounds incredible, right? Here are more reasons why you should have a code reader in your car. Helps You Save Money: Getting your car into a shop costs money and face it, not all mechanics are honest. Having access to an onboard diagnostic 2 (OBD2) tool like a code reader can be handy when you're experiencing troubles with your car. More modern cars have what they call OBD2 ports wherein you can plug your diagnostic devices. This port is found just below the dashboard on the driver's side. Plugin your code reader into the port and refer to your obd2 scanner guide to check what the light means. Take, for example, when your gas cap is loose or missing, the check engine light will start to blink. Taking it to a mechanic will cost a few hundred dollars, but with a code reader, you know exactly what you need to do. If it's loose, you can tighten it. If it's missing, it's still a few dollars less than a visit to a mechanic. Prevents Problem During Cold Weathers: During extreme cold weathers, your car can experience several problems. You've probably experienced sitting several minutes on your driveway waiting for your car to heat up only to find out there's a problem and you're stuck in freezing weather. Here are several things that can happen to your vehicle during cold weathers: Your car fluids such as your oil, transmission fluid, and even brake fluid can thicken which will make it difficult for your car to run. Your car battery could fail you during cold weathers because it's going to exert more effort in starting your car. Be sure to check the health of your car battery even before winter season arrives. The tire pressure can be significantly affected in freezing temperatures. Fluctuating tire pressures can result in uneven wear and tear of your tire and worst cases, a tire blow out. Your spark plug becomes unreliable and starting your car can become difficult. With a code reader handy, you will easily be able to know what's wrong with your car even during extreme weather conditions. Knowing what needs to be repaired helps you keep your vehicle running safely. They're Portable: More than being able to save money on repair costs and expensive auto-mechanic fees, a code reader is a portable device that can help ease your mind. This is especially true when you frequently use your car on road trips or vacations. For example, if you have a recreational vehicle that your family uses a couple of times a year, you would want to have a code reader with you during the trip just in case something happens. If a problem is fixable, you can do it on your own and avoid a costly detour to the mechanic. Moreover, people who like to drive cars are usually keen on taking care of their own vehicles. It gives them that sense of pride when they can fix the problem with their own hands. More importantly, code readers are compatible across many types of vehicle, which means you can buy a single tool for all of your cars. Keeps You Safe: You don’t want to be going on a vacation with your family in the car while the check engine light is on, but you also don’t want to be ruining a perfect vacation by immediately taking it to the mechanic. Having a code scanner in your car will help give you a more reasonable explanation as to what the problem might be. Driving your car without knowing the severity of the problem can cause accidents Conclusion: A code reader isn't just a reasonable investment. It's a device that can help bring you peace of mind while on the road and will help you save tons of money on repairs and maintenance. What most car owners don't realize is that some car problems could have been prevented if they were able to spot it immediately. Now, with a code reader finding the problem before it becomes a nuisance is made easier. Read Also: 10 Reasons To Purchase A Used Car How Car Detailing Can Keep Your Vehicle In Top Shape

Important Terminology In Filing For A Car Accident Claim

In a different post, we’ve mentioned steps you can take in filing for a car accident claim. But in addition to knowing what guidelines to follow during the process, it is vital that you understand legal terms frequently used in claim-filing. Legal matters related to car accidents and filing an accident claim is a rigorous process. Even with legal assistance by your side, you’ll need to know which term means what. In this article, we have listed the most important legal terms you must be familiar with when filing for a car accident claim. From your Kansas City car accident attorney to you, below is terminology you will encounter as you file for, investigate, evaluate, and submit your car accident claim. Car Accident Claim-Filing Terms And Definitions- When filing for a car accident claim, it’s important to check the insurance you already have. However, there are some legal terms and insurance terms you must be familiar with to get through the process easily. 1. Burden Of Proof: “Burden of proof” is the term used to describe the actual task and act of proving yourself innocent in an accident claim. And proving damages wrought and injuries incurred which you believe (and calculate) worthy of the value you specify in your claim. You, being the plaintiff (the person who is stepping forward to present the claim), have the burden of proof as you “prove” to the courts or the party of the defendant your right to said claim. 2. Liability: “Liability” refers to one’s “debt” or “responsibility” in coming up with recompense for the car accident and for causing the car accident in the first place. The party that is liable for the car accident claim is also called the “defendant,” “accused,” “appellant,” and “respondent.” Other categories of crime use the term “suspect” as well. Besides pointing out who the liable persons are in a car accident, this can be established and legally determined through pieces of evidence in the accident scene, police reports and related documentation, vehicular damages, injuries, statements from bystanders and witnesses, traffic violations (via recorded evidence), etc. 3. Claim: A legal claim is a request a person can make for court review, wherein you state evidence-supported reasons at the outset for why the claim is being presented. Technically speaking, a claim falls outside the bounds of a “legal case” and will transition into it only if the claim is denied and/or a settlement is not concluded. 4. Settlement: In law, a settlement is a conclusion, the coming-to-terms, or the agreement of litigants regarding the particulars mentioned in your claim. Reaching a settlement means that the defendant is amenable to it and is willing to provide compensation for the car accident, with the exact value specified in the same claim. When a settlement is reached, you will not have to escalate the claim into a court case. Also, reaching a settlement should be the goal of your claim submission. 5. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Some states in the U.S., Missouri included, require that drivers sign up for UIM or Uninsured Motorist Coverage. A UIM is a kind of insurance that protects drivers in the event that the perpetrator of the accident does not have any insurance coverage. Losses, or portions of it, can be covered by the UIM. The amount in a UIM will depend on your policy’s terms and limits. 6. Actual Cash Value: This is a phrase used to define what the damaged automobile’s market value is. Think of it as what the value or “price” your car would have borne right before the accident took place. 7. Negligence When filing for a car accident claim, it’s important to know about different terms. Negligence is one of them. This term is used when a car accident is caused by the actions or inactions of a driver. Their lack of care can cause harm to another person, making them liable for the damage done. However, to win this lawsuit, the victim has to prove that the driver was negligent. 8. Tort: Tort suggests a wrongful act committed to a person which leads to an injury. This prompts an injured person to damage another person. This makes the injured file for a lawsuit for a remedy in the Civil Court. Someone with tort insurance can sue a person who was responsible for the accident. 9. Adjuster: An adjuster is a professional who works for the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement between the policyholder and the company. They work to reach a mutually beneficial compensation for the loss or damage done due to the accident. They make a proper assessment of the claim and talk to the claimant and other witnesses. The adjuster also has to witness the property in question. It’s also their responsibility to review the relevant documents. 10. First Notification of Loss (FNOL): Here’s the initial notice provided to the insurer by the people holding a policy when the insured faces an unfortunate accident. One can see it as the first important step for filing a claim under the car insurance policy. This application is filed when your insurer gets the first notice of you filing for the damage, loss, or theft. 11. Third-Party Liability Cover: Third-party liability insurance is a type of policy covering a person against any legal liabilities they incur due to accidents. The coverage under this liability insurance is provided when the person under insurance causes harm to another third party. 12. Comprehensive Policy: Here is another insurance-related term one should know to cover themselves from vehicle accidents. This insurance coverage provides all-round protection from uncertainties and risks associated with accidents. It can be due to damage to your vehicle, unforeseen disaster, theft, etc. Conclusion When dealing with car insurance claims, you mustn’t forget all the different terms we have mentioned in this article. While most of them are related to legal matters, some terms are also related to insurance policies and companies. Did you find this article helpful? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Thank you for reading. Read Also: 5 Things To Do Immediately After You Get Into A Car Accident 7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes Car Insurance: What You Need To Know Before Taking The One! Used car: simple steps for buying from a reliable cars dealership

What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment?