Hale’s Automotive Launches New Heavy-Duty Alignment System in Marion, IL

If you drive a semi-truck, manage a fleet, or operate heavy-duty vehicles in Southern Illinois, you know how frustrating it is to travel 25 miles or more just to get a proper alignment. That’s why Hale’s Automotive in Marion, IL, is excited to announce the arrival of our new HD alignment system from Hunter Engineering. This state-of-the-art heavy-duty alignment system brings professional-grade semi-truck alignment services right to your backyard, saving you time, money, and unnecessary travel.

Whether you’re dealing with uneven tire wear, steering issues, or routine maintenance on your Class 7 or Class 8 truck, our team of ASE Master Techs is ready to deliver precision alignments with the latest camera-based technology.

What Makes Hale's New HD Alignment System Different?

Our new heavy-duty alignment system from Hunter Engineering represents a significant upgrade from traditional laser-based systems. This advanced camera system offers superior accuracy and expanded capabilities that make it ideal for everything from standard pickups to multi-axle semi-trucks and trailers.

The HD alignment system at Hale’s Automotive can handle:

Semi-trucks with up to 3 axles on tractors
Tandem axle trailers
Class 7 and Class 8 heavy-duty trucks
Medium-duty commercial vehicles
Half-ton service trucks
RVs and motorhomes

This versatility means you no longer need to drive to different shops for different vehicles in your fleet. Whether you operate a single tow truck or manage a fleet of delivery vehicles, Hale’s Automotive can provide comprehensive HD alignment services for your entire operation right here in Marion.

Why Heavy-Duty Alignment Matters for Your Truck

Proper alignment isn’t just about keeping your vehicle driving straight. For commercial trucks and fleet vehicles, alignment directly impacts your bottom line through tire wear, fuel costs, and safety.

Protect Your Tire Investment: Misalignment causes uneven tire wear that can shorten tire life by thousands of miles. For fleet operations, those premature replacements multiply quickly across multiple vehicles. Regular alignment checks help you maximize tire life and avoid unnecessary replacement costs.
Reduce Fuel Expenses: When wheels aren’t properly aligned, your engine works harder to overcome rolling resistance. Studies show that proper alignment can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%. For semi-trucks traveling hundreds of miles weekly, that translates to significant savings at the pump.
Improve Driver Safety: Misaligned heavy-duty vehicles pull to one side, making them harder to control in emergencies or adverse weather. Your drivers deserve equipment that handles predictably and responds correctly to steering input. Our HD alignment system ensures your trucks track true and maintain stability under all driving conditions.

The Technology Behind Hunter's HD Alignment System

Hunter Engineering has been a leader in alignment technology for decades, and its latest HD alignment system represents the cutting edge of precision measurement. Unlike older laser-based systems, this camera-based technology provides more accurate readings and faster service. High-resolution cameras track sensors attached to each wheel, capturing position and angle measurements down to fractions of a degree. This level of accuracy is essential for heavy-duty vehicles, where even small misalignments can cause significant problems over thousands of miles.

The system’s software is specifically designed for commercial vehicles and includes specifications for virtually every make and model of semi-truck, including Freightliner, International, Volvo, Mack, Western Star, and more. One of the most impressive features is its ability to handle multi-axle configurations. Aligning a tandem axle trailer or a 3-axle tractor requires measuring and adjusting multiple wheel positions simultaneously, and the HD alignment system manages this complexity with ease. We can align your truck to exact manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal performance and tire life.

Ready to experience professional HD alignment? Visit Hale’s Automotive at 408 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959, or call us at 618-993-2287 to schedule your alignment service today.

Who Benefits Most from HD Alignment Services in Marion?

Our new heavy-duty alignment system serves a wide range of customers throughout Southern Illinois. If you fall into any of these categories, you’ll benefit from having local access to professional semi-truck alignment services:

Owner-Operators: When you own and operate your own rig, every dollar counts. Maximizing tire life and fuel efficiency through proper alignment helps protect your investment and increase profitability. Plus, you can’t afford extended downtime traveling to distant shops.
Fleet Managers: Whether you manage a small fleet of delivery vans or dozens of semi-trucks, keeping your vehicles properly maintained is crucial for productivity. Our HD alignment system can service your entire fleet, from half-ton service trucks to Class 8 semis, all at one convenient Marion location.
Trucking Companies: Companies that operate multiple trucks need a reliable partner for maintenance and repairs. Hale’s Automotive offers quick turnaround times, quality service from ASE Master Techs, and the convenience of local service. We understand that a truck sitting in the shop isn’t making money.
Construction Companies: Heavy dump trucks, equipment haulers, and service vehicles all require proper alignment to handle tough job site conditions. Our system can handle your biggest trucks and ensure they’re ready for demanding work.
Agricultural Operations: From grain trucks to equipment transporters, farms and agricultural businesses rely on heavy-duty vehicles year-round. Proper alignment helps these vehicles handle heavy loads safely and efficiently.
RV Owners: Large motorhomes and RVs benefit from professional alignment services too. If your RV pulls to one side or you’re experiencing uneven tire wear, our HD alignment system can diagnose and correct the problem.

The Hale's Automotive Difference: More Than Just Equipment

While our new Hunter HD alignment system is impressive, what really sets Hale’s Automotive apart is our commitment to your peace of mind. Our mission is your peace of mind through integrity, high standards, and attention to detail.

Every alignment service at our shop includes:

ASE Master Technician Expertise: Trained professionals who understand heavy-duty vehicle dynamics and diagnose alignment issues accurately.
Comprehensive Inspections: We inspect suspension, steering, and tires before aligning to identify underlying problems.
Detailed Documentation: Complete before-and-after alignment reports for your fleet records and maintenance history tracking.
5-Year/Unlimited Mile Nationwide Warranty: Industry-leading warranty coverage on all alignment work at no additional cost.
Quick Turnaround: Our team works efficiently to complete your alignment and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
24-Hour Towing Service: Emergency towing available around the clock to bring your vehicle safely to our shop.

Common Signs Your Heavy-Duty Truck Needs Alignment

How do you know when it’s time for an HD alignment service? Watch for these warning signs:

Uneven or rapid tire wear: If the inside or outside edges of your tires are wearing faster than the center, misalignment is likely the culprit.
Vehicle pulls to one side: You shouldn’t have to constantly correct your steering to keep the truck going straight.
Steering wheel off-center: If your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, your alignment needs attention.
Vibration at highway speeds: While this can indicate tire balance issues, it can also point to alignment problems.
After hitting a pothole or curb: Any significant impact can knock your alignment out of specification.
Following suspension repairs: Anytime you replace suspension components, alignment should be checked and adjusted.
As part of regular maintenance: We recommend alignment checks every 50,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

Why Local HD Alignment Access Matters for Marion Businesses

Before Hale’s Automotive invested in this HD alignment system, businesses and owner-operators in Marion had to drive 25 miles or more just to access professional heavy-duty alignment services.

That distance might not sound like much, but consider the real costs. If you’re taking a loaded semi-truck out of service for several hours, paying for fuel to travel 50+ miles round-trip, and potentially losing a day’s work, the inconvenience adds up quickly. For fleet managers juggling multiple vehicles, coordinating trips to distant shops becomes a logistical headache.

Having professional heavy-duty alignment services right here in Marion changes everything. You can drop off your truck in the morning and pick it up the same day. You can coordinate alignment with other maintenance services at our shop, from brake repair to diesel diagnostics. Most importantly, you can develop a relationship with a local shop that understands your business and your vehicles.

Hale’s Automotive has served Marion since 1989. We’re not just a repair shop; we’re your neighbors and community partners. We understand the challenges local businesses face, and we’re committed to providing the services you need to succeed.

Our Complete Fleet and Commercial Vehicle Services

While our new HD alignment system is exciting news, it’s just one part of our comprehensive commercial vehicle service offering. Hale’s Automotive specializes in heavy-duty diesel repair and can handle everything from half-ton service trucks to Class 8 semi-trucks.

Our commercial truck services include:

Diesel engine repair and diagnostics for Cummins, Power Stroke, and Duramax engines
Brake system repair and inspection
Suspension and steering repairs
Tire sales and service
Fleet preventative maintenance programs
Illinois State safety lane testing for heavy-duty vehicles and buses
Air conditioning and heating system repair
Coolant and fluid leak diagnosis and repair

We’re equipped to service all major truck brands, including Freightliner, International, Caterpillar, Western Star, Volvo, and Mack. Whether you need routine maintenance or major repairs, our 15,000-square-foot facility has the space and equipment to handle your biggest trucks.

Our NAPA Auto Care Gold Certification and AAA approval demonstrate our commitment to quality service. We use quality parts, employ factory-trained technicians, and follow manufacturer-recommended procedures for every repair.

How to Schedule Your HD Alignment Service

Getting your heavy-duty truck aligned at Hale’s Automotive is easy. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your business needs:

Call us directly at 618-993-2287 during business hours (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday) to speak with a service advisor. We’ll answer your questions, provide information about our services, and schedule a convenient appointment time.
Stop by our shop at 408 North Court Street in Marion. We’re located right in town and easy to find. If you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, our team is always happy to discuss your alignment needs.
Use our secure drop-off service for added convenience. If you need to drop off your truck outside business hours, we offer secure key drop-off and pickup right outside our front door.

We also offer text-to-pay options and online invoice payment for your convenience. Our goal is to make every aspect of your service experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

FAQs

What is an HD alignment system?

An HD alignment system is a heavy-duty alignment machine designed to measure and adjust wheel angles on large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks, trailers, and Class 7 and Class 8 trucks. Unlike standard alignment equipment, HD systems can accommodate multiple axles and heavier vehicle weights while providing precision measurements using advanced camera-based technology.

How much does semi-truck alignment cost?

Semi-truck alignment costs vary based on the vehicle configuration and the number of axles requiring service. Contact your local alignment shop for accurate pricing specific to your truck or fleet, as they can explain exactly what’s included in the service.

How often should heavy-duty trucks get aligned?

Heavy-duty trucks should have alignment checked at least once per year or every 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, alignment checks are recommended after any suspension repairs, significant impacts like hitting potholes or curbs, or when noticing uneven tire wear or steering problems.

Can HD alignment systems handle tandem axle trailers?

Yes, modern HD alignment systems can align tandem axle trailers along with single, dual, and triple axle tractors. Camera-based alignment technology is specifically designed to handle complex multi-axle configurations that are common in commercial trucking applications.

Schedule Your HD Alignment in Marion, IL Today

Ready to keep your trucks running straight, your tires lasting longer, and your fuel costs under control? Schedule your HD alignment service today with the Southern Illinois experts at Hale’s Automotive.

Visit us at 408 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959, or call 618-993-2287 to book your appointment.

Our ASE Master Techs and state-of-the-art Hunter alignment system are ready to deliver the precision service your fleet deserves. Experience the Hale’s Automotive difference where our mission is your peace of mind.