Misaligned wheels can be an easily fixable issue that can lead to bigger problems down the road if ignored. According to a study by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 9% of accidents involve tire-related issues, often caused or worsened by wheel misalignment.
In fleet management, improving driver safety includes keeping vehicles in optimal condition. Overall tire maintenance may be a smaller percentage of a fleet’s budget, but unnecessary costs will add up and can significantly impact fleet performance in the long run. While it may seem like a minor issue, wheel alignment should not be overlooked.
Wheel alignment means your wheels are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road. This is vital to ensure vehicle handling, stability, and even tire wear.
A wheel alignment will maximize the life of your tires and prevents your car from veering to the right or left when driving on a straight, level road.
You can improve fuel economy by 1-2% if you reduce tire rolling resistance by 10%
This may seem like a small percentage but adds up over time, distance and numbers of fleet vehicles.
Symptoms of wheel misalignment may be subtle. Look out for the following signs:
Uneven tire wear
Sharp turning
Slight pulling to one side
Steering wheel vibration
“Crooked” steering wheel
Wheels often become misaligned when vehicles experience a sudden, jarring, or heavy impact. This can include something as minor as hitting a pothole or a curb, or as severe as getting into a crash.
Potholes
This nuisance is no longer just an issue drivers experience in the spring. From heat domes to polar vortexes, fluctuating temperature extremes, and maintenance crews overwhelmed with roads in need of repairs, potholes have become a common issue.
When you hit one, it can throw your wheels out of alignment. If left unrepaired, misaligned tires can increase your risk of a crash and lead to higher future repair costs.
Vehicle wear and tear
Overtime also can misalign wheels. As suspension springs age, they begin to slacken, which can affect the alignment of a vehicle. Regular vehicle checks with a mechanic can prevent misalignment due to vehicle wear and tear and aging.
Accidents
A vehicle’s wheels may be forcefully knocked out of place, depending on the strength of the impact.
You could experience anything from minor problems to potentially life-threatening crashes. Some examples are:
Increased fuel usage – Tires that are out of alignment can cause greater resistance between the wheels and the road, leading to poor fuel economy.
Frequent tire replacement – Misaligned tires lead to greater wear and tear, which accelerates the need for tire replacements.
Elevated crash risk – Increased wear can lead to tire blow outs which are a cause of vehicle crashes.
Making sure that your wheels are aligned is simple: all it takes is an inspection by a recommended, reliable mechanic. They may use portable or fixed aligners or use camera-based, laser or 3D imaging technologies.
Be sure to adhere to your fleet’s preventive maintenance policy to optimize the health of your vehicle and its fuel efficiency. An inspection can also catch any other potential problems your vehicle may be facing, such as wheel rotation, balance and calibration.
While misaligned wheels may seem minor, ignoring them can worsen issues. Keeping tires aligned saves fuel, money, and lives.
Find out how our Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool can help you with tire replacement. Drive safely and learn more about our fleet safety program.
