Alignment turn plates are an essential tool used in the automotive industry to measure and adjust the alignment of vehicles. They are a set of plates that are placed on the ground and can be rotated freely. The wheels of the vehicle are driven onto the plates, and the technician can then turn the plates to measure the alignment angles of the wheels. Alignment turn plates offer many benefits, including improved handling, better fuel economy, and increased safety on the road. In this article, we will discuss alignment turn plates in detail and explain their benefits.
Alignment Turn Plates Explained
Alignment turn plates are usually made from durable materials such as steel, aluminum, or plastic, and they come in different sizes to accommodate different vehicle types. They are designed to be used with a computerized wheel alignment system that measures the angles of the wheels and provides the technician with the necessary data to adjust the alignment angles.
When the vehicle is driven onto the turn plates, the technician can then use the computerized wheel alignment system to measure the camber, caster, and toe angles of each wheel. Camber refers to the angle of the wheel relative to the vertical axis, caster refers to the angle of the steering axis, and toe refers to the angle between the wheels and the centerline of the vehicle. These measurements are crucial because they affect the handling and safety of the vehicle on the road.
Benefits of Alignment Turn Plates
Improved Handling
Alignment turn plates are essential in improving the handling of a vehicle. When a vehicle’s wheels are not properly aligned, it can lead to poor handling, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. With alignment turn plates, the technician can accurately measure the alignment angles of the wheels and adjust them to the manufacturer’s specifications, resulting in improved handling and better control of the vehicle.
Better Fuel Economy
Another benefit of alignment turn plates is that they can improve fuel economy. When a vehicle’s wheels are not properly aligned, it can cause unnecessary drag, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency. By using alignment turn plates to measure and adjust the alignment angles, the technician can minimize the drag on the wheels, resulting in better fuel economy.
Increased Safety
Alignment turn plates also play a crucial role in increasing safety on the road. When a vehicle’s wheels are not aligned correctly, it can cause uneven tire wear, which can lead to tire failure and potentially dangerous situations on the road. With alignment turn plates, the technician can ensure that the wheels are aligned correctly, resulting in even tire wear and increased safety on the road.
Extended Tire Life
Proper wheel alignment can also extend the life of the tires. When the wheels are not aligned correctly, it can cause uneven tire wear, which can result in the need for premature tire replacement. By using alignment turn plates to measure and adjust the alignment angles, the technician can ensure even tire wear, resulting in extended tire life and cost savings for the vehicle owner.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Using alignment turn plates can also reduce maintenance costs for vehicle owners. When a vehicle’s wheels are not aligned correctly, it can cause other parts of the suspension system to wear out faster, resulting in the need for expensive repairs. With alignment turn plates, the technician can ensure that the wheels are aligned correctly, reducing the strain on other suspension components and minimizing the need for expensive repairs.
Conclusion
Alignment turn plates are an essential tool used in the automotive industry to measure and adjust the alignment of vehicles. They offer many benefits, including improved handling, better fuel economy, increased safety on the road, extended tire life, and reduced maintenance costs. By using alignment turn plates, technicians can ensure that vehicles are aligned correctly, resulting in better performance, increased safety, and cost savings for vehicle owners.