It is the job of a fleet manager to ensure the safety, efficiency, and profitability of their fleet. Rising costs impact every aspect of business, including transportation.  Taking care of your fleet is the best thing a business can do to get the most out of every trip and every gallon. Being consistent with regular fleet maintenance is essential!  One of the most critical services you need for your fleet is wheel alignment.

Any vehicle’s fuel efficiency is negatively impacted by improper wheel alignment. This is especially true for large commercial trucks. Suspension, steering, brakes, and other components are also impacted by wheel alignment. Correctly aligned wheels lower fuel costs, reduce front end suspension part wear, and greatly improve vehicle handling and safety.

Wheel alignment services also allow tires to wear more evenly and subsequently last longer. In fact, correct toe alignment on your commercial vehicle, along with correct air pressure and axle alignment, can help prevent as much as 95% of unusual tire wear.

Wheels go out of alignment for many reasons, including potholes, bumps, and other road surface irregularities. Even normal driving will eventually impact wheel alignment. Poor wheel alignment frequently goes undetected, but there are often signs that your commercial vehicle is in need of wheel alignment service:

• Early signs of tread wear on newer tires
• Irregular tread wear patterns such as cupping, wear on only one side
• Truck pulling to one side while driving
• Steering wheel off center when driving in a straight line
• Vibration in the steering wheel

Aside from these signs, a commercial vehicle may require a wheel alignment if it has recently been involved in a collision, had steering or suspension work done, or if new tires have been installed.

The most important reason wheel alignment should not be overlooked?  The safety of your drivers is compromised when proper wheel alignment is not maintained.

If the commercial vehicles in your fleet are showing symptoms of poor alignment, or if you need a dependable source for regular fleet maintenance services, the team at Raben Tire is ready to serve you.