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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Signs Of A Bad Transmission Valve Body And How To Fix It

For vehicles with an automatic transmission, you want to ensure the valve body will work, especially since this important equipment serves as the main control center of the vehicle. The process works by directing the pressurized transmission fluid to a network of valves that will assemble the right clutch packs. The valves will then draw on the pressure from the various hydraulic signals to determine the gear set to use. When it stops working, there can be some issues with your vehicle. Modern automatic transmission valve bodies will come with their own sensors. This helps to measure the different aspects of the transmission, including the engine load, throttle position, pedal position, brakes, and speed. It will then send this information to the onboard engine management computer, which helps the rest of the vehicle perform properly and alerts you when there is a significant problem with the transmission. It is essential to know the signs that your transmission is going bad. Recognizing some of the main signs of a bad transmission allows you to get it to a mechanic to fix it long before you are stuck on the side of the road. With the proper fix, your vehicle will shift gears, which can lead to a stall-out when on the road. What Are The Signs Of A Bad Transmission? The first items to explore are common indicators that your transmission is not working correctly for you. These signs are often noticeable, even if you do not realize that the transmission is the main problem that is causing them. Some of the common signs of a bad transmission include: You hear banging or knocking noises in the vehicle, especially when applying pressure to the brakes. The car slows down when you put it into reverse or try to drive backward. The shifting stick will often slip when you try to change the gears. When you downshift the vehicle, you may notice that the transition is not smooth. You face problems when it is time to change the gears to drive or go in reverse. The vehicle's transmission tends to get stuck when you put it into neutral. When you notice any of the signs above, getting the transmission checked out immediately is important. Ignoring the problem can make it worse and result in an expensive vehicle repair. Diagnosing And Replacing Your Transmission When you notice some of the signs above, it is time to look at diagnosing the problem and then getting the transmission replaced as soon as possible. Your local automotive mechanic will have the necessary diagnostic tools to check whether the transmission is the problem. You can take it to the body shop and have them run a test to see whether the transmission is the issue or not. They can also see whether it is an electronic or a mechanical failure and provide the right solution for your vehicle. The average cost for a transmission valve body piece is between $200 to $1000, depending on the type of vehicle. This can make the total cost of valve body work to range from $400 to $1500 for most vehicles. You will need to add in the labor cost of having the mechanic do the work, which can range from two to four hours, depending on their tools and experience. While this is an expensive vehicle component, keeping you safe is worth the investment. While it is possible to do the work on your transmission by yourself, this can take time, and many car owners worry they need to gain the skills to get it done. Working with a certified mechanic may be expensive. Still, it can help complete the work quickly and prevent further vehicle problems. How To Replace The Transmission? A few steps are necessary to help replace the transmission and ensure it continues working well in your vehicle afterward. The steps include: The vehicle is raised up and supported well. After you have positioned the jack stands to ensure proper safety and support, lower them so the vehicle rests securely. Remove the vacuum hose leading from the intake manifold to the transmission modulator valve. Pull the hose off here and check whether any transmission fluid is inside. If you find some in there, this is a significant indication that the manifold is defective. Remove your modulator valve. You can do this by carefully removing the bolts from the bracket that is holding them into place. Install the new transmission modulator valve. You can do this by placing the actuating rod into the hole of your new valve. Then take your time to insert the valve into the receptacle hole too. Reinstall the bracket on the modulator, taking the time to secure it with bolts. Reconnect your vacuum hose to the transmission modulator valve and the intake manifold. When you feel confident that everything is in the right place, remove the jack stands -- you are free to once more enjoy your vehicle. Replacing this part can help ensure the transmission is in good working order, and you will have no further problems. If you do not feel comfortable doing the work on your own, you can take it to an auto body shop, and they can help you replace your transmission too. The Bottom Line Your transmission is responsible for many functions within the vehicle. When it works well, you can enjoy a smooth ride that will take you anywhere. But when something is wrong with the transmission, you need to fix it immediately. The cost of fixing this issue will depend on the cost of the broken part and how much the mechanic you choose will require as a labor fee to get the work done. Getting the transmission fixed quickly will help your car last longer and can stop some of the harmful side effects of driving with a faulty transmission. Whether you do it yourself or trust the professionals, fixing the transmission can extend the life of your vehicle. Read Also: Useful Tips About Mobile Car Detailing To Avoid Any Costly Maintenance And Repair Issues Car won't Start After Getting Gas – How To Fix This Problem? What Do You Need To Change Car Rims?

Rochester Buick GMC Buying Tips When Wanting A New Car

Buying a new car is a huge investment. Don’t make a haphazard decision just because of you’re frequently encountering good car deals in public places and media such as the internet and television. You have to think of a lot of things first before purchasing one. Buick is an American company under the General Motors group. They are famous for selling luxury cars and most of their clients are the wealthier ones. Their main market is Chinese, but they also have units all around the globe. GMC, on the other hand, is also a company under General Motors that mainly focuses on trucks and utility vehicles. Here are some tips when buying a Buick or GMC in Rochester: 1. Research and read a lot: You might already have a Buick or GMC car unit in mind, but you have to do extensive research if it’s worth to buy that one or you should check out other options. Gather all information—price, specifications, features, performance, etc., and decide if it will be a worthy investment. It’s likely that there will be lots of reviews online from different people who have experience with a particular model. If there are more negative reviews in the car of your choice, you might want to look for other alternatives. 2. Look around: Car dealing companies offer different packages and rates. Before deciding which Buick or GMC model to buy and where it’s better to explore your options. You might be surprised that this particular dealer has an excellent offer for the car model you like, but the other dealer still has its regular price. Click here to start looking for and comparing units. Comparing dealers and models can also give you savings when buying a car. 3. Know your priority: When buying a car, you have to know the main priority why are you purchasing a new one. For example, if your reason to buy a new car is that your family is getting big and there’s not enough room for all of you, you have to stick to the idea that you have to get a bigger car—probably a Buick Enclave Avenir SUV or GMC Terrain. Don’t get swayed with deals once you visit a car dealer office. Your priority should determine the choice of car you’ll be buying. You don’t want to end up buying a different Buick that doesn’t fit your purpose just because it’s on sale or it comes with a good deal. 4. Stick to your budget: You have to be financially ready before deciding to buy a new car. Wise car buyers usually set a maximum budget when they plan to purchase a new one and don’t go overboard. Buy a model based on its functionality and not by its appeal. The budget you need to set when you have plans of buying a Buick or GMC should be dependent on the model, transmission, its purpose, and other features. Again, don’t be swayed by other car deals when you go car shopping, especially if there’s a higher chance of going beyond your budget limit. 5. Explore your payment options: One reason why buying a car is a huge decision is because you’ll get tied for quite sometime paying for it. Unless you are buying it in cash or a straight payment, you need to think about the payment options available for car financing. Usually, you only need to secure a down payment for you to be able to purchase a new one. The remaining balance is usually coursed through financing options. You can decide to avail a car loan from a bank or a credit union. Your choice should depend on the maximum loanable amount and interest rates. Usually, a credit union is a better choice since it offers lower interest rates in loans. Also, you have to make sure that you have the capability of paying regularly. You don’t want to end up losing your investment because you’re unable to fulfill your monthly dues. 6. Get insurance: The comprehensive package that goes with your brand-new Buick or GMC should be maintained. Getting insurance for your vehicle will give you security for your investment. Since accidents can happen anytime, it’s better to keep your car insured. Especially since natural calamities are harsh and unpredictable, keeping your comprehensive package will save your investment. 7. Consider other expenses and maintenance fees: There are a lot of expenses associated with the purchase of a new car. Aside from the retail price of the vehicle, you have to allocate additional costs for tires, tune-ups, change oils, and preventive maintenance. You should not neglect these things because these are important to maintain your car in good condition and to get the most out of your money. You also need to think of payments for your insurance and annual registration. Final Thoughts: Buying a car is a huge decision. There are a lot of considerations to think about before signing a deal. Make sure to stick to your budget and priority. Also, you can get the best value for your money by considering insurance and maintenance costs to keep your Buick or GMC in good condition so you can use it longer. Read Also: Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained Why You Need Classic Car Insurance? Invest In A New Car, Without A Financial Liability

Helpful Tips to Prevent the Formation of Potholes

A large number of public roadways, parking lots, and even privately owned driveways need pothole repair. What many people don’t realize is that there are steps they can take to prevent the formation or worsening of potholes; regardless of where they develop. Understanding How Potholes Develop Before diving into how to prevent potholes, it’s a good idea to get to know how they form. Similar to cracks in your walls, potholes usually begin as a blemish or crack on the surface of the road. This is a clear indication of wear and tear. Understanding how they form gives a baseline to know how to prevent them. Some of the most common methods used for preventing potholes are found here. Plastic Roads A few years ago, Popular Mechanics released an article describing “the future of roads.” This article outlined how using large, hollow, plastic blocks to create the road network would minimize the dips made in the ground. The particular design mentioned also featured a hollow cavity inside of the road slabs for the wiring and pipe. Because of the durability and strength of this material, the surface of the road or driveway is much less likely to develop potholes. A plastic road aims to make any repairs needed faster and easier. Also, the damaged areas can be replaced by adding a new “slab” of road. Even though no prototypes have been tested yet, it’s assumed the work needed to maintain these types of roads would be much easier and less involved than with asphalt roads. Crack Infill As previously mentioned, the majority of potholes start with a small crack in the surface of the road or driveway. If this issue is repaired quickly, the likelihood of a pothole being created is reduced significantly. To prevent potholes, it’s essential that no water can get in through the cracks in the road. Crack infill fills in these cracks, preventing water ingress. Fog Seals Another way to prevent potholes is to apply a light, slow-setting, diluted asphalt emulsion to the surface of the asphalt. This layer of protection helps to prevent water intrusion, slow down the deterioration of the pavement, and improve aggregate retention. Chip Seals This is another type of thin surface treatment. It combines the use of one or several layers of asphalt with several more layers of fine aggregate. When applied, chip seals can help to prevent water intrusion, fill and seal distress in the pavement, and minimize reflective cracking. Micro Surfacing With micro surfacing, a thin surface treatment is applied, which includes a layer of finely crushed stone and asphalt emulsion. When applied properly, micro surfacing helps to prevent water intrusion and correct minor cases of rutting. It has the added benefit of fast set and cure times compared to other prevention methods. Preventing Potholes Before They Form The best way to prevent vehicle damage due to potholes is by taking notice of a problem and addressing it promptly. Failure to do this can result in serious potholes and, in extreme cases, the need to replace the entire paved surface. Make sure to take action as soon as a problem is seen. This is going to prevent a small crack, divot, or rut from becoming a severe and damage-causing problem that is only going to cost more to repair in the long-run. Read Also: 10 Fabulous Ways To Update Your Home Interior Using Wallpaper Find The Right Painters For Your Ann Arbor Home This Painting Season Important Things To Know Before Starting A Home Improvement Project

What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment?