TyreWatch, the smart technology tyre monitoring experts, are using the latest JOSAM Cam-aligner wheel alignment system to diagnose and correct misaligned vehicles which, the company says, represents 33% of the UK logistics industry.
Supplied by JOSAM’s UK distributor Automotive Equipment Solutions UK (AES UK) the JOSAM Cam -aligner is a compact, mobile system which uses patented camera technology together with the ‘centreline principle’ to determine the position of axles and individual wheels in relation to the square of the vehicle.
TyreWatch Field Service Technician, Gary Jerrim, explains: “This system lines up to the whole vehicle frame and with just a half turn of the wheel, all readings are sent to the laptop, including steering box, camber, out-of-square and toe, to allow instant diagnosis and subsequent adjustment where possible. Less advanced wheel alignment systems typically just check from the drive axle or hang off the wheel itself but because many of these can be out of alignment, or in the case of wheels (damaged), it’s impossible to get accurate readings and complete alignment of all the vehicle’s independent working parts.”
According to TyreWatch, just one degree out of alignment between the wheels and/or the vehicle centre will cause a 10% deficiency in tyre wear, resulting in a reduction in fuel consumption, additional engine strain and potential blow-outs from overheating.
Also, says Gary, the ongoing mechanical stress caused to the drive axles and steering system will compromise the vehicle’s performance, while from an environmental standpoint, continual tyre abrasion greatly contributes to air pollution as micro particulates are dispersed into the atmosphere.
To guard against unnecessary cost, safety issues and harmful emissions, TyreWatch use their unique smart-connected technology, harnessing real-time telematics communication, to monitor special wheel-mounted sensors and download all relevant data concerning the status of each tyre.
From this information any cases of excessive wear are automatically identified and relayed to the vehicle operator, who can then take the necessary steps to diagnose alignment issues and adjust as necessary.
“This is where the Cam-aligner comes in – sort of full circle,” adds Gary Jerrim, “the added advantage is that owing to the lightweight mobility of the system, we can go straight to the vehicle to carry out all requisite checks and corrections and the operator saves on the downtime and cost of having to send the vehicle back to the dealer.” In this regard, Gary points out that the system is approved by OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz Truck, Bus & Van, Scania, Volvo and Renault Truck and Van.
