The importance of wheel alignment

We spoke to Lasalign’s Director, Guy Glascodine, and Duncan Curtlin, Dennis Eagle’s Product Compliance Manager, to find out how Dennis Eagle customers can enjoy the benefits of regular wheel alignment.

Market leaders

Lasalign is an integral part of the single-line process at Dennis Eagle’s Warwick headquarters, carrying out wheel alignment and steering calibration.

“For over 25 years we have aligned the wheels of every truck Dennis Eagle has built in the UK before it leaves the factory,” says Guy. “We also do work for them in the US on the ProView, as well as the chassis that go to Australia.”

In addition to working at the Warwick factory, Lasalign is part of Dennis Eagle’s service network. “We ensure Lasalign has up-to-date calibration software, hardware, and training on our products,” says Duncan. “This gives us the confidence to know that every vehicle they align and calibrate for our customers is set up correctly.”

Saving costs

So, why is it important to maintain wheel alignment best practices?

“The nature of a refuse truck’s operation means it has a very hard life, particularly on its tyres,” says Guy. “A refuse truck also has a higher fuel consumption than, for example, a distribution truck because it’s constantly manoeuvring, and a lot of the time, it sits with the engine running while powering the handling and lifting mechanism.”

However, correct wheel alignment and calibration will optimise the vehicle’s manoeuvrability, handling, and stability. It will prolong the service life of steering and suspension components from premature wear, helping to reduce costs, minimise downtime, and provide a more comfortable and safer driving experience.

Improving the vehicle’s efficiency also has the critical knock-on effect of reducing carbon emissions, helping to comply with government legislation.

Regular alignment

Guy says it’s not uncommon for Lasalign to attend a vehicle that hasn’t been realigned following the replacement of steering and suspension components due to wear and tear.

Other customers have seen the benefits of regular alignment, however. “The Nottinghamshire consortium, for example, has set up an annual realignment programme with us ahead of every MOT for every vehicle on its fleet over five years,” says Guy.

Dennis Eagle recommends operators consider this intervention as part of continuous efficiency improvements and actively authorise and promote Lasalign services through its service network.