Picture yourself driving down the open road in your truck. There are no obstacles or hazards in sight. Just you behind the wheel, enjoying a peaceful and smooth journey as you cover mile after mile.
Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
The secret for limitless seamless rides with heavy-duty trucks? Proper and timely tire alignment.
In today’s article, we’ll dive into how investing in wheel alignment can save you hundreds of bucks. Moreover, proper tire alignments can keep you safe and sound while on the road. So, let’s get into it!
Understanding The Importance of Truck Tire Alignment
You might not give tire alignment much thought, but it is a critical aspect of heavy-duty truck maintenance.
Wheel alignment has a direct impact on your vehicle’s performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
So, before you consider skipping tire alignment for your next truck service, give it another thought.
There are 3 main types of truck tire alignments:
- Front-end alignment — this alignment only adjusts the angles of the front wheels.
- Two-axle Alignment
- Three-axle Alignment — 2 and 3 axle alignment take care of the entirety of your heavy-duty truck’s wheel setup.
A proper tire alignment can prevent accidents and keep you and your truck safe. And on top of that, it can save you money.
Financial Benefits of Investing in Wheel Alignments
Truck tile alignment has countless benefits for trucks and drivers, but how will this service benefit your pocket?
These are some money-saving benefits of investing in wheel alignment for your heavy road truck:
Enhance The Lifespan of Your Tires
Are you noticing wear and tear on your tires earlier than expected? A poor tire alignment can cause your tires to wear down faster.
Regardless of how small the wheel alignment issue is, it will eventually end up damaging your tires.
Even the slightest misalignment can reduce your tires’ lifespan by thousands of miles.
Truck tires aren’t cheap; once you get new ones, you want them to remain impeccable for as long as possible. Ideally, for regular use, a new pair of tires should last about 6 to 10 years.
With regular tire alignment maintenance, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your tire and reduce the need to buy new ones earlier.
Better Fuel Efficiency
Is your truck consuming more fuel than it should for no apparent reason?
Improper alignment makes your engine work harder. Misaligned tires generate more drag, which causes your truck’s engine to consume more fuel to compensate and keep your vehicle moving.
That extra effort from your engine means more fuel. And more fuel means more dollars leaving your bank account.
Correct tire alignments reduce the force required for the vehicle to advance, improving fuel efficiency.
Getting your tire alignment checked only takes about 1-2 hours (depending on the truck and its condition), and it can save you hundreds of dollars.
Save Money on Costly Repairments
Sadly, a poor tire alignment can damage more than just your wheels.
For example, your break system and suspension can also suffer wear if your truck’s alignment remains off for a long time.
Depending on the severity of the damage, a truck’s suspension repair can cost from $1000 to $5000.
An affordable, quick tire alignment maintenance costs much less and can save you a lot of trouble.
Boost The Resale Value
Are you planning on selling your truck now or in the near future? Then, maintaining your vehicle in the best conditions is crucial to resale it at a high price.
Prospective buyers will want to make the most of their money, so they’ll inspect every inch of your vehicle.
And you want to get the best possible value for your truck.
A truck with proper tire alignment will get you a higher net price than a vehicle with neglected maintenance.
Additionally, a thorough maintenance history is a significant factor among vehicle buyers. Having a record of regular alignment appointments is crucial to selling your truck.
Is It Time For a Wheel Service? Symptoms of Poor Tire Alignment
Now that you understand the importance of tire alignment, how can you know when to schedule an appointment?
Experts recommend getting alignment maintenance every 6,000 miles or if it has been more than 6 months since your last service.
However, these are other 5 indicators that tell you it’s time to get your tires aligned:
Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear
Many factors can cause tire wear. However, if you notice your tires wearing unevenly or faster than they should, that is a clear sign that your truck needs wheel alignment.
Rapid tire wear can also point to other issues, so we advise you to get your truck checked.
Steering Wheel Pulling to One Side
If your vehicle pulls to one side while driving, it is time to book an alignment appointment.
This happens because one side of your wheels drags more than the other, causing the truck to pull to one side.
Vehicle pulling to one side can be dangerous; we advise getting your truck aligned as soon as possible.
Increased Steering Wheel Vibration
Another sign of tire misalignment is steering wheel vibrations. That occurs when the wheels are not pointing in the same direction, making them vibrate.
Off-Center Steering Wheel
An off-center steering wheel could mean your tires are not aligned, causing your vehicle to veer slightly to one side.
Involved in a Collision
If your truck has been in a collision or accident, you should check the tire alignment.
Even if you don’t see any noticeable damage, your truck alignment could have been compromised, causing future issues.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that keeping your truck tires aligned can keep you safe while on the road and save you money.
How long has it been since your last wheel alignment service? If you notice any of the mentioned signs, make sure to book an appointment with a professional truck service.